Rock band 9 Left Dead unleashes their powerful new single “Happy” and dives into the raw struggle of chasing fleeting moments of joy amid inner turmoil, anxiety, and personal darkness—resonating deeply with anyone who’s fought to find balance in a chaotic world.
-- 9 Left Dead was formed in the late 1990s by cousins Travis Jones (vocals/guitar) and Steven Jones in Oklahoma, and the band quickly emerged as a vital outlet for survival and expression. The band’s roots trace back to profound personal tragedy: at age 9, Travis Jones was diagnosed with leukemia after enduring over a year of unexplained health issues.
He battled the disease through years of chemotherapy, during which he received a guitar as a gift from his cousin to help pass the long hospital days. Music became his escape; he began learning to play and writing songs to cope with the pain, isolation, and fear.
Jones also played sports growing up, always wearing jersey number 9. In the depths of his illness, he grappled with intense feelings of abandonment; questioning why he had been “left to die,” why God seemed to have forsaken him, and why life could feel so brutally unfair. He felt profoundly alone, like he didn’t belong.
The name “9 Left Dead” was born from this raw anguish: his jersey number 9 combined with the haunting sense of being “left dead” or abandoned on the brink. It became a defiant symbol of resilience; turning his near-death experience and survival into the band’s enduring identity. Over time, Jones discovered deeper meaning in the number 9, often associated with enduring great trials and emerging stronger, which perfectly aligned with the band’s ethos of transforming pain into hope.
The band has continued to face tragedy, including the loss of loved ones and a previous drummer to cancer, further shaping their intense, emotionally charged sound. Blending ambient guitar riffs, melodic yet aggressive vocals, hard-hitting drums, and moving bass lines, their music captures life’s highs and lows; love, loss, and the romantic elements that make existence worthwhile. Evolving from its origins in Amber, Oklahoma (now operating out of Chickasha), 9 Left Dead has honed a signature style that offers catharsis to the broken.
With the bands recent signing and support from Cranked Up Records, the band is poised for a major 2026, including performances and more releases.
On the new single “Happy”, Travis Jones shares:
“Writing ‘Happy’ forced me to dig deeper than ever before. It’s about those brutal moments when you’re battling your own mind, trying to grasp even a second of real happiness while everything inside screams otherwise. I poured every bit of my struggles, losses, and hard-won glimpses of light into this song—it’s honest, it’s heavy, and if it helps even one person feel less alone in the fight, then we’ve done what we set out to do.”
“Happy” is available now on all major streaming platforms. Fans can watch the official music video and connect with the band via their website at 9leftdead.com, Instagram (@nineleftdead), and other social channels.
Click here to Listen on Spotify
Click here to Watch on Youtube
For interviews, press inquiries, or additional assets, contact Cranked Up Records.
About 9 Left Dead
Hailing from Oklahoma, 9 Left Dead delivers hard-hitting rock infused with ambient textures and raw emotion. Led by cancer survivor Travis Jones, the band continues to turn personal tragedy into powerful anthems of survival and hope.
About Cranked Up Records
Cranked Up Records is an independent label, distributed by Virgin Music Group, dedicated to amplifying authentic, passionate voices in rock and metal, honoring legacy while pushing forward new eras of music.
About the company: "Cranked Up Records is on a mission to champion artists who challenge the norm. The label is dedicated to providing an environment for musicians to explore their craft, experiment with their sound, and leave an indelible mark on the music landscape. Cranked Up Records is not just a label; it’s a movement, a celebration of sound, and a testament to the boundless possibilities of music."
Contact Info:
Name: Dustin Stendal
Email: Send Email
Organization: DNA Bookings, LLC
Website: http://www.dnabookings.com
Video URL: https://youtu.be/HTsYXVn0VFA?si=WitvIEJASHk8G8qP
Release ID: 89182212
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