{{short description|American metalcore band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2020}} {{Infobox musical artist | <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> | name = Miss May I | image = Miss_May_I%2C_photographed_in_2014.jpeg | landscape = yes | caption = Miss May I in 2014. From left to right: BJ Stead, Justin Aufdemkampe, Levi Benton, Ryan Neff and Jerod Boyd | background = group_or_band | alias = Saving Small Town<ref name="Wyatt Stav">{{cite web|author=|url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=GVl_XzzvVQg?si=fZ21DQLF-ECdVq54&t=670|title=Line Check #11: Jerod Boyd of Miss May I - Wyatt Stav on YouTube| website=YouTube |date=August 14, 2019|access-date=May 4, 2024}}</ref> <br>Day of the Locusts<ref name="Wyatt Stav"></ref> | origin = Troy, Ohio, U.S. | genre = <!-- please don't add genres not sourced in the musical style section --> Melodic metalcore | years_active = 2007–present | label = {{Flat list| * SharpTone * Rise * Solid State }} | website = {{URL|missmayimusic.com}} | associated_acts = | current_members = Levi Benton<br />Jerod Boyd<br />Ryan Neff<br />Elisha Mullins | past_members = Josh Gillespie<br />B.J. Stead<br />Justin Aufdemkampe }}
'''Miss May I''' is an American metalcore band from Troy, Ohio. Formed in 2007,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/MissMayIMusic/info |title=Miss May I {{!}} Info |website=Facebook |access-date=May 14, 2014}}</ref> they signed to Rise Records in 2008 and released their debut album, ''Apologies Are for the Weak'' through the label while the members were still attending high school. The album reached 76 on the ''Billboard'' 200,<ref name="allmusic">{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/miss-may-i-mn0002022971 |title=Miss May I |work=AllMusic}}</ref> No. 29 on ''Billboard''{{'}}s Top Heatseekers, and No. 66 on Top Independent Albums.<ref name="indiestar">{{Cite web |url=http://www.indiestar.tv/grafwall/2009/07/miss-may-i-debut-29-on-billboard.html |title=indiestar.tv |website=indiestar.tv |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813151623/http://www.indiestar.tv/grafwall/2009/07/miss-may-i-debut-29-on-billboard.html |archive-date=August 13, 2009}}</ref> The band has also had some of their material featured in big name productions; the song "Forgive and Forget" is featured on the ''Saw VI'' Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, and their song "Apologies Are for the Weak" is included in the video game ''Saints Row: The Third''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=48267 |title=Saw VI Soundtrack Final Lineup Revealed |date=September 14, 2009 |publisher=Metal Underground |access-date=November 28, 2009}}</ref>
The band had retained the same lineup since its formation until 2024 when guitarists B.J. Stead & Justin Aufdemkampe left the band, with the only exception being bassist Ryan Neff, who left the band in 2007 and rejoined in 2009. Miss May I released their second studio album, ''Monument'', on August 16, 2010; their third album, ''At Heart'', on June 12, 2012; their fourth, ''Rise of the Lion'', on April 29, 2014; their fifth, ''Deathless'', on August 7, 2015. On June 24, 2016, the band left Rise Records and signed with SharpTone Records.<ref name="billboard.com">{{Cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/sharptone-records-attila-miss-may-i-we-came-as-romans-7415658/ |title=SharpTone Records Opens With Attila, Miss May I & We Came as Romans on Roster |date=June 24, 2016 |magazine=Billboard |access-date=June 24, 2016}}</ref> On June 2, 2017, they released their sixth studio album, ''Shadows Inside'', their first under their new label. On September 2, 2022, Miss May I released ''Curse of Existence''.
