Flyleaf (band)

{{Short description|American rock band}} {{Use mdy dates|date=August 2015}} {{Infobox musical artist | name = Flyleaf | alias = {{flatlist| * Passerby (2002–2004) }} | image = Flyleaf performing live SanFranOCT18.jpg | caption = Flyleaf in 2010 | landscape = yes | background = group_or_band  | origin = Belton, Texas, U.S.   | genre = {{flatlist| * Alternative rock * post-grunge * hard rock * alternative metal * Christian rock }} | years_active = {{flatlist| * 2002–2016 * 2022–present }} | label = {{flatlist| * A&M/Octone * GUN * INO * {{nowrap|Loud & Proud}} }} | website = {{URL|FlyleafMusic.com}} | current_members = * Sameer Bhattacharya * James Culpepper * Jared Hartmann * Pat Seals * Lacey Sturm | past_members = * Kristen May<ref name="facebook1">{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/iamKristenMay/?fref=ts |title=Kristen May |publisher=Facebook |access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref> }} '''Flyleaf''' is an American rock band formed in Belton, Texas, in 2002.<ref name=twitter2002>{{cite tweet|user=flyleafmusic|author=FLYLEAF|number=290953653567778816|date=14 January 2013|title=Don't trust everything you read on Wikipedia. Flyleaf started in 2002 not 2000}}</ref> The band has charted on mainstream rock, Christian pop, and Christian rock charts. They performed around the US in 2003 before releasing their eponymous debut album, ''Flyleaf'', in 2005. The album went platinum after selling more than one million copies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode%3DArticle%26newsitemID%3D108847 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - FLYLEAF Singer Says Voice is 'Great' After Long Rest |access-date=2008-11-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606065802/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.Net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=108847 |archive-date=June 6, 2011 |df=mdy }}</ref> Flyleaf released their second album, ''Memento Mori'', in 2009, which debuted and peaked at No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' charts.

Shortly before the release of their third album, ''New Horizons'' (2012), lead vocalist Lacey Sturm announced her departure.<ref>{{cite web|author=Anna Erickson|url=http://loudwire.com/flyleaf-singer-lacey-sturm-exits-band/ |title=Flyleaf Singer Lacey Sturm Exits Band |publisher=Loudwire.com |date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=November 17, 2013}}</ref> Kristen May subsequently became the new lead vocalist. May sang with the band until August 2016.<ref name="facebook1"/> After several years of inactivity, the band announced in November 2022 that Sturm had rejoined.<ref name="flyleaflacey"/>

== History == === Early years (2002–2004) === Early on, Lacey Sturm performed with James Culpepper. Guitarists Jared Hartmann and Sameer Bhattacharya were later recruited. "Sameer and Jared are really experimental with melodies and pedals," said Sturm, "and we all had different influences that were all blending together with the same passionate and hopeful heart, and that brought out this beautiful feeling. It was magical."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flyleafonline.com/media/interviews.php |title=The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more |publisher=Flyleaf Online |access-date=2016-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070222103201/http://flyleafonline.com/media/interviews.php |archive-date=February 22, 2007 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Bassist Pat Seals joined after leaving his previous band, The Grove.

As Passerby, the band released three EPs and played over 100 shows in Texas alone over the span of two years under the booking and promotion company Runt Entertainment.{{Citation needed|date=August 2007}} In 2004, Passerby played a showcase for RCA Records in New York City in hopes of getting signed. RCA passed on the band, but the president of Octone Records was very interested. They waited for two days in their van at a truck stop for a phone call about an Octone showcase. They were signed after the showcase, and on January 7, 2004, Octone Records' website announced their arrival to the label.

In March 2004, Passerby traveled to Seattle, Washington, to record an EP with producer Rick Parashar. Afterwards, they toured with Skillet, Breaking Benjamin, Staind, and 3 Doors Down to promote their self-titled EP. For legal reasons, they renamed themselves ''Flyleaf'' in June 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flyleafonline.com/band/FAQ.php |title=The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more |publisher=Flyleaf Online |access-date=2016-08-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402125325/http://flyleafonline.com/band/FAQ.php |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In October, the EP was released to stores (as ''Flyleaf''), spawning their first official single and video for the EP version of "Breathe Today".

=== Debut album (2005–2008) ===

In 2005, the band recorded their first full-length album with Howard Benson. On October 4, 2005, the record was released under the title ''Flyleaf''. Appearances on the album include Dave Navarro of Jane's Addiction and Ryan White of Resident Hero. The first mainstream single from their debut album was "I'm So Sick", "Fully Alive" was the second, "All Around Me" was the third, and "Sorrow" was the fourth.

