Formed in Atlanta, GA, by vocalist, keyboard player, and guitarist Peter Felix Armstrong (who was originally trained in opera) and bandmates Ricardo Melendez (drums, vocals), Jesse Greene (guitar, vocals), and Johnny Ray (bass), Dearestazazel took inspiration from groups such as Blue Öyster Cult, the Cure, and the Faint and combined a rock foundation with powerful electronic accompaniment. Dearestazazel began touring almost immediately after they came together in early 2006, playing 100 shows in the southeast United States and releasing their first album, Come Closer, all in the same year. The band followed up in early 2007 with a new tour, this time of the northern States, as well as a new EP, Touch Me, which was produced by Chris Unck. The recording found its way to Brad Fischetti, owner of One Eleven Records, who was so impressed with Dearestazazel's sound that he signed them to his label. Be Mine, the band's first album for One Eleven, was released in 2008. ~ Katherine Fulton