Slave

Biography

Slave was a pioneering American post-hardcore band formed in Sacramento, California, in 2014. The group was founded by vocalist Jonny Craig, known for his work with Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa, alongside guitarist Alex Lyman. Their debut album, 'Through Art We Are All Equals,' was released in 2014 and quickly established their reputation for blending emotionally charged vocals with intricate guitar work and dynamic rhythms. Over the years, the band underwent several lineup changes, but maintained a core sound rooted in melodic post-hardcore, alternative rock, and R&B influences.

Slave's music was characterized by Craig's soulful, expressive vocals and the band's willingness to experiment with genre conventions, incorporating elements of pop, electronic, and even hip-hop into their sound. Their lyrics often explored themes of personal struggle, addiction, and redemption, resonating with a devoted fanbase. Despite facing controversy and multiple member departures, the band continued to release new material and tour extensively until 2021, when they officially changed their name to Rain City Drive in response to growing concerns about the original band name's connotations.

The legacy of Slave lies in their ability to bridge the gap between post-hardcore and mainstream alternative music, influencing a new generation of artists who value both technical musicianship and emotional honesty. Their discography remains a testament to their resilience and adaptability within a rapidly evolving music scene.

Fun Facts

• Slave changed their name to Rain City Drive in 2021 to distance themselves from the negative connotations of their original name.
• Jonny Craig, the band's original vocalist, was previously a member of several influential post-hardcore bands, including Dance Gavin Dance and Emarosa.
• Despite being a new band, Slave's debut album featured guest appearances from members of other prominent post-hardcore acts.
• The band was known for their energetic live performances and for blending soulful vocals with heavy, technical instrumentation.

Members

• Mark Adams (from 1975 until 1996)
• Mark Hicks (from 1975 until 1996)
• Tom Lockett (from 1975 until 1996)
• Daniel Webster (from 1975 until 1996)
• Ray Turner (from 1978 until 1996)
• Steve Arrington
• Sam Carter
• Kenni Hairston
• Buddy Hankerson
• Curt Jones
• Floyd Miller
• Keith Nash
• Delbert Taylor
• Stephen C. Washington
• Starleana Young
• Roger Parker

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Dance Gavin Dance - Jonny Craig's previous band, shaping his vocal style and songwriting approach (Dance Gavin Dance albums (pre-2014)) [2007-2012]

Key Collaborators

• Jonny Craig - Founding member and lead vocalist (Through Art We Are All Equals, Routine Breathing) [2014-2019]
• Alex Lyman - Founding guitarist and primary songwriter (Through Art We Are All Equals, Routine Breathing) [2014-2016]
• Christopher Kim - Guitarist and percussionist (Through Art We Are All Equals) [2014-2015]
• Tai Wright - Drummer and percussionist (Routine Breathing) [2014-2016]

Artists Influenced

• Rain City Drive - Direct continuation of Slave under a new name, carrying forward their sound and fanbase (Rain City Drive albums (post-2021)) [2021-present]
• Awaken I Am - Cited Slave as an influence on their blend of post-hardcore and melodic rock (Blind Love) [2017]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I'd Rather See Your Star Explode (Beautiful Death)
2. True Colors (Beautiful Death)
3. Let This Haunt You (Beautiful Death)
4. Patience Is the Virtue (Beautiful Death)
5. Warning from My Demons (Beautiful Death)
6. My Soul Is Empty and Full of White Girls (Through Art We Are All Equals)
7. Starving for Friends (Through Art We Are All Equals)
8. Petty Trappin (Beautiful Death)
9. The Pact (Beautiful Death)
10. I Know a Lot of Artists (Beautiful Death)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #funk