Jonny Craig | |
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![]() Craig performing in 2009 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Jonathan Monroe Craig |
Born | Minot, North Dakota, U.S. [1] | March 26, 1986
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2000–present |
Formerly of |
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Jonathan Monroe Craig (born March 26, 1986) [1] is an American-Canadian singer, widely recognised for his tenure as the former lead vocalist of renowned post-hardcore bands such as Dance Gavin Dance, Emarosa, and then Slaves, as well as his role as co-lead vocalist in the short-lived supergroup Isles & Glaciers. [6] Presently, he serves as the lead vocalist for the American post-hardcore band Old Flame. As a solo artist, Craig has released two studio albums, two EPs, and a live album, garnering acclaim for his distinctive soul-based singing style.
Jonathan Monroe Craig was born in Minot, North Dakota, [1] but grew up mostly in Canada and moved back to the United States when he became an adult. In a further interview with the music blog Eat Yo Beats, Jonny said "my mom made me listen to tons of shit when I was kid, everything from Michael Bolton to some weird ass Christian rock bands" and also that it was this that became his main influence, rather than gospel music. [7] Craig cites some of his early idols as Boyz II Men and New Found Glory.
He was put into the school choir as a default elective but was ultimately kicked out. As a child, he says that he "had a hard time keeping out of trouble" and that "high school wasn't for him." He would explain later that that was the reason he left high school and attained his G.E.D, then focused on music full-time. "I just wanted an escape from a lot of the things when I was a child I guess. I just wanted to get away from a lot of the problems that I was dealing with at home and stuff", Craig states in an interview with KLSU radio as his reason for starting his path in music. [8] [9]
After moving to the United States from Abbotsford, British Columbia, and attending high school in Washington state, Craig auditioned for bands but ultimately was not accepted into one. Craig then formed the band westerHALTS in 2000, a garage band from Tacoma, Washington. At age 15, Craig released his first known song with them titled "Change, Leisure, and Retirement" in 2001. In an Alternative Press Podcast he stated that the band was "...just something to help pay for weed, something I played over the weekends." He then joined as the lead vocalist for Tacoma-based pop punk band Ghost Runner on Third in 2002. [10] Craig said that he met the guitarist of Ghost Runner on Third in high school. He received positive reviews with this band's debut EP, Speak Your Dreams, released on January 4, 2005. AllMusic stated that Craig was, "the band's secret weapon, a passionate vocalist. There's not a bad track to be found here, but Craig tends to outshine his bandmates throughout." [11]
Early on in his career with Ghost Runner On Third it has been cited that overwhelming drug problems led to his departure, as told by Dance Gavin Dance in an old blog post concerning Craig after he was kicked out of the band. Though Craig has denied the statements made, Dance Gavin Dance has not backed off from those remarks, which they explain was the reason for all the band's problems and partly for his former band Ghost Runner on Third. [12] Dance Gavin Dance has also partially blamed guitarist Sean O'Sullivan's departure on Craig's behavior, although there were other contributing factors. Despite their past differences, both past and present members of Dance Gavin Dance have since become friends. Consider the Thief (O'Sullivan's previous band), was also listed in Emarosa's Relativity album on the "special thanks" section of the info-booklet.
Jonny Craig's singing in Dance Gavin Dance's debut EP Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean and debut full-length album, Downtown Battle Mountain, received positive reviews from critics. Allmusic stated that "co-frontman Jonny Craig's regularly hysterical yelping may change your mind forever." [13]
In March 2007, it was explained that Jonny Craig came up with the name Dance Gavin Dance and had planned to name his previous band, "Ghost Runner On Third", by that name. [14] After being kicked out of Dance Gavin Dance after the "Saints and Sinners Festival" in New Jersey, Jonny Craig immediately filled in for A Skylit Drive's Lead Vocalist Jordan Blake while he was ill. The band said at shows, and on their website, that he was not the new lead singer and the situation would only be temporary. It had been only two weeks since he quit Dance Gavin Dance in which he joined Emarosa who was left without a lead singer.
