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Crywank
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Crywank is an English anti-folk band based out of Manchester, England. The band is a trio consisting of vocalist/guitarist and founder Jay Clayton, drummer Dan Watson, who joined in 2012 and bassist Jules Noel, who joined in 2024. AllMusic describes their body of work as containing "sadness, paranoia, misery, and dry humor", comparing them to AJJ or 'a sarcastic Bright Eyes'.[1] The group have independently released eight full length albums. They have previously toured the UK, Ireland, Mainland Europe, Russia, South East Asia, South America, Australia, New Zealand, US, Mexico and Canada.[2][3]
Key Information
History
[edit]Crywank was started in 2009 by Jay Clayton. At the time, Clayton didn't know how to play guitar. They first learned two chords and wrote a few songs with said chords. After early demos were distributed online, James Is Going To Die Soon was released in September 2010, released under the Crywank pseudonym. Their second album Narcissist on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown followed in April 2012.[1]
Clayton enlisted drummer Dan Watson to turn Crywank into a band for their third full length, Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday and Everyday Is Stupid which was self-released in 2013. The album would later be distributed via the label Mutant League Records.
Crywank released the tongue-in-cheek Shameless Valentines Money Grab EP in time for the holiday in 2014. A few weeks later, Clayton also released a Simpsons-inspired EP, Following the Lizard Queen, from the perspective (and under the name) of Langdon Alger, a minor character from the show.[1][4]
Bassist Tom Connolly joined the band in 2015 until 2016 for their European tour with Jordaan Mason and the band's fourth LP Don't Piss on Me, I'm Already Dead which was released in 2016.[1] According to Crywank the title was inspired by a Simpsons quote.[5] In late 2016 Crywank did a co-headline U.K. tour with the Tuts.[6]
In 2017 Crywank worked with Vancouver record label File Under:Music and their One Song at a Time series to produce a music video for their song Part 2.[7] The band's fifth LP Egg on face. Foot in mouth. Wriggling Wriggling Wriggling. was released in December.[8]
In 2019, The sixth LP entitled Wearing Beige On A Grey Day was released in March.[9] In April, Crywank was one of the headliners at that year's Manchester Punk Festival and Hobart's HOBOFOPO Festival.[10][11] They also announced that they were intending to break up after a world tour in the summer of 2020.[12] However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the tour was cut short before they could tour around the US, with co-headliner Chasity.
In 2020, Crywank released their seventh album entitled Fist Me 'Til Your Hand Comes Out My Mouth on May 1.[13] It is the only one of their albums to include drummer Dan Watson on lead vocals for various tracks on the album, and the band describes it as "probably [their] weirdest [album]". The album contains themes of "the importance of self-reflection and also of silliness", "how the band has affected [their] friendship / how [their] friendship has affected the band", and reflection upon the impact of their work.[14]
In 2021, despite previously announcing that Fist Me 'Til Your Hand Comes Out My Mouth would be their final album, Crywank announced their eighth studio album Just Popping In to Say Hi would be released on September 13 of that same year, after Clayton was involved in a housefire earlier that month.[15][16]
In March 2022 Crywank ended their hiatus and continued their postponed farewell world tour, doing shows around Canada with COMMUTED, Guard Petal and Jordaan Mason.[17] In August 2022 Crywank and Chastity fulfilled their postponed two month co-headline tour of the US.[18]
In May 2023, Crywank toured the United States on three headline tours with support from Absinthe Father, Foot ox and local news legend and as a supporting band with Brighton-based indie rock band Lovejoy, as well as releasing a single titled Don't Listen to This Song featuring Guard Petal.[19] Whilst having their one year visa, Crywank managed 100 shows in the USA.
