Scary Kids Scaring Kids

Scary Kids Scaring Kids
Scary Kids Scaring Kids in 2005
Background information
Origin	Gilbert, Arizona, United States
Genres	Post-hardcore, emo
Years active	2002–2010
Labels	Immortal
Past members	Tyson Curtis Stevens Pouyan Afkary DJ Wilson Peter Costa Steve Kirby Chad Crawford Justin Salter James Ethridge Tanner Wayne Derek Smith

Scary Kids Scaring Kids (abbreviated SKSK) was an American post-hardcore band formed in Gilbert, Arizona, in 2002. The band's name was taken from the Cap'n Jazz song of the same name.^[1] The group disbanded following a farewell tour in 2010.^[2]

History

Early years, After Dark and The City Sleeps In Flames (2002–2005)

The band – which originally was composed of Tyson Stevens on bass guitar and lead vocals (later to be strictly the vocalist/songwriter), guitarists Chad Crawford, DJ Wilson (later to switch to bass) and Steve Kirby, Pouyan Afkary on keyboards, and drummer Peter Costa – recorded their self-financed debut EP, After Dark, while they were still in high school.^[1] After Dark was eventually re-released by Immortal Records in 2005. After nearly disbanding, they decided to pursue the band full-time, hosting nude carwashes and taking out loans to finance their tours.

The band was then signed to Immortal Records, where they released their first full-length album. Entitled The City Sleeps in Flames, the album was recorded during February and March 2005 with producer Brian McTernan, and released on June 28, 2005.

Self Titled Album (2006–2007)

Scary Kids Scaring Kids, released on August 28, 2007 and produced by Don Gilmore (who previously worked on Dashboard Confessional, Linkin Park, and Good Charlotte records) in North Hollywood, California, was the result of much consideration and effort by the band, even though they had spent most of the year living on the road. The band specifically wanted the record to be a composed album, rather than a collection of songs thrown together. This is evidenced by transitions between songs, a prelude and an interlude, as well as references throughout the album to previous tracks on the record.

Lyrically, the record was a quest for the truth in its most organic form. "It's all about reaching deep within and pulling out who you truly are" All of the songs lyrically were composed and written by Tyson Stevens The record encompasses several disparate yet linked themes, from retaining and appreciating individuality to standing up for what one believes in, and not backing down. "I think we really had time to make this album sound exactly the way we wanted to and focus on every track individually", explains Pouyan. "In the past, we've been so limited with time, but with this disc we could really focus on the small details that made a big difference to us." Pouyan spoke of the album saying, "We were so proud of this album that we had no other name for it. This is what Scary Kids is all about to this day."

In January 2008, the band was awarded a Libby Award by PETA for Best Newcomers. Scary Kids Scaring Kids received the award for their work in speaking up against Chicken Express for the PETA's 'I Am Not A Nugget' campaign.^[3]

Change in labels, work on a follow-up album, and break-up (2008–2010)

Scary Kids left Immortal Records before it collapsed and signed their major label deal with RCA Records. During their fall tour with Anberlin, Straylight Run, and There for Tomorrow, the band announced they would be working on their third studio album at the end of the tour, but decided to part ways before tracking new material.

Lead singer Tyson took some personal time off in the last 4 days of the 2009 Warped Tour and the band had replacement singers Craig Mabbitt of Escape the Fate, Brandon Bolmer formally of Chiodos, Vic Fuentes of Pierce the Veil and Cove Reber formally of Saosin filling in on vocals for the rest of the tour.

On November 30, 2009 Pouyan posted an official statement declaring that by mutual agreement the group had disbanded.^[4]

Derek Smith served as the band's drummer for their 2010 tour and opened shows with his new hip hop act, Mod Sun. The album that the band was recording in 2009 was never finished (as the band did not record vocals for it) or released.

Death of Stevens (2014)

Vocalist Tyson Stevens was found dead on the morning of October 20, 2014 at the age of 29.^[5] His mother and girlfriend both told police that heroin is to blame for his death.^[6]

Possible comeback (2016)

In June 2016, Scary Kids Scaring Kids official Twitter account had all their tweets deleted, with only one tweet visible from DLTTR, the app used to delete all tweets. In early July 2016, they updated their profile picture, with a new bio that says "Coming Soon...". Steve Kirby, former guitarist, was asked about this change on his personal Twitter, in which he replied "only time can tell".^[7]

Band members

Final lineup

• Pouyan Afkary – keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals (2002–2010)
• Chad Crawford – lead guitar, vocals (2002–2010)
• Tyson Stevens – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, (2002–2010), bass (2002-2004) – deceased
• DJ Wilson – bass, backing vocals (2004–2010) rhythm guitar (2002-2004)
• Steve Kirby – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2010)
• Derek Smith – drums, percussion (2009–2010)

Former members

• Peter Costa – drums, percussion (2002–2005)
• Justin Salter – drums, percussion (2005–2007)
• Tanner Wayne – drums, percussion (2009)

Touring members

• Eric Jandacek – guitar (2007)
• Brandon Bolmer – vocals (2009)
• Craig Mabbitt – vocals (2009)
• Cove Reber – vocals (2009)

Timeline

Discography

Studio albums

• The City Sleeps in Flames (2005)
• Scary Kids Scaring Kids (2007)

EPs

• After Dark (2003)

Other appearances

• Punk Goes 90s (2006)
• A Santa Cause: It's a Punk Rock Christmas Vol. 2 (2006)
• Punk Goes Crunk (2008)^[8]

References

External links

• Tyson guest vocals
• Scary Kids Scaring Kids official website
• Interview with Pouyan
• Scary Kids Scaring Kids Interview February 7, 2007 on DrivenFarOff.com