letlive.: an introduction

Seeing as there is little for me talk to you guys about this week (my research has been a little low due to work experience) I thought I'd give you a few sort of, introductory, posts to some of my favourite bands so you can get to know my musical background more!

letlive. (cursives and fullstop always included) are a post-hardcore outlet from Los Angeles and have been creating excessive noise since 2002. They've signed with 3 different record labels over the years and have had two massive albums both of which are superb from start to finish. Fronted by vocalist and madman, Jason Aalon Butler, letlive. remains to be made up of guitarists Jean Mascimento and Jeff Shayoun, bassist Ryan Johnson and drummer Lionel Robinson. As a five piece they have toured all over the world with bands such as Enter Shikari, Architects, Your Demise and Bring Me The Horizon and they are always a favourite on America's Warped Tour. Their sound is big and it's one that punches you straight in the chest and it is awesome. Lyrically they discuss the bigger worldwide issues but equally they describe love and loss in a manner that is so beautiful it could easily bring you to tears. Okay, a lot of you might think I'm mental for saying that a post-hardcore alternative metal rock band could reduce you to tears but it's true, especially when you watch Jason perform. There is passion and heart in this band and it is sincere. They are so sincere that Jason is often known to be the nicest man in rock, dedicating his life to his work, his family, his friends and his fans. letlive. are an illustration that it pays to be nice.


I have been lucky enough to see letlive. live and my god, it's one of, if not the best gig I've ever been to. It was in a small sweaty venue called Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff which is one of those venues without a barrier. It was gnarly, and sweaty and intense but it was so so good. During the last song the crowd got on the stage mobbing the band and Jason ended up on the floor instead and I'd never seen anything like it. I remember getting a hug out of him as he'd just come off stage literally soaked in sweat with microphone in hand, but I've never been so happy to hug someone who was so sweaty! He is a showman and a soldier and a massive admiration of mine. The guys always make an effort to hang about after shows ro meet fans as well and a lot of the fans are grateful for such humbleness and kindness. Jason also has one of the best beards in rock and that should be reason enough alone for you guys to check letlive. out!

Listen to: Renegade '86, Muther, Younger