==History==
===Formation and early releases (2007–2013)=== {{Main article|Apologies Are for the Weak|Monument (Miss May I album)}} Miss May I was formed in 2007, in Troy, Ohio with the original members being Levi Benton, Justin Aufdemkampe, BJ Stead, Jerod Boyd, and Ryan Neff.<ref name="allmusic" /> Neff left in late 2007 to join Cincinnati band, Rose Funeral and was then replaced by Josh Gillespie.{{Citation needed|date=August 2014}}<!-- Neff leaving, Gillespie -->
In late 2007, the band released a five-track EP titled ''Vows for a Massacre'' followed by their 2008 demo the next year, both of which were self-released. This demo contained 6 tracks, including "Architect" and "Tides", which would later on be featured in their first full-length album, ''Apologies Are for the Weak''. The band would sign with Rise Records in late 2008 before releasing their aforementioned debut album through the label in 2009.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.punknews.org/article/31550/rise-signs-miss-may-i | title=Rise signs Miss May I | date=December 9, 2008 }}</ref>
According to the website of producer Joey Sturgis' Foundation Studios, the band had booked studio time in May 2010 to ostensibly record the follow-up to their debut album.<ref name="allmusic" /> ''Monument'' was released on August 17, 2010. In December 2010, they confirmed plans to appear at Warped Tour 2011.<ref name="allmusic" /> The album peaked at 10 on the Top Hard Rock Albums chart, 15 on the Top Independent Albums chart, and 31 on the Top Rock Albums chart.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/miss-may-i-mn0002022971/awards |title=Miss May I - Awards |publisher=AllMusic}}</ref> The band toured with Abandon All Ships, Sleeping with Sirens and Bury Tomorrow to support the album.{{citation needed|date=September 2024}}
The band appeared on the We Came as Romans Merchnow.com + Arkaik Clothing "I'm Alive" Tour (September - October 2011) with Close To Home, Of Mice & Men, and Texas in July.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://wecameasromans.com/ |title=We Came As Romans Official Website |publisher=Wecameasromans.com |access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://takeoverstudio.com/ |title=Takeover Studio |website=Takeover Studio}}</ref> Following the "I'm Alive" Tour, the band co-headlined the 'No Guts No Glory' tour with Pierce the Veil, Woe, Is Me, and Letlive.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.antimusic.com/news/11/aug/15Pierce_The_Veil_and_Miss_May_I_No_Guts,_No_Glory_Tour.shtml |title=Pierce The Veil and Miss May I No Guts, No Glory Tour ::Pierce The Veil News ::antiMusic.com |access-date=March 22, 2015}}</ref> The band also appeared on the 2011 Scream it Like you Mean it tour with We Came as Romans, The Word Alive and This or the Apocalypse.
On March 8, 2012, the band announced that they had completed work on their new album, ''At Heart'', and were set to release the album on May 29, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/miss_may_i_announce_new_album_at_heart |title=Miss May I announce new album, "At Heart" through Rise Records |date=March 8, 2012 |website=Alternative Press}}</ref> To make last-minute changes, the band bumped back the release, to June 12, 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.smnnews.com/2012/03/22/miss-may-i-at-heart-album-gets-bumped-back-to-june-release-date/ |title=MISS MAY I 'AT HEART' ALBUM GETS BUMPED BACK TO JUNE RELEASE DATE |publisher=SMNNews |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010181713/http://www.smnnews.com/2012/03/22/miss-may-i-at-heart-album-gets-bumped-back-to-june-release-date/ |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |access-date=April 19, 2012}}</ref>
The band soon set out on tour with Whitechapel, After the Burial, The Plot in You, Rescued by a Sinking Ship, and Structures throughout March 2012, followed by a European tour with Parkway Drive, The Ghost Inside and Confession through April. The band also set out to tour with Whitechapel, The Ghost Inside, Within the Ruins and The Plot in You in the US during May 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/miss_may_i_announce_new_album_at_heart |title=Miss May I announce new album, "At Heart" |date=March 8, 2012 |website=Alternative Press}}</ref> The band played on Warped Tour in mid-2012.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/miss_may_i_post_second_warped_tour_video_update |title=Miss May I post second Warped Tour video update |date=July 10, 2012 |website=Alternative Press |access-date=March 22, 2015}}</ref> They supported Killswitch Engage for the United States Disarm the Descent tour in mid-2013 with others.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/as-i-lay-dying-officially-drop-off-killswitch-engage-tour-darkest-hour-the-word-alive-hop-on |title=AS I LAY DYING Officially Drop Off KILLSWITCH ENGAGE Tour; DARKEST HOUR & THE WORD ALIVE Hop On |date=May 16, 2013 |website=Metal Injection}}</ref>
=== ''Rise of the Lion'' and ''Deathless'' (2013–2016) ===
On December 14, 2013, the band stated that they are looking for a fan to get a tattoo of their infamous lion design for the cover of their forthcoming album.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theprp.com/2013/12/14/news/miss-may-i-looking-to-tattoo-fan-for-their-new-albums-cover-art/ |title=Miss May I Looking To Tattoo Fan For Their New Album's Cover Art | Theprp.com – Metal, Hardcore And Rock News, Reviews And More |date=December 14, 2013 |publisher=Theprp.com |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> On February 25, 2014, ''Rise of the Lion'' was announced as the title of the new album. The album was released on April 29, 2014.
