Pray for Villains was formed in mid 2022 when drummer Bill Buckman and guitarist Jamie Helms, who had been working on a music project called "Cigars and Sawdust", decided to reach out to Bill's childhood friend and former lead singer of national recording artist "Slavemachine", Ryan Taylor. Bill and Jamie invited Ryan to join them for a song that Jamie had written titled "Tell Me."

Ryan agreed to collaborate on the project.

Soon after they started working on the project, they could all tell they were on to something. Ryan suggested that they bring in former "Slavemachine" bass player, Aaron Cavanagh. Aaron agreed to add his bass to the track and the chemistry between the members was undeniable.

Once "Tell Me" was completed, the collaborators decided to take it a step further. They agreed to separate their venture from the umbrella of "Cigars and Sawdust" and form their project with Ryan taking the frontman position and lead vocalist role. They instantly began work on their second song, "Say Goodbye." Guitarist and lead writer, Jamie Helms, now had an accomplice to drive the project to the next level, with the addition of Ryan in the writing seat. The two instantly started cranking out ideas.

They decided to name the new project. Bassist Aaron Cavanagh suggested "Pray for Villains" which a nod to the band Devil Driver. After mutually accepting this as their new name, Bill Buckman, Jamie Helms, Aaron Cavanagh and Ryan Taylor were off and running.

Signing with Slavemachine's previous management, B2 Artist Management, the newly formed "Pray for Villains" began work on their first album, "I am Villain."

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