A Skylit Drive emerged from the vibrant mid-2000s American rock scene, carving out a distinct identity with their high-flying vocals, intricate instrumentation, and a dynamic blend of genres. Over their career, the band navigated the shifting landscapes of post-hardcore, emo, and alternative rock, leaving a significant mark on the musical subcultures of their time. Their journey, marked by pivotal albums, significant lineup changes, and a complex legacy, solidifies their place as a noteworthy act whose music continues to resonate with audiences, including those at events like the Pittsburgh Emo Night.
Formation and Early Era
The genesis of A Skylit Drive is rooted in Lodi, California, where a group of high school students shared a collective ambition to create music that pushed beyond the conventional boundaries of the local scene. This early period was defined by raw energy, youthful determination, and the forging of a sound that would soon capture the attention of a burgeoning national audience.
Origins and Formation
Formed in 2005, the original lineup of A Skylit Drive consisted of vocalist Jordan Blake, guitarists Nick Miller and Joey Wilson, bassist Brian White, drummer Cory La Quay, and keyboardist Kyle Simmons. The members met while attending Lodi High School, and their shared passion for the prevailing emo and post-hardcore movements fueled their creative direction. They quickly developed a sound characterized by the interplay between Blake’s exceptionally high-pitched clean vocals and the aggressive, screamed vocals often handled by other members, set against a backdrop of technical guitar work and atmospheric synthesizers. This combination positioned them squarely within the burgeoning “screamo” and post-hardcore scenes of the era.
Early Discography
The band’s first official release was the EP titled She Watched the Sky, issued in January 2007 through Tragic Hero Records. This debut effort was a concise and potent introduction to their sonic template. Tracks like “Drown the City” and “The All Star Diaries” showcased their ability to merge melodic sensibility with hardcore intensity. The EP garnered significant attention within the underground music community, leading to extensive touring opportunities. The band hit the road with contemporaries such as Blessthefall, Dance Gavin Dance, and From First to Last, building a dedicated fanbase through their energetic live performances. However, this period of initial ascent was also marked by instability. In late 2007, original vocalist Jordan Blake departed the band mid-tour, citing health issues that made the rigors of touring untenable. This departure created a critical vacancy and a period of uncertainty for the young group.
The Mainstream Breakthrough
Following the departure of their original frontman, A Skylit Drive faced a crucial turning point. The recruitment of a new vocalist not only stabilized the lineup but also catalyzed a period of significant creative and commercial growth, propelling the band to the forefront of the alternative music scene.
Pivotal Album(s) and Lineup Changes
The search for a new vocalist led them to Michael “Jag” Jagmin, whose powerful and equally impressive vocal range proved to be a perfect fit. Jagmin’s arrival in 2008 marked the beginning of the band’s most recognized and stable lineup. With Jagmin at the helm, the band entered the studio to record their debut full-length album, Wires…and the Concept of Breathing. Released in May 2008, this album became a cornerstone of their discography and a definitive statement of their sound. It refined the elements present on their EP, featuring more polished production, intricate song structures, and a seamless integration of Jagmin’s soaring vocals. The album was a critical and commercial success, breaking into the Billboard 200 chart and establishing A Skylit Drive as a major force in the post-hardcore genre.
Achieving Critical and Commercial Success
Wires…and the Concept of Breathing was more than just a successful debut; it was a landmark album for the scene. Songs like “Wires and the Concept of Breathing,” “This Isn’t the End,” and “Knights of the Round” became anthems for a generation of fans. The album’s success led to a spot on the Vans Warped Tour and extensive international touring. Their follow-up album, Adelphia, released in 2009, continued this upward trajectory. It debuted at number 64 on the Billboard 200, showcasing a more mature and cohesive sound. While still rooted in post-hardcore, Adelphia incorporated more melodic and alternative rock elements, demonstrating the band’s evolving musical palette. This era cemented their status, making their songs frequent staples at events celebrating the genre, such as Emo Night Pittsburgh.
Musical Evolution and Key Events
As A Skylit Drive moved into the 2010s, they continued to evolve their sound, embracing new influences while navigating the internal and external pressures that come with sustained activity in the music industry. This period was characterized by sonic experimentation, further lineup shifts, and eventually, a significant hiatus.
Mid-career Albums and Sonic Shifts
The band’s third album, Identity on Fire (2011), saw them further exploring the intersection of heavy music and pop-infused hooks. The album was a conscious effort to broaden their appeal without abandoning their core sound. It was followed by Rise in 2013, which became their highest-charting album, peaking at number 41 on the Billboard 200. Rise was arguably their most ambitious effort, featuring a grander, more cinematic sound. In 2015, they released an acoustic re-imagining of the album, titled Rise: Ascension, which highlighted their melodic and songwriting capabilities in a stripped-down format. Their fifth and final studio album to date, the self-titled ASD (2015), marked another sonic shift, incorporating more electronic and nu-metal influences. This constant evolution showcased the band’s refusal to stagnate, even as it sometimes divided listeners.
