Biography
The Evolution of Alexander Craig
mojo spleens
My journey in music and collaboration started with my first electric guitar in grade school. Discovering melodies and learning songs evolved into basement jams with my brother Clint. We started playing in public together and eventually formed a surf punk band called The Mojo Spleens. Performing shows within the d.i.y. punk scene, self recording, self releasing music, grassroots networking, self booking and touring nationally during that period set the groundwork for my next chapter and alias as Crankshaft.
crankshaft
Forming a one man band under the stage name Crankshaft, I combined the D.I.Y. approach and up front attitude of punk with traditional blues and rock 'n roll. Eventually the solo act evolved into a trio, promoted as Crankshaft and the Gear Grinders.
Leading a band was a natural progression because of my previous roll in management surrounding construction workers, which led to more opportunities.
Alexander Craig
With new perspective gained from mental health education, I started writing and arranging music for a self titled album. Much of this music features a three piece horn section which accompanies the fundamental guitar, bass, and drums.
The biggest difference between my new frame of mind verses the alias period is authenticity, I'm through releasing and performing songs that can't be sung without authenticity, moving forward I'm focusing on writing and singing with purpose and honesty.
influences
Top Three Songwriters:
John Fogerty
Steve Miller
Paul Simon
Top Three Front-Men:
John Lee Hooker
Chuck Berry
Bo Diddley
Top Three Front-Ladies:
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Aretha Franklin
Tina Turner
Top Three Bands (all time):
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Lynyrd Skynyrd
ZZ Top
Top Three Modern Bands:
Southern Culture on the Skids
Left Lane Cruiser
Dirtbombs
Top Three Guitar Players:
Johnny Winter
Freddy King
Stevie Ray Vaughan