In January 2015, the band supported August Burns Red on the Frozen Flame Tour with Northlane, Fit for a King and Erra.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/august_burns_red_announce_winter_headlining_tour_with_miss_may_i_northlane/ |title=August Burns Red announce winter headlining tour with Miss May I, Northlane, Erra |website=Alternative Press |date=October 21, 2014}}</ref>
The band recorded their fifth studio album with Joey Sturgis, who recorded the band's first two records.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.theprp.com/2015/04/30/news/miss-may-i-finish-recording-new-album/ |title=Miss May I Finish Recording New Album | Theprp.com – Metal And Hardcore News Plus Reviews And More |date=April 30, 2015 |publisher=Theprp.com |access-date=November 14, 2015}}</ref> ''Deathless'' was released on August 7, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/miss-may-i-to-release-deathless-album-in-august/ |title=MISS MAY I To Release 'Deathless' Album in August |date=June 15, 2015 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=June 15, 2015}}</ref>
=== SharpTone Records, ''Shadows Inside'', and ''Curse of Existence'' (2016–2023) ===
On June 24, 2016 the band announced that they had left Rise Records and signed with SharpTone Records.<ref name="billboard.com"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lambgoat.com/news/26856/SharpTone-Records-signs-Attila-Miss-May-I-more |title=SharpTone Records launches, signs Attila, Miss May I, more |date=June 24, 2016 |publisher=Lambgoat |access-date=June 24, 2016}}</ref>
The band embarked on a headline North American tour in support of their sixth album, ''Shadows Inside'', in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/miss-may-i-to-embark-on-summer-2017-north-american-tour/ |title=Miss May I to Embark on Summer 2017 North American Tour |last=Bowar |first=Chad |website=Loudwire|date=March 28, 2017 }}</ref> That same year, they joined The Amity Affliction as a part of Motionless in White's "Graveyard Shift" tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/28636/motionless-in-white-amity-affliction-miss-may-i-tour/|title=Motionless In White, Amity Affliction, Miss May I tour|website=Lambgoat|access-date=January 11, 2024|date=July 24, 2017}}</ref> In 2018, they toured North America once again on the Gore Core Metal and More Tour, as support for Gwar and Hatebreed.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://loudwire.com/gwar-hatebreed-gore-core-metal-more-tour/ |title=GWAR + Hatebreed Bring 'Gore, Core, Metal + More' on Tour |last=Childers |first=Chad |website=Loudwire|date=July 17, 2018 }}</ref> In early 2019, the band supported August Burns Red on their Dangerous Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://consequence.net/2018/10/august-burns-red-2019-tour-dangerous-music-video/ |title=August Burns Red announce 2019 North American tour, unveil "Dangerous" music video |date=October 31, 2018}}</ref> They played ''Monument'' in its entirety in mid-2019 in celebration of its nearing 10th-year anniversary, they co-headlined the tour with The Word Alive with support from After Life and Thousand Below.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://metalinjection.net/tour-dates/miss-may-i-to-perform-monument-in-its-entirety-on-summer-tour |title=MISS MAY I To Perform Monument in Its Entirety on Summer Tour |date=May 7, 2019 |website=Metal Injection}}</ref>
In May 16, 2022, bassist and clean vocalist Ryan Neff joined As I Lay Dying as replacement for their former bassist Josh Gilbert.<ref>{{cite web | title=Ryan Neff Takes on Bass and Vocal Duties for as I Lay Dying | date=May 20, 2022 | url=https://bassmagazine.com/ryan-neff-takes-on-bass-and-vocal-duties-for-as-i-lay-dying/ }}</ref> On September 2, 2022, the band released their seventh studio album, ''Curse of Existence''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lambgoat.com/news/36350/miss-may-i-announce-new-album-curse-of-existence/|title=Miss May I announce new album 'Curse of Existence'|website=Lambgoat|access-date=September 2, 2022|date=May 24, 2022}}</ref>
=== Lineup changes, signing with Solid State, and ''Apologies Are for the Weak'' 15th anniversary (2024–present) ===
On May 31, 2024 the band announced the departures of guitarists B.J. Stead and Justin Aufdemkampe.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C7oqupCsToC/?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== | title=Instagram }}</ref> They were replaced with Elisha Mullins.