In the summer of 2006, the band played on the mainstage of the Family Values Tour 2006, and in late 2006, Flyleaf toured with Disturbed, Stone Sour and Nonpoint on the Music as a Weapon III Tour. The band issued an exclusive EP, which was sold at the tour called ''Music as a Weapon EP'' which features an acoustic version of "Fully Alive", and three previously unreleased tracks: "Much Like Falling", "Justice And Mercy", and "Christmas Song" (''Much Like Falling'' and ''Justice and Mercy'' later appeared on Much Like Falling EP). A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the EP went to World Vision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revenantmedia.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=933&Itemid=17 |title=Revenant Media |publisher=Revenant Media |access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref>

In 2007 Flyleaf toured with Three Days Grace and throughout Australia with the Soundwave festival, and also toured Europe with Stone Sour and Forever Never. In the spring of 2007, Flyleaf headlined their Justice & Mercy Tour which first featured Skillet and Dropping Daylight. Later on they did a second leg of the tour which featured Sick Puppies, Kill Hannah and Resident Hero. Flyleaf again joined the Family Values Tour in 2007.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.familyvalueslive.com/ |title=Family Values Tour 2007 - Official Site |access-date=2007-10-21 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071024155719/http://www.familyvalueslive.com/ |archive-date=October 24, 2007 |df=mdy }}</ref> The music video for "I'm So Sick" appeared briefly in the 2007 film ''Live Free or Die Hard''. Also a remix of the song "I'm So Sick" is on the Soundtrack to the movie ''Resident Evil: Extinction''. "Perfect" was also released as a single in late 2007 to Christian radio stations. Released on November 5, 2007, ''The Sims 2'' expansion pack ''Teen Style Stuff'' featured the band's song "Cassie" recorded in Simlish.

thumb|left|Flyleaf at Beale Street Music Festival on May 2, 2008

Flyleaf also released a song entitled "Tina" which was the first song that they debuted in the release of ''Guitar Hero 3'' as part of the Companion Disk Set. Also, the song "I'm So Sick" appears in ''Rock Band''. On October 30, Flyleaf also released a digital EP titled Much Like Falling EP. The songs included on this EP were "Much Like Falling", an acoustic version of "Supernatural", the limited release song "Tina", and The EP is available on iTunes along with the expanded edition of their debut album.

On April 26, 2008, the band released their fourth video, "Sorrow", from their debut album on MTV2.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://flyleafonline.com/?cat=1|title=The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more|publisher=Flyleaf Online|access-date=2016-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080218041831/http://flyleafonline.com/?cat=1|archive-date=February 18, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The band toured with Seether in late spring but had to cancel five shows due to a problem with Sturm's voice. The members of Flyleaf took the fall off to write new music, hoping to begin recording by January.

Flyleaf also contributed a cover of the song "What's This?" from ''The Nightmare Before Christmas'' soundtrack for the album ''Nightmare Revisited''.

The band also toured heavily in 2008 in both North America and Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flyleaf Tour Statistics {{!}} setlist.fm |url=https://www.setlist.fm/stats/flyleaf-33d6bc55.html |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=www.setlist.fm}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Flyleaf Online - The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more. |url=https://flyleafonline.com/band/2008tourdates.php |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=flyleafonline.com}}</ref>

=== ''Memento Mori'' (2009–2010) ===

When Flyleaf finished recording their second album, they had selected 14 songs out of the 30 already written. Some of these songs, such as "Again", "Have We Lost", and "Beautiful Bride", have been performed live. The band reunited with producer Howard Benson and enlisted the mixing services of Chris Lord-Alge<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/memento-mori-r1663608/credits |title=Memento Mori - Flyleaf |publisher=AllMusic |date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2011}}</ref> It was released on November 10, 2009.<ref>{{cite web |title=Platinum Rock Band Flyleaf Builds Momentum with Release of ''Memento Mori'' |work= JesusFreakHideout |date=August 17, 2009 |url=http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2009/08/17.PLATINUM%20ROCK%20BAND%20FLYLEAF%20BUILDS%20MOMENTUM%20WITH%20RELEASE%20OF%20MEMENTO%20MORI%20OCT.%2027.asp}}</ref> The album, titled ''Memento Mori,'' features songs such as "Beautiful Bride", "Arise", "Missing", "Again" and "Set Apart This Dream", which was inspired by the Christian book ''Wild at Heart''.<ref name="rollingstonenewalbum">{{cite web|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/26796187/spring_music_preview_julyaugust |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090323160834/http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/26796187/spring_music_preview_julyaugust |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 23, 2009 |title=News |publisher=Rolling Stone |access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref> Flyleaf debuted an additional two songs live during a small acoustic tour the band did in Afghanistan for United States Armed Forces called "Chasm" and "Circle".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvidshub.net/?script=news/news_show.php&id=36140 |title=Texas Band Flyleaf Delivers High Spirits to Troops Overseas |publisher=Dvidshub.net |access-date=October 21, 2011}}</ref> As they published on their MySpace page, Flyleaf's first single "Again" was released on iTunes and also played on the radio. Meiert Avis directed the single's music video.

[[File:Lacey Sturm (Flyleaf).jpg|thumb|right| Sturm performing in Bagram Air Field, Afghanistan in 2009]]

The group, starting in Seattle, Washington, on September 28, 2009, held VIP listening parties throughout the country inviting fans to be the first to hear a selection of songs from the new record and view brand new music videos before they aired nationwide. By partnering with Eventful, fans were given the opportunity to demand that their city get routed into the "Road to Memento Mori" using Eventful's "Demand It!" service.

