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William Control

From Alfawiki
William Control
Company typeIndependent music project
IndustryMusic
Founded2008 in Seattle, Washington, United States
FounderWilliam Francis
Headquarters
Seattle
,
United States
Area served
United States, United Kingdom, Europe, Canada
ProductsStudio albums, EPs, acoustic albums, live DVDs, remix album
OwnerWilliam Francis

William Control is a music endeavor originating from the United States, established in 2008 in Seattle, Washington. Initially launched as a side project by Aiden's William Francis prior to Aiden's break, it eventually evolved into his primary artistic pursuit. The term 'William Control' identifies both the musical group and Francis's performance persona. Originally signed with Victory Records, Francis later created his own independent label, Control Records. Through William Control, he has produced five studio albums (Hate Culture, Noir, Silentium Amoris, The Neuromancer, and Revelations—which is divided into four EPs), an EP titled Novus Ordo Seclorum, two acoustic records (Skeleton Strings and Skeleton Strings 2), two live DVDs (Live in London Town and Babylon), along with a remix album named Remix. The initial segment of Revelations, called The Pale, was released on October 14, 2016; this was succeeded by The Black on February 17, 2017, then The Red on July 14, and concluded with The White on November 24.

Starting with The Neuromancer, Francis referred to his ensemble as 'The Neuromantic Boys', featuring members Kenneth Fletcher (involved since Hate Culture) and Ian MacWilliams; Crilly Ashes occasionally substituted for Fletcher during live performances in 2017. In October 2017, Control declared his withdrawal from music production and touring to concentrate on his apparel ventures and Control Records. In June 2018, activities were paused following allegations of sexual assault and accusations concerning a "sex cult" linked to some followers.

2008

William Control's first album, Hate Culture, debuted in 2008. As discussed in a Kerrang! interview, the album recounts the narrative of William Control's final evening before taking his own life. This release attained No. 12 on the Billboard Electronic Albums chart and reached No. 43 on the Heatseekers list. A music video was produced for the single "Beautiful Loser," and the band supported Escape the Fate during their This War Is Ours Tour in late 2008. Their inaugural live performance occurred at Revolution in the Bronx, New York City on September 26, 2008.

2009–2010

In 2009, Control commenced work on his follow-up album, Noir, which was released on June 8, 2010. Collaborations included artists such as Ash Costello from New Years Day and Jeffree Star, with fans also invited to contribute vocals for certain tracks. Although "Deathclub" was excluded from the final tracklist of Noir, a remix version circulated on social platforms; the original recording originated from sessions during the creation of Hate Culture. The only single issued from Noir was "I'm Only Human Sometimes."

During 2010, Control delivered spoken word adaptations of Edgar Allan Poe's literary works via iTunes, featuring pieces like "Eleonora," "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Oval Portrait," and "The Raven." Additionally, the band opened for Black Veil Brides on their Entertainment Or Death Tour.

After releasing Noir, Control parted ways with Victory Records and launched his own label, Control Records, headquartered near Seattle, Washington. Since then, all music has been distributed through this independent company.

2011

On November 29, 2011, William Control unveiled a five-song EP titled Novus Ordo Seclorum. Physical editions contained an exclusive cover of New Order’s track "1963". Concurrently, Control released his second literary work, Prose + Poems, following his previous collaboration with Lisa Johnson, Flowers & Filth.

2012

At the beginning of 2012, the announcement came for the third studio album, Silentium Amoris, which was officially released on April 2, 2012.

During April and May, the band participated in the Fight To Unite US Tour alongside Brokencyde and Blood on the Dance Floor. In June, William Control led the New Faith Tour across the UK, Netherlands, and France, including a performance on the Red Bull stage at Download Festival. The album’s only single, "Kiss Me Judas", premiered as a music video on June 26, 2012.

In August and September, the band recorded their first live DVD, Live In London Town, directed by Tim Bullock and produced by A Glass Half. Released in January 2013, this twenty-track DVD features a concert at O2 Academy Islington along with behind-the-scenes content and interviews. The closing credits include an unreleased 21st track titled "Speak To Me Of Abduction".

In October and November 2012, William Control supported The Birthday Massacre on their North American tour with Aesthetic Perfection.

2013

Early in 2013, William Control joined The Church Of The Wild Ones US Tour with Black Veil Brides and appeared in the film Legion of the Black, inspired by Black Veil Brides’ album Wretched and Divine.

In February, Control delivered brief DJ performances during the Kerrang! Tour 2013.

March marked the release of Skeleton Strings, his debut acoustic album available exclusively as a digital download. It combined original compositions with covers from artists such as HIM, Placebo, Morrissey, and The Smiths. Proceeds were directed towards establishing his recording studio and producing The Neuromancer. Additionally, a video for "The Velvet Warms And Binds" from Silentium Amoris was launched.