On July 11, 2024, the band signed with Solid State Records. Following this, they announced a complete 15th anniversary re-recording of their debut album ''Apologies Are for the Weak'', which released in the fall. The announcement was accompanied by the re-recorded version of "Forgive and Forget", featuring members of Fit for a King. The album features other guest vocals from members of Silent Planet, Bleeding Through, Carnifex, August Burns Red, and The Word Alive, among others.
On October 18th, 2024, Ryan Neff announced his departure from As I Lay Dying following what was later revealed to be a domestic abuse incident involving the band's lead vocalist Tim Lambesis, returning to full participation in Miss May I.<ref>{{cite web | title=Bassist/Vocalist RYAN NEFF Quits AS I LAY DYING | date=October 19, 2024 | url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/bassist-vocalist-ryan-neff-quits-as-i-lay-dying }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title='Don't Abuse Your Wife in My F–king House' - Ken Susi Opens up on as I Lay Dying Implosion | website=Loudwire | date=April 8, 2025 | url=https://loudwire.com/ken-susi-as-i-lay-dying-implosion-interview/ }}</ref>
On January 23rd, 2025, the band disclosed that they were laying out demos for new material.<ref>{{cite web | title=Miss May I Are Demoing New Material | date=January 23, 2025 | url=https://www.theprp.com/2025/01/23/news/miss-may-i-are-demoing-new-material/ }}</ref> In February 2025, the band was chosen as the replacement for As I Lay Dying at the Welcome to Rockville festival taking place in Daytona Beach, Florida on May 16th, 2025.<ref>{{cite web | title=Welcome to Rockville Announces Replacement for as I Lay Dying at 2025 Festival | website=Loudwire | date=February 4, 2025 | url=https://loudwire.com/welcome-to-rockville-2025-replacement-as-i-lay-dying/ }}</ref>
On August 28, 2025, the band released a single titled "Pray For Silence" which is from their upcoming eighth studio album which is set to be released in 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2025 |title=Miss May I reveal official video for new single “Pray For Silence” |url=https://chaoszine.net/miss-may-i-reveal-official-video-for-new-single-pray-for-silence/ |website=chaoszine}}</ref>
==Musical style and influences== Miss May I's musical style has been described as metalcore<ref name="allmusic" /> or melodic metalcore,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://rvamag.com/articles/full/16714/daily-record-miss-may-i |title=Articles - DAILY RECORD: Miss May I - RVA Magazine - Richmond, VA |date=October 19, 2012 |website=RVA Magazine |access-date=March 22, 2015}}</ref> mixing melodic death metal and thrash metal riffs with hardcore punk.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rockfreaks.net/albums/1940 |title=Miss May I Apologies Are for the Weak review |last=Li |first=Botong |access-date=February 28, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rockfreaks.net/albums/3475 |title=Miss May I Monument review |last=Botong |first=Li |access-date=February 28, 2014}}</ref> Almost all of their recorded songs feature both unclean vocals, provided by the band's lead vocalist Levi Benton, and clean vocals, provided by their bassist Ryan Neff (and formerly Josh Gillespie), in similar fashion to many other melodic metalcore bands.