On August 18, 2010, Dance Gavin Dance parted ways with vocalist Kurt Travis, and Jonny Craig, along with other original vocalist, Jon Mess, returned to the band to record a new album. The reunited lineup would also embark on a headlining run the following spring. Craig was to remain in Emarosa as well. [15]
The rapper Game and DJ Skee sampled Craig's vocals on the song "Heels & Dresses" from their Break Lights mixtape album, which comes from the song "The Robot With Human Hair Pt. 1."[ citation needed ] Rapper Bizzy Bone also sampled Craig's vocals on the song "Bottled Up Like Smoke" from his Crossover EP and Crossroads album, using portions of "I Still Feel Her pt. III" from his debut solo album, "A Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to Answer." [16]
On April 11, 2011, Emarosa publicly announced that Jonny Craig would no longer be a member of the group. According to a statement made by the band, "This decision has been a hard one to make, but we feel it is in the best interest for the band going forward." [17] "Jonny Craig" was the top trending topic on Twitter the day of the announcement.
On August 13, 2012, Jonny Craig was "kicked out" of Dance Gavin Dance yet again for reasons pertaining to Craig being "publicly scolded by the owner of Sumerian Records for multiple offenses". [18] The news surfaced after Jonny released a statement on his personal Twitter.
In early September 2008, Chiodos and Cinematic Sunrise vocalist Craig Owens, announced that both he and Jonny Craig would be recording an EP record by the end of the year, also mentioning Vic Fuentes and others. [19]
On December 15, 2008, Alternative Press officially announced and revealed the name and lineup of this new project, Isles & Glaciers. The band's first EP, The Hearts of Lonely People, was produced by Casey Bates in Seattle, Washington, was reworked in April 2009 in Michigan and was released March 9, 2010.
A tweet reading in part "...and people wonder why we won't do another I & G record." [20] was sent out by Craig Owens in 2011, as the MacBook scandal was breaking. This suggests that Isles & Glaciers will be unlikely to release any further albums, at least with a lineup that includes Jonny Craig.
Jonny Craig talked about Isles and Glaciers in an interview stating he would be willing to participate in making a new record, but suspects tension with what he calls, "the more popular people in the group".
Jonny Craig released his debut solo album A Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to Answer on August 18, 2009, through Rise Records. This is the first individual artist on the label. For promotional purposes he took press photos for the release in late 2009 with photographer Gage Young in Orlando, Florida. [21] He further released three songs on his Myspace profile from the solo album, titled; "Istillfeelher III", "Children of Divorce" and "7 AM, 2 Bottles And The Wrong Road". Craig went on his first solo tour from November through December, supporting acts AFI, Cinematic Sunrise, and then headlining with support from Tides of Man and Sleeping With Sirens. He was headlining a tour with support from Tides of Man and Eye Alaska and will be playing The Bamboozle [22] festival and SXSW. [23]
Craig headlined the "White Boys With Soul" tour with Fight Fair, Breathe Electric, Mod Sun, and The Divine. [24] Craig has also recently revealed that he is recording another solo album. [25] In an interview at Warped Tour with MindEqualsBlown.net, Craig revealed he's attempting to work with Alex Deleon of The Cab on a B-side from his solo album. [26] Craig announced on January 16, 2011, that he would be taking an indefinite hiatus to "pursue the filming of his documentary", stating that all his currently planned records and tours would be canceled. [27] He later added that he would play out the tours with Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa. [28] On January 21, 2011, Craig announced that he would not actually be taking this hiatus, [29] stating: "hate me all you want people I love what i do and im great at it. IM NEVER GONNA STOP. [ sic ]" [30] He later stated that he was going to quit because he had been touring and recording "NON STOP" for seven years, and stated "Now i know there's nothing out in the world for me". [31]
Craig was featured in Alternative Press's issue #288 that was released June 5, 2012.
