Los Angeles-based rock band The Dark makes a bold statement with their impactful new single, "Head Of Snake," an edgy and gripping track that sets the stage of what to expect from their upcoming debut EP releasing February 15. Following the single, the band has also released fierce tracks like "Chemicals" and "Slip Away." After surging the rock radio charts, which included a rotation of plays on SiriusXM Octane, it's no wonder the band is quickly evolving in the music scene. We recently got the chance to talk to lead vocalist Craig Johns Jr., and here's what he had to say.
MSM: The Dark’s sound blends the sensual ambiance of industrial icons with the raw aggression of modern metal. How would you describe your musical style in your own words?
Craig Johns Jr.: I call it “late night metal,” haha. I mean, you nailed it, it’s the play between intimate and aggressive.
Your music brings to mind acts like Deftones, White Zombie, and Nine Inch Nails. How have these influences shaped the direction of The Dark, and do you see any particular band or genre as a primary inspiration for your sound?
I don’t know if I see any one band as a primary source of inspiration... I grew up on all kinds of industrial rock and nu-metal, as well as lots else, and I think I’m now just pulling from the way it felt listening to them all, more than any single artist. You know, there’s something really special about the atmosphere of Deftones, the energy of White Zombie, and the production of NIN… I guess I’m subconsciously taking the elements I like or what I’ve learned from any given artist and creating my own vision.
With such a distinctive, brooding aesthetic, how much of your sound is a direct reflection of your personal experiences or emotional states?
Oh man, a lot of it. Lyrically, and I guess just as a person, I’m pretty open about what I’m feeling. It made a lot of sense with this dystopian sound and became a theme across the EP.
The singles "Chemicals," "Slip Away," and "Head of the Snake" have made quite an impact already. What can you tell us about the creative process behind these tracks?
“Chemicals” and “Head of the Snake” started as demos Alan had made, and then I re-produced them… added this… took away that… you know, and wrote vocals. “Slip Away” I made while he was on tour, but then for all three we sat down and finished them together, going over every tiny thing and making sure we loved it.
"Chemicals" has already amassed nearly 300,000 streams within a month—congratulations! What do you think has contributed to the song’s success, and how does it feel to see such a strong response this early?
Does it!? Dang! Well, I think we picked the right song to come out with. It’s a great example of our sound. Heavy, catchy, sort of checks all the right boxes. It had a quick moment on TikTok too with some review guys, and Octane picked it up unexpectedly so that helped a lot too I think! Whatever it was, I’m incredibly grateful, I didn’t expect our first song to do much at all.
Your music seems to thrive on its contrast—between seductive, atmospheric qualities and aggressive energy. Was that dynamic something you set out to achieve from the start?
Yeah, I’m a sucker for a huge hit or a totally dry moment. When you come up on a new section and it feels like all the air got sucked out of the room… I mean there’s no drug like that feeling. It’s so cool. I also love the massive down-tuned guitar wall-of-sound thing. The trick was actually not to let the dynamics get out of control, haha.
The tracks also seem to embody an intense emotional range. Can you walk us through the themes and stories you explore within these songs?
I’d actually prefer not to.
The chemistry between you and your bandmates clearly plays a crucial role in The Dark’s music. Can you talk a bit about the dynamic within the band and how you collaborate when it comes to songwriting and arranging?
Alan and I have been writing together for a couple years now. He originally called me to write some electronic-oriented stuff which ended up becoming The Dark. It went through a lot of different phases but ended up here. Then in early 2024, Derek and I had done a tour with an artist and really hit it off, so once we got back to LA I called him and asked if he’d want to play drums. We showed him and his buddy, Nick, the songs, and then were instantly into it. They joined on drum and bass and now we’re ripping as a four-piece!
What is the significance of the band’s name, 'The Dark'? How does it reflect the music you create and the world you're building with your art?
It’s the dark behind your eyes, it’s the dark in the world, it’s the thoughts in the back of your head, it’s the things you don’t know, it’s getting off work at 5am, it’s everything.
What’s the story behind the upcoming EP? Can fans expect more of the same from these singles, or are there any surprises in store?
We have a single January 24 and then the EP comes out in February. No surprises that I know of, and if I knew I couldn’t tell you!
What do you hope that fans take away the most about your music? Is there anything that fans can expect from you guys coming up?
I hope that fans understand how much I care. I put everything I have into the songs, the production, the videos, everything. And it’s only going to get more intense.
*interview questions written by Adrianna Peralta