The band has stated their main influences are: Metallica, Pantera, Deftones, Unearth, White Zombie,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/miss-may-i-gone-video-released/ |title=Miss May I: 'Gone' Video Released |date=February 27, 2014 |publisher=Blabbermouth.net |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> Gojira,<ref>{{cite news |last=Monaghan |first=Steve |date=May 20, 2017 |title=Interview: Levi Benton – Miss May I |url=https://www.therockpit.net/2017/interview-levi-benton-miss-may-i/ |url-status=live |work=The Rockpit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130153619/https://www.therockpit.net/2017/interview-levi-benton-miss-may-i/ |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |access-date=January 30, 2022}}</ref> As Blood Runs Black, All Shall Perish, As I Lay Dying, Arch Enemy, Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://shu-media.co.uk/music/interview-miss-may-i/ |title=Music - Interview: Miss May I |last=Imy Thomson |date=March 11, 2013 |publisher=SHUMedia |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928073331/http://shu-media.co.uk/music/interview-miss-may-i/ |archive-date=September 28, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> Atreyu, Underoath, All That Remains,<ref name="guitarworld1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.guitarworld.com/interview-miss-may-i-their-new-album-heart |title=Interview: Miss May I on Their New Album, 'At Heart' |work=Guitar World |date=August 7, 2012 |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.widb.net/wp/2013/02/miss-may-i-interview/ |title=WIDB Interview with Levi Benton of Miss May I |date=February 14, 2013 |publisher=WIDB.net |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> In Flames, Five Finger Death Punch,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://blog.afflictionclothing.com/?p=2432 |title=Affliction Sits Down with Miss May I |last=Affliction Blog |date=November 18, 2013 |publisher=Blog.afflictionclothing.com |access-date=March 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140303212516/http://blog.afflictionclothing.com/?p=2432 |archive-date=March 3, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Avenged Sevenfold, The Black Dahlia Murder,<ref name="guitarworld1" /> Thirty Seconds to Mars, Darkest Hour,<ref name="plugdinmagazine1">{{Cite web |url=http://www.plugdinmagazine.com/news-and-blog-stuff/this-is-levi-benton-of-miss-may-i |title=This Is: Levi Benton of Miss May I |date=December 7, 2010 |publisher=Plugdinmagazine.com |access-date=March 5, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128225503/http://www.plugdinmagazine.com/news-and-blog-stuff/this-is-levi-benton-of-miss-may-i |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Bleeding Through, Trivium, Winter Solstice,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.metalsucks.net/2010/07/06/miss-may-i-does-not-mosh-4-christ/ |title=MISS MAY I DOES NOT MOSH 4 CHRIST |last=Sergeant D |date=July 6, 2010 |publisher=MetalSucks |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> Bring Me the Horizon, Anti-Flag, Parkway Drive,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tonedeaf.com.au/features/interviews/211658/miss-may-i-f.htm |title=Miss May I on Tone Deaf - The Home of Australian Music |date=November 7, 2012 |publisher=Tonedeaf.com.au |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> and It Dies Today.<ref name="tumblr1">{{Cite web |url=http://thewellzstreetjournal.tumblr.com/post/35541331640/photographer-barrett-bailey-interviews-levi-benton |title=Photographer Barrett Bailey interviews Levi Benton |date=November 11, 2012 |publisher=Thewellzstreetjournal.tumblr.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928205345/http://thewellzstreetjournal.tumblr.com/post/35541331640/photographer-barrett-bailey-interviews-levi-benton |archive-date=September 28, 2015 |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref>
In an interview with ''Guitar World'', the band discussed how their influences have changed over the years. Guitarist Justin Aufdemkampe said he started by covering basic blues, then moved to pop punk by covering Blink-182, and Green Day, then eventually learned lead guitar by listening to and copying his dad's Stevie Ray Vaughan records.<ref name="guitarworld1" /> In the 10th grade, Justin started learning Taking Back Sunday, Underoath and Avenged Sevenfold songs. However, once he saw Atreyu at Warped Tour, his taste in music abruptly shifted. He then discovered As I Lay Dying, All That Remains and Darkest Hour, and began writing fast, aggressive originals.<ref name="guitarworld1" />