In February 2024, Clayton announced on the Crywank X page that the band was not breaking up, despite their previous farewell tour, and would be bringing in a new member, bass player Jules from Guard Petal.[20]
Between May 3rd and May 4th 2024, Crywank attempted to set an unofficial world record for the most gigs played in different cities in 24 hours.[21] With the intention of beating Frank Turner's attempt, they played 16 shows in 16 different cities. Music Venue Trust recognised Frank Turner as the record holder for performing 15 shows in 10 cities and 5 towns the following day in a tour organised by and in support of Music Venue Trust. Crywank's record was ineligible for official recognition by Music Venue Trust as the rules they were following were based on rules previously implemented by Guinness World Records for the same record. The Music Venue Trust publicly released their rules during Crywank’s attempt to which Crywank responded “Don’t worry babes my attempt is unofficial, if I want verification I’ll ask a punk what they think”.[22]
Members
[edit]Current members
- Jay Clayton – vocals, guitar, dulcimer, piano (2009–present)
- Daniel Watson – drums, percussion, electronics, vocals (2012–present)
- Jules Noel - backing vocals, bass (toured live 2022, joined band 2024)
Past members
- Tom Connolly – bass, guitar, backing vocals (2015-2016)
Timeline

Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- James Is Going to Die Soon – Self release, MP3 (2010), Limited released cassettes in 2011 by Suburban Miasma Records, Mount Seldom Records, Cassette, CD, MP3 (2018)
- Narcissist on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown – Self release, MP3 (2012) and Mount Seldom Records, Cassette, CD, MP3 (2018)
- Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday and Everyday Is Stupid – Self release, MP3 (2013) and Mutant League Records, 12" LP, CD, Cassette, MP3 (2015)
- Don't Piss on Me, I'm Already Dead – Self release, MP3, CD (2016)
- Egg on Face. Foot in Mouth. Wriggling Wriggling Wriggling. – Self release, MP3 (2017) and Mount Seldom Records, Cassette, MP3 (2018)
- Wearing Beige on a Grey Day – Self release, MP3, Cassette (2019)
- Fist Me 'Til Your Hand Comes Out My Mouth – Self release, MP3, 12" 2xLP (2020)
- Just Popping In to Say Hi – Self release, MP3 (2021)
Extended plays
[edit]- On the Road to a Very Bad Place – Self release, MP3 (2010)
- United By Hate (Split with the Anarchist Pizza Society) – Self release, MP3 (2012)
- Shameless Valentines Money Grab – Self release, MP3 (2014)
- I Will Freeze Time and Shit In Your Mouth (Split with Nyla) – Self release, CD (2016)
- Shameless Money Grab – Self release, MP3 (2018)
- I'll Have Some In A Bit – Self release, MP3 (2019)
- Sneck in the Nose – Bagdaddy Records, 7" (2019)
Singles
[edit]- Part 2 – Self release, MP3 (2017)
- Privately Owned Spiral Galaxy – Self release, MP3, cassette tape (Originally released on Tour Demos 2013, re-released 2022)
- Don't Listen to This Song – Self release, MP3 (2023)
Compilations
[edit]- Embarrassing Early Recordings – Self release, MP3 (2014)
- The First Two – Folk Punk Archive, MP3, CD (2020)
- Here You Go, You Do It: A Crywank Covers Compilation – Self release, MP3 (2022)
Demos
[edit]- Demo 2010 – Self release, MP3 (2010)
- James is Going To Die Soon Demos – Self release, MP3 (2010)
- Tour Demos 2013 – Self release, MP3 (2013)
Live albums
[edit]- Live at JT SOAR - Self release, MP3, 2020
- Crywank @ Alibi Lounge - Alibi Lounge, MP3, 2019
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Yeung, Neil Z. "Crywank". Allmusic.
- ^ "Crywank Gigography". Songkick . Archived from the original on 26 December 2024. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
- ^ Gabryel, Sebastian (1 May 2019). "Poznań: Crywank pod Minogą. Anty-folk prosto z Manchesteru". Głos Wielkopolski. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ Blevins, Joe (21 October 2015). "An incredibly obscure Simpsons character just got a moody musical tribute EP". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 1 July 2019.
- ^ Sharma-Joseph, Di’mond (26 July 2016). "Crywank 'Don't piss on me I'm Already Dead' Interview". GIGsoup. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
- ^ Lohan, Aaron (6 July 2016). "THE TUTS RELEASE NEW VIDEO". Punktastic. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ Staff, Noisey (31 January 2017). "Crywank's Video for "Part 2" is a Rendition of Loneliness and Liberation". Noisey. Vice Media. Archived from the original on 27 December 2024. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
- ^ Lohan, Aaron (21 December 2016). "Crywank share new album, 'Egg On Face. Foot in Mouth. Wriggling Wriggling Wriggling.'". Punktastic. Archived from the original on 6 November 2024. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
- ^ Joice, Andy (27 April 2019). "Grab The Tissues. It's Crywank". Punktastic. Archived from the original on 22 March 2025. Retrieved 18 July 2019.
- ^ "Announcement #2: Smoke or Fire, Subhumans, the Creepshow and More!". Manchester Punk Festival. Archived from the original on 21 April 2019. Retrieved 21 April 2019.