In November, William Control headlined Friday night at Whitby Gothic Weekend, having previously supported at the event in April.

On October 1, 2013, Control announced his forthcoming studio album, The Neuromancer, scheduled for early December release ahead of the US Revel Without A Cause Tour. He also revealed that his book Revelator Book One: The Neuromancer would be available sooner than planned as a limited pre-order of 500 copies. Due to strong demand, an additional 100 copies were issued. The book is now accessible in both paperback and digital editions.

2014

The Neuromancer was released on April 4, 2014, featuring singles "Revelator" and "Price We Pay," preceded by a lyric video for "Illuminator" on March 23. William Control supported aggrotech act Combichrist during their American and European We Love You Tour in spring and again from October to December. During this period, a live DVD was recorded at Bar Sinister in Hollywood; titled Babylon, it includes appearances by Andy Biersack (Black Veil Brides) and Ash Costello (New Years Day), directed by Tim Bullock and produced by A Glass Half.

In August 2014, William Control launched The Punishment Tour across the UK with support from Ashestoangels and Bad Pollyanna. Although scheduled to appear at Alt-Fest, the event was cancelled.

November 2014 saw the release of Revelator Book Two: The Hate Culture, initially distributed via Control’s website before becoming available in paperback and digital formats. On Christmas Eve, a follow-up acoustic album entitled Skeleton Strings 2 was released.

During this period, William Control introduced a new velvet rose logo inspired by lyrics from "Adore (Fall In Love Forever)" off The Neuromancer, which appeared on releases and merchandise.

Additionally, an album of remixes titled Remix was offered as a complimentary download through NoiseTrade.

2015

At the beginning of 2015, Francis established his own screen-printing venture, Control Merch, aiming to have full creative authority over merchandise production. Initially operating out of a leased workspace, he acquired a retail location in early 2016 to facilitate business growth. Alongside this, he launched the Submit Clothing brand.

The second leg of The Punishment Tour took place in April 2015 across the UK and from May to June 2015 in the US. The UK dates featured support from Ashestoangels, while Requiem and Justin Symbol accompanied the US shows. The band appeared at Whitby Goth Weekend on Sunday evening before The Damned and wrapped up the year with a live performance at Toronto's Aftermath Festival in August.

2016

Francis previewed new material from his fifth studio album through Instagram and Facebook, collaborating with Kenneth Fletcher and Axel Otero of Lay Your Ghost at his home studio during spring and summer 2016.

In July 2016, he embarked on a five-stop solo acoustic UK tour called The Skeleton Strings Tour, with Crilly of Ashestoangels as support. This was followed in September by a full-band ten-date UK tour titled Synths And Sinners.

On September 5, the lead single "The Monster" from the The Pale EP—the first installment in a series of four EPs comprising the album Revelations—was released on YouTube. Pre-orders opened later that month via Control Merch and iTunes. After a planned comprehensive US tour was canceled, several US dates were rescheduled for October and November, including an appearance on JBTV. The Pale, containing tracks such as "Confess," "When The Love Is Pain," and "Mother Superior," was officially released on October 14, 2016. Music videos for "Confess" and "When The Love Is Pain," filmed during the Synths And Sinners Tour, were issued in October and November respectively. The Pale achieved number one positions on both the Billboard Dance/Electronic and Heatseekers album charts.

During spring 2016, a trilogy of films inspired by the three Revelator novels was announced. In November, Francis revealed plans for Revelator Book Three: The Hell Of Heaven, whose first edition pre-orders sold out within a day by December.

Also in December, Francis created his own street team called The Neuromantics, named after his coined 'Neuromantic Movement.' He filed for a trademark on Submit Clothing, which was officially granted in January 2018.

2017

The music video for "Mother Superior," the closing track from The Pale, was filmed in Seattle and released on January 25, 2017. The band conducted several headline shows across the US under the Synths & Sinners Tour banner before joining Andy Black of Black Veil Brides as support on his Homecoming: The Curtain Call Tour throughout the US and Canada, concluding in Pomona, California on March 3.

On February 10, the video for "Analog Flesh In A Digital World," the lead track from Revelations: The Black EP, was unveiled; the EP itself followed on February 17. Pre-orders began February 5 through Control Merch. The Black reached number six on the Billboard Top Dance/Electronic Albums chart and secured number one on Heatseekers. Videos for "Knife Play" and "All I Need" were released April 1 and May 13 respectively.

In April, the band completed a European tour supporting Aesthetic Perfection with Crilly Ashes filling in on keyboards. From June to August they performed across various US venues as part of Warped Tour 2017, again featuring Crilly Ashes. During Warped Tour, Control hosted daily workshops focused on DIY music business techniques. Additionally, he appeared at the Alternative Press Music Awards presenting New Years Day.

