Jonny Craig
Encyclopedia
Jonathan Monroe Craig is a Canadian-American
singer. He is currently the lead vocalist for the band Dance Gavin Dance
, and former vocalist of the bands Emarosa
and Ghost Runner on Third. He has an eponymous solo project, with which he has released one studio album and a live album to date. He was also a part of the supergroup, Isles & Glaciers
. Craig's distinct type of soul
-based singing has earned him a high amount of acclaim.
. In interviews he states that he lived on an island. Music had always been in his life. His Grandmother who was in a church choir, taught him everything he knows; Jonny stated in an interview. Jonny also says his mother would play Michael Bolton
and he would sing along at a very early age. 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 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" Jonny states in an interview with KLSU
radio, was his reason for starting his path in music.
from Tacoma, Washington. At 15, Craig released his first known song with Westerhalts titled "Change, Leisure, and Retirement" in 2001. He then joined as the lead vocalist for Tacoma based pop punk
band Ghost Runner on Third in 2002. 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."
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 their old blog 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. Dance Gavin Dance has also blamed Sean O'Sullivan's departure on Craig's behavior primarily, 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), were also listed in Emarosa's Relativity
album on the special thanks section of the booklet.
, also received positive reviews. Allmusic stated that "co-frontman Jonny Craig's regularly hysterical yelping may change your mind forever."
In an interview done on March 2007, it was cited 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.
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
and toured with them while their then-lead-singer Jordan was ill. The band made it very clear 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 2 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
exclusively revealed to Alternative Press that they have parted ways with vocalist Kurt Travis and that Jonny Craig, along with other original vocalist, Jon Mess, will be returning to the band to record a new album. The reunited lineup will also embark on a headlining run next spring. Craig was to remain in Emarosa as well.
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." Rapper Bizzy Bone
also sampled Craig's vocals on the song "Bottled Up Like Smoke" from his Crossover EP and Crossroads album.
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." "Jonny Craig" was the top trending topic on Twitter
the day of the announcement.
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.
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 on April 2009 in Michigan
and was released March 9, 2010.
on August 18, 2009, through Rise Records
. This is the first individual artist on the label. He has been taking solo promotion and press photos for the release in late 2009 with photographer Gage Young in Orlando, Florida.
Rise Records has listed Jonny Craig as an individual artist on their official website, and released his myspace music page. He further released three songs on his Myspace profile from the solo album, Titles, "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
festival and SXSW.
Craig headlined the "White Boys With Soul" tour with Fight Fair
, Breathe Electric, Mod Sun, and The Divine. Craig has also recently revealed that he is recording another solo album. 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. 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. He later added that he would play out the tours with Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa. On January 21, 2011, Craig announced that he would not actually be taking this hiatus, stating: "hate me all you want people I love what i do and im great at it. IM NEVER GONNA STOP. [sic
]" 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 theres nothing out in the world for me".
Craig recently announced over his personal Facebook
page that he will be releasing a seven song solo EP in the near future.
Craig is inspired by soul music
, mainly the artists Aretha Franklin
, Boys II Men, and Craig David
. He has also mentioned Motown acts and the band Mewithoutyou
as influences. Craig has performed live covers of the songs "Cry Me a River" by Justin Timberlake
, "Fuck You" by Cee Lo Green, and "Never Gonna Be Alone
" by Nickelback
.
Craig's voice has been compared to that of Michael Jackson
, Usher
, and Christina Aguilera
. The X-Factor Australia season 2 runner-up, Sally Chatfield, has cited Craig as her main musical influence and inspiration.