Based on overwhelming demand there were over 10 events. Fans saw Sturm, Sameer Bhattacharya, and Jared Hartmann, who made special appearances at these intimate gatherings across the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=127554 |title=BLABBERMOUTH.NET - FLYLEAF: 'Memento Mori' Listening Parties Announced |publisher=Roadrunnerrecords.com |access-date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091201232613/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=127554 |archive-date=December 1, 2009 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

On November 2, 2009, the band released a short Webisode for their new album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/news/34338/exclusive-premiere-flyleaf-memento-mori-webisode |title=Exclusive Premiere: Flyleaf Memento Mori Webisode |publisher=Dreadcentral.com |date=November 2, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2011}}</ref>

Flyleaf's other video, "Beautiful Bride", was shot in early August 2009 by director Don Tyler. The video was originally released at the ''Memento Mori'' listening events, but was later featured on Yahoo! the day ''Memento Mori'' came out. The video features James' sister/Sameer's wife, April, as the bride and Joshua, Sturm's husband, as the groom. Like "Again," this video features Pat's artwork throughout the video. Future singles are set to include "Chasm" for rock stations and "Missing" for alternative.

Flyleaf toured throughout the United States with Breaking Benjamin and Three Days Grace from January to March 2010. They embarked on a headlining tour called the "Unite & Fight Tour" with 10 Years and Fair to Midland. The tour began on April 28, 2010, and ended on June 6, 2010. The band attended the Muz-TV Award 2010 awards (Премия МУЗ-ТВ) in Russia and performed the songs "I'm So Sick", "Again" and "All Around Me". They are one of many bands that performed at Download Festival on June 12, 2010. The band encouraged fans to donate to stop human trafficking in other countries.

thumb|left| Flyleaf performing in 2010

The band was scheduled to continue with the second leg of the "Unite & Fight" tour from September 10, 2010, to October 23, 2010, with Story of the Year, and performed at various festivals through the end of the year. They also released an animated music video for "Chasm" on September 22, which was directed/animated/illustrated by Giles Timms. At the end of the Unite and Fight tour in early November, Sturm collaborated with band Apocalyptica on the song "Broken Pieces", as well as with Australian singer Orianthi in her new song "Courage".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flyleafonline.com/2010/10/27/orianthi-feat-lacey-courage-video/ |title=The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more |publisher=Flyleaf Online |date=October 27, 2010 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |archive-date=July 28, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110728032738/http://flyleafonline.com/2010/10/27/orianthi-feat-lacey-courage-video/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Soon after they released "Arise" as the next single from ''Memento Mori''.

On November 6, 2010, the band performed at Rock the Hood, a festival at Fort Hood in memory of all the soldiers who have died, especially the 13 who died at the November 2009 shooting.

On November 15, 2010, Sturm shared via Facebook that she and her husband, Joshua, were expecting a baby boy in early 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flyleafonline.com/2010/11/15/im-sorry-and-imma-let-you-finish-but-this-is-the-best-news-of-all-timeee/ |title=The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more |publisher=Flyleaf Online |access-date=October 21, 2011 |archive-date=August 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825005432/http://flyleafonline.com/2010/11/15/im-sorry-and-imma-let-you-finish-but-this-is-the-best-news-of-all-timeee/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On December 7, 2010, Flyleaf released an EP titled ''Remember to Live'', then released a cover of the John Mark McMillan song "How He Loves" on December 21, 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://flyleafonline.com/2010/12/07/how-he-loves-coming-1221/ |title=The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more |publisher=Flyleaf Online |date=December 7, 2010 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |archive-date=October 1, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001042038/http://flyleafonline.com/2010/12/07/how-he-loves-coming-1221/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://flyleafonline.com/2010/11/20/remember-to-live/ |title=The latest news, information, tour dates, pictures, mp3s, videos, lyrics and more |publisher=Flyleaf Online |access-date=October 21, 2011 |archive-date=August 20, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820153652/http://flyleafonline.com/2010/11/20/remember-to-live/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== ''New Horizons'' and departure of Sturm (2011–2013) ===

On January 22, 2011, Hartmann announced that he and Culpepper were building a recording studio and preparing to record demos for their next album.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/flyleafmusic/status/28900935807799296 | title = Twitter: @flyleafmusic: What are we up to musically? | year = 2011 | access-date =January 28, 2011 | quote = What are we up to musically? James and I are building a studio and we're getting ready to start recording demos for the next record! -Jared }}</ref> In February 2011, the band started pre-production for their next album at Treelady Studios in Pittsburgh, PA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://treelady.com/treeladynews/2011/02/13/flyleaf-records-at-treelady-studios/|access-date=September 29, 2013|date=February 13, 2011|title=Flyleaf Records at Treelady Studios|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202233315/http://treelady.com/treeladynews/2011/02/13/flyleaf-records-at-treelady-studios/|archive-date=December 2, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=September 2013}}

On June 1, 2012, the band confirmed via Twitter that the album and first single would be called ''New Horizons''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://twitter.com/flyleafmusic/status/208713473562128384 | title = Twitter: @flyleafmusic: Our upcoming album & 1st single off of it is called NEW HORIZONS. | year = 2012 | access-date =June 1, 2012 | quote = Our upcoming album & 1st single off of it is called NEW HORIZONS. The single will be out this summer. Spread the word!!}}</ref> The single premiered on Windsor, Ontario's 89X Radio on August 1, 2012,<ref name="Blab1">{{cite web|title=Flyleaf: 'New Horizons' Single Due This Month - Aug. 1, 2012|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=177590|work=Blabbermouth.net|publisher=Roadrunner Records|access-date=August 2, 2012}}</ref> and released through iTunes on August 21, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/news/3158061/flyleaf-releases-new-single-new-horizons/ |title=Flyleaf Releases New Single "New Horizons" |publisher=Bloody Disgusting! |date=2012-08-07 |access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref>

