Michael Crafter
Michael Crafter | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, songwriter, entertainment entrepreneur |
| Known for | Lead singer of I Killed the Prom Queen, frontman of Confession |
Michael Crafter is an Australian vocalist, songwriter, and entertainment entrepreneur. He initially gained recognition as the lead singer of I Killed the Prom Queen. Currently, Crafter fronts Confession, having previously led Carpathian and Bury Your Dead. Beyond music, he established the Mistake clothing brand, along with tattoo parlors and a printing enterprise.
Biography
A key personality within Australia's metalcore community, Crafter adheres to a straight edge way of life. He made a brief appearance on Big Brother Australia but was removed after three days due to conflicts with I Killed the Prom Queen's Say Goodbye Tour schedule.
In 2009, he provided insights for the documentary Parkway Drive: The DVD, discussing the band’s beginnings and participating in their live performance footage.
Though Crafter announced his retirement from music in 2016 to concentrate on business interests in Perth, Western Australia, he resumed recording and touring with Confession by 2020. He also reunited with I Killed the Prom Queen for their 25th anniversary tour scheduled for 2025.
I Killed the Prom Queen (2000–2006, 2008)
From 2000 until 2006, Crafter served as vocalist for I Killed the Prom Queen. He returned in 2008 to join what was billed as their final Australian tour. The 2008 Australian Tour edition of their sophomore album, Music For the Recently Deceased, featured bonus tracks with Crafter’s vocals recorded during his initial period before leaving. A 2011 reissue included a disc containing all eleven tracks with his vocal performances.
In 2018, the band revealed plans for a reunion featuring their 'classic lineup', including Crafter, for a singular show at the 2019 Unify Gathering festival celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album When Goodbye Means Forever. However, two days later Unify cancelled their set following the emergence of an "offensive" Facebook post by Crafter concerning gender representation in festival lineups. Despite his apology and fan petitions urging reinstatement, Unify upheld their decision.
Carpathian (2006)
Crafter joined Carpathian shortly after they released their debut album Nothing to Lose in 2006 but departed after seven months in February 2007. Contrary to rumors, he did not record any material with the group.
Bury Your Dead (2007)
In March 2007, Crafter took on vocal duties for American band Bury Your Dead but left mid-tour in May due to homesickness. He later explained that his departure was influenced by internal band turmoil, frequent altercations among members, and an intimidating environment involving an armed gang culture that complicated touring operations.
Confession (2008–2016)
Founded by Crafter in 2008, Confession included musicians from Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Byron Bay. Their initial EP Can't Live, Can't Breathe was released that year, followed by their debut album Cancer in 2009, which earned Australian Album of the Year honors. The 2011 release The Long Way Home supported a well-received tour featuring a revamped lineup.
The band experienced numerous personnel shifts: guitarist Tyrone Burke was temporarily replaced by Kevin Cameron; bassists Jamie Hope and Byron Carney had brief tenures before Tim Anderson joined. In 2012, internal disputes over control became public; Crafter ultimately reclaimed leadership with backing from label representatives and booking agents who supported plans for a new lineup.
Confession's 2014 album Life and Death included guest appearances from Joel Birch and Ahern Stringer of The Amity Affliction. This marked the first record where Crafter remained as the sole founding member.
After a national farewell tour in 2016, Confession disbanded as Crafter prioritized his business endeavors. The group reassembled in 2020 aiming to perform live again; however, COVID-19 restrictions led to cancellations. They issued the single "Twenty Twenty," reflecting on pandemic experiences.
In 2022, Confession toured Australia on the When Goodbye Means It's Life and Death tour, performing tracks from both Confession and I Killed the Prom Queen as a homage to late bassist Sean Kennedy. Although plans for new recordings were announced, they have yet to materialize.
In 2024, Crafter joined Parkway Drive on stage during their Australian tour commemorating their 20th anniversary to perform "Boneyards." Parkway Drive’s frontman Winston McCall publicly acknowledged Crafter’s and I Killed the Prom Queen’s influence on their success during the late 2000s.
Discography
- 2002 – Choose to Love, Live or Die
- 2003 – I Killed The Prom Queen/Parkway Drive: Split CD
- 2003 – When Goodbye Means Forever...
- 2005 – Your Past Comes Back to Haunt You
- 2008 – Music for the Recently Deceased: Australian Tour Edition
- 2008 – Sleepless Nights and City Lights (CD/DVD)
- 2008 – Can't Live, Can't Breathe
- 2009 – Cancer
- 2011 – The Long Way Home
- 2014 – Life and Death