. He has two siblings, one half-sister, Natalie, and one half-brother. Craig maintains a close relationship with his sister. YouTube
videos have been posted featuring Craig and Natalie singing Justin Timberlake's
hit Cry Me a River
as a duet. He currently resides in Vacaville, California
.
through his Twitter account. After accepting an online payment on average between US$600 and $800 for the product from at least 16 individuals, Craig was reported to have discontinued communication with the buyers, and no MacBooks were ever distributed. He initially denied the accusations and claimed that his Twitter had been hacked and he had no involvement. However, the following week it was announced that Jonny Craig had dropped off his current tour in Emarosa with Chiodos to enter detox
in order to cure his ongoing battles with drug addiction. Rise Records and the Artery Foundation assumed financial responsibility for the internet scam and intend to reimburse anyone that had been victimized. Tilian Pearson—formerly of Tides of Man
—substituted for Craig during his absence from Emarosa. A public apology was issued after his detox treatment was completed on March 8, 2011.
In October 2011, Jonny 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. Craig was released from jail a few weeks later and is scheduled to enter a court-ordered rehabilitation facility. His follow-up hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2012.
With Ghost Runner On Third
With Dance Gavin Dance
With Emarosa
With Isles & Glaciers
Solo work
List of guest appearances
Canadian-American
A Canadian American is someone who was born or someone who grew up in Canada then moved to the United States. The term is particularly apt when applied or self-applied to people with strong ties to Canada, such as those who have lived a significant portion of their lives in, or were educated in,...
singer. He is currently the lead vocalist for the band Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California in 2005. They released four full length studio albums and one EP...
, and former vocalist of the bands Emarosa
Emarosa
Emarosa is an American rock band from Lexington, Kentucky. Formed in 2006, they released one EP in 2007 titled This Is Your Way Out, and shortly after, the group underwent significant lineup and sound changes, dropping their heavy metal influence and leaning toward a soul inspiration...
and Ghost Runner on Third. He has an eponymous solo project, with which he has released one studio album and a live album to date. He was also a part of the supergroup, Isles & Glaciers
Isles & Glaciers
Isles & Glaciers was an American rock supergroup formed in 2008. The band consisted of members from Chiodos, Emarosa, Pierce the Veil, Cinematic Sunrise, The Receiving End of Sirens, Underminded, and former members of The Sound of Animals Fighting and Boys Night Out...
. Craig's distinct type of soul
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
-based singing has earned him a high amount of acclaim.
Early life
Jonny was born in British ColumbiaBritish Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
. In interviews he states that he lived on an island. Music had always been in his life. His Grandmother who was in a church choir, taught him everything he knows; Jonny stated in an interview. Jonny also says his mother would play Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton is an American singer and songwriter. Bolton originally performed in the hard rock and heavy metal genres from the mid 1970s to the mid 1980s, both on his early solo albums and those recorded as the frontman of the band Blackjack...
and he would sing along at a very early age. 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 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" Jonny states in an interview with KLSU
KLSU
KLSU is the student-run college radio station for Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a radio format of variety music and specialty programming. The radio station is part of the university's Student Media Program and employs students as DJs and management staff...
radio, was his reason for starting his path in music.
Beginnings as a musician (2000–2007)
Prior to forming his first band, Craig was auditioning for bands when entering high school in the United States in 2000, none of which he was accepted into. Craig then formed the band Westerhalts in 2000, a garage bandGarage rock
Garage rock is a raw form of rock and roll that was first popular in the United States and Canada from about 1963 to 1967. During the 1960s, it was not recognized as a separate music genre and had no specific name...
from Tacoma, Washington. At 15, Craig released his first known song with Westerhalts titled "Change, Leisure, and Retirement" in 2001. He then joined as the lead vocalist for Tacoma based pop punk
Pop punk
Pop punk is a fusion music genre that combines elements of punk rock with pop music, to varying degrees. Allmusic describes the genre as a strand of alternative rock, which typically merges pop melodies with speedy punk tempos, chord changes and loud guitars...
band Ghost Runner on Third in 2002. 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."
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
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California in 2005. They released four full length studio albums and one EP...
in their old blog concerning Craig after he was kicked out of the band. Though Craig has denied the statements made, Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California in 2005. They released four full length studio albums and one EP...