On September 4, 2012, Sturm's birthday,{{Citation needed|date=September 2012|reason=is it notable that it's her birthday or is coincidental?}} Flyleaf released the official video for "New Horizons" on Fuse. The video included a picture in the background as a tribute to Rich Caldwell and footage of Lacey and Joshua Sturm's son, Joshua "Jack" Sturm.<ref>{{cite news|title=World Premiere: Flyleaf Debuts "New Horizons" Video|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2012/08/flyleaf-music-video-new-horizons-exclusive-premiere|access-date=September 4, 2012|newspaper=Fuse|date=September 4, 2012}}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2012|reason=the video does not support any of the material and does not label Caldwell or the Sturms' child. Needs a reliable source to support claims.}}

Flyleaf also released an additional single, entitled "Call You Out", on September 25, 2012.{{Citation needed|date=October 2012}} The album was released on October 30, 2012.<ref>{{cite tweet|user=flyleafmusic|author=FLYLEAF|number=263355093674512384|date=30 October 2012|title=Our album "New Horizons" is now available! Let us know what you think by using #NewHorizons.}}</ref>

On October 22, 2012, the band announced that Lacey Sturm was stepping down as the band's lead vocalist. In a statement written by Pat Seals, Kristen May, formerly of Vedera, was announced as Sturm's replacement. Sturm expressed that with the birth of her son, Jack, and the death of one of the band's lead audio engineers, Rich Caldwell, that she knew the true meaning of "Memento Mori" (the title of their second full-length album).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://site.flyleafmusic.com/message |title=A Message |publisher=Flyleaf |date=October 22, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103041842/http://site.flyleafmusic.com/message |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya stated in an interview that they would write new music with their new lead vocalist Kristen May.<ref name="lehighvalleylive1">{{cite web|author=Contributed Photo |url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/music/index.ssf/2013/02/flyleaf_band_members_discuss_l.html |title=Flyleaf band members discuss life imitating art with new album, singer |date=February 22, 2013 |publisher=lehighvalleylive.com |access-date=February 27, 2013}}</ref>

Flyleaf released a new single on June 18, 2013, with May on vocals, "Something Better" featuring P.O.D. front man Sonny Sandoval. A new EP, ''Who We Are'', was released on July 9, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/flyleaf-something-better-featuring-p-o-d-sonny-sandoval-exclusive-song-premiere/|publisher=MARY OUELLETTE|author=MARY OUELLETTE|title=FLYLEAF, 'SOMETHING BETTER' (FEATURING P.O.D.'S SONNY SANDOVAL) – EXCLUSIVE SONG PREMIERE|date=June 18, 2013 }}</ref> Later that year, the band was featured in an ''NME'' article titled "28 Nu-Metal Era Bands You Probably Forgot All About".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Barker |first=Emily |date=2013-09-19 |title=28 Nu-Metal Era Bands You Probably Forgot All About |url=https://www.nme.com/photos/28-nu-metal-era-bands-you-probably-forgot-all-about-1425509 |access-date=2025-12-20 |website=NME |language=en-GB}}</ref>

=== ''Between the Stars'' (2014–2016) ===

Flyleaf announced that a new album was in the works for a 2014 release and released a teaser video on PledgeMusic.com.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/flyleaf/updates/29694 |title=Brand New Album: New Song Teaser from Flyleaf for Pledgers Only |publisher=PledgeMusic |date=December 7, 2013 |access-date=May 20, 2014 |archive-date=March 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301065710/http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/flyleaf/updates/29694 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{Better source needed|date=February 2014|reason=this is a primary source and does not attest to the notability of the crowd-sourced release}} The new album was fully funded on February 2, 2014.{{Citation needed|date=February 2014}} On March 29, they confirmed Don Gilmore as the producer for their upcoming album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/flyleafmusic/photos/a.141980757593.139301.82081937593/10152341587082594/?type=1&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/82081937593/10152341587082594 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Flyleaf - Tijdlijnfoto's |publisher=Facebook |access-date=May 20, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

On May 20, 2014, Flyleaf announced that they were now signed to Loud & Proud Records<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/flyleafmusic/posts/10152455420372594 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/82081937593/10152455420372594 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Flyleaf - We are so excited to announce that we've signed... |publisher=Facebook |access-date=May 20, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and would be releasing their album in early fall. The first single will be released in July and tour dates will be announced after that.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loudwire.com/flyleaf-fourth-studio-album-fall/ |title=Flyleaf to Release Fourth Studio Album This Fall |date=May 19, 2014 |publisher=Loudwire.com |access-date=May 20, 2014}}</ref>