- ^ Staff Writers (1 August 2019). "Australia's Folk Punk Fest HOBOFOPO Is Back! Here Are The First Acts On The 2019 Bill". The Music. Archived from the original on 28 March 2025. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ "Crywank Announce Break-up Ahead Of Aussie Tour This Month". Oztix. Archived from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
- ^ "Fist Me 'til Your Hand comes Out My Mouth, by Crywank". Crywank. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ "Crywank on Instagram: "Our new album 'Fist Me 'til Your Hand Comes Out My Mouth' is now available on Bandcamp and iTunes It'll be on streaming platforms soon…"". Instagram. Archived from the original on 25 December 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2020.
- ^ The Crying Wanking Band [@CrywankBand] (27 August 2021). "12 tracks done Crywank - Just Popping In To Say Hi Out next week" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 16 September 2021. Retrieved 8 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Just Popping in to Say Hi, by Crywank".
- ^ "Halifax surprise-hosts famous anti-folk act Crywank on farewell tour". www.the coast.ca. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ "UK antifolk duo Crywank plays rad and sad Sunday concert in Tampa". www.cltampa.com. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
- ^ Don't Listen to This Song - Single by Crywank & Guard Petal on Apple Music, 27 May 2023, retrieved 6 November 2024
- ^ "Crywank". goout.net. Archived from the original on 22 September 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2024.
- ^ @CrywankBand (2 May 2024). "Here it is, the final gig poster Tomorrow at midday I start my unofficial record attempt for most cities performed in 24 hours Here you can see I'm attempting 16 cities [...]" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 May 2024 – via Twitter.
- ^ Chelosky, Danielle (6 May 2024). "Frank Turner Planned A Record-Breaking 15 Gigs In 24 Hours, So Crywank Played 16 The Day Before". Stereogum. Archived from the original on 24 February 2025. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
Crywank
View on GrokipediaHistory
Origins and Formation
Crywank was founded in Manchester, England, in 2009 by Jay Clayton as a solo anti-folk project, despite his lack of prior experience playing guitar.[6] The band's inception stemmed from a late-night session in which Clayton's friend Thomas Saunders taught him basic guitar chords, inspiring the writing and recording of Crywank's first songs, which were soon uploaded to platforms like MySpace.[2] Clayton's early efforts focused on self-released demos, with initial MP3 tracks distributed online in 2010, including the album James Is Going to Die Soon and the collection Embarrassing Early Recordings. These raw, bedroom-recorded pieces established the project's intimate, lo-fi aesthetic and laid the groundwork for Crywank's anti-folk sound.[7] By 2012, Crywank evolved from a solo endeavor into a duo when drummer Dan Watson joined Clayton, adding percussion to the performances. This transition coincided with the band's entry into Manchester's DIY music scenes through early live shows, often self-promoted and held in informal venues, as well as the release of the self-titled EP Narcissist on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.[8][9][2]Breakthrough and Growth
Crywank's debut full-length album, Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday and Everyday Is Stupid, was self-released on November 7, 2013, via Bandcamp, marking the band's transition to a more structured anti-folk sound characterized by lo-fi acoustic elements, emo-infused punk energy, and raw emotional delivery.[10][11] The album, recorded with simple instrumentation including an old guitar and cheap strings, drew influences from artists like Daniel Johnston and Paul Baribeau, establishing Crywank's reputation for blunt, introspective songwriting within the DIY anti-folk scene.[12] In 2015, the band expanded from a duo to a three-piece lineup with bassist Tom Connolly joining vocalist/guitarist Jay Clayton and drummer Dan Watson, adding depth to their live performances and recordings.[13][14] This change enabled fuller arrangements, as seen in subsequent releases, while maintaining the group's commitment to self-managed, independent operations. The 2016 album Don't Piss on Me, I'm Already Dead, released on July 20 via Bandcamp, represented a key milestone, featuring Connolly's bass contributions for the first time and exploring themes of depression through tracks like "There All Is Aching."[15] Produced by Joe Clayton, the record solidified Crywank's anti-folk identity and propelled international touring, including a 2016 U.S. run with multiple dates across North America and a 2017 Australian tour visiting cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide.[16][17] Crywank's fanbase grew steadily during this period through grassroots efforts in DIY punk communities, frequent Bandcamp-exclusive releases that allowed direct fan support, and appearances at festivals such as Gloucester's Common Ground in 2016.[13] These efforts fostered a dedicated following drawn to the band's unpolished ethos and relatable lyrical vulnerability, with online platforms amplifying their reach beyond Manchester's local scene. By late 2018, however, early signs of internal tensions emerged, contributing to reduced live activity as touring frequency declined after a peak of extensive European and international shows.[16]Hiatus Announcement and Continuation