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. Dance Gavin Dance has also blamed Sean O'Sullivan's departure on Craig's behavior primarily, although there were other contributing factors. Despite their past differences, both past and present members of Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California in 2005. They released four full length studio albums and one EP...
have since become friends. Consider the Thief (O'Sullivan's previous band), were also listed in Emarosa's Relativity
Relativity (Emarosa album)
Relativity is the debut 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 The March of Flames....
album on the special thanks section of the booklet.
Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa (2007–2011)
Jonny Craig's singing in Dance Gavin Dance's debut full-length album, Downtown Battle MountainDowntown Battle Mountain
Downtown Battle Mountain is the debut studio album by American post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance, released on May 15, 2007. It was produced by Kris Crummett, who mastered their EP Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean...
, also received positive reviews. Allmusic stated that "co-frontman Jonny Craig's regularly hysterical yelping may change your mind forever."
In an interview done on March 2007, it was cited 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.
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
A Skylit Drive
A Skylit Drive is an American post-hardcore band from Lodi, California. The band released one DVD, one EP and three studio albums: Wires...and the Concept of Breathing on May 20, 2008, Adelphia on June 9, 2009, and most recently Identity On Fire on February 15, 2011. Michael Jagmin has provided...
and toured with them while their then-lead-singer Jordan was ill. The band made it very clear 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 2 weeks since he quit Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California in 2005. They released four full length studio albums and one EP...
in which he joined Emarosa
Emarosa
Emarosa is an American rock band from Lexington, Kentucky. Formed in 2006, they released one EP in 2007 titled This Is Your Way Out, and shortly after, the group underwent significant lineup and sound changes, dropping their heavy metal influence and leaning toward a soul inspiration...
who was left without a lead singer.
On August 18, 2010, Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance
Dance Gavin Dance was an American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California in 2005. They released four full length studio albums and one EP...
exclusively revealed to Alternative Press that they have parted ways with vocalist Kurt Travis and that Jonny Craig, along with other original vocalist, Jon Mess, will be returning to the band to record a new album. The reunited lineup will also embark on a headlining run next spring. Craig was to remain in Emarosa as well.
The rapper Game and DJ Skee
DJ Skee
Scott Keeney , better known by his stage name DJ Skee, is a DJ and entrepreneur operating out of Los Angeles. Skee manages his own new media music, marketing, and production company, Skee.TV...
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." Rapper Bizzy Bone
Bizzy Bone
Bryon Anthony McCane II , better known by his stage name Bizzy Bone, is an American rapper and a member of the Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.- Solo career :Bizzy Bone started his solo career in 1998...
also sampled Craig's vocals on the song "Bottled Up Like Smoke" from his Crossover EP and Crossroads album.
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." "Jonny Craig" was the top trending topic on Twitter
Twitter
Twitter is an online social networking and microblogging service that enables its users to send and read text-based posts of up to 140 characters, informally known as "tweets".Twitter was created in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey and launched that July...
the day of the announcement.
Isles & Glaciers (2008–2010)
In early September 2008, (then current) ChiodosChiodos
Chiodos is an American post hardcore band from Davison, Michigan. Formed in 2001, the group was originally known as "The Chiodos Bros," the band's name was a tribute to filmmakers Stephen, Charles, and Edward Chiodo, responsible for the film Killer Klowns from Outer Space. Chiodos released their...
and Cinematic Sunrise
Cinematic Sunrise
Cinematic Sunrise was an American rock band signed to Equal Vision Records. It consisted of Craig Owens and Bradley Bell , along with Bryan Beeler , Marcus VanKirk , Nick Martin , and Dave Shapiro .-History:...
vocalist Craig Owens
Craig Owens (musician)
Craigery Michael "Craig" Owens is an American musician from Davison, Michigan. He is best known as the former lead vocalist of Chiodos and has had an involvement in various side projects such as Cinematic Sunrise, and the supergroup Isles & Glaciers...
, announced that both he and Jonny Craig would be recording an EP record by the end of the year, also mentioning Vic Fuentes
Vic Fuentes
Victor Vincent "Vic" Fuentes is the guitarist and lead vocalist for post-hardcore band Pierce the Veil alongside his brother Mike Fuentes on drums. He also provides vocals and guitar for Isles & Glaciers and also played guitar and backup vocals for Cinematic Sunrise in their mid 2008 tour...
and others.