"Set Me on Fire", the lead single from the upcoming album, ''Between the Stars'', premiered on July 1 through ''Revolver''. The album was released on September 16, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.revolvermag.com/news/flyleaf-premiere-new-song-set-me-on-fire.html|title=Flyleaf Premiere New Song, "Set Me on Fire"|website=Revolvermag.com|access-date=October 5, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140803044759/http://www.revolvermag.com/news/flyleaf-premiere-new-song-set-me-on-fire.html|archive-date=August 3, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> They then went on tour in support of the album.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-09-03 |title=Flyleaf Announce U.S. “Between The Stars Tour” |url=https://www.digitaltourbus.com/news/flyleaf-announce-fall-u-s-tour/ |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=Digital Tour Bus |language=en}}</ref>

The band released the album cover via a puzzle game starting on July 21, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://flyleafmusic.tumblr.com/betweenthestars|title=FlyleafMusic - Between The Stars|website=Flyleafmusic.tumnlr.com|access-date=October 5, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006155304/http://flyleafmusic.tumblr.com/betweenthestars|archive-date=October 6, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/flyleafmusic/photos/a.141980757593.139301.82081937593/10152600362042594/?type=1 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/82081937593/10152600362042594 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Flyleaf - Timeline Photos|publisher=Facebook|access-date=October 5, 2014}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and the track list the following day.<ref>[https://twitter.com/flyleafmusic/status/491708853822582785/photo/1]{{dead link|date=August 2016}}</ref>

In 2015 the group headlined the “Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock' Tour alongside The Agonist and Fit For Rivals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blabbermouth |date=2015-02-23 |title=FLYLEAF, THE AGONIST Set For REVOLVER's 'Hottest Chicks In Hard Rock' Tour |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/flyleaf-the-agonist-set-for-revolvers-hottest-chicks-in-hard-rock-tour/ |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=BLABBERMOUTH.NET |language=en}}</ref> Also headlining the “SnoCore Tour” alongside Adelita's Way.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SnoCore Tour Announces 2015 Line Up |url=https://www.thefrontrowreport.com/snocore-tour-announces-2015-line/ |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=Front Row Report |language=en-US}}</ref>

''Between the Stars'' is also the band's first release from their new home, label Loud & Proud Records.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://substreammagazine.com/2014/07/interview-flyleaf-talks-about-their-new-album-at-their-music-video-shoot|title=INTERVIEW: Flyleaf Talks about Their New Album at their Music Video Shoot|work=Substream Magazine|access-date=October 5, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006072123/http://substreammagazine.com/2014/07/interview-flyleaf-talks-about-their-new-album-at-their-music-video-shoot/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== May's departure and hiatus (2016–2022) === On August 15, 2016, lead vocalist Kristen May announced her departure from the band, citing a growing desire to stay at home with her family and that she never really felt as if she was part of the band.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/iamKristenMay/videos/1071009566300953/|title=Kristen May - Timeline |website=Facebook |access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref>

Following May's departure, the band went on hiatus. The remaining members went on to pursue other interests. Jared, along with his wife, Kat formed a musical duo called Kat&Jared in 2017.<ref name="NRT Review">{{cite web|first=Caitlin|last=Lassiter|url=http://www.newreleasetoday.com/userprofile_reviewssinglepost.php?review_id=23955&user_id=130961 |title=Fresh Worship From Rock Genre Veterans|publisher=New Release Today|access-date=February 19, 2017|date=February 3, 2017}}</ref> Bhattacharya would tour with P.O.D. as their keyboardist from 2016 until 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/professorbombay/status/724822377792716800 |title=This is my excited face because I'm bout to rock the keyboards with my brothers @pod. Come see on tour & say hi pic.twitter.com/wlDrqkrUVk |last=Bhattacharya |first=Sameer |date=April 25, 2016 |publisher=Twitter |access-date=February 25, 2018}}</ref> He and Seals, along with P.O.D. drummer Wuv Bernardo formed a musical project called Belle and the Dragon, they released their debut album, ''Birthrights'', in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/flyleaf-members-join-forces-with-p-o-d-drummer-in-belle-and-the-dragon/|title=FLYLEAF Members Join Forces With P.O.D. Drummer In BELLE AND THE DRAGON|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=January 5, 2020|access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref> Seals joined Crobot in 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/interviews/theres_no_reason_to_be_on_a_record_label_in_2024_crobot_guitarist_says_now_we_dont_have_to_worry_about_that.html|title=There's No Reason to Be on a Record Label in 2024, Crobot Guitarist Says: 'Now We Don't Have to Worry About That'|date=Jun 20, 2024|access-date=May 7, 2025}}</ref>