According to bassist Ryan Neff, his influences are: Unearth,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://legendsarising.com/2010/11/03/qa-miss-may-is-ryan-neff/ |title=Q&A: Miss May I's Ryan Neff - Legends Arising |date=November 3, 2010 |website=Legends Arising |access-date=March 22, 2015}}</ref> Deftones, Pantera, As I Lay Dying, Darkest Hour, Underoath, As Cities Burn, August Burns Red, the Bled, the Color Morale, Florence and the Machine, Marilyn Manson, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Oceana, Pierce the Veil, PMtoday, Saosin, and Tool.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/officialryanneff/info |title=Ryan Neff |website=Facebook |access-date=March 22, 2015}}</ref>{{Primary source inline|date=January 2020}} In an interview with ''Alternative Press'', Ryan said his favorite band of all time is White Zombie.<ref name="whatissogreataboutflorida.com">[http://whatissogreataboutflorida.com/tag/ryan-neff/] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140307165858/http://whatissogreataboutflorida.com/tag/ryan-neff/|date=March 7, 2014}}</ref>
Guitarist B.J. Stead stated "I had been playing guitar for years, but not much metal. I mostly listen to Pink Floyd and straight rock."<ref name="guitarworld1" /> In an interview with ''Alternative Press'', it was said that B.J.'s favorite band is Iron Maiden.<ref name="whatissogreataboutflorida.com" />
The band has stated on their influences: {{cquote|Basically, any metal-core band that doesn't have keyboards and who aren't fake guys who just play instruments. We're trying to be as old school as possible, as it's been working out. So I'm happy with that.<ref name="plugdinmagazine1" />}}
In an interview with WIDB, Levi stated on behalf of his biggest musical influences: "As I Lay Dying is definitely the biggest one that really sets Miss May I where we are. We like a lot of All That Remains, Unearth, Darkest Hour and, recently, In Flames. This is weird, because it’s not really the thing that everyone would say, but we're really interested in Five Finger Death Punch. We’ve been researching how they do everything because their story’s really cool. But As I Lay Dying and All That Remains are probably the biggest ones, along with Killswitch Engage"<ref name="autogenerated1" /> Levi has stated his "dream tour" would be Lamb of God, As I Lay Dying, It Dies Today, and Atreyu.<ref name="tumblr1" />
In another interview, Levi Benton stated that he tries to make inspirational music rather than angry music. Through this, he uses his contemporary R&B influences such as Justin Timberlake, Jamie Foxx, and Usher.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://video.theloop.ca/showbiz/music/music-history/watch/miss-may-i-on-monument-re-release-rb-influences-/1238987691001?sort=date&page=1 |title=Miss May I on Monument Re-Release, R&B Influences - Video | The Loop |publisher=Video.theloop.ca |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128225503/http://video.theloop.ca/showbiz/music/music-history/watch/miss-may-i-on-monument-re-release-rb-influences-/1238987691001?sort=date&page=1#.UxSUxsQY2IV |archive-date=January 28, 2016 |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> He also openly admits he listens to a lot of hip hop. His favorite artists are Dr. Dre, Yelawolf,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.craveonline.com/music/articles/190299-interview-levi-benton-of-miss-may-i |title=Interview: Levi Benton of Miss May I |last=Iann Robinson |date=June 12, 2012 |publisher=CraveOnline |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816060850/http://www.craveonline.com/music/articles/190299-interview-levi-benton-of-miss-may-i |archive-date=August 16, 2013 |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> Savage,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://songmeanings.com/songs/view/3530822107858767479/ |title=Miss May I - Swing (Savage cover) Lyrics |date=April 10, 2009 |publisher=SongMeanings |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> Jay Z, and Eminem.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://noisecreep.com/miss-may-i-at-heart/ |title=Miss May I's Levi Benton Lists His 10 Favorite Recent Hip Hop Albums |date=May 1, 2012 |publisher=Noisecreep.com |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref> The band has covered the song "Run This Town" by Jay Z featuring Kanye West and Rihanna for the ''Punk Goes Pop 3'' album.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.altpress.com/news/entry/stream_punk_goes_pop_vol._3 |title=Alternative Press |website=Alternative Press |date=October 29, 2010 |access-date=March 5, 2014}}</ref>
==Religious views== In an interview with Dayton Daily News writer Madeline Bush,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.daytondailynews.com/entertainment/music/miss-may-i-sets-the-record-straight-on-its-name-and-image-248250.html?printArticle=y |title=Miss May I set the record straight on its name and image |last=Bush |first=Madeline |date=August 13, 2009 |publisher=Dayton Daily News |access-date=February 23, 2011}}</ref> when asked what they thought their music conveyed, Benton replied: {{cquote|"We have been asked a lot if we are a Christian band due to our lyrics. And the answer to that is no, but some of us are Christians and others are not. But myself as a Christian, I try and not put the wrong negative message out in our lyrics. Most of what we stand for is just a band that plays for the crowd to be happy, and to love what we are doing as much as we do."}}