On December 15, 2008, Alternative Press officially announced and revealed the name and lineup of this new project, Isles & Glaciers
Isles & Glaciers
Isles & Glaciers was an American rock supergroup formed in 2008. The band consisted of members from Chiodos, Emarosa, Pierce the Veil, Cinematic Sunrise, The Receiving End of Sirens, Underminded, and former members of The Sound of Animals Fighting and Boys Night Out...
. The band's first EP, The Hearts of Lonely People
The Hearts of Lonely People
The Hearts of Lonely People is the first and only EP by American experimental rock supergroup Isles & Glaciers. The record was released on March 9, 2010 through Equal Vision Records, sold exclusively through Hot Topic stores and online retailers. The EP will be re-released in vinyl format through...
, was produced by Casey Bates in Seattle, Washington, was reworked on April 2009 in Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
and was released March 9, 2010.
Solo work (2010–2011)
Jonny Craig has released the solo album A Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to AnswerA Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to Answer
A Dream is a Question You Don't Know How to Answer is the debut studio album by Canadian recording artist Jonny Craig, released on August 18, 2009 via Rise Records.-Background:...
on August 18, 2009, through Rise Records
Rise Records
-History:Rise was founded in 1991 by Craig Ericson in Roseburg, Oregon. He released a small number of 7" records before putting the label on hiatus to attend college. Ericson didn't release anything further until 1999, after moving to Portland, Oregon. He began issuing small-print 7" records, and...
. This is the first individual artist on the label. He has been taking solo promotion and press photos for the release in late 2009 with photographer Gage Young in Orlando, Florida.
Rise Records has listed Jonny Craig as an individual artist on their official website, and released his myspace music page. He further released three songs on his Myspace profile from the solo album, Titles, "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
AFI (band)
AFI is an American alternative rock band from Ukiah, California that formed in 1991. They have consisted of the same lineup since 1998: lead vocalist Davey Havok, drummer and backup vocalist Adam Carson, with bassist Hunter Burgan and guitarist Jade Puget, who both play keyboard and contribute...
, Cinematic Sunrise
Cinematic Sunrise
Cinematic Sunrise was an American rock band signed to Equal Vision Records. It consisted of Craig Owens and Bradley Bell , along with Bryan Beeler , Marcus VanKirk , Nick Martin , and Dave Shapiro .-History:...
, and then headlining with support from Tides of Man and Sleeping With Sirens
Sleeping with Sirens
Sleeping with Sirens is an American post-hardcore band from Orlando, Florida currently residing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Formed in 2009 by members of For All We Know, Broadway and We Are Defiance...
. He was headlining a tour with support from Tides of Man
Tides of Man
Tides of Man is an American progressive rock band formed in Tampa, Florida in 2008. They signed to Rise Records March 4, 2009 and have released two full length albums thus far, Empire Theory in 2009 , and Dreamhouse in 2010.- History :In December 2007 Pearson, Gill, Sene, Jaye and Gould convened on...
and Eye Alaska
Eye Alaska
Eye Alaska was an American alternative rock band from Orange County, California, formed in 2006. Two members, Brandon Wronski and Cameron Trowbridge, were former members of "Dead Letter Diaries"....
and will be playing The Bamboozle
The Bamboozle
The Bamboozle is an annual rain-or-shine, three-day music festival held in New Jersey. Every year, new bands compete for spots during the two days. The event evolved out of the Skate and Surf Festival.- The Characters:...
festival and SXSW.
Craig headlined the "White Boys With Soul" tour with Fight Fair
Fight Fair
Fight Fair is a pop punk band from San Diego, California, currently based out of San Francisco, California They are signed to Triple Crown Records. They released their debut EP titled "Settle The Score" in 2008...