=== Sturm's return (2022–present) === In 2021, the band's social media accounts were reactivated after being inactive since the band's hiatus. In November 2022, the band began teasing their return, including releasing band photos with their original lead singer, Lacey Sturm. On November 7, 2022, the band's profile pictures on their social media accounts changed to feature the phrase ''Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm''.<ref name="flyleaflacey">{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/flyleaf-appears-to-have-reunited-with-singer-lacey-sturm|title=Flyleaf Appears To Have Reunited With Singer Lacey Sturm|website=Blabbermouth.net|date=November 7, 2022|access-date=November 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wcyy.com/flyleaf-reunite-with-lacey-sturm/|title=It Looks Like Flyleaf Have Reunited With Lacey Sturm|website=WCYY|date=November 7, 2022|access-date=November 7, 2022}}</ref> On April 27, 2023, the band played a reunion show in Belton, Texas, marking their first live performance in 7 years, and the first with Sturm in nearly 11 years.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-01 |title=FLYLEAF Perform First Full Set With Lacey Sturm Since 2011 – Revenant Media |url=https://revenantmedia.com/2023/05/01/flyleaf-perform-first-full-set-with-lacey-sturm-since-2011/ |access-date=2025-10-08 |language=en}}</ref> On December 6, 2024, the band began offering pre-orders for the first vinyl pressing of their self-titled album, to be released in 2025, 20 years after the album's original release.{{citation needed|date=March 2025}} The group have performed at several festivals in 2025 with Sturm as the vocalist.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Louder Than Life 2025 {{!}} September 18-21 {{!}} Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center |url=https://louderthanlifefestival.com/lineup/ |access-date=2025-10-08 |website=Louder Than Life 2026 {{!}} September 17-20 {{!}} Highland Festival Grounds at KY Expo Center |language=en-US}}</ref>

On February 24, 2026, the band announced the ''Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm 20th Anniversary Tour''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DVJKoe_ALYh/ |access-date=2026-02-24 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> There are currently no support acts listed.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-27 |title=The Roundup — 18 New Rock + Metal Tours Announced This Past Week |url=https://loudwire.com/new-rock-metal-tours-announced-feb-20-26-2026/ |access-date=2026-02-27 |website=Loudwire |language=en}}</ref> The tour will run from July 8, 2026 to July 30, 2026 across 14 cities.{{Citation needed|date=February 2026}} The band are also confirmed to be making an appearance at Welcome to Rockville, which will take place in Daytona Beach, Florida in May 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Octane's Welcome to Rockville Announcement Mix: My Chemical Romance, Guns N’ Roses & More |url=https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/welcome-to-rockville-announcement |access-date=2026-02-25 |website=SiriusXM |language=en}}</ref> The band also has tour dates scheduled for July.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-03|title=The Rock + Metal Bands Touring in 2026 - Tour Guide|url=https://loudwire.com/2026-rock-metal-tour-guide/|access-date=2026-04-13|website=Loudwire|language=en}}</ref>

== Musical style ==

Flyleaf been categorized under various genres of rock music,<ref name="allmusicguide">{{cite web|author=Tammy La Gorce |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/flyleaf-mn0000533503/biography |title=Flyleaf | Biography & History |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=2016-08-17}}</ref> including alternative metal,<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|title= Flyleaf Release New Album 'Remember To Live' |date= December 9, 2010 |publisher= Louder Than the Music |access-date= June 7, 2015 |url= http://www.louderthanthemusic.com/document.php?id=1878}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20100514/NEWS/305149986|title=Flyleaf is spreading their wings|website=News-herald.com|date=April 23, 2013 |access-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.ew.com/article/2009/11/08/memento-mori|title=Memento Mori|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=January 7, 2016|archive-date=January 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112115240/http://www.ew.com/article/2009/11/08/memento-mori|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=mindequalsblown>{{cite web|url=http://mindequalsblown.net/reviews/flyleaf-between-the-stars|title=Flyleaf: Between The Stars|date=September 18, 2014|work=Mind Equals Blown|access-date=January 7, 2016|archive-date=January 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112115241/http://mindequalsblown.net/reviews/flyleaf-between-the-stars|url-status=usurped}}</ref> hard rock,<ref name="lehighvalleylive1"/><ref> {{cite web |url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2007/12/24/mtv-artist-of-the-week-flyleaf/#more-1870 |title=MTV Artist of the Week: Flyleaf |publisher=Buzzworthy.mtv.com |date=December 24, 2007 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226202851/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2007/12/24/mtv-artist-of-the-week-flyleaf/#more-1870 |archive-date=February 26, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="Crosswalk">{{cite web|title=Flyleaf: Artfully Alive|url=http://www.crosswalk.com/culture/music/flyleaf-artfully-alive-11530373.html|work=Christianity Today|publisher=Crosswalk.com|access-date=July 18, 2011|author=Thompson, John J.|year=2007}}</ref><ref name=sputnik>{{cite web|url=https://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/7364/Flyleaf-Flyleaf/|title=Flyleaf - Flyleaf (album review 4) |website=Sputnikmusic.com|access-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref> alternative rock,<ref name="metalinsider">{{cite web |date=February 24, 2015 |title=Revolver's 2015 Hottest Chicks in Hard Rock Tour features Flyleaf, The Agonist + more |url=http://www.metalinsider.net/touring/revolvers-2015-hottest-chicks-in-hard-rock-tour-features-flyleaf-the-agonist-more |access-date=January 7, 2016 |work=Metal Insider}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/Flyleaf.asp|title=Flyleaf, "Flyleaf" Review|website=Revolvermag.com|access-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccmmagazine.com/reviews/flyleaf-between-the-stars/|title=Flyleaf: Between The Stars|author=Matt Conner|work=CCM Magazine|date=November 15, 2014 |access-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref> post-grunge,<ref name=mindequalsblown/><ref name="411mania.com">{{cite web |title=Music - Battle of the Bands 11.10.09: Cage The Elephant vs. Flyleaf |url=http://www.411mania.com/music/columns/121454/Battle-of-the-Bands-11.10.09:-Cage-The-Elephant-vs.-Flyleaf.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002232111/http://www.411mania.com/music/columns/121454/Battle-of-the-Bands-11.10.09:-Cage-The-Elephant-vs.-Flyleaf.htm |archive-date=October 2, 2012 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |publisher=411mania.com |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/new-horizons-mw0002415137|title=New Horizons|author=James Christopher Monger|work=AllMusic|access-date=January 7, 2016}}</ref> nu metal,<ref name=sputnik/><ref name="NME">{{cite journal|title= 28 Nu-Metal Era Bands You Probably Forgot All About |journal= NME |access-date= 11 December 2015 |url= https://www.nme.com/photos/30-nu-metal-bands-you-d-forgotten/321759#/photo/1}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|first= Liza |last= Cano |title= Album Review: FlyLeaf – "Between the Stars" |journal= Music Connection |date= 31 October 2014 |access-date= 11 December 2015 |url= http://www.musicconnection.com/album-review-flyleaf-between-stars-score-810/}}</ref> post-hardcore,<ref name="Crosswalk"/> and "emo-metal".<ref>{{cite web |first=James |last=Christopher Monger |title=Memento Mori - Overview |url={{AllMusic|class=album|id=r1663608|pure_url=yes}} |publisher=AllMusic |access-date=November 29, 2009}}</ref> Because of the many religious references in Flyleaf's music, they are also considered to be a Christian rock band.<ref name="NME"/><ref name="MM">{{cite web |last=Christopher |first=James |date=November 10, 2009 |title=Memento Mori - Flyleaf |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/memento-mori-mw0001327261 |access-date=April 9, 2012 |publisher=AllMusic}}</ref> Despite the numerous genres they have been labeled as, May considered the band to be simply alternative rock, saying, "I think the reason we get put in different genres is because there are so many different influences in the songwriting."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://screamermagazine.com/interviews/done-flyleaf-fire/|title=FLYLEAF - On Fire! - Screamer Magazine|work=Screamer Magazine|date=December 23, 2014 |access-date=January 16, 2016}}</ref>