In November 2012, somebody hacked Craig's personal e-mail that contained some demos that circulated on the internet; Craig stated the leaked material will not be on his upcoming solo EP. From Craig's personal Twitter page: "don't trip the songs that leaked are not what my album is going to sound like. that was me just fucking around with some stuff."[ citation needed ]
Craig set up an account on Indiegogo where fans donated money to produce Craigs upcoming EP. He also confirmed in a recent interview that he has bought out his contract with Rise Records. He released his solo EP, Find What You Love and Let It Kill You, on September 24, 2013, as an independent release.[ citation needed ]
On November 26, 2013, Jonny has released the Special Edition of Find What You Love And Let It Kill You. The Special Edition includes a new song, which features two people that paid to be on the album from the Indiegogo campaign. He has also released a new song, "Dirty Christmas" which is available also on November 26, 2013. In an interview with rockforevernagazine, Jonny has said he wants to do "maybe one or two more tours(before recording), with me as like a third spot... Maybe a Circa tour?" He also said that his new second album may be coming out next year. He also has stated him and Kyle Lucas are making an album together. On January 15, Jonny stated he was starting a new band. The following day, he tweeted that the band's name would be Slaves. According to Under the Gun Review, along with Craig as lead vocalist, Slaves will consist of guitarists Jason Mays, Alex Lyman, and Christopher Kim, drummer Tai Wright, and bassist Colin Vieira. [32]
In September 2021, Jonny Craig released his second and most recent solo album, "The Places We'll Never Be".
Artery Recordings have announced the signing of Jonny Craig's new band, Slaves, which also features members Alex Lyman and Christopher Kim (Hearts & Hands) with Tai Wright (Four Letter Lie). The band have released their debut album in the summer of 2014 via Artery. They've released a short video trailer, which features clips of the new music. [33] The band's debut album entitled Through Art We Are All Equals, was released June 24, 2014, via Artery Recordings. The album features guest vocals from Kyle Lucas, Tyler Carter of Issues and Vic Fuentes of Pierce The Veil. Its lead single "The Fire Down Below" premiered April 22, 2014. [34]
In early 2015, Craig released the albums The Blueprint For Going In Circles , in collaboration with singer-songwriter Kyle Lucas, and The Le Cube Sessions, respectively. [35]
In 2017, Slaves released a new single entitled "I'd Rather See Your Star Explode" along with an accompanying music video. The group's third studio album, Beautiful Death was released on February 16, 2018. An acoustic EP called "Revision" was released on January 18, 2019.
The following Thursday, January 24, 2019, in a message posted on the band's official Twitter account, Slaves announced that they had removed Jonny Craig from the band. The message stated, in part, “We all have struggles in our daily life, but for some, those struggles are personally and physically dangerous. It is no secret that Jonny has battled with addiction in his personal life, sometimes those battles are won, and most recently lost. It's also unfair for a band to rely on someone who just can't rely on themselves. Addiction is a disease, and we hope Jonny gets the help that he needs. Unfortunately, Jonny chose his addiction over the band and left them high & dry while checking in for their international flight while he boarded a plane back home.” [36]
During his solo tours in the US and UK in 2022, Craig announced that Slaves would reform consisting of a new line up and future music releases.