In October 2019, Crywank announced via social media that the band would disband after a decade together, with plans for a final world tour scheduled for 2020.[18] At the time, the group operated as a duo consisting of founder Jay Clayton and drummer Dan Watson, following the earlier departure of bassist Tom Connolly in 2016. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans, postponing the tour and resulting in an unintended hiatus that extended beyond the intended breakup timeline.[8] This period of inactivity allowed the members to take a necessary break, ultimately contributing to the healing of personal relationships strained by years of touring. During the hiatus, Clayton released solo material under the name Onion Skin.[19] During the hiatus, Crywank released The First Two, a compilation album collecting early material from their first two records, issued in November 2020 by Folk Punk Archivist Records.[20] Tours resumed in 2022, with the band completing postponed farewell shows across Europe and North America, followed by additional dates in 2023 and 2024 that affirmed their ongoing activity.[21] In February 2024, Crywank issued a statement clarifying that the band would not disband, attributing the continuation to the restorative effects of the pandemic-era break and announcing the addition of bassist Jules Noel—originally from Newfoundland and known from her project Guard Petal—as a permanent third member, forming the current trio lineup.[19][22] This development, coupled with 2024 performances including European headline tours, marked a definitive shift from breakup plans to sustained operations. The band continued touring in 2025, including a farewell Australian tour in March described as their final visit to the region.[21][23]Musical Style and Themes
Genre and Sound
Crywank is primarily classified as an anti-folk act, incorporating indie folk-punk influences through acoustic guitar-driven compositions and raw, lo-fi production that emphasizes emotional vulnerability and simplicity.[24][25][26] Their sound features delicate melodies paired with introspective arrangements, often evoking a melancholic tone that distinguishes them within the broader folk-punk landscape.[27][28] The band's core instrumentation centers on Jay Clayton's vocals and acoustic guitar, complemented by Dan Watson's percussion and drumming, with occasional bass contributions from members such as Tom Connolly during 2014–2016 or Jules Noel since 2024 (having toured live since 2022).[29] Initially evolving from Clayton's solo acoustic performances starting in 2009, the project transitioned to a fuller band configuration after Watson joined in 2012, adding rhythmic drive and incorporating punk-infused energy in live settings.[6][2] This shift enhanced the dynamic range, allowing for more vigorous stage presentations while retaining an intimate, unpolished feel.[32] Crywank embodies a strong DIY ethos through self-releases exclusively on Bandcamp, utilizing minimalistic home recording setups to maintain authenticity and accessibility.[33][2] Their production approach prioritizes rawness over polish, often capturing performances with basic equipment to preserve the immediacy of the music.[12] Influenced by the folk-punk scene, including acts like AJJ, as well as figures such as Paul Baribeau and Daniel Johnston, Crywank's output adopts a distinctly introspective and melancholic perspective that sets it apart from more overtly energetic peers.[12][28] As of May 2024, the band is recording a new album planned for 2025 release, expected to continue their acoustic-driven style.[34]Lyrical Content
Crywank's lyrics predominantly explore themes of depression, self-loathing, guilt, and mental health struggles, often drawing from personal experiences such as breakups and feelings of worthlessness.[2] These elements are presented in a raw, confessional style that emphasizes emotional vulnerability without offering tidy resolutions, reflecting frontman James "Jay" Clayton's own challenges.[28] For instance, songs like "Song for a Guilty Sadist" and "I Am Shit" incorporate humorous yet darkly self-deprecating tones, blending wit with profound introspection to highlight the absurdity of personal torment.[35] The band's songwriting also delves into existential topics, including mortality as in "Memento Mori," and the complexities of relationships, maintaining a focus on Clayton's perspective even as narratives evolve.[36] With Dan Watson's songwriting contributions beginning with the 2019 album fist me 'til your hand comes out my mouth, there was a noticeable shift toward more collaborative writing, where inputs from band members informed the lyrics while still centering on Clayton's voice and experiences.[37] This evolution allowed for broader emotional depth without diluting the intimate, diary-like quality of the content.[2] Critics have praised Crywank's lyrical authenticity for capturing anti-folk vulnerability in a genuine manner, noting how the unfiltered portrayal of inner turmoil resonates with listeners seeking relatable depictions of mental health issues.[28] The self-aware narcissism and cathartic honesty in these works have been highlighted as key to their impact, fostering a sense of shared struggle among audiences.[38]Members