== Christianity ==

Lead vocalist Lacey Sturm is a Christian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ransom.tv/notes/lacey-sturm|title=Lacey Sturm|work=Ransom|access-date=October 5, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006204319/http://www.ransom.tv/notes/lacey-sturm/|url-status=dead}}</ref> While faith has influenced the band's music, Sturm said that she does not believe that necessarily makes Flyleaf strictly a Christian band. The band says they are Christians who play in a rock band, and their faith is heard within their music.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=7457032&blogID=356095186 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708014919/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=7457032&blogID=356095186 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |title=Lions and tigers and Christian bands, oh my! van Flyleaf op Myspace |publisher=Blogs.myspace.com |date=February 9, 2008 |access-date=October 21, 2011 }}</ref>

In November 2006, Flyleaf performed a free concert at Los Angeles Pierce College for a Christian group called The Revolt, which was a three-day event. The band performed a half-hour set Thursday night. It was The Revolt's opening night at Pierce College and the first time the campus has been used as an outdoor music venue.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://theroundupnews.com/2006/11/17/positive-message-rocks-youthbr |title=Flyleaf Round Up |publisher=Roundupnews.com |date=November 17, 2006 |access-date=October 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107114531/http://theroundupnews.com/2006/11/17/positive-message-rocks-youthbr/ |archive-date=November 7, 2014 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

In a May 2010 interview, Sturm was asked how it felt to be in a Christian rock band and play in Las Vegas: <blockquote>Well, you know what? I don't know what you mean by a "Christian rock band." It's hard to say that because people all have a different definition of what that means. If it means that we're Christians, then yeah, we're Christians, but if a plumber's a Christian, does that make him a "Christian plumber?" I mean we're not playing for Christians. We're just playing honestly and that's going to come out.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/arts-and-entertainment/Flyleaf-is-Mindful-of-Death-94283274.html |title=Flyleaf Is Mindful of Death |author=Jeff Schwachter |date=May 19, 2010 |publisher=Atlanticcityweekly.com |access-date=October 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100909011136/http://www.atlanticcityweekly.com/arts-and-entertainment/Flyleaf-is-Mindful-of-Death-94283274.html |archive-date=September 9, 2010 |df=mdy-all }}</ref></blockquote>

Shortly after joining the band, former lead vocalist May stated that she felt that some of the band's fans believed she was "not Christian enough" compared to Sturm, despite professing to be a Christian.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://crypticrock.com/kristen-may-flyleaf-interview |title= Interview: Kristen May of Flyleaf Cryptic Rock |publisher=Crypticrock.com |date=July 12, 2013 |access-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref>

Although the band explores themes transcending many faiths and ways of life, they insist being a Christian will always be a part of them and influence their writing.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://substreammagazine.com/2014/07/interview-flyleaf-talks-about-their-new-album-at-their-music-video-shoot/|title=INTERVIEW: Flyleaf Talks about Their New Album at their Music Video Shoot|work=Substream Magazine|access-date=October 5, 2014|archive-date=October 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006072123/http://substreammagazine.com/2014/07/interview-flyleaf-talks-about-their-new-album-at-their-music-video-shoot/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Band members ==

