Scary Kids Scaring Kids
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Gilbert, Arizona, United States |
| Headquarters | Gilbert, Arizona , United States |
| Products | Music albums, singles, extended plays |
Scary Kids Scaring Kids (abbreviated as SKSK) is a post-hardcore group from the United States, established in 2002 in Gilbert, Arizona.
Their name is derived from a track by Cap'n Jazz. With Tyson Stevens as the frontman, they produced two albums: The City Sleeps in Flames (2005) and their eponymous Scary Kids Scaring Kids (2007). After completing a farewell tour in 2010, the band ceased activities. They later reunited in 2019 and released their third studio album, Out of Light, in 2022.
2002–2005: Formation, After Dark, and The City Sleeps In Flames
The original ensemble featured Tyson Stevens handling bass and lead vocals, guitarists Chad Crawford and DJ Wilson (who eventually transitioned to bass), Steve Kirby on guitar, Pouyan Afkary on keyboards, and Peter Costa on drums. While still attending Highland High School—graduating in 2003—they independently funded their debut EP titled After Dark. Immortal Records reissued this EP in 2005. Following a period of near disbandment, the group resolved to pursue music full-time.
Under Immortal Records, they collaborated with producer Brian McTernan to record their first full-length album, The City Sleeps in Flames, which was released on June 28, 2005.
2006–2007: Release of self-titled album
Their self-titled second album, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, launched on August 28, 2007, was produced by Don Gilmore, recognized for his work with Dashboard Confessional, Good Charlotte, and Linkin Park. Despite an extensive touring schedule throughout that year, the band focused on crafting a unified album experience, incorporating seamless song transitions, along with prelude and interlude tracks, and recurring thematic elements.
During 2007, they earned the Best Noise/Screamo Band accolade at the Arizona Ska Punk Awards—a title they reclaimed in 2010—and also won Best Independent Band in 2009.
In January 2008, they were honored with a Libby Award from PETA as Best Newcomers for their participation in the 'I Am Not A Nugget' campaign opposing Chicken Express.
2008–2019: Record label transition, disbandment, Tyson Stevens's passing, and "Loved Forever"
After departing from Immortal Records, the band signed with RCA Records. While touring in the fall alongside Anberlin, Straylight Run, and There for Tomorrow, they announced intentions to produce a third studio album but ultimately disbanded prior to recording new tracks.
During the concluding days of the 2009 Warped Tour, lead vocalist Tyson Stevens took a leave of absence. Guest singers such as Craig Mabbitt (Escape the Fate), Brandon Bolmer (formerly of Chiodos), Vic Fuentes (Pierce the Veil), and Cove Reber (formerly of Saosin) stepped in as vocal replacements.
On November 30, 2009, Pouyan Afkary confirmed that the band mutually agreed to part ways following a farewell tour scheduled for 2010. Drummer Derek Smith participated during this final tour and also performed opening sets with his hip hop project, Mod Sun. The anticipated third album remained incomplete without recorded vocals.
Tragically, Tyson Stevens passed away on October 20, 2014, at age 29. To commemorate what would have been his 34th birthday, the band released "Loved Forever" on September 29, 2019. This song was composed and performed vocally by rhythm guitarist Chad Crawford and produced by Hiram Hernandez.
2019–present: Reunion, rotating lineup, Out of Light and Maps Written in Water
On November 18, 2019, Crawford, Afkary, and Costa revealed that Scary Kids Scaring Kids would reunite for the 15th anniversary tour of The City Sleeps in Flames. The touring lineup featured vocal duties by Cove Reber, known from Saosin and Dead American, with Don Vedda on lead guitar and Jordan Flower handling bass. This tour took place from January 13 to 24, 2020, in collaboration with To Write Love On Her Arms. A series of additional East Coast shows planned for June to July 2020, supported by The Classic Crime, Picturesque, and Eidola, were postponed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On February 4, 2021, the band signed with Velocity Records and hinted at upcoming studio recordings via Instagram.
The postponed East Coast tour dates were rescheduled and occurred between September 17 and October 1, 2021, with The Villa stepping in for Eidola as support. During these performances, the band debuted a new track titled "Knock It All Down."
On October 5, 2021, they announced the exclusive release of "The Lost Album Demos" (2010) — a collection of rough tracks and demos intended for their fourth studio album — made available solely through their Discord community.
Velocity Records unveiled the 2022 tour on December 18, featuring Scary Kids Scaring Kids alongside D.R.U.G.S., Dead American, and Secrets. This tour ran from February 16 to March 20, with Kurt Travis (Royal Coda, formerly of Dance Gavin Dance) serving as lead vocalist. Additionally, the band performed two shows in December 2021 with Donovan Melero (of Hail the Sun and Sianvar) on lead vocals.
