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Band Timeline

2002

Formation and Early Years

Scary Kids Scaring Kids formed in Gilbert, Arizona in 2002. The band originally consisted of Tyson Stevens on bass and lead vocals, guitarists Chad Crawford, DJ Wilson, and Steve Kirby, Pouyan Afkary on keyboards, and drummer Peter Costa. They self-financed their debut EP 'After Dark' while still in Highland High School. After nearly disbanding, they decided to pursue the band full-time after graduating in 2003.
2005

Debut Album Release 'The City Sleeps in Flames'

Scary Kids Scaring Kids signed with Immortal Records and released their first studio album, 'The City Sleeps in Flames,' on June 28, 2005. The album was produced by Brian McTernan. This release marked the band's initial rise in the post-hardcore scene, showcasing their energetic and emotional style which would become their signature.
2007

Self-Titled Second Album and Recognition

On August 28, 2007, the band released their self-titled sophomore album, produced by Don Gilmore. This album was notable for its composed structure, featuring smooth transitions between tracks, a prelude, and an interlude, adding a conceptual cohesion to the work. The group spent much of 2007 touring extensively. They were recognized as the Best Noise/Screamo Band at the 2007 Arizona Ska Punk Awards, highlighting their growing influence in the genre.
2008

PETA Libby Award and Advocacy

In January 2008, Scary Kids Scaring Kids received a Libby Award from PETA for Best Newcomers. The band earned this award for their advocacy work speaking out against Chicken Express as part of PETA's 'I Am Not A Nugget' campaign. This recognition underscored their engagement with social causes beyond music.
2009

Major Label Signing and Band Challenges

In 2009, the band left Immortal Records and signed with RCA Records. They toured with Anberlin, Straylight Run, and There for Tomorrow and planned a third studio album. However, lead vocalist Tyson Stevens took personal time off during the Warped Tour, with several guest vocalists filling in. The band decided to disband by the end of the year, ending plans for the new album, which remained unfinished without vocals.
2010

Farewell Tour and Disbandment

Scary Kids Scaring Kids officially disbanded in 2010 after a farewell tour featuring drummer Derek Smith. The tour served as a final opportunity to celebrate the band's career and connect with fans. The band's dissolution marked the end of an era for their passionate fanbase and the post-hardcore scene they had impacted.
2014

Passing of Lead Vocalist Tyson Stevens

On October 20, 2014, Tyson Stevens, the band's charismatic lead vocalist and songwriter, tragically passed away at the age of 29. His death was a significant and somber moment for fans and members alike, marking the loss of a key figure who had been the voice and emotional core of Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
2019

Band Reunion and Tribute Song

In 2019, Scary Kids Scaring Kids reunited and released 'Loved Forever' on September 29, a tribute song honoring what would have been Tyson Stevens's 34th birthday. Written and sung by guitarist Chad Crawford, the track was produced by Hiram Hernandez and signaled a new chapter for the band, blending nostalgia with renewed creative energy.
2022

Release of Third Studio Album 'Out of Light'

After reuniting, Scary Kids Scaring Kids released their third studio album, 'Out of Light,' in 2022. This album marked their return to the music scene with a refreshed lineup and musical direction, continuing their legacy in the post-hardcore genre while honoring their past influences and experiences as a band.
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Members

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Derek Smith

2009
2010

Percussion

Peter Costa

2002
2005

Percussion

Peter Costa

2002
2005

Drums (drum set)

Tyson Stevens

2002
2004

Bass guitar

Tanner Wayne

2009
2009

Percussion

Drums (drum set)

Stephen Kirby

2004
2010

Guitar

Chad Crawford

2002
2010

Guitar

Derek Smith

2009
2010

Drums (drum set)

James Ethridge

2007
2009

Drums (drum set)

DJ Wilson

2002
2004

Guitar

DJ Wilson

2004
2010

Bass guitar

DJ Wilson

2004
2010

Background vocals

Pouyan Afkary

2002
2010

Keyboard

Pouyan Afkary

2002
2010

Piano

Justin Salter

2005
2007

Percussion

Tyson Stevens

2002
2010

Lead vocals

Justin Salter

2005
2007

Drums (drum set)

Pouyan Afkary

2002
2010

Synthesizer

Story of Scary Kids Scaring Kids

Hailing from Gilbert, Arizona, Scary Kids Scaring Kids (SKSK) emerged in 2002, their name a nod to the Cap'n Jazz track of the same name. This post-hardcore quintet, originally featuring Tyson Stevens (vocals/bass), Chad Crawford (guitar), DJ Wilson (guitar), Steve Kirby (guitar), Pouyan Afkary (keyboards), and Peter Costa (drums), initially self-released their After Dark EP while still in high school. After a near-disbandment, they committed to music full-time, securing a deal with Immortal Records. This led to their breakthrough debut album, The City Sleeps in Flames (2005), establishing them as a force in the post-hardcore scene. With Stevens as the driving creative force, the band went on to release their self-titled second album in 2007 before disbanding in 2010 following a farewell tour. A highly anticipated reunion in 2019 culminated in the release of their third studio album, Out of Light, in 2022.

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