In March 2024, Craig launched his new project called Old Flame along with its debut single, "Pray". [37] [38]
A second single called "Thank You For The Patience" followed in May 2024. [39]
In a 2013 acoustic set with music magazine Alternative Press , Jonny Craig explained the story behind his single "Children of Divorce." Craig said his then girlfriend had become pregnant, and after an admission by Craig months later that he didn't love her, she left. He said he never heard from her again and was unable to see his child. [40]
Jonny also has a son with ex-fiancée Sydney England. They revealed their pregnancy on March 27, 2020, and announced their son's birth on July 13, 2020. [41] [42] Craig and England's relationship subsequently broke down following a series of intervention from the authorities, including Jonny's arrest for alleged domestic battery, and the admittance of their infant son into child protective custody, where he remains in state care. [43]
In an interview, Craig proceeded to describe himself as an atheist with a Christian background especially in music. He states that all of his music is soulful and has some kind of meaning mainly because his music career began as a child singing gospel music with his church/school. [44] Jonny Craig gives all credit for his musical talent to his grandmother (Ruth Lyons) who he says, "taught me everything I know about music, she was super Christian, super gospel. Her husband was a preacher. She taught me everything I know about music and despite the fact that I may not believe in her beliefs, I believe in what she taught me." [44]
Craig is inspired by soul music, mainly artists Aretha Franklin, Boyz II Men, and Craig David. He has also mentioned Motown acts and the band Mewithoutyou as influences. [44] [45] Craig has performed live covers of the songs "Cry Me a River" by Justin Timberlake, Marvins Room by Drake and "Fuck You" by Cee Lo Green.
Hollywood Music Magazine stated of Craig, "The guy's a legend and if you've yet to hear him sing you have been missing out." [46]
In February 2011, several of Craig's fans accused him of being involved in an internet scam. According to the alleged victims, Craig would claim to be selling a used MacBook through his Twitter account. After accepting an online payment on average between 600 and 800 dollars for the product from at least 16 individuals, Craig was reported to have discontinued communication with the buyers, and the people who had purchased the MacBooks never received them. He initially denied the accusations and claimed that his Twitter had been hacked and he had no involvement. [47] However, the following week it was announced that Craig had dropped off his current tour in Emarosa with Chiodos to enter detox in order to treat his ongoing battles with heroin addiction. Rise Records and the Artery Foundation assumed financial responsibility for the internet scam and intended to reimburse anyone who had been victimized. Tilian Pearson, formerly of Tides of Man, substituted for Craig during his absence from Dance Gavin Dance. [48] A public apology was issued by Craig after his detox treatment was completed on March 8, 2011. [49]
In October 2011, Craig was jailed for two counts of possession of narcotics, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count of failure to appear on a felony charge with bail set at US$15,000. As a result of this incident, Dance Gavin Dance cancelled their upcoming tour and went on hiatus. [50] [51] Craig was released from jail a few weeks later and was scheduled to enter a court-ordered rehabilitation facility. His follow-up hearing was scheduled for April 30, 2012. [52] Dance Gavin Dance went on with their tour as planned but without Craig. He completed a 30-day court-ordered detox and was released March 30, 2012. [ citation needed ]
