With five prior bands under his belt, Johnny Craig chats with AARON BRYANS about the next page in his illustrious career, post-hardcore band SLAVES who will perform at Academy @ Amplifier Bar on Wednesday, October 8.
It’s been an extensive career for the talented Johnny Craig; the vocalist well known for his incredible vocal range and endless band appearances has had his fair share of highs and lows.
Last seen on the band scene departing Dance Gavin Dance after a period of drug abuse and imprisonment, Craig is back and better then ever, looking to harness his personal growth through his latest outfit, SLAVES.
“It’s definitely given me a different vantage point when it comes to lyrics and stuff like that,” Craig reveals. “I’ve had a lot of troubles and I’ve gone through lots of things that have given me a lot to work with. I think it all happened for a reason and it made me a better person and a musician.
“I think that this is the best project I’ve done so far, musically, vocally, and lyrically. I think that it’s happened at the right time, this project is a part of me.”
Quickly forming in earlier this year, SLAVES jumped straight into prominence signing with Artery Records and releasing their debut album, Through Art We Are All Equals, which features guest appearances from long-time friends Vic Fuentes, Tyler Carter and Kyle Lucas alongside sister, Natalie Craig.
“It feels pretty good. A lot of people that are on the album I haven’t seen in a while and it’s good to get back to having a relationship with them and moving forward with them; it feels good to be a part of it again.”
The album was recorded under a limited time and budget; but that didn’t stop the four-piece from writing immensely layered and highly detailed instrumentals alongside hauntingly strong vocals.
“We didn’t really have a lot of time or a big budget so it only really took two months to put everything put together and ready to go,” Craig says. “A lot of time was spent on the vocals.”
Their debut album is just the beginning for SLAVES and the continuing career of Craig with numerous tours scheduled and remixes for supergroup Isles & Glaciers.
“We’re going to write another CD, we’re touring all the rest of the year, we have tours booked for next year, it’s going to be a busy, busy time for us.
“I’d never say an Isles & Glaciers reunion won’t happen. As of right now all of the people that are in that band are pretty happy doing their own thing; but who knows? We are going to be releasing some remixes of the songs but it’s nothing new.”