An introductory video about Control Records was posted on June 29. A sampler CD from Control Records was distributed at Warped Tour events and made available digitally; it included a William Control cover of Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" alongside tracks by The Neuromantic Boys, Black Blinds, Lay Your Ghost, and The Secret Post.

Pre-orders for Revelations: The Red EP commenced June 30 through Control Merch as well as digital platforms like iTunes, Amazon, and Spotify; its release followed on July 14. The EP peaked at number five on the Billboard Dance/Electronic chart while topping Heatseekers. A video for "Let Her Go" came out September 6. Furthermore, a limited-edition signed hardcover book compiling all three Revelator novels was published.

In October, the band joined Motionless in White's Graveyard Shift Tour but withdrew prematurely after frontman Francis announced his retirement from touring to focus on his apparel ventures and Control Records. This decision came amid allegations related to inappropriate BDSM conduct and coercive behavior. Despite these issues, he committed to releasing the final chapter of Revelations, titled The White. On November 13, a lyric video for "Ghost" was released but remained the only video associated with this EP.

Released November 24, The White featured guest vocals by Axel Otero of Lay Your Ghost, Lvci (both signed to Control Records), and Crilly Ashes. It debuted at number one on both the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart and Heatseekers chart.

2018

On June 4, 2018, Francis revealed plans for a comprehensive Revelations album that would merge tracks from earlier EPs with two fresh songs. Nevertheless, controversy emerged when Control was accused of operating a "sex cult" that allegedly involved sexual misconduct, grooming minors, and branding victims with his initials. As a consequence, Control decided on June 8 to withdraw the album release and shut down Control Records to safeguard the label’s other artists. Multiple signed musicians departed from the label; notably, Daniel Graves of Aesthetic Perfection reissued their joint song "Rhythm + Control" without Control’s vocal parts, donating all earnings for half a year to Planned Parenthood.

The full Revelations album became available on June 22, 2018. Later, on October 11, Control unveiled a music video for "All the Love," one of the album’s tracks. This particular song drew criticism from accusers who claimed it mocked victims and promoted self-harm. On December 22, 2018, Control announced a reissue of Hate Culture.

2019

Beginning March 15, 2019, Control published a series of videos on YouTube where he responded to allegations by sharing what he described as personal proof. Despite these efforts, the accusations remained unresolved.

2020

On October 31, Control introduced the single "Abuse" accompanied by a video release and the message "And we begin a new adventure..." along with the track’s lyrics.

2021

On April 16, 2021, Control debuted a six-song album entitled Sex Cult, Vol. 1.

Band members

The Neuromantic Boys

This group’s name is derived from lyrics in "Revelator," featured on The Neuromancer album.

  • Kenneth Fletcher – guitar (2008–2012), bass and backing vocals (2012–2017), synthesizers
  • Ian MacWilliams – keyboards and synthesizers (2013–2017), backing vocals
  • Crilly Ashes – live synthesizers and keyboards, backing vocals [2014 (UK tour), 2017 (European tour and Vans Warped Tour)]
  • Nick Rossi – drums (2017)
Former members
  • Nick Wiggins – bass and backing vocals (2008–2012)
  • Keef West – drums (2012)
  • Philip Kross – bass and backing vocals (2012)
  • Ben Tourkantonis – drums (2014–2017)

Studio albums

EPs

Acoustic albums

  • Skeleton Strings (2013)
  • Skeleton Strings 2 (2014)

Remix albums

  • Remix (2014)

Live albums

Singles

  • "Beautiful Loser" (2008)
  • "I'm Only Human Sometimes" (2010)
  • "Kiss Me Judas" (2012)
  • "Revelator" (2014)
  • "Price We Pay" (2014)
  • "The Monster" (2016)
  • "Confess" (2016)
  • "When the Love Is Pain" (2016)
  • "Mother Superior" (2017)
  • "Analog Flesh in a Digital World" (2017)
  • "Knife Play" (2017)
  • "All I Need" (2017)
  • "Let Her Go" (2017)
  • "Ghost" (2017)
  • "Abuse" (2020)
  • “Baptized” (2021)

Music videos

  • "Beautiful Loser" (2008)
  • "Deathclub" (2009)
  • "I'm Only Human Sometimes" (2010)
  • "Kiss Me Judas" (2012)
  • "Speak to Me of Abduction" (2012)
  • "The Velvet Warms and Binds" (2013)
  • "New World Order" (2013)
  • "Revelator" (2014)
  • "Price We Pay" (2014)
  • "Illuminator" (lyric video) (2014)
  • "The Monster" (2016)
  • "Confess" (2016)
  • "When the Love Is Pain" (2016)
  • "Mother Superior" (2017)
  • "Analog Flesh in a Digital World" (2017)
  • "Knife Play" (2017)
  • "All I Need" (2017)
  • "Let Her Go" (2017)
  • "Ghost" (lyric video) (2017)
  • "Abuse" (2020)
  • "Baptized" (2021)