, Breathe Electric, Mod Sun, and The Divine. Craig has also recently revealed that he is recording another solo album. 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. 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. He later added that he would play out the tours with Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa. On January 21, 2011, Craig announced that he would not actually be taking this hiatus, stating: "hate me all you want people I love what i do and im great at it. IM NEVER GONNA STOP. [sic
Sic
Sic—generally inside square brackets, [sic], and occasionally parentheses, —when added just after a quote or reprinted text, indicates the passage appears exactly as in the original source...
]" 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 theres nothing out in the world for me".
Craig recently announced over his personal Facebook
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking service and website launched in February 2004, operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. , Facebook has more than 800 million active users. Users must register before using the site, after which they may create a personal profile, add other users as...
page that he will be releasing a seven song solo EP in the near future.
Vocal style and influences
In an interview with Indie Star TV, 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. 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."Craig is inspired by soul music
Soul music
Soul music is a music genre originating in the United States combining elements of gospel music and rhythm and blues. According to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, soul is "music that arose out of the black experience in America through the transmutation of gospel and rhythm & blues into a form of...
, mainly the artists Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin
Aretha Louise Franklin is an American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Although known for her soul recordings and referred to as The Queen of Soul, Franklin is also adept at jazz, blues, R&B, gospel music, and rock. Rolling Stone magazine ranked her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All...
, Boys II Men, and Craig David
Craig David
Craig Ashley David is an English singer and songwriter. He has released five studio albums: Born to Do It, Slicker Than Your Average, The Story Goes..., Trust Me, Signed Sealed Delivered and a Greatest Hits album...
. He has also mentioned Motown acts and the band Mewithoutyou
MewithoutYou
Me Without You, stylized as mewithoutYou and abbreviated as mwY, is an American rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consists of vocalist Aaron Weiss, guitarist Michael Weiss, bassist Greg Jehanian and drummer Rickie Mazzotta. MewithoutYou's music is generally dominated by...
as influences. Craig has performed live covers of the songs "Cry Me a River" by Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
, "Fuck You" by Cee Lo Green, and "Never Gonna Be Alone
Never Gonna Be Alone
"Never Gonna Be Alone" is the 6th overall single since off of Nickelback's sixth studio album Dark Horse...
" by Nickelback
Nickelback
Nickelback is a Canadian rock band from Hanna, Alberta. Since 1995 the band has included guitarist and lead vocalist Chad Kroeger, guitarist and back-up vocalist Ryan Peake and bassist Mike Kroeger.. The band's current drummer and percussionist is Daniel Adair who has been with the band since 2005....
.
Craig's voice has been compared to that of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
, Usher
Usher (entertainer)
Usher Terry Raymond IV , who performs under the mononym Usher, is an American singer-songwriter, and actor. He is considered around the world to be the reigning King of R&B. Usher rose to fame in the late 1990s with the release of his second album My Way, which spawned his first Billboard Hot 100...
, and Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
Christina María Aguilera is an American recording artist and actress. Aguilera first appeared on national television in 1990 as a contestant on the Star Search program, and went on to star in Disney Channel's television series The Mickey Mouse Club from 1993–1994...
. The X-Factor Australia season 2 runner-up, Sally Chatfield, has cited Craig as her main musical influence and inspiration.
Personal life
Jonny has one child, whom he has never met, with an ex-girlfriend. This situation serves as the inspiration behind the song "Children Of Divorce" from his solo album A Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to AnswerA Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to Answer
A Dream is a Question You Don't Know How to Answer is the debut studio album by Canadian recording artist Jonny Craig, released on August 18, 2009 via Rise Records.-Background:...