Current Members
Crywank's current lineup as of 2025 consists of three members who handle the band's core instrumentation and songwriting. The group maintains a collaborative dynamic, with the founder leading creative direction while the rhythm section provides stability for live performances and recordings.[5] Jay Clayton serves as the founder, lead vocalist, and guitarist of Crywank. Originally from Barnsley, he initiated the project as a solo endeavor in Manchester in 2009, drawing on folk-punk influences despite lacking prior guitar experience.[6][39] As the primary songwriter, Clayton shapes the band's introspective and humorous lyrical style, which has defined Crywank's output since its inception.[40] Dan Watson, from Darwen, has been the band's drummer since joining in 2012. His addition transformed Crywank from a solo project into a fuller ensemble, contributing percussion that complements the acoustic-driven sound. Watson brings experience from prior groups, including the psychedelic rock outfit GNOD and the punk band Denim & Leather.[6][39][41] Jules Noel, originating from Newfoundland, joined as bassist and provider of additional vocals around 2024. Noel's integration has bolstered the band's rhythm section, aiding their decision to continue beyond a previously announced hiatus and enabling recent tours.[5][42]Former Members
Crywank's only documented former band member is bassist Tom Connolly, who joined in 2014 and departed in 2016.[13][25] During his tenure, Connolly expanded the lineup from a duo to a three-piece, contributing bass, backing vocals, and occasional guitar to recordings and live shows.[15] He played a key role in the band's 2016 album Don't Piss on Me, I'm Already Dead, marking the first full-band studio release, and supported the European tour alongside Jordaan Mason that same year.[13][15] No other long-term or short-term collaborators from the band's early solo phase prior to 2012 are noted in official discography credits or announcements.Discography
Studio Albums
Crywank's studio albums, all self-released via Bandcamp, reflect the project's progression from Jay Clayton's solo acoustic origins to collaborative efforts marked by raw emotional intensity and lo-fi production. These full-length releases, typically featuring 10 or more tracks, explore personal turmoil through anti-folk sensibilities.[3]- James Is Going to Die Soon (2010, self-released), Clayton's debut full-length album of raw solo acoustic tracks exploring early anti-folk themes.[43]
- Narcissist on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (2012, self-released), Clayton's second full-length album, compiling paranoid and introspective songs written during a period of personal instability.[9]
- Tomorrow Is Nearly Yesterday and Everyday Is Stupid (2013, self-released), the debut as a duo with drummer Dan Watson, introducing minimalistic percussion to Clayton's guitar-driven sound.[10][44]
- Egg on Face. Foot in Mouth. Wriggling Wriggling Wriggling (2017, self-released), a prolific double-length release compiling sketches and songs from the duo's evolving sound, blending humor and melancholy in lo-fi format.[33]
- Don't Piss on Me, I'm Already Dead (2016, self-released), a more polished effort that marked a shift toward cohesive song structures despite production constraints, earning acclaim for its emotional depth in the folk-punk community.[15][45]
- Fist Me 'til Your Hand Comes Out My Mouth (2020, self-released), intended as the project's farewell album and recorded midway through their 2019–2020 tour, though Crywank continued afterward with a double LP format blending epic tracks and shorter pieces.[46]
- Just Popping In to Say Hi (2021, self-released), Clayton's first solo full-length since 2012 following the duo's effective disbandment, centering on themes of estranged relationships and nostalgia with 11 tracks.[39]
Extended Plays and Singles
Crywank's extended plays and singles consist primarily of self-released digital downloads available via Bandcamp, with occasional limited physical editions through independent labels or direct sales. These releases often feature 4 to 6 tracks for EPs and standalone tracks for singles, emphasizing the project's DIY ethos in the anti-folk and emo scenes. Formats include MP3, FLAC, and rare vinyl or cassette variants distributed through platforms like Bandcamp and associated outlets such as Folk Punk Archive for select physical copies.[3][1]Extended Plays