On April 2, 2014, [53] Craig was accused of using narcotics again by an ex-girlfriend. Craig addressed the issue in a now-deleted video where he took a drug test on screen. He is quoted saying, "just woke up to a nice surprise from the ex. So I'm headed right down to the office to prove to you guys without a doubt I'm not using and that those videos are old. She's crossed a line and needs to get it through her head that this isn't the way you deal with someone not loving you anymore. So let's go! I have nothing to hide". [54]
On April 14, 2016, a few days following Slaves' split, Craig posted an open letter via the band's official Facebook page, confessing that he was continuing to struggle from his addiction and will seek the help he needs following his already booked solo tour. The tour consisted of the US and a few European dates with Slaves (with select members). [55] On May 20, 2016, Jonny announced on Slaves's Facebook page that the band was going through difficult times but had not broken up. Jonny and Colin were the only members remaining at this point. [56]
On January 24, 2019, in a Twitter post made by the official account for Slaves, it was announced that Jonny Craig had been kicked out of the band. The message said in part, "We all have struggles in our daily life, but for some, those struggles are personally and physically dangerous. It is no secret that Jonny has battled with addiction in his personal life, sometimes those battles are won, and most recently lost. It's also unfair for a band to rely on someone who just can't rely on themselves. Addiction is a disease, and we hope Jonny gets the help that he needs. Unfortunately, Jonny chose his addiction over the band and left them high & dry while checking in for their international flight while he boarded a plane back home.” [57]
The Bristol UK show after this post was cancelled, but the tour resumed with Matt McAndrew, a former contestant from The Voice , as a temporary choice for his replacement. Matt then became their permanent addition, and in 2020 they announced they would be permanently changing their name from "Slaves" after the release of their newest album, further showing their progression as a group. [58]
In 2015, Slaves were kicked off the Warped Tour after Craig allegedly sexually harassed a female merchandise worker. [59] [60]
In 2017, numerous ex-girlfriends accused Craig of sexual assault which led to Slaves being dropped from their record label, Artery Recordings, shortly before the scheduled release of their third album Beautiful Death. [61]
In 2019, Craig was accused of sexual assault and domestic violence from his ex-girlfriend, Taylor Nicole Dean, in a video posted to her YouTube channel. [62] Craig threatened his accusers and their family members with legal action. [63]
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Year | Artist | Album | Song(s) |
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2008 | Lower Definition | The Greatest of All Lost Arts [65] | "Pueblo Cicada" |
2009 | Broadway | Kingdoms | "Don't Jump the Shark Before You Save the Whale" |
2009 | MikeyWhiskeyHands! | — | "$ex, Drugz and WhiskeyHands" [66] |
2009 | MikeyWhiskeyHands! | — | "This Ain't a Game (ft. Jaime Preciado)" [66] |
2009 | Falling Closer | The Sweet Release | "The Bridge" [67] |
2010 | Bizzy Bone | Crossroads | "Bottled up like Smoke" |
2010 | Pierce the Veil | Selfish Machines (iTunes Edition) | "She Makes Dirty Words Sound Pretty" |
2010 | Woe, Is Me | Number[s] | "Our Number[s]" and "Desolate [The Conductor]" |
2011 | Mod Sun | Health, Wealth, Success & Happiness (Mixtape) | "Become My Life" [68] |
2011 | Hands Like Houses | Ground Dweller | "Lion Skin (ft. Tyler Carter)" |
2012 | Aerolyn | Resilience | "Harbinger" |
2012 | The Night Survives | So Captivating – Single | "So Captivating" |
2013 | Aerolyn | Revive | "Harbinger (Re-recorded version)" |
2013 | Stolas | Living Creatures [69] | "Panic" |
2013 | Kyle Lucas | It's Always Sunny in Marietta 2 | "Worth It" |
2013 | Myka Relocate | Lies to Light the Way | "Playing It Safe" |
2013 | Silhouette Rising | Criminal – Single; Happiness 2 (2014) | "Criminal" |
2014 | SECRETS | Fragile Figures (Deluxe Edition) | "Ready for Repair (Captain Midnite Remix ft. Kyle Lucas)" |
2014 | I Wish We Were Robots | In Search of Sanity | "At Least You Know" |
