A Skylit Drive is an American post-hardcore band from Lodi, California. Formed in 2006, the band has released one EP, one live DVD and five studio albums. They have toured internationally as both a headlining and supporting act. In 2017, the group entered a hiatus following internal disputes between members Nick Miller and Michael Jagmin. Original vocalist Jordan Blake died in April 2023 at the age of 36.
The original members met while attending Lodi High School in Lodi, California. Their debut EP, "She Watched the Sky", was released in January 2007 through Tragic Hero Records. Following its release, the band toured extensively with acts including Four Letter Lie, Blessthefall, Scary Kids Scaring Kids, Greeley Estates, Oh, Sleeper, The Blackout, Alesana, Before Their Eyes, Dance Gavin Dance, Kenotia, Pierce the Veil and From First to Last.
In late 2007, vocalist Jordan Blake left the band due to health issues that prevented him from continuing to tour. He was briefly replaced by Jonny Craig, who recorded a demo version of "Knights of the Round". Craig was subsequently replaced by Craig Mabbitt before Michael "Jag" Jagmin joined as the band's permanent vocalist. Blake later formed the band Speak of the Devil in 2013.
A Skylit Drive released their debut full-length album, "Wires...And the Concept of Breathing", in May 2008. Produced by Mitchell Marlow and Allen Jacob, the album reached number 171 on the Billboard 200 and number 20 on the Top Independent Albums chart. Following its release, the band filmed a music video in support of the non-profit organisation To Write Love on Her Arms, appeared at Bamboozle Left 2008, and undertook several tours. They also recorded the live DVD "Let Go of the Wires", which was released in December 2008.
In early 2009, the band signed with Fearless Records and announced a co-headlining tour with Dance Gavin Dance. They participated in the 2009 Warped Tour and released the single "Those Cannons Could Sink a Ship". Their second studio album, "Adelphia", was released in June 2009 and reached number 64 on the Billboard 200. A music video for "Those Cannons Could Sink a Ship" followed later that year. The band also recorded a cover version of Journey's "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" for a "Punk Goes..." compilation. In the United Kingdom, "Adelphia" was released through Hassle Records.
During 2010, A Skylit Drive began work on a follow-up to "Adelphia" with producer Cameron Webb. They toured with acts including Woe, Is Me, For All Those Sleeping, Motionless in White and Scarlett O'Hara. Their third studio album, "Identity on Fire", was released in February 2011. To promote the album, the band toured with Underoath, Thursday and Animals as Leaders, released the music video for "Too Little Too Late", and appeared on the 2011 Warped Tour. They also toured Europe and recorded a cover of "Love the Way You Lie" for another "Punk Goes..." compilation. In January 2012, the band released a music video for "The Cali Buds" and toured Southeast Asia with For This Cause.
By 2012, the band had begun pre-production on their next album. In September of that year, lead guitarist Joey Wilson announced his departure, citing a desire for both parties to pursue different directions. The band released the standalone single "Fallen" in November 2012 and returned to Tragic Hero Records after two albums with Fearless Records.
In 2013, A Skylit Drive worked with producers and songwriters including Jim Wirt, Kit Walters, Mitchell Marlow and Al Jacobs before entering Chango Studios in Florida with producer Cameron Mizell. Their fourth studio album, "Rise", was released in September 2013. The title track and "Unbreakable" were issued as singles. The album sold more than 10,000 copies during its first week of release. To support the album, the band embarked on a national tour with For All Those Sleeping, I the Mighty, Wolves at the Gate, Pvris and Incredible Me.
In 2014, A Skylit Drive toured with Memphis May Fire, The Word Alive, Hands Like Houses and Beartooth, and also appeared on the Warped Tour. Later that year, bassist Brian White and drummer Cory La Quay announced their departures, citing creative differences. The remaining members continued the band.
An acoustic reworking of "Rise", titled "Rise: Ascension", was released in January 2015. Shortly afterwards, guitarist Michael Labelle and drummer Brandon Richter joined the line-up, while keyboardist Kyle Simmons assumed bass duties. The band's fifth studio album, "ASD", was released in October 2015 and was supported by a subsequent tour. By 2016, the group had been reduced to four members and no longer had a permanent drummer.
In March 2017, A Skylit Drive entered a hiatus following the departure of vocalist Michael Jagmin.
On 23 January 2022, several members of the original 2006 line-up announced a reunion to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of "She Watched the Sky". Performing under the name Original A.S.D., the reunited group consisted of Jordan Blake, Brian White, Joey Wilson, Cory La Quay and Nick Miller. The group was scheduled to appear at festivals including So What?! and Swanfest. However, Jagmin initiated legal proceedings concerning the A Skylit Drive trademark. Original A.S.D. subsequently changed its name to ASD and filed a countersuit. Later reports indicated that Jagmin retained ownership of the A Skylit Drive trademark.
In May 2022, the version of A Skylit Drive led by Jagmin and Jonathan Kintz expanded its line-up with guitarist and vocalist Louie Caycoya and drummer KC Marotta.
In March 2023, Blake and Jagmin issued a joint statement indicating that tensions between the two factions had eased. The following month, A Skylit Drive announced a fifteenth-anniversary tour celebrating "Wires and the Concept of Breathing". On 1 May 2023, ASD announced that Jordan Blake had died the previous day.
In September 2023, KC Marotta left the band because of touring commitments with Wheatus and was replaced by drummer Ethan Church. Church departed in April 2025 following the completion of the band's spring tour, after which Myles Clayborne joined the line-up.
A Skylit Drive remains active under the leadership of Michael Jagmin and continues to perform and tour.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Skylit_Drive
Studio albums
Wires...And the Concept of Breathing (2008)
Adelphia (2009)
Identity on Fire (2011)
Rise (2013)
ASD (2015)
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…shrink me down again