After years of uncertainty, setbacks, and a long road back, Jonny Craig has confirmed that his long-anticipated album is finally complete in an Instagram post. “The album is done!” he shared, adding that he’s already begun rolling out visuals, having filmed the first music video for an upcoming track titled “Out of Bloom,” with another video already in progress.
Now several years sober, Craig has spent that time rebuilding both his artistry and his place within the alternative scene. Known for his powerful vocals and time in bands like Dance Gavin Dance, Emarosa, and Slaves, Craig’s career has also been defined by highly public struggles with addiction and controversy, leading to multiple departures from major projects over the years. Through the years and continued effort at rebuilding both his artistry and his place within the alternative scene, Craig has proven with his sobriety that he is ready to make music again for himself.
The biggest development in this new era is Craig launching Old Flame in 2024, marking a return to his post-hardcore and alt-rock roots. The project first debuted with “Pray” in March 2024, followed by releases including “Thank You for the Patience,” “Small Town Liar,” and “Larkin.” Lyrically, this chapter of his career leans heavily into themes of sobriety, accountability, rebuilding his reputation, and personal growth, with “Pray” in particular highlighting redemption and self-reflection after years of controversy and addiction struggles.
Now, with his recent work, Craig appears focused on consistency and growth, while reconnecting with listeners in a more intentional way. “Playing rock music is something that I really enjoy doing and I feel like coming back to it right now is a really good time. Especially sober,” he said on a call with Melodic Magazine in summer of 2024.
While an official release date for the album has yet to be announced, Craig hinted that the first single could arrive sooner rather than later, even teasing fans to weigh in on whether he should “drop the first single already.”
A full project from one of post-hardcore’s most recognizable (and polarizing) voices, ready to turn the page is something the scene has been long waiting for. “I feel at peace… even if things never go any further and they stay the same in this moment, I think for once, I have peace and that’s the most important thing to me.”