2014 | Pavilions | The Futures Mine to Make | "The Wave" |
2014 | My Encore | Angel – Single; Leaving Home: Prologue (2018) | "Angel" |
2014 | Inamorata | Inamorata | "The Runner Up" |
2014 | Whether, I | Catalyst | "Gemini" |
2014 | Royal | Dreams Come True – Single | "Dreams Come True" |
2014 | Reconstruct | The Throne – EP | "Burdens" |
2015 | Secret Eyes | Comatose | "Oh Dear" |
2015 | Louder Than Quiet | Red Gemini – Single | "Red Gemini" |
2015 | Awaken I Am | Shields and Crowns | "The Depths" |
2015 | Kyle Lucas | Veritas – Single; Marietta, Georgia: The Album (2015) | "Veritas" |
2015 | Murder On Her Mind | Collapse – EP | "Stay Alive" |
2016 | VRSTY (as VARSITY) | Reign Dance – Single | "Reign Dance" |
2016 | It Lives, It Breathes | Devils – Single; Silver Knights (2016) | "Devils" |
2016 | Voices | Weight – Single | "Weight" |
2016 | Ziggy Rex | Collector's Edition | "God Vs. Raves" |
2016 | Kyle Lucas | Good Intentions – Single; Almost Famous, Almost Broke (2017) | "Good Intentions" |
2017 | Affairs | Tall Tales – Single | "Tall Tales" |
2018 | High Diamond Lights | Synesthesia | "Antagonist" |
2018 | Kyle Ekstrom | Youngblood – EP | "R.I.P. 2 My Youth" [70] |
2019 | Paul Bartolome | Heaven – Single; Screaming Through The Radio (2020) | "Heaven" |
2019 | Jackson Pierce | Closure – Single | 'Closure' (ft. PFV) |
2019 | Valiant Hearts | No Place Like Home – Single; Odyssey (2019) | "No Place Like Home" (feat. Marina) |
2020 | NYXKISS | Ron Burgundy's Weekend – Single | "Ron Burgundy's Weekend" |
2020 | The 12th Human | I Met You In The Summer – Single | "I Met You In The Summer" |
2020 | Vertigo Child | If You Feel Lonely – Single | "If You Feel Lonely" |
2020 | PFV | Perfect Vision | "Betrayal" |
2020 | Garry Bender | Cadillac – Single | "Cadillac" |
2020 | Valid Point. | Show Me Love – Single | "Show Me Love" |
2020 | MOLEKEY | N.L.W.I.B. – Single | "N.L.W.I.B." |
2020 | African Americana | Come Along – Single; Founding Fathers (2020) | "Come Along" |
2020 | Boy Becomes Hero | 'Escape Artist (2020) | "Consciousness" (feat. Garrett Rapp) |
2021 | Dog Spelled Backwards | Descension - EP | "The Life We Buried" |
2021 | TOKYO ROSE | Dark Knights – Single; Dark Knights: The Remixes - EP | "Dark Knights" |
2022 | Brian Dawe | Western Vibes - Single | "Western Vibes" (feat. Wild the Coyote) |
2022 | Bean Man | Ghosts – Single | "Ghosts" |
2022 | Dorian Gray | Brave – Single | "Brave" |
2022 | Downcast | Baddie – Single | "Baddie" (feat. KEEPMYSECRETS) |
2022 | Chrome Rose | KNOWHERE – Single | "KNOWHERE" |
2023 | Noirblvd | Pretty Girl Privilege – Single | "Pretty Girl Privilege" |
2023 | daemonHeart | Delirious – Single | "Delirious" |
Dance Gavin Dance is an American post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California, formed in 2005. It consists of vocalist Jon Mess, lead guitarist Will Swan, clean vocalist and rhythm guitarist Andrew Wells, and drummer Matthew Mingus. The band formerly included lead vocalists Jonny Craig, Kurt Travis, and Tilian Pearson, and the lineup has changed numerous times since their inception. Swan and Mingus are the only band members who have appeared on every studio album.
Blessthefall is an American metalcore band from Phoenix, Arizona, signed to Rise Records. The band was founded in 2004 by guitarist Mike Frisby, drummer Matt Traynor, and bassist and vocalist Jared Warth. Their debut studio album, His Last Walk, with original vocalist Craig Mabbitt, was released November 7, 2006. Their second studio album, Witness, with current vocalist Beau Bokan, was released October 6, 2009. Their third studio album, Awakening, was released on October 4, 2011. Their fourth studio album, Hollow Bodies, was released on August 20, 2013. To Those Left Behind is the band's fifth studio album, released on September 18, 2015. Their sixth studio album, Hard Feelings, was released on March 23, 2018. Following Traynor's departure, Warth became the band's only remaining original member. In May 2023, the band returned from a brief hiatus with the release of "Wake the Dead", their first song in five years.
