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Key Information

Lacey Nicole Sturm (née Mosley, previously Carder; born September 4, 1981)[2] is an American singer, best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band Flyleaf. In February 2016, Sturm became the first solo female artist to top the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart with her debut release Life Screams.[3]

Musical career

[edit]

Flyleaf

[edit]
Sturm in 2008
Sturm (center left) with Flyleaf in 2010

In 2000, Sturm began to play with drummer James Culpepper. The pair worked with guitarists Sameer Bhattacharya and Jared Hartmann. In 2002, Pat Seals, Flyleaf's current bassist, joined, forming a group named Passerby. For legal reasons, they renamed themselves Flyleaf in June 2004.[4]

On October 22, 2012, shortly before the release of New Horizons, Sturm revealed that she had amicably left Flyleaf.[5][6] The album was nominated for the 2012 Rock Album of the Year Dove Award.[7]

In an interview promoting her book The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living, Sturm explained that a primary reason for her leaving the band was the death of the band's sound engineer. The band performed one last show as a means to help the sound engineer's wife and child. This experience caused Sturm to consider her own son and wonder what she would do if she knew she had only one more year with him. "It was really amazing to recognize this season changing in my life and the freedom that I was gonna be able to focus on my family", Sturm said. "And although it was really hard, I'm thankful. And that's the reason I stepped down from Flyleaf."[8][9]

On November 7, 2022, it was announced by Flyleaf that Sturm had returned to the band, with the band now calling themselves "Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm".[10]

Guest appearances

[edit]

Sturm provided backing vocals on "Run to You" and "Born Again", two tracks on Christian rock band Third Day's 2008 album Revelation.[11] She received two Grammy nominations at the 52nd Grammy Awards for her work with Third Day: "Born Again" was nominated for Best Gospel Song and Best Gospel Performance.[12]

She has also worked with Apocalyptica on their song "Broken Pieces" and with Orianthi on the song "Courage".[13]

She recorded a song, "Heavy Prey", for the Underworld: Awakening soundtrack.[14]

She was a guest vocalist on the 2013 track "Take the Bullets Away" by We as Human.[15]

In 2020, she performed as a guest vocalist in Breaking Benjamin's song "Dear Agony (Aurora Version)".[16]

In 2021, she performed as a guest vocalist on Love and Death's cover of DJ Snake and Justin Bieber's song "Let Me Love You" on the album Perfectly Preserved.[17]

Solo

[edit]

On October 13, 2014, Lacey announced via social media that she had a new band that was being put together. "[We're working on a] solo project and we are calling it Lacey. The brilliant drummer Tom Gascon, amazing bassist Ben Hull, my husband Josh Sturm who's an awesome guitarist and I have written some of my favorite heavy rock songs ever. And we will be rocking them for you tomorrow night! I can't wait!"[18] The band premiered October 2014 at The Blind Tiger in Greensboro, North Carolina.[19]

Her debut solo album, Life Screams, was released in 2016. It opened at No. 74 on the Billboard 200, topping the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart, No. 7 on Alternative Albums and No. 8 on Top Rock Albums.[3] In 2017, Sturm toured with American hard rock bands Palisades, Stitched Up Heart, and Letters from the Fire.[20]

In March and April 2018, Sturm toured with Red, Righteous Vendetta and Messer.[21][22]

Sturm released the single "The Decree" from her upcoming album in May 2020.[23] The song was written with Skillet's Korey Cooper.[24]

Other work

[edit]

Sturm has a role in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association's worldwide video, The Cross, released in November 2013. Lecrae and Sturm shared the video in honor of Graham's 95th birthday. She sings the final song: "Mercy Tree". An accompanying album, My Hope, on which Sturm has two songs, "The Reason" and "Mercy Tree", was released.[25][26]

Sturm has previously been involved with Hot Topic, modeling for their clothing line LOVEsick.[27]

She was also featured as a solo performer in Franklin Graham's "Rock the Lakes", "Rock the Range", and "Rock the River" evangelistic tours throughout mid-August and late September 2011 where she gave her testimony and sang two songs – a self-written song entitled "The Reason", and an acoustic version of "Born Again" by Third Day. Sturm performed at most "Rock the Lakes" and "Rock the River" events again in 2012.[28]