Hiatus, Reunions, or Significant Member Departures
The period following the release of ASD was tumultuous. In 2014, bassist Brian White and drummer Cory La Quay departed, leading to their replacement by Michael Labelle (guitar) and Brandon “Rage” Richter (drums), with keyboardist Kyle Simmons taking over bass duties. However, deeper internal conflicts were brewing. In 2017, a public dispute between vocalist Michael Jagmin and guitarist Nick Miller led to the band’s dissolution and an indefinite hiatus. The years that followed were complicated. In 2022, two separate versions of the band emerged: one featuring the original She Watched the Sky lineup with Jordan Blake, and another led by Jagmin. This led to legal disputes over the band’s name, which was ultimately awarded to Jagmin’s lineup. Tragically, in May 2023, original vocalist Jordan Blake passed away at the age of 36, a profound loss for the community. The original lineup subsequently ceased activities.
Modern Era
Emerging from a period of conflict and tragedy, the current iteration of A Skylit Drive, led by Michael Jagmin, has sought to honor the band’s legacy while forging a new path forward. This new chapter is defined by a return to the stage and the creation of new music.
Recent Albums and Contemporary Activity
Under Jagmin’s leadership, A Skylit Drive released new singles in 2022, “Dead Serious” and “Sucker,” their first new material in seven years. These tracks signaled a return to the classic sound that fans had embraced on albums like Wires… and Adelphia. The band, now consisting of Jagmin, guitarist Jonathan Kintz, guitarist/vocalist Louie Caycoya, and drummer KC Marotta, has focused on touring, including a 15th-anniversary tour for Wires…and the Concept of Breathing. Their continued activity, including scheduled performances at major festivals like Welcome To Rockville in 2025, demonstrates a renewed vitality and a commitment to carrying the A Skylit Drive name into the future.
Cultural Impact and Connection to the Scene
A Skylit Drive’s influence extends beyond their album sales and chart positions. They were a key part of a musical movement that defined the 2000s and early 2010s, and their work continues to be celebrated within that context.
Influence on Their Primary Genres
Within the post-hardcore and emo genres, A Skylit Drive was instrumental in popularizing a sound that blended technical musicianship, soaring clean vocals, and aggressive breakdowns. Along with bands like Chiodos and Saosin, they set a new standard for vocal performance in the scene, with Jagmin’s high-tenor voice becoming a signature and influential element. Their use of keyboards and synthesizers also contributed to the “electronicore” subgenre, influencing countless bands that followed. Their albums remain key reference points for understanding the sonic landscape of that era.
Relevance in Nostalgia Events like Emo Night Pittsburgh
The enduring popularity of bands like A Skylit Drive is evident in the proliferation of nostalgia-themed events that celebrate the music of the 2000s. At a Pittsburgh Emo Night, it is common to hear the anthemic choruses of “Wires and the Concept of Breathing” or “All It Takes for Your Dreams to Come True” echoing through the venue. These events serve as a testament to the lasting emotional connection fans have with the music. For many, A Skylit Drive’s songs are the soundtrack to a specific time in their lives, and the communal experience of a Pittsburgh Emo Night allows them to relive those moments and celebrate the music that shaped them.
Frequently Asked Questions About A Skylit Drive
- What genre is A Skylit Drive?
- A Skylit Drive is primarily classified as a post-hardcore band. Their music also incorporates elements of emo, alternative rock, screamo, and electronicore.
- Who was the original singer of A Skylit Drive?
- The original singer of A Skylit Drive was Jordan Blake, who performed on their debut EP, She Watched the Sky. He passed away in May 2023.
- What is A Skylit Drive’s most successful album?
- Commercially, their 2013 album Rise was their highest-charting record, reaching #41 on the Billboard 200. However, their debut full-length, Wires…and the Concept of Breathing (2008), is often considered their most iconic and influential album among fans.
- Did A Skylit Drive break up?
- The band went on an indefinite hiatus in 2017 due to internal conflicts. In 2022, two versions of the band emerged. Following a legal dispute, the version of the band fronted by vocalist Michael “Jag” Jagmin retained the name A Skylit Drive and is currently active.
- Is A Skylit Drive still together and touring?
- Yes, A Skylit Drive is active with a lineup led by vocalist Michael Jagmin. They have released new music and have been touring, with festival appearances scheduled for the near future.