Emarosa is an American rock band formed in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2006. The band currently consists of lead guitarist and founding member ER White and lead vocalist Bradley Walden, who joined the band in 2013. The group has undergone several line-up changes throughout its career, with lead guitarist ER White being the sole remaining founding member. Originally oriented towards post-hardcore and alternative rock, Emarosa has gravitated towards a more pop rock sound in recent years.
Relativity is the debut studio album by American rock band Emarosa. It was released on July 8, 2008 through Rise Records. Relativity was produced by Kris Crummett, producer of other bands such as Drop Dead, Gorgeous and Fear Before, whom Jonny Craig worked with on Dance Gavin Dance's debut album the year before.
A Skylit Drive is an American post-hardcore band from Lodi, California. The band has released one DVD, one EP and five studio albums: Wires...and the Concept of Breathing (2008), Adelphia (2009), Identity on Fire (2011), Rise (2013) and, most recently, ASD (2015). The band has toured internationally both as headliner and supporting act. In 2017, the band broke up after a dispute between Nick Miller and Michael Jagmin. Original vocalist Jordan Blake died in April 2023.
Craig Owens is an American musician best known as the former lead vocalist of Chiodos. He has also had an involvement in various projects such as Cinematic Sunrise, The Sound of Animals Fighting, Isles & Glaciers, and Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows. He has recorded as a solo artist, is an established music producer, has written and recorded with the likes of Dr. Dre, and has also acted in the 2012 film K-11.
Isles & Glaciers was an American post-hardcore supergroup formed in 2008.They recorded material for their debut EP, The Hearts of Lonely People December 3–13, 2008 in Seattle, Washington and again in April 2009. It was produced by Casey Bates, and was released on March 9, 2010. Even though vocalist Craig Owens stated that the group will not be collaborating or releasing new material again, Vic Fuentes stated that the band may release more material in the future.
Kurt Travis is an American singer, musician, and songwriter from Sacramento, California. He is currently part of the post-hardcore bands Royal Coda and Push Over and the math rock duo Gold Necklace and was formerly a vocalist in the rock bands Dance Gavin Dance and A Lot Like Birds.
Of Mice & Men is an American rock band formed in Costa Mesa, California, in 2009. The band's line-up currently consists of drummer Valentino Arteaga, guitarists Phil Manansala and Alan Ashby, and bassist and lead vocalist Aaron Pauley. The group was founded by former lead vocalist Austin Carlile and former bassist Jaxin Hall in mid-2009 after Carlile's departure from Attack Attack!. Carlile departed from the band in December 2016 citing that a long-term health condition prompted his exit. After Carlile's departure, the band continued to pursue creating music with Pauley as the band's bassist and lead vocalist.
Downtown Battle Mountain II is the fourth studio album by American rock band Dance Gavin Dance, released on March 8, 2011, on Rise Records. The album is a non-direct sequel to the band's full-length debut studio album, Downtown Battle Mountain (2007), and sees the return of original members, vocalists Jonny Craig and Jon Mess, and bass guitarist Eric Lodge. It also serves as a follow-up to the band's third studio album, Happiness (2009) and was produced by Kris Crummett. The album is the group's second studio album, and third and final release overall, to feature Jonny Craig upon rejoining the band in 2010. Craig later departed from the line-up in August 2012. Upon its release, the album debuted at No. 82 on the Billboard 200 while the Hot Topic deluxe version debuted at No. 190 on the Billboard 200 in the same week.
Issues was an American metalcore band based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 2012. The band's final lineup consisted of guitarist and vocalist AJ Rebollo, bassist and vocalist Skyler Acord, and drummer Josh Manuel. They were known for their combination of metalcore, nu metal, pop and contemporary R&B.
Tilian Pearson, also known mononymously as Tilian, is an American singer-songwriter, musician and record producer born in Clearwater, Florida. From 2012 to 2024, he was the third clean vocalist for the post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance. Pearson began his music career as the lead vocalist and guitarist in the progressive rock band Tides of Man, releasing an extended play and two studio albums before leaving in 2010.
