Flyleaf (band)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 in Belton, Texas, United States |
| Headquarters | Belton , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Flyleaf is a rock group originating from Belton, Texas in 2002. The band has achieved placements on charts spanning mainstream rock, Christian pop, and Christian metal. They embarked on a U.S. tour in 2003 prior to launching their first full-length record, Flyleaf, in 2005. This debut album earned platinum status by surpassing one million copies sold. Their sophomore release, Memento Mori (2009), entered the Billboard charts at number eight.
Prior to unveiling their third studio album, New Horizons (2012), original lead singer Lacey Sturm departed the band. She was succeeded by Kristen May, who fronted the group until August 2016. Following a period of inactivity, Flyleaf announced in November 2022 the return of Sturm as lead vocalist.
Formation and early phase (2002–2004)
Originally known as Passerby, the lineup featured Lacey Sturm, James Culpepper, guitarists Jared Hartmann and Sameer Bhattacharya, alongside bassist Pat Seals. Their innovative use of melodies combined with effects pedals contributed to a unique sonic identity. Over two years, they issued three EPs and performed more than 100 shows within Texas under the management of Runt Entertainment.
In 2004, after showcasing for RCA Records without securing a deal, interest was sparked from Octone Records' president. Following a successful presentation, the band signed with Octone Records in January 2004. They recorded an EP in Seattle with producer Rick Parashar and toured alongside Skillet, Breaking Benjamin, Staind, and 3 Doors Down. Due to legal constraints, they adopted the name Flyleaf in June 2004. Their self-titled EP was released that October, featuring the single "Breathe Today."
First album era (2005–2008)
Flyleaf’s inaugural full-length album, produced by Howard Benson, launched on October 4, 2005. The record included guest appearances by Dave Navarro and Ryan White. Notable singles comprised "I'm So Sick," "Fully Alive," "All Around Me," and "Sorrow."
The band increased their visibility through touring on prominent circuits such as the Family Values Tour in 2006 and Music as a Weapon III Tour alongside Disturbed and Stone Sour. During this period, they released a limited Music as a Weapon EP, with proceeds benefiting World Vision.
In 2007, Flyleaf broadened their audience by touring with Three Days Grace and performing at Australia's Soundwave festival as well as European venues. They headlined their own Justice & Mercy Tour supported by acts like Skillet and Sick Puppies. The music video for "I'm So Sick" appeared briefly in the film Live Free or Die Hard, while a remix was featured on the soundtrack for Resident Evil: Extinction. The track "Perfect" was promoted specifically to Christian radio stations. Additionally, their song "Cassie" was included in the expansion pack The Sims 2: Teen Style Stuff.
Their song "Tina" was introduced on the Guitar Hero 3 Companion Disk Set; meanwhile, "I'm So Sick" was also featured in Rock Band. On October 30, 2007, Flyleaf released the digital-only Much Like Falling EP, which contained acoustic renditions and previously limited-release tracks available via iTunes alongside an expanded edition of their debut album.
In April 2008, they premiered the video for "Sorrow" on MTV2 and toured with Seether before canceling several shows due to Sturm’s vocal health concerns. Later that year, the band took a hiatus to compose new songs with plans to record early in 2009.
Flyleaf contributed a cover of "What's This?" for the compilation Nightmare Revisited and maintained an active touring schedule across North America and Europe throughout 2008.
Memento Mori (2009–2010)
For their sophomore album, Memento Mori, Flyleaf chose 14 tracks from a pool of 30 compositions, releasing the record on November 10, 2009. The band reunited with producer Howard Benson and mixer Chris Lord-Alge to craft the album, which includes songs such as "Again," "Beautiful Bride," "Arise," "Missing," and "Set Apart This Dream," drawing inspiration from the Christian work Wild at Heart. During an acoustic tour supporting U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan, Flyleaf introduced additional pieces titled "Chasm" and "Circle."
The lead single, "Again," was launched on iTunes and radio platforms, accompanied by a music video directed by Meiert Avis. Ahead of the album's release, Flyleaf organized VIP listening sessions across the country via Eventful's "Demand It!" initiative, conducting over ten events featuring appearances by members Sturm, Bhattacharya, and Hartmann.
A music video for "Beautiful Bride," directed by Don Tyler, premiered during these listening events. This video incorporated intimate moments with the band members' families and showcased artwork created by Pat. Following singles included "Chasm," aimed at rock radio stations, and "Missing," targeted toward alternative formats.
Between January and March 2010, Flyleaf toured the United States alongside Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace. From April through June, they headlined the "Unite & Fight Tour" with support from 10 Years and Fair to Midland. In June 2010, their performances extended internationally to Russia's Muz-TV Awards and the Download Festival, where they also advocated against human trafficking.
The second segment of the "Unite & Fight" tour took place from September to October 2010 with Story of the Year joining as support, alongside various festival appearances. An animated video for "Chasm," directed by Giles Timms, was released in September. Lead vocalist Lacey Sturm collaborated on tracks such as "Broken Pieces" with Apocalyptica and "Courage" with Australian guitarist Orianthi. The band later issued "Arise" as another single from the album.
On November 6, 2010, Flyleaf performed at the Rock the Hood festival held at Fort Hood to honor fallen soldiers. Later that month, Lacey Sturm publicly announced her pregnancy with a son.
Flyleaf followed up with the EP Remember to Live on December 7, 2010, and subsequently released a cover of John Mark McMillan’s "How He Loves" on December 21.
