Slaves (band)

For British two piece band, see Slaves (UK band).
Slaves (US band)
Origin Sacramento, California, U.S.
Genres Post-hardcore, experimental rock
Years active 2014–present
Labels Artery Recordings
Members Jonny Craig
Alex Lyman
Tai Wright
Colin Vieira
Past members Jason Mays
Christopher Kim

Slaves is an American post-hardcore group formed in Sacramento, California in 2014. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Jonny Craig formerly of Emarosa, Dance Gavin Dance and Isles & Glaciers, guitarist Alex Lyman of Hearts & Hands, bassist Colin Vieira of Musical Charis, and drummer Tai Wright of Four Letter Lie and Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows. The band released their debut album, Through Art We Are All Equals on June 24, 2014.

History

Formation and Through Art We Are All Equals (2014)

The band members were revealed through lead singer Jonny Craig's Twitter account on January 15. The following day he tweeted that the name of the group would be Slaves.

Craig explained the name Slaves in an article on Ryan's Rock Show. “Men have been enslaving men for as along as we’ve had gods to hide behind,” Craig said. “Every man is a slave to what we love — whether it be women, drugs, music or sports. Through art we are all equals".[1]

On March 3, Alternative Press posted an article stating that Artery Recordings have just signed Craig's band Slaves to their label and are now on their roster. Craig posted a tweet saying that his original record label Rise Records would not be associated with this new band.[2]

Not long after the members announcement, Colin Viera amicably left the band in order to focus on his life and other musicical endeavors such as Musical Charis. The band then moved Jason Mays from guitar to play bass.

The band went on their first US tour in May in direct support of Hands Like Houses, Miss Fortune, and Alive Like Me, in May and June.

Slaves released their first single The Fire Down Below through Artery Recordings on April 22. The album, Through Art We Are All Equals, produced by Kris Crummett, and was released on June 24, 2014. The album features guest vocals from Kyle Lucas, Tyler Carter of Issues, Vic Fuentes of Pierce The Veil, as well as Jonny Craig's sister, Natalie Craig. The albums track listing was released in May 2014.[3] The album debuted on no. 53 at official Billboard 200 charts in the USA.[4]

On May 13, 2014, the band's second single, "the Upgrade Pt. II" (a sequel to his song The Upgrade from his EP Find What You Love And Let It Kill You, was streamed off Artery Recordings' YouTube page. It was also released on iTunes.[5] Later that month, on May 29, the band released a lyric video for the third single from the album, "Starving for Friends", which featured Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil.

Slaves was revealed to be a supporter on the All Stars Tour. This is Jonny Craig's second time being on the All Stars Tour, the first time being with Dance Gavin Dance which ultimately lead to him being kicked out of the band.[6]

On May 30, bassist Jason Mays announced via Facebook that he would not be continuing with Slaves due to family problems and health issues. [7] Andrew Mena, formerly of Scarlett O'Hara filled in temporary and tour with the band for the remaining dates. After Andrew Mena went back to his duties of being a tour manager, Michael Nordeen, an operations manager at Artery Recordings was convinced by Alex Lyman to join the band for a few tours. In the beginning of Winter, 2014, Colin Vieira joined Slaves yet again.

On June 24, 2014, Slaves announced one headlining show in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 9, 2014. In the following days they announced an overseas tour to Australia, along with a headlining tour starting on October 7, with bands such as Nightmares, Myka Relocate, among others.[8]

On July 9, the band's first official music video was released on the Artery Recording's YouTube for the album's fourth single, "My Soul Is Empty And Full Of White Girls", directed/produced by Jeremy Tremp & Shan Dan.

Second studio album (2015–present)

On January 7, 2015, the band uploaded a picture to their Facebook page claiming that "Slaves has officially started writing their 2nd full length album, get excited!" with the following "#SLAVES2015"[9]

On February 9, guitarist Christopher Kim announced his departure via Twitter.[10] He was replaced with Jonathan Wolfe to fill-in temporarily on tour, though was allegedly "ditched in Texas" by the band just a few days later.[11]

Discography

Studio albums

Band members

Current members
  • Jonny Craig – lead vocals (2014–present)
  • Alex Lyman – lead guitar (2014–present)
  • Tai Wright – drums, percussion (2014–present)
  • Colin Viera – bass (2014, 2014–present)
Former members
  • Jason Mays – bass, guitar (2014)
  • Christopher Kim – rhythm guitar, percussion (2014–2015)
Touring members
  • Andrew Mena – bass (2014)
  • Michael Nordeen – bass (2014)
  • Jonathan Wolfe – rhythm guitar (2015)

Timeline

References

  1. ↑ http://www.ryansrockshow.com/news/jonny-craig-is-back-as-a-slave
  2. ↑ http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/slaves_jonny_craigs_new_band_sign_to_artery_recordings_release_teaser altpress.com
  3. ↑ http://www.ryansrockshow.com/notable-releases/slaves-through-art-we-are-all-equals
  4. ↑ Charts: US
  5. ↑ youtube.com/arteryrecordings
  6. ↑ twitter.com/jonnycraig4L
  7. ↑ http://thenewfury.com/wordpress/?p=1961
  8. ↑ https://www.twitter.com/slavesofficial
  9. ↑ https://www.facebook.com/officialslaves/photos/a.615064618581571.1073741828.160758077345563/767927183295313/?type=1&theater
  10. ↑ http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/slaves_guitarist_leaves_band
  11. ↑ http://www.deadpress.co.uk/48849/news-jonathan-wolfe-makes-statement-about-being-ditched-by-slaves

External links