William Swan is an American musician and songwriter. He is best known as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance and as the founder and owner of record label Blue Swan Records. He is also a guitarist in the metal band Secret Band, progressive rock band Royal Coda, and was a guitarist in the now defunct Sianvar.
Dayshell is a solo project consisting of American producer and singer-songwriter Shayley Dayshell Bourget. Formerly Of Mice & Men's clean vocalist, guitarist, and bassist, Bourget earned a dedicated fanbase with his unique vocals and input toward the music industry. Dayshell's debut self-titled album was released on October 15, 2013. The band's second album, Nexus, was released on October 7, 2016. The band released a third album titled Mr. Pain on October 29, 2019. Pegasus, Dayshell's highly-anticipated fourth album, was brought to life with the support of many hardcore fans who donated to "Operation Pegasus" on GoFundMe. Dayshell's new album "Pegasus" is due for release on September 22, 2023.
Sianvar was an American progressive rock band from Sacramento, California, formed in 2013. The group currently consists of lead vocalist Donovan Melero, guitarists Will Swan and Sergio Medina, and drummer Joseph Arrington. The band is signed to Swan's independent record label Blue Swan Records. They released their debut self-titled EP on January 5, 2014 and their debut full-length studio album, Stay Lost, in August 2016. The band announced an indefinite hiatus on April 8, 2019.
Rarity is a Canadian post-hardcore band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, formed in 2014. The band consists of lead vocalist Loeden Learn, guitarists Adam Clarke, bass guitarist Cole Gardner, and drummer Evan Woods. They signed with Rise Records and released their debut EP, Alive In Your Eyes in 2015. The band released their debut studio album, I Couldn't Be Weaker, in April 2016. The group has toured with multiple musical groups such as Silverstein, Vanna, Being As An Ocean, Emarosa, Coldrain, Seaway and State Champs.
The Skeptic is the third solo studio album by American singer-songwriter and former Dance Gavin Dance vocalist Tilian Pearson, released on September 28, 2018, through Future Friends and Rise Records. The album is a follow-up to his second studio album, Perfect Enemy (2015), and is his first solo release on Rise since departing with Vital Records. The album was produced by Kris Crummett, who performed drums and percussion on the record, while Pearson performed guitar, keyboards, and bass guitar.
Wolf & Bear is an American post-hardcore band from Sacramento, California. Formed in 2013, the band consists of vocalists Marcus Cisneros and Tyler Watt, guitarists Cameron Nunez and Louie Baltazar, and drummer Jacob Koval. The band originated in the Central Valley hardcore punk music scene, later signing to Blue Swan Records and releasing a split with post-hardcore band Adventurer in May 2016 and their debut studio album, Everything Is Going Grey, in October 2017.
The American post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance has released ten studio albums, three live albums, one extended play, 45 singles, 26 music videos, one remastered album, and 9 instrumental albums. The band was formed in Sacramento, California in 2005 by guitarist Will Swan, drummer Matt Mingus, and bassist Eric Lodge. Unclean vocalist Jon Mess and clean vocalist Jonny Craig were recruited shortly after. They self-released their debut EP, Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean, that year, and re-released the EP in 2006 after signing to Rise Records. Their debut studio album, Downtown Battle Mountain, was released May 15, 2007 on Rise.
Slaves was an American post-hardcore group formed in Sacramento, California. The band consisted of bassist Colin Vieira, guitarists Weston Richmond and Juan Felipe Sanchez, drummer Zachary Baker, and lead vocalist Jonny Craig. The band released their debut album, Through Art We Are All Equals on June 24, 2014. Their second studio album, Routine Breathing, was released on August 21, 2015. The band released their third studio album Beautiful Death on February 16, 2018.
Media related to Jonny Craig at Wikimedia Commons