The following table enumerates Crywank's key EPs, focusing on original shorter-form releases outside of full-length albums:| Title | Release Date | Track Count | Formats | Label/Distributor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shameless Valentines Money Grab | 2014 | 6 | Digital (FLAC) | Self-released via Bandcamp | Thematic Valentine's Day release with lo-fi acoustic tracks exploring relationships and self-doubt.[47] |
| Shameless Money Grab | June 5, 2018 | 4 | Digital (FLAC) | Self-released via Bandcamp | Follow-up to the 2014 EP, featuring raw, introspective folk-punk songs.[48][49] |
| Sneck In The Nose | 2019 | 4 | 7" vinyl (limited edition) | Stoked Records | Physical EP with gritty, humorous titles reflecting Crywank's signature style; also available digitally.[50][51] |
| Cruciate Ligament Rupture (by Onion Skin) | December 3, 2024 | 6 | Digital (MP3/FLAC) | Self-released via Bandcamp | Home-recorded EP by Jay Clayton's solo project Onion Skin, raising funds for pet medical expenses with raw acoustic tracks echoing early Crywank style.[52] |
Singles
Crywank's singles are mostly digital-only, often serving as non-album tracks or promotional releases, with some collaborations and limited physical splits:| Title | Release Date | Formats | Label/Distributor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part 2 | 2017 | Digital (FLAC) | Self-released via Bandcamp | Standalone track continuing thematic elements from earlier work.[53][54] |
| I'll Have Some In A Bit | 2019 | Digital (FLAC) | Self-released via Bandcamp | Short, experimental single highlighting acoustic vulnerability.[55] |
| TOUR SPLIT 2022 (with Commuted) | 2022 | Cassette (limited) | no funeral | Split single for tour support, featuring one original track per artist.[56] |
| Privately Owned Spiral Galaxy | 2022 | Digital (MP3/FLAC) | Self-released via Bandcamp | Reflective single on personal isolation, gaining traction in indie circles.[57][58] |
| Don't Listen to This Song (feat. Guard Petal) | May 27, 2023 | Digital (MP3) | Self-released | Collaborative single addressing mental health themes, released during a brief U.S. tour.[59][60][61] |
Compilations, Demos, and Live Releases
Crywank has released several compilations that gather early and unreleased material, often self-released or through niche labels to preserve the project's archival history. "Embarrassing Early Recordings," a self-released MP3 compilation from August 27, 2014, collects 16 tracks from the project's formative years between 2009 and 2012, featuring raw solo demos recorded with limited equipment and reflecting initial experiments in anti-folk songwriting.[7] Similarly, "The First Two," issued on November 19, 2020, by Folk Punk Archivist Records as a limited-edition numbered CD of 200 copies, compiles 21 tracks from the band's debut albums James Is Going to Die Soon (2010) and Narcissist on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (2012), offering fans a physical retrospective of the project's origins in a digital era.[20] Demos from Crywank's early period highlight the solo beginnings of founder Jay Clayton, with initial recordings from 2009 to 2011 capturing unpolished acoustic performances that laid the groundwork for later full-band work. These are prominently featured in "Embarrassing Early Recordings," which includes tracks like "I Am a Familiar Creek in Your Floorboards" and "Hikikomori (Demo)," showcasing rudimentary guitar work and introspective lyrics recorded on various devices.[7] Post-hiatus, the project saw "Lovewank Demos," a self-released collection from November 6, 2020, containing live demo versions of songs such as "Calling You Baby Makes Me Feel Like Led Zeppelin," emphasizing the continued evolution of personal themes in stripped-down formats (released under the Lovewank solo alias).[62] Additionally, "Here You Go, You Do It: A Crywank Covers Compilation," released on February 25, 2022, as a free MP3 download, features 24 covers of Crywank songs by various artists, serving as a fan-driven demo-like tribute that extends the project's influence through reinterpretations.[22] Live releases from Crywank focus on capturing the energy of performances during active touring periods, with most available as digital downloads for fan accessibility. "Live at JT SOAR," self-released on October 2, 2020, documents a 21-track set recorded during a 2019 show at the JT SOAR venue in Columbus, Ohio, including raw renditions of staples like "Forlorn Leghorn" and "Now I'm Sad," highlighting the band's lo-fi, intimate stage presence.[63] No additional full live albums have been documented from tours up to 2024, though scattered live demos from earlier periods, such as those in "Tour Demos 2013," provide glimpses into road-tested material self-released in 2013 (with a digital re-release in 2024).[64] These extras underscore Crywank's emphasis on self-released, community-oriented content following the 2019 hiatus announcement.[63]References
- https://www.kxsuseattle.[wordpress.com](/page/WordPress.com)/2016/03/09/in-bed-with-jason-crywank/
- https://www.[last.fm](/page/Last.fm)/music/Crywank/+wiki