If you spent any time in the late 2000s wearing neon rubber bracelets and scrolling through MySpace, you know A Skylit Drive. They were the kings of that specific, high-pitched "Screamo" or Post-Hardcore sound that defined an era. But man, if you try to keep track of A Skylit Drive members today, you’re basically looking at a family tree that’s been struck by lightning. Multiple times.
It's messy. Honestly, it’s one of the most convoluted histories in the alternative scene. You have original members, "classic" era members, and then this weird split where two different versions of the band were basically fighting for the name. It’s not just about who played guitar on Wires and the Concept of Breathing; it’s about a decade of legal headaches and personal rifts that still haven't quite healed.
The Original Foundation (2005-2007)
Most people think Michael "Jag" Jagmin was there from day one. He wasn't. The band actually formed in Lodi, California, with a different guy behind the mic. Jordan Blake was the original voice. He sang on the debut EP, She Watched the Sky. That release is raw. It’s jagged. It has this weird, frantic energy that set the stage for everything that followed.
The lineup back then was pretty stable for a minute. You had Joey Wilson and Nick Miller on guitars, Brian White doing the heavy lifting on bass and screams, Kyle Simmons on keys, and Cory La Quay behind the kit. It worked. But Jordan Blake had to leave due to health issues—specifically, issues with his voice that made touring impossible at the time.
That exit changed everything.
The Jag Era and the Gold Standard
When Michael Jagmin joined in 2007, the band shifted gears. Jag came from a band called Odd Project, and he brought this soaring, operatic range that became the band's calling card. This is the A Skylit Drive members lineup that most fans consider "the" band: Jag, Nick, Joey, Brian, Cory, and Kyle.
They released Wires and the Concept of Breathing in 2008. If you haven't heard it in a while, go back and listen. It’s a time capsule. This group stayed remarkably consistent for a few years, churning out Adelphia and Identity on Fire.
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Then the cracks started showing.
Joey Wilson left in 2012. He was a huge part of their dual-guitar attack. The band decided to keep going as a five-piece for a bit, but the momentum was starting to feel heavy. By the time they released their self-titled album in 2013, the sound was evolving—some would say softening—and the internal dynamics were shifting.
The Great Collapse of 2014-2017
This is where things get genuinely depressing for long-time fans. In 2014, Cory La Quay and Brian White both left the band. Losing your rhythm section is one thing, but losing Brian’s screams and Cory’s distinct drumming style felt like losing the band's pulse.
Jag and Nick Miller were the last ones standing.
They brought in Brandon "Rage" Richter (formerly of Motionless In White) on drums and Michael Labelle on guitar and screams. They put out ASD in 2015. It’s a polarizing record. Some people love the polish; others felt like the soul of the Lodi kids was gone. By 2017, the band was effectively dead. Jag announced he was out, citing massive disagreements with the other guys.
Two Bands, One Name: The 2022 Chaos
Fast forward to 2022. The 15th anniversary of She Watched the Sky was coming up. Suddenly, the internet exploded because two different camps of A Skylit Drive members emerged at the same time.
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On one side, you had the "Original" lineup. Jordan Blake returned. He reunited with Cory La Quay, Brian White, and Joey Wilson. They started playing shows and even released a new single called "S470." It felt like a massive nostalgia trip for the fans who preferred the grit of the early EPs.
On the other side, Jag was still claiming the name. He was working with Nick Miller (for a while) and tried to keep the Wires-era legacy alive.
It was a legal nightmare. Who owns the name? Who owns the songs? Fans were forced to pick sides, which is always a bummer. Then, tragedy struck. Jordan Blake passed away in early 2023. It was a massive blow to the community. It also effectively ended that specific reunion version of the band, leaving the legacy in a very strange, quiet place.
The Current State of A Skylit Drive Members
As of right now, the situation is... complicated. Jag has continued under the A Skylit Drive banner. He’s been touring and working with a new set of musicians to keep the songs alive.
The lineup today is basically Jag and a touring band. It doesn't look like the 2008 poster on your bedroom wall. Nick Miller, who was the last original member playing alongside Jag, eventually stepped away too.
- Michael "Jag" Jagmin: Lead Vocals (2007–present)
- Louie Baltazar: Guitars (Current touring/session)
- Various Session Players: Filling the gaps for live performances
It’s a "Ship of Theseus" situation. If you replace every plank on a wooden ship, is it still the same ship? If you replace every member of a band except the singer, is it still A Skylit Drive? Most fans are split. Some just want to hear "Knights of the Round" live and don't care who is playing the drums. Others feel like without the chemistry of the original five or six guys, the name shouldn't exist.
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Why the Lineup Changes Matter
In the Post-Hardcore world, chemistry is everything. The way Brian White’s gutturals played off Jag’s highs wasn't just a technical choice; it was the band’s identity. When you look at the revolving door of A Skylit Drive members, you see the struggle of a band trying to survive an industry that moves way too fast.
They survived the death of MySpace. They survived the decline of Warped Tour. But the internal friction—the lawsuits, the "he-said-she-said" on Twitter, and the tragic loss of Jordan Blake—has made their story more about survival than just the music.
What You Should Actually Listen To
If you want to understand the DNA of this band, you can't just stick to the hits. You have to hear the evolution through the members who were there.
- The Jordan Blake Era: Listen to "Drown What Cleanses You." It’s messy, but it’s the spark that started the fire.
- The Peak Jag Era: "All It Takes for Your Dreams to Come True" is the definitive track for the 2008-2011 lineup.
- The Experimental Phase: Check out "Rise" from the Evolution album. It shows a band trying to grow up, even as the lineup was starting to fray at the edges.
Moving Forward: The Legacy
So, where does that leave you, the fan? Honestly, just enjoy the music for what it was. The era of the "classic" lineup is likely gone for good. There are too many burnt bridges and, sadly, too many people no longer with us to make a full 2008 reunion happen.
If you see them live now, you're seeing Jag's vision of the band. It’s professional, it’s polished, and he can still hit those notes that seem physically impossible. But the history of A Skylit Drive members serves as a cautionary tale about the music business. It’s hard to keep five people on the same page for twenty years.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're looking to dive deeper into the current projects of former members, keep an eye on Cory La Quay and Brian White's social media. They occasionally drop hints about new musical endeavors or archive footage from the early days. Also, supporting the official merch stores is the best way to ensure that the legacy—and the people who built it—actually see some benefit from the years they spent in a van touring the country. Avoid the bootleg stuff; stick to the sources connected to the guys who actually wrote the riffs.