Slaves (American band)

Slaves (US band)
Slaves performing with Michael Swank of Myka Relocate
Background information
Origin	Sacramento, California, U.S.
Genres	Post-hardcore
Years active	2014–present
Labels	Artery
Members	Jonny Craig Colin Vieira Weston Richmond
Past members	Tai Wright Jason Mays Christopher Kim Alex Lyman

Slaves (stylized as SL▲VES) is an American post-hardcore group formed in Sacramento, California. The band currently consists of lead vocalist Jonny Craig, formerly of Emarosa and Dance Gavin Dance, bassist Colin Vieira of Musical Charis and guitarist Weston Richmond. 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 the single "I'd Rather See Your Star Explode" on January 20, 2017, the lead single off their upcoming third studio album, set to be released in 2017.

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 long 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".

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.

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, was 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 album's track listing was released in May 2014. The album debuted on No. 53 at official Billboard 200 charts in the U.S.