About this interview
In this 2007 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan's Rock Show, Craig Mabbitt discusses Blessthefall's early days, their rise in the post-hardcore and metalcore scene, and the whirlwind of breaking into the industry as a young band. At just 20 years old, Craig opens up about the reality of touring, signing to a label, and the challenges of making it in an increasingly competitive music world.
The conversation kicks off with a discussion about the band’s label situation. Blessthefall was signed to Science Records, a relatively new label at the time, founded by industry veterans who had worked with major acts like The Used. Craig explains how they got signed through their manager, who had industry connections that led them to the label.
They also talk about their experiences on Warped Tour and what it was like seeing bands like Chiodos break into mainstream success. Craig shares his excitement about Chiodos debuting at #5 on the Billboard charts, which gave him hope that heavier music was starting to gain wider recognition. He reminisces about his first concert experiences, including seeing Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park, and how those shows influenced him as a musician.
The interview takes a humorous turn when the topic of partying comes up. Craig reflects on a time when he got completely wasted on tour, ending his night with an absinthe shot that sent him into oblivion. His bandmates recall how he was throwing up out of the van’s window, nearly hitting a passing biker. Despite the wild stories, Craig insists that the band mostly stayed out of trouble, joking that they might seem like they’re always high because of how goofy they are, but in reality, they were clean-cut kids just having fun.
The discussion shifts to the band’s growing fanbase and the scene culture. Craig talks about how Blessthefall was often labeled as an “emo” band, which he finds amusing, especially as their hairstyles evolved from scene cuts to full-on metal hair. They joke about how certain hair lengths determine whether a band is seen as emo or metal. He also shares a story about how Blessthefall was unintentionally featured in a Fox News segment about the emo scene, with the anchor dramatically introducing the “emo subculture” while showing footage of their shows.
Craig also reflects on meeting and befriending some of his idols, including Craig Owens of Chiodos, who he ended up doing guest vocals with on Warped Tour. He shares how surreal it was to be touring with bands he grew up listening to and how much he looked forward to eventually headlining his own tours and bringing up newer bands. The conversation also touches on musical influences, with the band revealing their love for a wide range of genres—from pop and R&B to country. Craig even admits to having a soft spot for Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds, praising its production.