== Members == <gallery perrow="3" caption="Miss May I, live at With Full Force 2018" widths="180" heights="180"> Miss May I With Full Force 2018 07.jpg|Vocalist Levi Benton Miss May I With Full Force 2018 12.jpg|Bassist and vocalist Ryan Neff Miss May I With Full Force 2018 20.jpg|Drummer Jerod Boyd </gallery> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Current''' * Levi Benton – lead vocals <small>(2006–present)</small> * Jerod Boyd – drums <small>(2006–present)</small> * Ryan Neff – bass, clean vocals <small>(2006–2007, 2009–present)</small> * Elisha Mullins – lead and rhythm guitar <small>(2024–present; live member 2022–2024)</small> {{col-end}}
{{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Former''' * Josh Gillespie – bass, clean vocals <small>(2007–2009)</small> * B.J. Stead – lead guitar <small>(2006–2024)</small>, backing vocals <small>(2014–2024)</small> * Justin Aufdemkampe – rhythm guitar <small>(2006–2024)</small>, backing vocals <small>(2014–2024)</small> {{col-end}}'''Timeline'''{{#tag:timeline|ImageSize=width:800 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:110 bottom:80 top:10 right:15 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2006 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:2006 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:2006
Colors = id:V value:red legend:Lead_vocals id:LG value:teal legend:Lead_guitar id:RG value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar id:B value:blue legend:Bass,_clean_vocals id:D value:orange legend:Drums id:studio value:black legend:Studio_album id:EP value:gray(0.6) legend:Other_release
LineData = layer:back at:02/11/2007 color:EP at:06/11/2008 color:EP at:23/06/2009 color:studio at:17/08/2010 color:studio at:12/06/2012 color:studio at:25/04/2014 color:studio at:07/08/2015 color:studio at:02/06/2017 color:studio at:02/09/2022 color:studio
BarData = bar:LB text:"Levi Benton" bar:BJ text:"B.J. Stead" bar:EM text:"Elisha Mullins" bar:JA text:"Justin Aufdemkampe" bar:RN text:"Ryan Neff" bar:JG text:"Josh Gillespie" bar:JB text:"Jerod Boyd" PlotData = width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4) bar:LB from:01/01/2006 till:end color:v bar:BJ from:01/01/2006 till:31/05/2024 color:LG bar:EM from:31/05/2024 till:end color:LG bar:EM from:31/05/2024 till:end color:RG width:3 bar:JA from:01/01/2006 till:31/05/2024 color:RG bar:RN from:01/01/2006 till:15/12/2007 color:B bar:RN from:23/08/2009 till:end color:B bar:JG from:15/12/2007 till:23/08/2009 color:B bar:JB from:01/01/2006 till:end color:D}}
==Discography== ;Albums {|class="wikitable" |- ! rowspan="2"| Year ! rowspan="2"| Album ! rowspan="2"| Label ! colspan="4"| Chart peaks<ref name="indiestar" /><ref>[{{BillboardURLbyName|artist=miss may i|chart=all}} Apologies Are for the Weak - Miss May I | Billboard.com]</ref> |- ! style="width:50px;"| <small>US</small> ! style="width:50px;"| <small>US<br />Rock</small> ! style="width:50px;"| <small>US<br />Indie</small> ! style="width:50px;"| <small>US Hard<br />Rock</small> |- | 2009 | ''Apologies Are for the Weak'' | rowspan="5"| Rise | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| 66 | style="text-align:center;"| — |- | 2010 | ''Monument'' | style="text-align:center;"| 76 | style="text-align:center;"| 31 | style="text-align:center;"| 15 | style="text-align:center;"| 10 |- | 2012 | ''At Heart'' | style="text-align:center;"| 32 | style="text-align:center;"| 12 | style="text-align:center;"| 5 | style="text-align:center;"| 3 |- | 2014 | ''Rise of the Lion'' | style="text-align:center;"| 21 | style="text-align:center;"| 6 | style="text-align:center;"| 4 | style="text-align:center;"| 2 |- | 2015 |''Deathless'' | style="text-align:center;"| 49 | style="text-align:center;"| 5 | style="text-align:center;"| 4 | style="text-align:center;"| 2 |- |2017 |''Shadows Inside'' | rowspan="2"| SharpTone | style="text-align:center;"| 176 | style="text-align:center;"| 37 | style="text-align:center;"| 6 | style="text-align:center;"| 6 |- |2022 |''Curse of Existence'' | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — | style="text-align:center;"| — |- ! colspan="8"| <small>"—" denotes a release that did not chart.</small> |}
'''Other releases''' *''Vows for a Massacre'' (self-released EP; 2007) *''Demo 2008'' (self-released demo; 2008)