New Horizons and departure of Sturm (2011–2013)
On January 22, 2011, guitarist James Hartmann revealed that he and drummer Jared Culpepper were constructing a recording studio dedicated to developing demos for their upcoming album. The band commenced pre-production work in February 2011 at Treelady Studios located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Flyleaf announced on June 1, 2012, via Twitter that their forthcoming album would be titled New Horizons, along with its lead single bearing the same name. The single premiered on Windsor’s 89X Radio on August 1, 2012, followed by its release on iTunes on August 21. The official music video debuted on Fuse on September 4, 2012; it paid homage to audio engineer Rich Caldwell and included footage featuring Lacey Sturm and her son Joshua.
A subsequent single titled "Call You Out" was released on September 25, 2012. The full album was officially launched on October 30, 2012.
On October 22, 2012, Flyleaf announced that lead singer Lacey Sturm would be departing from the band. Kristen May, previously of Vedera, was introduced as her successor. Sturm cited personal factors influencing her decision such as motherhood following her son's birth and grieving Caldwell’s passing. Guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya confirmed intentions to compose new material alongside May.
On June 18, 2013, Flyleaf unveiled a new single called "Something Better," featuring Sonny Sandoval from P.O.D. This release preceded their EP Who We Are, which came out on July 9, 2013.
Between the Stars (2014–2016)
Flyleaf revealed plans for a new album in 2014, sharing a preview on PledgeMusic.com. By February 2, 2014, the project had achieved full funding. Producer Don Gilmore was officially announced on March 29.
The band entered into a contract with Loud & Proud Records on May 20, 2014, aiming for a release in early autumn. The lead track, "Set Me on Fire," debuted on July 1 through Revolver. Subsequently, the album Between the Stars was released on September 16, 2014, followed by a tour supporting the record.
Starting July 21, 2014, Flyleaf unveiled the album artwork through an interactive puzzle game and revealed the complete tracklist the following day.
In 2015, Flyleaf took center stage as headliners on the “Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock” Tour alongside The Agonist and Fit For Rivals, and also co-headlined the “SnoCore Tour” with Adelita's Way.
This album represented Flyleaf’s inaugural release under the Loud & Proud Records label.
May's departure and hiatus (2016–2022)
On August 15, 2016, lead singer Kristen May announced her exit from Flyleaf to dedicate time to her family, noting that she never fully connected with the group.
After her departure, the band paused their activities. In 2017, Jared and his wife Kat launched their duo Kat&Jared. Bhattacharya toured as keyboardist with P.O.D. between 2016 and 2018. Along with Seals and P.O.D.’s drummer Wuv Bernardo, he formed Belle and the Dragon, releasing their debut album Birthrights in 2020. Seals later joined Crobot in 2023.
Sturm's return (2022–present)
The band’s social media accounts became active again in 2021 after several years of inactivity. By November 2022, Flyleaf hinted at their comeback featuring original vocalist Lacey Sturm by updating their profiles to read "Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm." On April 27, 2023, they played their first live show in seven years and first performance with Sturm in nearly eleven years. Pre-orders began on December 6, 2024, for the initial vinyl pressing of their self-titled debut album in celebration of its twentieth anniversary slated for release in 2025. Since then, Flyleaf has appeared at various festivals throughout 2025 with Sturm fronting the band.
Musical style
Flyleaf’s sound has been associated with numerous rock music subgenres such as alternative metal, hard rock, alternative rock, post-grunge, nu metal, post-hardcore, and "emo-metal". Their frequent incorporation of spiritual themes has also led to classification as a Christian rock group. Nevertheless, May described them simply as alternative rock musicians, attributing their stylistic range to varied songwriting inspirations.
Christianity
Lacey Sturm is a practicing Christian whose faith influences the band’s music; however, she clarified that Flyleaf should not be narrowly labeled as a Christian band. Instead, they identify as Christians who create rock music, with their beliefs naturally reflected in their work. "We all share the same faith."
In November 2006, Flyleaf performed a complimentary concert at Los Angeles Pierce College during a Christian event called The Revolt—marking the first occasion that campus hosted an outdoor music venue.
During a May 2010 interview, Sturm addressed the Christian rock label: "If it means that we're Christians, then yeah, we're Christians; but if a plumber is a Christian, does that make him a 'Christian plumber?' We're not performing exclusively for Christians. We just play honestly and that authenticity comes through."
Former lead vocalist Kristen May mentioned that some fans questioned her religious commitment despite her declaration of Christianity.
While Flyleaf’s lyrical themes extend beyond any one faith tradition, they emphasize Christianity remains central to their identity and creative process.
Band members
Present
- James Culpepper – drums and percussion
- Sameer Bhattacharya – lead guitar; backing vocals; keyboards and piano
- Jared Hartmann – rhythm guitar
- Pat Seals – bass guitar; backing vocals
- Lacey Sturm – lead vocals
Past
- Kristen May – lead vocals
- Timeline
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Discography
- Flyleaf (2005)
- Memento Mori (2009)
- New Horizons (2012)
- Between the Stars (2014)
Awards
| Award | Category | Work Recognized | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMTV | Favorite Music Video | "Missing" | Awarded |
| BMI | 2009 Pop Song Award | "All Around Me" | Received |
| Revolver Golden Gods Awards | 2010 Hottest Chick in Metal | Lacey Sturm | Template:Nom |
| Dove Awards | 2011 Rock Album of the Year | Memento Mori | Template:Nom |
External links
- Articles with short description
- Flyleaf (band)
- 2002 establishments in Texas
- Alternative rock groups from Texas
- American alternative metal musical groups
- American nu metal musical groups
- American post-grunge musical groups
- American post-hardcore musical groups
- Christian alternative metal groups
- Christian rock groups from Texas
- Hard rock musical groups from Texas
- Musical quintets from Texas
- Musical groups established in 2002
- Musical groups disestablished in 2016
- Musical groups reestablished in 2022
- GUN Records artists
- Female-fronted musical groups
- Mixed-gender musical quintets