Few people in the world can say they were the world’s greatest at anything. Even fewer can be given such a title in the world of rock. But Kerrang’s World Greatest Rockstar circa 2011, Jason Aalon Butler is one such person. At this point in his career him and his band, Letlive, were relatively unheard of outside the underground hardcore scene but have since then gone on to play with some of the world’s biggest bands and played on some of the world’s biggest festivals.
Born with a natural talent for musicianship, his father Aalon Butler was the singer and guitarist for the Los Angeles soul group Aalon, he has been the frontman and instigator for the band Letlive since 2002, the only constant member. Not until Letlive’s current line up did things start to really kick off for the band with their third LP ‘Fake History’ being released in 2009 to critical acclaim and in consequence the band was signed to Epitaph Records with a little help from Oli Sykes of Epitaph’s Bring Me The Horizon after he saw them play and contacted the label’s owner Brett Gurewitz. The re-release of ‘Fake History’ in 2010 was even placed on Rock Sound’s 101 Modern Classics which included such bands as Slipknot, Blink-182, Refused and Deftones.
Jason’s band went from strength to strength with their next release The Blackest Beautiful in 2013, it received very favourable reviews which on average got an 86/100 on Metacritic and came fourth in Metal Hammer’s Modern Classics list, whilst coming first in Dead Press’ albums of the year 2013 and second in Ourzone’s album of the year list. As for it’s chart performance it peaked at 62 in the UK charts which is by no means disappointing for an American Hardcore band, it did however reach number four in the Rock Charts.
Although he wouldn’t admit it, many people see Jason as the main reason for the success of Letlive. His ferocious and passionate live performances have made the rock world stand up and take note. From him climbing all over the venue, hanging off the lighting rigs to fighting with Download Festival security to making an impassioned speech about his Mother, he is one of the most captivating men in music today. He often refers to many influences in his music ranging from Michael Jackson to Glassjaw, it comes across in his music where in seconds a funky, soulful chorus can change it loud, heavy hardcore moments. As a lyricist he is known as one of the best in the rock world, covering subjects such as infidelity, culture, greed and corruption with the song ‘Day 54’ often being highlighted for it’s honest portrayal of morality and conflict within Jason himself.
Being such a cult figure in the rock community for his voice and passionate live performances, it’s no surprise there is a queue of bands looking for collaborations with him such as; The Chariot, Architects, Pierce The Veil, Your Demise, Bring Me The Horizon, Every Time I Die, The Wonder Years, Skrillex + Alvin Risk, The Ghost Inside and Emarosa to name a few.
Born with a natural talent for musicianship, his father Aalon Butler was the singer and guitarist for the Los Angeles soul group Aalon, he has been the frontman and instigator for the band Letlive since 2002, the only constant member. Not until Letlive’s current line up did things start to really kick off for the band with their third LP ‘Fake History’ being released in 2009 to critical acclaim and in consequence the band was signed to Epitaph Records with a little help from Oli Sykes of Epitaph’s Bring Me The Horizon after he saw them play and contacted the label’s owner Brett Gurewitz. The re-release of ‘Fake History’ in 2010 was even placed on Rock Sound’s 101 Modern Classics which included such bands as Slipknot, Blink-182, Refused and Deftones.
Jason’s band went from strength to strength with their next release The Blackest Beautiful in 2013, it received very favourable reviews which on average got an 86/100 on Metacritic and came fourth in Metal Hammer’s Modern Classics list, whilst coming first in Dead Press’ albums of the year 2013 and second in Ourzone’s album of the year list. As for it’s chart performance it peaked at 62 in the UK charts which is by no means disappointing for an American Hardcore band, it did however reach number four in the Rock Charts.
Although he wouldn’t admit it, many people see Jason as the main reason for the success of Letlive. His ferocious and passionate live performances have made the rock world stand up and take note. From him climbing all over the venue, hanging off the lighting rigs to fighting with Download Festival security to making an impassioned speech about his Mother, he is one of the most captivating men in music today. He often refers to many influences in his music ranging from Michael Jackson to Glassjaw, it comes across in his music where in seconds a funky, soulful chorus can change it loud, heavy hardcore moments. As a lyricist he is known as one of the best in the rock world, covering subjects such as infidelity, culture, greed and corruption with the song ‘Day 54’ often being highlighted for it’s honest portrayal of morality and conflict within Jason himself.
Being such a cult figure in the rock community for his voice and passionate live performances, it’s no surprise there is a queue of bands looking for collaborations with him such as; The Chariot, Architects, Pierce The Veil, Your Demise, Bring Me The Horizon, Every Time I Die, The Wonder Years, Skrillex + Alvin Risk, The Ghost Inside and Emarosa to name a few.