. He has two siblings, one half-sister, Natalie, and one half-brother. Craig maintains a close relationship with his sister. YouTube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
videos have been posted featuring Craig and Natalie singing Justin Timberlake's
Justin Timberlake
Justin Randall Timberlake is an American pop musician and actor. He achieved early fame when he appeared as a contestant on Star Search, and went on to star in the Disney Channel television series The New Mickey Mouse Club, where he met future bandmate JC Chasez...
hit Cry Me a River
Cry Me a River (Justin Timberlake song)
"Cry Me a River" is the second single from Justin Timberlake's solo debut album Justified. Released on December 17, 2002, the single, which features guest vocals and production by Timbaland & Scott Storch, won Timberlake a Grammy Award for "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" in 2004.-Background...
as a duet. He currently resides in Vacaville, California
Vacaville, California
Vacaville, California is a city located in the northeastern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area in Solano County. The city is nearly half way between Sacramento and San Francisco on I-80. It sits approximately from Sacramento, and from San Francisco...
.
Internet scam and drug-related issues
In February 2011, several fans of Craig began coming forth and accusing him of being involved in an internet scam. According to the alleged victims, Craig would claim to be selling a used MacBookMacBook
The MacBook was a brand of Macintosh notebook computers built by Apple Inc. First introduced in May 2006, it replaced the iBook and 12-inch PowerBook series of notebooks as a part of the Apple–Intel transition. Positioned as the low end of the MacBook family, the Apple MacBook was aimed at the...
through his Twitter account. After accepting an online payment on average between US$600 and $800 for the product from at least 16 individuals, Craig was reported to have discontinued communication with the buyers, and no MacBooks were ever distributed. He initially denied the accusations and claimed that his Twitter had been hacked and he had no involvement. However, the following week it was announced that Jonny Craig had dropped off his current tour in Emarosa with Chiodos to enter detox
Drug detoxification
Drug detoxification is a collective of interventions directed at controlling acute drug intoxication and drug withdrawal. It refers to a purging from the body of the substances to which a patient is addicted and acutely under the influence...
in order to cure his ongoing battles with drug addiction. Rise Records and the Artery Foundation assumed financial responsibility for the internet scam and intend to reimburse anyone that had been victimized. Tilian Pearson—formerly of Tides of Man
Tides of Man
Tides of Man is an American progressive rock band formed in Tampa, Florida in 2008. They signed to Rise Records March 4, 2009 and have released two full length albums thus far, Empire Theory in 2009 , and Dreamhouse in 2010.- History :In December 2007 Pearson, Gill, Sene, Jaye and Gould convened on...
—substituted for Craig during his absence from Emarosa. A public apology was issued after his detox treatment was completed on March 8, 2011.
In October 2011, Jonny Craig was jailed for two counts of possession of narcotics, two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and one count of failure to appear
Failure to appear
Failure to appear is the legal term for the failure of a defendant or respondent to appear at the stated time before a tribunal as directed in a summons. Where the conduct alleged in the summons or complaint is an infraction or summary offence, failure to appear is a crime for which a...
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. Craig was released from jail a few weeks later and is scheduled to enter a court-ordered rehabilitation facility. His follow-up hearing is scheduled for April 30, 2012.
Discography
With Westerhalts- Change, Leisure, and Retirement (Self-released, 2001)
With Ghost Runner On Third
- Speak Your Dreams EP (Goodbye Blue Skies, 2005)
With Dance Gavin Dance
- Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean EP (Self-released, 2006)
- Downtown Battle MountainDowntown Battle MountainDowntown Battle Mountain is the debut studio album by American post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance, released on May 15, 2007. It was produced by Kris Crummett, who mastered their EP Whatever I Say Is Royal Ocean...
(Rise RecordsRise Records-History:Rise was founded in 1991 by Craig Ericson in Roseburg, Oregon. He released a small number of 7" records before putting the label on hiatus to attend college. Ericson didn't release anything further until 1999, after moving to Portland, Oregon. He began issuing small-print 7" records, and...
, 2007) - Downtown Battle Mountain IIDowntown Battle Mountain IIDowntown Battle Mountain II is the fourth studio album by American post-hardcore band Dance Gavin Dance, released on March 8, 2011.The album is not a direct continuation of the band's first album Downtown Battle Mountain, but features the same line-up that recorded the first album as original...
(Rise Records, 2011)
With Emarosa
- RelativityRelativity (Emarosa album)Relativity is the debut 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 The March of Flames....
