Scott Kraus

Scott Kraus is an important American rock singer-songwriter and musician noted for coupling articulate and unique song lyrics with memorable melodies and guitar work. He is also one of the most obscure music legends to grace the roadways of Michigan.

Although his work within the music industry is unfathomably important he is best known for his sardonic wit and lively antics in public. Known to entertain complete strangers on a whim, he is a staple of the Clarkston, MI area and a beloved visitor where ever he may go. He is currently attending Oakland University to obtain a degree in Marketing.

Early life

Kraus was born in Clarkston, MI to Mark R. Kraus III and Wendy Kraus. Mark R. Kraus is a business owner in the Waterford area, former hydroplane driver and relative of former FBI Director Clarence M. Kelley. Wendy Kraus is a vital volunteer to the family business and a direct descendant of a man associated with Jesse James. Kraus was an avid fan of Weird Al Yankovic and was known to listen to him for countless hours at a time. He picked up the guitar in the beginning of high school as a way to impress his peers. When they weren't impressed he just played it by himself. Encouraged from the start by his parents he took lessons from a man in a church. The lessons focused intensely on both songwriting and improvisation which heavily influenced his style of playing. When the instructor, Joe Mancuso, left to return to California, Kraus began taking lessons with Steve Risner at a local guitar shop which focused on technique and music theory.

Sidetracked

Young Kraus joined the two piece trio Sidetracked in 2006 soon after he learned how to play guitar. The group, consisting of Kraus and the percussionist Brandon Mosher, played mostly improvised "jams" based around blues and jazz standards. The group eventually expanded, gaining influence in Clarkston's MusicAL underground due to the sharp dichotomy between Sidetrack's focus on improvisation and most other bands focus on gaining popularity. Sidetracked eventually went on an indefinite hiatus as one of the two main members of the band, Mosher, went on to the Navy.

Solo career

Kraus began his solo career as soon as Mosher abandoned the previous band. He began focusing on refining his songwriting skills and has been known to spend entire nights working out a single line in a song. With this change he shifted his main instrument from electric guitar to acoustic and has often played quieter venues such as the LA Cafe. He penned the hit "Desperate Desperado" after a particularly long night of jamming and proceeded to record right away. "It was like it flowed out of me like a river or something else that flows," said Kraus during an interview with noted columnist Scott Kraus.

Personal life

Kraus has been known to be a recluse most of his life, scarcely going outside unless to fuel his addiction to Coca-Cola. Kraus has had one steady girlfriend who is rumored to like bands such as Fall Out Boy.

References

  • [www.myspace.com/ScottKrausisafelony]
  • 2