Hardcore Band Letlive Talk to Stereoboard About Their Chaotic Download Festival Performance
Tuesday, 05 July 2011
Written by Rob Sleigh
Last month, LA-based hardcore band Letlive - who released their widely-acclaimed new album ‘Fake History’ earlier this year - played what was meant to be a relatively low-key slot at Donington’s Download Festival. After an extraordinarily eventful and somewhat chaotic half an hour, the performance ended up becoming one of the most talked-about sets of the weekend. Stereoboard has since got in touch with Letlive to find out more about the incident straight from the horse’s mouth. The band’s bassist Ryan Jay Johnson kindly offered us his own version of events, although you may want to take a look at the video below to make up your own mind.
You were here in the UK a few weeks ago for Download Festival. Those of us who didn’t get to see the performance have been hearing stories about various altercations with security etc. So what really happened?
Jason actually flew in via parachute and the security guards were helping him down from the rafter his chute was snagged on, much to the surprise of onlookers. It was perceived as a scuffle of sorts. Whatever videos have been released were documenting the struggle to get out of certain parachute lines.
Are Letlive shows normally that riotous?
There have been a few moments where the personnel at venues have been a bit uneasy with what is going on and, at times, respond a little bit brash. But all’s well that ends well.
How was your Download set apart from that?
We were curious how our performance would translate on such a large scale, hoping the intimacy wouldn't be lost. Thankfully, it didn't seem to and we enjoyed ourselves quite a bit. So much that festivals are almost accepting as much as a small cap venue, I'd say.
You’ll be back in the UK in a couple of months for some more festival appearances at Reading and Leeds. How are you feeling about those dates?
Still can’t believe we landed that one. We're damn grateful for that, as well as the few dates we are playing around the festival. The positive reception over there is beyond us, but we enjoy every moment of it.
Can we expect a similarly hectic set this time?
Let's hope so. We don't even know yet. Although, there are a few surprises that we weren't able to execute before, we should pull through this time.
At Reading and Leeds, you’ll be performing on the Lock Up Stage alongside a host of other punk and hardcore bands. Is there anyone in particular that you’re looking forward to watching?
That stage is pretty well off. To name a few, The Bronx, Comeback Kid, and Boysetsfire - whom we just got off of tour with - are all going to be a fun time.
Letlive’s third album ‘Fake History’ was recently re-released and has been receiving some really positive reviews. How have you been feeling about the response to the album since then?
It has taken a long time to become accustomed to receiving any positive review. For the longest time, I felt as though we were almost duping people, as if we could've done better. Put into perspective, it's definitely gratifying that we have gotten the response we have. It sets us up to work even harder on the next album.
The album’s been compared to some groundbreaking bands like Refused. How do you feel about those kinds of comparisons?
Refused is an unbelievable comparison. To be compared to a band that has accomplished what they have, accessing a plethora of different sects of people, as well as ourselves, is beyond me, but I'm definitely glad it's them, whether warranted or not. Much better than a few others we have received.
What other genres of music helped to influence this album?
A lot, actually. We all have similar interests within soul, rock, and folk, and a more subjective focus on specific groups or genres. The broad spectrum of each individual's tastes is one thing I think keeps us interested and excited about what we are doing.
Some people might not realise that ‘Fake History’ originally came out a year ago. What have the band been up to since then?
Living in a van and pissing off venues for over a year, with close to no time spent at home. I guess being on stage would be more akin to our home now.
How do you feel about the album now, after its second release?
Surprisingly, it has been a bit of a second wind. There was a moment, a while back, when there was an extreme urge to get new music out, but just before the re-release, the songs have kind of filled out their personalities in a live setting and almost feel brand new again.
How does this album compare with your previous work, in terms of its sound and the writing/recording process?
Not very much at all. The personnel associated with those albums were entirely different from the current line-up. The band’s previous efforts were local self-releases and were basically growing pangs for Jason. We claim the band’s actual personality, which is entirely collective, within the current lineup and recent release.
When were Letlive first formed and how did you originally get together with the rest of the band?
As mentioned before, the band was around previous to what is the current line-up. All as teenagers, they established somewhat of a name for themselves locally and became stagnant due to member changes, until Jason and myself met up. After a year or so of trials, the current group came together with similar interests and it has been that way for about four years now.
How did you first get into music and what were your main influences early on?
Damn. I first started music around 13 with a couple of friends in middle school and was shamelessly, heavily influenced by the likes of some ‘90s music ringleaders, punk and the Smashing Pumpkins.
What do you enjoy most about being in a band?
Sentiments and expression.
After Reading and Leeds, you’ll be back in the UK in September for a headlining tour. What are you looking forward to most about those dates?
We were actually very happily surprised to find out a couple of the shows have sold out and that they are generally doing very well, considering we've never really played our own string of shows over there. Looking forward to being as close to these crowds as possible.
What do you enjoy about visiting the UK to tour?
English pub food. And Nando's. Basically, food. Oh, the people are great too.
For anyone planning to attend any of those dates, what can they expect?
We're actually planning out dinner and a show. We're going to be wearing suits and covering big band standards. Dress accordingly.
Tue August 30th 2011 - The Duchess, York
Wed August 31st 2011 - The Sugarmill - Over 14s, Stoke-on-Trent
Thu September 1st 2011 - Tunnels, Aberdeen, Aberdeen
Fri September 2nd 2011 - The Middlesbrough Empire, Middlesbrough
Sat September 3rd 2011 - Beat Generator Live !, Dundee
Mon September 5th 2011 - The Brickyard Carlisle, Carlisle
Wed September 7th 2011 - Central Station, Wrexham
Thu September 8th 2011 - The Forum (16+), Tunbridge Wells
Fri September 9th 2011 - The Portland Arms, Cambridge
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The album’s been compared to some groundbreaking bands like Refused. How do you feel about those kinds of comparisons? 