'''Current'''

* James Culpepper – drums, percussion {{small|(2002–2016; 2022–present)}} * Sameer Bhattacharya – lead guitar {{small|(2002–2016; 2022–present)}}; backing vocals {{small|(2012–2016; 2022–present)}}; keyboards, piano {{small|(2014–2016; 2022–present)}} * Jared Hartmann – rhythm guitar {{small|(2002–2016; 2022–present)}} * Pat Seals – bass {{small|(2002–2016; 2022–present)}}; backing vocals {{small|(2012–2016; 2022–present)}} * Lacey Sturm – lead vocals {{small|(2002–2012, 2022–present)}} '''Former''' * Kristen May – lead vocals {{small|(2012–2016)}}<ref name="facebook1"/>

;Timeline <div style="float:center;"> {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:21 PlotArea = left:110 bottom:100 top:0 right:15 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = mm/dd/yyyy Period = from:01/01/2002 till:{{#time:m/d/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy

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BackgroundColors = bars:bars

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LineData = layer:back color:album at:10/01/2005 at:11/10/2009 at:10/30/2012 at:09/16/2014 color:other at:10/30/2007 at:12/07/2010 at:07/09/2013 BarData = bar:Lacey text:Lacey Sturm bar:Kristen text:Kristen May bar:Sameer text:Sameer Bhattacharya bar:Jared text:Jared Hartmann bar:Pat text:Pat Seals bar:James text:James Culpepper

PlotData= width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4) bar:Lacey from:01/01/2002 till:10/30/2012 color:Vocals bar:Lacey from:11/22/2022 till:end color:Vocals bar:Sameer from:01/01/2002 till:08/14/2015 color:LGuitar bar:Sameer from:01/01/2012 till:08/14/2015 color:Backing width:3 bar:Sameer from:11/22/2022 till:end color:LGuitar bar:Sameer from:11/22/2022 till:end color:Backing width:3 bar:Sameer from:01/01/2014 till:08/14/2015 color:Keyboards width:7 bar:Sameer from:11/22/2022 till:end color:Keyboards width:7 bar:Jared from:01/01/2002 till:08/14/2015 color:RGuitar bar:Jared from:11/22/2022 till:end color:RGuitar bar:Pat from:01/01/2002 till:08/14/2015 color:Bass bar:Pat from:01/01/2012 till:08/14/2015 color:Backing width:3 bar:Pat from:11/22/2022 till:end color:Bass bar:Pat from:11/22/2022 till:end color:Backing width:3 bar:James from:01/01/2002 till:08/14/2015 color:Drums bar:James from:11/22/2022 till:end color:Drums bar:Kristen from:11/01/2012 till:08/14/2015 color:Vocals }} </div>

== Discography == {{main|Flyleaf discography}}

* ''Flyleaf'' (2005) * ''Memento Mori'' (2009) * ''New Horizons'' (2012) * ''Between the Stars'' (2014)

== Awards == {| class="wikitable" |- !Title !Award !Nominated work !Result |- | ''AMTV'' | Favorite Music Video | "Missing" | style="background:#dfd;"|Won<ref>{{Cite web|title=Flyleaf on tour|url=https://hmmagazine.com/flyleaf-on-tour/|access-date=2020-11-08|website=HM Magazine|date=May 10, 2010 |language=en}}</ref> |- | BMI | 2009 Pop Song Award | "All Around Me" | style="background:#dfd;"|Won<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bmi.com/press/entry/538580 |title=2009 BMI Pop Awards Award Winning Songs | Press |publisher=BMI.com |date=May 19, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2011}}</ref> |- |Revolver Golden Gods Awards |2010 Hottest Chick in Metal |Lacey Sturm |{{Nom}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-04-09 |title=Revolver Golden Gods Awards 2010: The Winners |url=https://metalinjection.net/news/revolver-golden-gods-awards-2010-winners |access-date=2025-10-30 |website=Metal Injection |language=en-US}}</ref> |- | Dove Awards | 2011 Rock Album of the Year | ''Memento Mori'' | {{nom}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Bennett |first=Jenny |url=http://www.watchgmctv.com/news/42nd-annual-gma-dove-award-nominees |title=gmc TV – Gospel Music Channel News – 42nd Annual GMA Dove Award Nominees |publisher=Watchgmctv.com |date=February 15, 2011 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718002729/http://www.watchgmctv.com/news/42nd-annual-gma-dove-award-nominees |archive-date=July 18, 2011 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> |}

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} * {{official website|http://flyleafmusic.com/}} *{{allmusic}} *{{discogs artist}}

Category:Flyleaf (band) Category:2002 establishments in Texas Category:Alternative rock groups from Texas Category:American alternative metal musical groups Category:American nu metal musical groups Category:American post-grunge musical groups Category:Christian alternative metal groups Category:Christian rock groups from Texas Category:Hard rock musical groups from Texas Category:Post-hardcore musical groups from Texas Category:Musical quintets from Texas Category:Musical groups established in 2002 Category:Musical groups disestablished in 2016 Category:Musical groups reestablished in 2022 Category:GUN Records artists Category:Female-fronted musical groups Category:Mixed-gender musical quintets