Soundtrack contributions

  • Saw V Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (2008) – track: "Strangers"
  • Underworld: Rise of the Lycans soundtrack (2009) – featured song: "Deathclub," including a remix by Matt Skiba (Wes Borland/Renholdër)
  • Underworld: Awakening soundtrack (2012) – contribution: "The Posthumous Letter"
  • Fucking Mystic soundtrack (2014) – track: "Adore (Fall in Love Forever)"

Bibliography

  • Flowers & Filth (2009) – collection of poetry and photography by William Control and Lisa Johnson.
  • Prose + Poems (2011) – compilation of poetry, short writings, and essays by William Control, originally available through his website and included with certain Silentium Amoris pre-orders.
  • Revelator Book One: The Neuromancer (2013) – first installment of a trilogy that delves into William Control's backstory, mirroring themes from his albums; limited edition pre-orders offered via official channels.
  • Revelator Book Two: The Hate Culture (2014) – second volume in the trilogy.
  • Revelator Book Three: The Hell Of Heaven (2016) – concluding novel of the trilogy.
  • Revelator (2017) – exclusive hardcover edition compiling all three novels.

Collaborations

Guest appearances
  • Vocals on To Feel the Rain by On the Last Day, from the EP Wars Like Whispers (2005), credited as Wil Francis
  • Live performance of Bleeds No More with Silverstein, featured on their compilation 18 Candles: The Early Years (2006), credited as Wil Francis
  • Live rendition of Box Full of Sharp Objects with The Used during Taste of Chaos 2007 tour, credited as Wil Francis
  • Featured on Bleeding Rain by Vampires Everywhere! from the album Kiss the Sun Goodbye (2011)
  • Guest vocals on Now That You're Dead by The Used, included in the album Vulnerable (2012)
  • Collaboration on We Join Forces by Mister Underground (2012)
  • Provided the voice for F.E.A.R. on Black Veil Brides' album Wretched and Divine: The Story of the Wild Ones (2013)
  • Appearance on Bury a Legend by One Last Shot, found on the album Bastards of the Plague (2013)
  • Contribution to Pure Fucking Evil by Blood on the Dance Floor, featured on their album Bitchcraft (2014)
  • Featured on two tracks, Neon in the Dance Halls and City Falls to Dust, by Fearless Vampire Killers, from their album Unbreakable Hearts (2014)
  • Guest spot on Living Hell by Ashestoangels, included in the album Horror Cult (2014)

Production work

  • EP Revenge (2011) released by Seattle-based group Girl On Fire
  • EPs The Ghost (2011) and Through The Rain (2011) from Seattle dark rock act To Paint the Sky (performing as Wil Francis)
  • Album I Tried to Make You Immortal, You Tried to Make Me a KILLER (2012) by New Jersey rock ensemble A Midnight Tragedy
  • Album Mile End (2013) by Austrian punk outfit Stupe-iT
  • Albums With Tape and Needles (2013), Horror Cult (2014), and How to Bleed (2016) produced for English electro-goth punk band Ashestoangels
  • Album Unbreakable Hearts (2014) by English rock group Fearless Vampire Killers

Headlining

  • Noir Tour - United Kingdom (July/August 2010) featuring William Control alongside Mavricz and Octane Ok
  • Live in London - United Kingdom (August/September 2012) with William Control supported by Obscure Pleasures and Ashestoangels
  • New Faith Tour - United Kingdom (May/June 2012) headlined by William Control with Fearless Vampire Killers and Obscure Pleasures
  • UK Headliner Tour - United Kingdom (April/May 2013) William Control accompanied by AlterRed
  • Revel Without a Cause Tour - United States (2013) featuring William Control with Fearless Vampire Killers and Davey Suicide
  • The Punishment Tour - UK/Europe (August 2014) led by William Control with Ashestoangels and Bad Pollyanna
  • The Punishment Tour - United Kingdom (April 2015) William Control supported by Ashestoangels
  • The Punishment Tour - United States (2015) William Control with Requiem and Justin Symbol
  • The Skeleton Strings Tour - UK (July 2016) acoustic performances by William Control alongside Crilly Ashes
  • The Synths And Sinners Tour - United Kingdom (2016) featuring William Control with Bad Pollyanna, Pretty Addicted, and As Sirens Fall
  • The Synths And Sinners Tour - USA (October–November 2016) William Control joined by MXMS for November dates
  • The Synths And Sinners Tour - USA (February 2017) William Control with Palaye Royale

Supporting roles and festival appearances

External links

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