Letlive

letlive.
Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2002 in Los Angeles, United States
Founder	Jason Aalon Butler, Alex Haythorn, Ben Sharp, Christian Johansen
Defunct	April 2017 (hiatus)
Fate	Hiatus declared in 2017; reunion planned for 2024
Headquarters	Los Angeles, United States
Area served	Worldwide
Key people	Jason Aalon Butler (lead vocalist)
Products	Studio albums, EPs
Number of employees	4 (final lineup)
Parent	Epitaph Records (label)

Letlive, often stylized as letlive., is a rock ensemble originating from Los Angeles, United States. The band’s final roster included lead vocalist Jason Aalon Butler (son of soul artist Aalon Butler), guitarist Jeff Sahyoun, bassist Ryan Jay Johnson, and drummer Loniel Robinson, with Butler remaining the only continuous member throughout. Their discography comprises four full-length albums and one EP, with their most recent album titled If I'm the Devil, released on June 10, 2016. They were affiliated with Epitaph Records.

Their initial EP, Exhaustion, Salt Water, and Everything in Between, was launched in 2003, followed by their debut full album Speak Like You Talk in 2005. The sophomore album, Fake History, originally released in 2010, achieved critical praise after its 2011 reissue on Epitaph and was recognized in Rock Sound's list of 101 Modern Classics. Their third studio effort, The Blackest Beautiful, arrived on July 9, 2013, debuting at number 74 on the US Billboard 200 chart and reaching number six on the Hard Rock Albums chart. The band declared their disbandment in April 2017; however, Butler announced intentions to reform letlive. in 2024 for a definitive farewell.

Biography

Formation and early period (2002–2009)

Established in Los Angeles in 2002 by Jason Butler alongside Alex Haythorn, Ben Sharp, and Christian Johansen, letlive. introduced their first EP through One Records in 2003. Following several lineup alterations that left Butler and Sharp as principal members, the band released Speak Like You Talk in 2005. Bassist Ryan Jay Johnson joined prior to this release but did not contribute to the recording. Additional lineup changes and an abandoned album project ensued until a more consistent lineup emerged featuring guitarists Jean Nascimento and Ryan Johnson along with drummer Anthony Rivera.

Period of Fake History (2009–2013)

In 2009, letlive. signed with Tragic Hero Records and unveiled Fake History the following year. Early in 2011, they secured a deal with Epitaph Records, influenced by an endorsement from Oliver Sykes of Bring Me the Horizon. This led to a re-release of the album including three new tracks produced by Brett Gurewitz. The reissue received positive critiques from outlets such as AllMusic, Alternative Press, BBC, and Rock Sound. The band embarked on extensive tours across North America, Europe, and Australia, participating in major festivals like Download and Soundwave.

Drummer Anthony Rivera exited the group in October 2012.

The Blackest Beautiful and If I'm the Devil... era (2013–2017)

Prior to releasing The Blackest Beautiful on July 9, 2013, the single "Banshee (Ghost Fame)" was issued. Despite creative challenges during its production phase, the album was met with favorable reviews. Shortly thereafter, Loniel Robinson became the permanent drummer. The album sold close to five thousand units during its first week in the US and peaked at number 62 on UK charts. The band later issued remixed versions of select tracks featuring guest appearances from artists like Keith Buckley (Every Time I Die) and Dan Campbell (The Wonder Years).

In February 2015, guitarist Jean Nascimento departed; Kenji Chan joined as a touring guitarist. On September 25, 2015, letlive. announced completion of their fourth studio project which was eventually titled If I'm the Devil... and released in 2016.

Hiatus and side ventures (2017)

After fifteen years together, letlive. declared an indefinite hiatus in April 2017. Subsequently, Butler initiated a new project called Fever 333, collaborating with former members of The Chariot and Night Verses.

Reunion developments (2020–present)

In April 2020, letlive. reactivated their social media presence to hint at a tenth anniversary edition of Fake History. By April 2024, they revealed plans for a remixed and remastered version of The Blackest Beautiful, accompanied by a farewell tour slated for 2025. Reunion performances will include original members Butler, Nascimento, Sahyoun along with touring musicians Sage Webber (drums) and Skyler Acord (bass).

Musical style

letlive.'s musical identity combines elements from post-hardcore, experimental rock, art punk, and metalcore genres. Their sound is characterized by Butler’s passionate vocal delivery paired with interlocking guitar work and introspective lyrics exploring subjects such as betrayal, societal culture, avarice, and corruption. Critics have highlighted their distinctive blend of hardcore energy infused with soulful melodic undertones.

Members

Template:Col-begin Template:Col-2 Current members

Jason Aalon Butler – lead vocals (2002–2017, 2024–present)
Jean Francisco Nascimento – lead guitar, keyboards, auxiliary percussion, backing vocals (2007–2014; 2024–present)
Jeff Sahyoun – rhythm/lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–2017; 2024–present)

Current touring musicians

Sage Webber – drums (2025–present)
Skyler Acord – bass (2025–present)

Former members

Keeyan Majdi – rhythm guitar (2002–2003)
Alex Haythorn – drums (2002–2004)
Christian Johansen – bass (2002–2005)
Ben Sharp – lead guitar (2002–2007)
Craig Sanchez – rhythm guitar (2003–2005)
Adam Castle – drums (2004–2007)
Omid Majdi – rhythm guitar (2005–2007)
Ryan Jay Johnson – bass/backing vocals (2005–2017)
Brenden Russel – lead guitar (2007–2009)
Anthony Paul Rivera – drums (2007–2012)
Loniel Robinson – drums (2013–2017)

Template:Col-2 Former touring musicians

Aric Improta – drums (2012–2013)
Kenji Chan – guitar/backing vocals (2015)
Nick DePirro – guitar (2015–2016)
Mishka Bier – guitar (2016–2017)

Former studio musicians

Chelsea Warlick – additional vocals (on Fake History)
Christopher Crandall – drums (on The Blackest Beautiful)

Template:Col-end

Discography

Studio albums

Supporting

2015 North American Summer Tour with Rise Against and Killswitch Engage: This tour commenced on July 17 at the FirstMerit Bank Pavilion in Chicago, Illinois, and wrapped up on August 16 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, Colorado.

External links