Biography
Creative Evolution of Alexander Craig
mojo spleens
Alex's journey in creating music started with his first electric guitar and amp at the age of 12. Coming up with melodies and learning songs evolved into basement jams with his brother Clint. They started playing in public together and eventually formed a surf punk band called Mojo Spleens. Performing shows in the underground punk scene, self recording and releasing music, networking grassroots style and touring nationally during that period set the groundwork for his next chapter and alias as Crankshaft.
Crankshaft
Forming a one man band that combined the D.I.Y. approach and in-your-face attitude of punk with traditional blues and rock 'n roll he started spearheading a new genre of music he called "pork neck" and hit the streets to make a name for himself. Eventually his solo act evolved into a trio that he promoted as Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders.
Fronting a band was a natural progression, he started gaining traction and getting more attention which led to bigger and bigger opportunities. By 2011 he ended his career as a carpenter/general contractor to focus on music full time.
Operating at a high level, he produced and released five studio albums, two live albums, directed and edited seven music videos, performed over 1,000 shows and sold over 10,000 CDs/records in ten years.
The fast paced lifestyle and physiological demands started taking a toll. Over a five year span he was hospitalized more than a dozen times for mental health and substance use issues. Something had to give. He departed from the Crankshaft persona and took a year off from performing to reflect and refocus.
Alexander Craig
With new perspective gained from time away plus mental clarity he acquired from peer support training in mental health, Alex started writing and arranging music for a new full length album that was recently released. Much of this new music features a three piece horn section which accompanies the fundamental guitar, bass, and drum trio. This six piece version of his band (promoted as: Alexander Craig and the Lifters) started performing at live events during the spring of '22.
Alex notes: "The biggest difference between my new frame of mind verses the Crankshaft period is authenticity, I'm done releasing and performing songs that feature "I" statements followed by an insincere story, moving forward I'm focusing on writing and singing truthfully."
He continues to cover many aspects of creativity including: writing and arranging songs, producing and mixing studio recordings, directing and editing video as well as mixed media, functional and visual art. Check the NEWS section of this site to see what he's up to now.
influences
Top Three Songwriters:
John Fogerty
Steve Miller
Paul Simon
Top Three Front-Men:
Howlin' Wolf
Chuck Berry
Bo Diddley
Top Three Front-Ladies:
Tina Turner
Aretha Franklin
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Top Three Bands (all time):
ZZ Top
Lynyrd Skynyrd
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Top Three Modern Bands:
Southern Culture on the Skids
Left Lane Cruiser
Dirtbombs
Top Three Guitar Players:
Freddy King
Albert Collins
Steve Cropper
More:
Guitars: anything goes
Amps: vintage Fender
Vocal mic (live): EV Co9
Strings: GHS Boomers
Music Listening: Vinyl
Motorcycles: 1980's Hondas
Daily Driver: '08 Suburban
Work Boots: Thorogood
Nail Guns: Hitachi
Phone: Android