===Music videos=== {{Unreferenced section|date=March 2022}} {| class="wikitable" !Year !Song !Director |- | rowspan="3" |2009 |"Architect" (demo version) |Thunder Down Country |- |"Forgive and Forget" | rowspan="2" |Spencer Nicholson |- |"Forgive and Forget (Saw VI Soundtrack)" |- | rowspan="2" |2010 |"Relentless Chaos" | rowspan="3" |Thunder Down Country |- |"Our Kings" |- | rowspan="2" |2011 |"Masses of a Dying Breed" |- |"Relentless Chaos (Live)" |Cole Dabney |- | rowspan="3" |2012 |"Hey Mister" | rowspan="2" |Thunder Down Country |- |"Day By Day" |- |"Ballad of a Broken Man"| "Ballad of a Broken Man" | {{Unknown}} |- | rowspan="4" |2014 |"Gone" | rowspan="2" |Brad Golowin |- |"Echoes" |- |"You Want Me"| "You Want Me"||rowspan="2"{{Unknown}} |- |"Hero with No Name" |- | rowspan="3" |2015 |"I.H.E." | rowspan="2" |Max Moore |- |"Deathless" |- |"Turn Back the Time"| "Turn Back the Time" | {{Unknown}} |- | rowspan="2" |2017 |"Lost in the Grey" |Ramon Boutviseth |- |"Shadows Inside"| "Shadows Inside" | {{Unknown}} |- | rowspan="1" |2018 |"Under Fire" |Nadeem A. Salam |- | rowspan="4" |2022 |"Unconquered" | rowspan="4" |JOSIAHx |- |"Bleed Together" |- |"Earth Shaker" |- |"Free Fall" |- |2025 |"Pray For Silence" | |}
===Collaborations=== {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Song !! Album !! Artist |- | 2010 || "2012" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''Deceiver'' || '''The Word Alive'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UiRs0NH0j40 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/UiRs0NH0j40 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=The Word Alive - "2012" Official Music Video |date=March 10, 2011 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 2011 || "Napalm" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''Conviction'' || '''The Crimson Armada''' |- | 2011 || "Set in Stone" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''The End of Times EP'' || '''Ludlow Falls'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PM7KIVvwEU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/1PM7KIVvwEU |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Ludlow Falls Set in Stone (ft. Levi Benton) |date=May 10, 2011 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 2011 || "Growing, Caving, Searching, Sinking" <small>(featuring Ryan Neff)</small>|| ''Echoes & Answers'' || '''From Atlantis'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-ztfQcDxuU |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/O-ztfQcDxuU |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=From Atlantis - Growing, Caving, Searching, Sinking (ft. Ryan Neff of Miss May I) |date=November 2011 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 2014 || "The Void" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''Bloodwork'' || '''Texas in July'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8UAb6pCD1o |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/L8UAb6pCD1o |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=05 Texas in July - The Void |date=March 19, 2015 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 2016 || "Stacking Bodies" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''Deathgrip'' || '''Fit for a King'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTzeUXA5894 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/QTzeUXA5894 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Fit for a King - Stacking Bodies (feat. Levi Benton) |date=October 9, 2016 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | rowspan=2|2018 || "Everything" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''Persevere'' || '''Sink the Ship'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFrBKDOkJBY |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/vFrBKDOkJBY |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Sink The Ship - Everything Feat. Levi Benton (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) |date=April 10, 2018 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | "Paradigm Shift" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''Single'' || '''Classic Jack'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz6IM9Gf4lI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/gz6IM9Gf4lI |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Classic Jack - Paradigm Shift (feat. Levi Benton) |date=December 24, 2018 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |- | 2019 || "An Eye for a Lie" <small>(featuring Levi Benton)</small>|| ''Reborn EP'' || '''Out Last'''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ggLKhQEMTQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/_ggLKhQEMTQ |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Out Last - An Eye for a Lie (Ft. Levi Benton of Miss May I) |date=September 13, 2019 |via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{official website|http://www.missmayimusic.com}}
{{Miss May I}} {{Authority control}}
Category:2006 establishments in Ohio Category:American musical quintets Category:Metalcore musical groups from Ohio Category:Musical groups established in 2006 Category:Rise Records artists Category:SharpTone Records artists