Crying Contest is a darkwave duo from Los Angeles, California, consisting of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Johnson and drummer and producer Michael J. Pritzl. Their music is characterized by its haunting melodies, ethereal vocals, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition. With their latest releases, "Asylum," "Gehenna," and "You Want It Darker," Crying Contest has garnered critical acclaim for their unique blend of darkwave, post-punk, and shoegaze influences.