The single "Knock It All Down (feat. Lil Lotus)" was released on February 22, 2022, marking the first preview from their third album Out of Light. A follow-up single titled "Nightmare," featuring Spencer Charnas from Ice Nine Kills, was issued one month later. Released on May 27, 2022, Out of Light received varied critical responses; each song includes a guest vocalist.
In January 2023, SKSK toured with Craig Mabbitt providing vocals. Between May and June 2023, the band toured again featuring vocalists Albert Schweizer (formerly of Violent New Breed) and Paul Rose (previously with Cover Your Tracks and Curses).
Their fourth studio album titled Maps Written in Water is slated for independent release on July 11, 2025. Prior to this release, singles including "Blackout" (feat. Rat Park), "State of Disrepair" (feat. Paul Rose), "Oblivion" (feat. Kat Leon), and "Suspended in Air" (feat. Albert Schweizer) have been issued. Similar to Out of Light, this album will showcase various guest lead vocalists such as Tilian, Andy Cizek, Toby Morrell, Lacey Sturm, Craig Mabbitt, and Myke Terry.
Band members
Current members
- Chad Crawford – vocals, lead and rhythm guitar (2002–2010; 2019–present)
- Pouyan Afkary – keyboards, synthesizers, programming, piano, backing vocals (2002–2010; 2019–present)
Former members
- Tyson Stevens – lead vocals, additional guitar, programming (2002–2010); bass (2002–2004; died 2014)
- DJ Wilson – bass guitar, backing vocals (2004–2010); lead guitar (2002–2004)
- Peter Costa – drums and percussion (2002–2005; 2019–2022)
- Steve Kirby – lead and rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2004–2010)
- Justin Salter – drums and percussion (2005–2007)
- James Ethridge – drums and percussion (2007–2009)
- Tanner Wayne – drums and percussion (2009)
- Derek Smith (Mod Sun) – drums and percussion (2009–2010)
Current touring musicians
- Albert Schweizer – lead vocals (2023–present)
- Kash Jaeger – drums and percussion (2023–present)
- Colton Westerman – bass guitar (2023–present)
- Johnny Natoli – lead and rhythm guitar (2024–present)
Former touring musicians
- Brandon Bolmer – lead vocals (2009)
- Vic Fuentes – lead vocals (2009)
- Craig Mabbitt – lead vocals (2009, 2022–2023)
- Cove Reber – lead vocals (2009, 2019–2021, 2022)
- Don Vedda – guitars and backing vocals (2019–2020)
- Lil Lotus – lead vocals (2021–2022; appeared live only on "Knock It All Down")
- Donovan Melero – lead vocals (2021-2022; featured live solely on "Black Hole")
- Cody Ash – drums (2022)
- Kurt Travis – lead vocals (2022, 2023)
- Jordan Flower – bass guitar and backing vocals (2019–2023)
- Paul Rose – lead vocals (2023)
- Jared Gaines – guitar and backing vocals (2019–2024)
Discography
Full-length albums
- The City Sleeps in Flames (2005)
- Scary Kids Scaring Kids (2007)
- Out of Light (2022)
- Maps Written In Water (2025)
Extended plays
- After Dark (2004) (re-released in 2007 and 2017)
- Saltmine Sessions (2024)
Singles
| Year | Track | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Bulletproof" | After Dark |
| "What's Up Now" | ||
| 2005 | "The Only Medicine" | The City Sleeps in Flames |
| "My Darkest Hour" | ||
| 2007 | "Faces" | Scary Kids Scaring Kids |
| "Snake Devil" | ||
| 2019 | "Loved Forever" | Standalone single |
| 2022 | "Knock It All Down" (feat. Lil Lotus) |
Out of Light |
| "Nightmare" (feat. Spencer Charnas) | ||
| "Escape from My Reality" (feat. Mod Sun) | ||
| 2024 | "Blackout" (feat. Rat Park) |
Maps Written in Water |
| 2025 | "State of Disrepair" (feat. Paul Rose) | |
| "Oblivion" (feat. Kat Leon) | ||
| "Suspended in Air" (feat. Albert Schweizer) |
Additional contributions
| Song | Year | Compilation |
|---|---|---|
| "Losing My Religion" (cover of R.E.M.) |
2006 | Punk Goes 90's |
| "What a Wonderful World" (cover of Louis Armstrong) |
A Santa Cause: It's a Punk Rock Christmas Vol. 2 | |
| "Notorious Thugs" (cover of The Notorious B.I.G.) |
2008 | Punk Goes Crunk |