Southern Californian John Craigie attended the University of California Santa Cruz where he graduated with a degree in mathematics. Craigie dove into music playing house parties and local venues, first in a psychedelic band during his self described hippie phase, then as a solo singer/songwriter.
Craigie started to work on his solo performances and it took a few years to get his first album out, with Montana Tales releasing in 2009. Three more studio albums followed, plus two live records. The live records reflect Craigie’s greatest strength, personal and funny songs. In fact, he has drawn descriptions as being a cross of John Prine and late comedian Mitch Hedberg.
Jack Johnson championed Craigie on the strength of his second live album released in 2016. Impressed enough to keep the album in his car, Johnson invited Craigie to open his next tour. For his next record, 2018’s No Rain, No Rose Craigie tried to recreate the feel of the old Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Will the Circle Be Unbroken albums. Not so much in the sound, but more in the feel of having musicians perform together that do not often have the opportunity to work with one another
Craigie’s natural ability to weave humor and real-life stories together is refreshing. The performer explained that it wasn’t something he was always able to do, stating, “I think as a child I was always the storyteller and I don’t know if I was funny, but I was trying to be funny.” He went on to explain that it took a few years for him to be comfortable on stage which then enabled him to grow confidently into his comedic shoes.