(Rise Records, 2008) - EmarosaEmarosa (album)-Personnel:Emarosa* Jonny Craig - vocals, lyrics* ER White - guitar* Jonas Ladekjaer - guitar* Will Sowers - bass* Lukas Koszewski - drums* Jordan Michael Stewart - keyboard, programmingProduction*Produced and mixed by Brian McTernan...
(Rise Records, 2010)
With Isles & Glaciers
- The Hearts of Lonely PeopleThe Hearts of Lonely PeopleThe Hearts of Lonely People is the first and only EP by American experimental rock supergroup Isles & Glaciers. The record was released on March 9, 2010 through Equal Vision Records, sold exclusively through Hot Topic stores and online retailers. The EP will be re-released in vinyl format through...
(Equal Vision RecordsEqual Vision RecordsEqual Vision Records is a record label based in Albany, New York, which has a focus in metal or punk-based rock genres. Equal Vision Records was founded in the early 1990s by Ray Cappo ....
, 2010)
Solo work
- A Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to AnswerA Dream Is a Question You Don't Know How to AnswerA Dream is a Question You Don't Know How to Answer is the debut studio album by Canadian recording artist Jonny Craig, released on August 18, 2009 via Rise Records.-Background:...
(Rise Records, 2009) - Live At Bamboozle 2010 (Live Nation StudiosLive NationLive Nation is a live-events company based in Beverly Hills, California, focused on concert promotions. Live Nation formed in 2005 as a spin-off from Clear Channel Communications, which then merged with Ticketmaster in 2010 to become Live Nation Entertainment....
, 2010)
List of guest appearances
| Group | Album | Song(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Definition | The Greatest of All Lost Arts The Greatest of All Lost Arts The Greatest of All Lost Arts is the second album by American post-hardcore band Lower Definition. The album was recorded in early 2008 with producer Kris Crummett and was released on July 8. The album contains 11 tracks, Jonny Craig of Dance Gavin Dance provides guest vocals on Pueblo Cicada. The... |
"Pueblo Cicada" |
| Broadway | Kingdoms | "Don't Jump the Shark Before You Save the Whale" |
| Pierce the Veil Pierce the Veil Pierce the Veil is an American post-hardcore band from San Diego, California. Formed in 2006, the group was founded by brothers Vic and Mike Fuentes after the disbandment of the group Early Times which was formed out of the San Diego punk rock scene... |
Selfish Machines Selfish Machines Selfish Machines is the second studio album from post-hardcore band Pierce the Veil, released through Equal Vision Records on June 21, 2010. Its titled is derived from a lyric in the song "The Sky Under the Sea".... |
"She Makes Dirty Words Sound Pretty" |
| MikeyWhiskeyHands! | Unreleased | "This Ain't a Game" (credited as Dr.Craig) and "$ex, Drugz and WhiskeyHands" |
| Falling Closer | The Sweet Release | "The Bridge" |
| Bizzy Bone Bizzy Bone Bryon Anthony McCane II , better known by his stage name Bizzy Bone, is an American rapper and a member of the Cleveland rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.- Solo career :Bizzy Bone started his solo career in 1998... |
Crossroads: 2010 | "Bottled Up Like Smoke" |
| Woe, Is Me Woe, Is Me Woe, Is Me is an American rock band from Atlanta, Georgia. Formed in 2009, the group is currently signed to Rise Records and its subsidiary, Velocity Records... |
Number[s Numbers (Woe, Is Me album) Number[s] is the debut album by American rock band, Woe, Is Me, released on August 31, 2010 through Rise Records and its imprint devision, Velocity. A re-release of the record is expected to be released by March of 2012 with the band's current clean vocalist, Hance Alligood and current lead... ] |
"Our Number[s]" and "Desolate [The Conductor]" |
| Mod Sun | Health, Wealth, Success & Happiness (Mixtape) | "Become My Life" |
| Hands Like Houses | Demo | "Lion Skin" |