Shortly after giving birth to her second son in August 2013, Sturm embarked on a nationwide speaking tour with Nick Hall of PULSE, a Twin Cities-based nonprofit organization. The ResetMovement is described on their website as empowering a generation to live fully for Jesus.[29]

The Whosoevers

[edit]

The Whosoevers is a group of other alternative rock/nu metal musicians that offer public speech ceremonies. The organization was founded in 2009 as a collaboration between Sonny Sandoval, Ryan Ries and Brian "Head" Welch with the intent to positively impact the youth generation interested in music, skateboarding and art culture.[30][31] Ambassadors include Sturm, Annie Lobert, freestyle motocross athlete Ronnie Faisst, and lead singer of the band Islander Mikey Carvajal.[32]

Books

[edit]

In September 2014, Sturm published her first book, an autobiography, titled The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living.[33] Subsequently, she published The Mystery: Finding Love in a World of Broken Lovers in October 2016[34] and The Return: Reflections on Loving God Back in May 2018[35].

Film

[edit]

It was announced in July 2019 that a collaboration with Michael Kadrie would begin to write a screenplay for a feature film based on Sturm's book The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living.

Personal life

[edit]

Sturm was an atheist prior to becoming a Christian.[36][37][38] She had contemplated suicide and then ended up in a church where a man spoke to her what she believed to be words from God.[39] She is a practicing Orthodox Christian.[40]

Lacey was married to her first husband at 19 and divorced at 21. She had an emotional affair with a married man around the time of her divorce which she writes about in her book The Mystery.

On September 6, 2008, she married Joshua Sturm, the guitarist for the band Kairos, from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.[41] The couple have three sons together.[42]

Discography

[edit]
Sturm in 2009

With Flyleaf

[edit]
Main article: Flyleaf discography

Solo albums

[edit]
Year Album details Peak chart positions
US
[43] 		US
Hard
Rock
[44] 		US
Rock
[45] 		US
Alt.
[46]
2016 Life Screams
  • Released: February 12, 2016
  • Label: Followspot
 74 1 8 7
2023 Kenotic Metanoia
  • Released: November 17, 2023
 — — — —

With Josh Sturm

[edit]
Year Album details Peak chart positions
US
[43] 		US
Hard
Rock
[44] 		US
Rock
[45] 		US
Alt.
[46]
2019 Reflect Love Back – Soundtrack Vol. 1[47]
  • Released: July 19, 2019
  • Label: RLB Records/The Fuel Music
 — — — —

Solo singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak position Albums
US
Mainstream Rock[48] 		US. Hard Rock Digital
2015 "Impossible" 29 — Life Screams
2016 "Life Screams" — —
"I'm Not Laughing" — —
"Rot" — —
2017 "You're Not Alone" — —
2019 "The Return" — — Reflect Love Back – Soundtrack Vol. 1
2020 "The Decree" — — Kenotic Metanoia
2021 "State of Me" — —
"Awaken Love" — —
2023 "Reconcile" — 20
"Breathe with Me" (featuring Lindsey Stirling) — 11

Music videos

[edit]
  • "Rot" (2016)
  • "The Soldier" (2018)
  • "The Return" (2019)
  • "State of Me" (2021)[49]
  • "Awaken Love" (2021)
  • "Reconcile" (2023)
  • "Wonderful" (2025)

Guest appearances

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lacey Sturm

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lacey Nicole Sturm (née Mosley; born September 4, 1981) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician recognized primarily as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the alternative metal band Flyleaf. Sturm's tenure with Flyleaf, which began in the early 2000s, propelled the band to commercial success, including the platinum-certified single "All Around Me" that reached the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2012, she departed the group amicably to prioritize family and personal pursuits, leading to a solo career marked by albums such as Life Screams (2023), which achieved the distinction of being the first by a solo female artist to top the Billboard Hard Rock Albums chart. Beyond music, Sturm has authored the book The Mystery: Finding True Love in a World of Broken Lovers (2016), drawing from her experiences transitioning from atheism—marked by a suicide attempt in her youth—to evangelical Christianity, a faith that permeates her lyrical themes of redemption and struggle. Her contributions extend to collaborations, including Grammy-nominated work on Third Day's "Born Again," underscoring her influence in the Christian rock genre despite its niche status amid broader rock landscapes.

Early life

Childhood in Texas and family dynamics

Lacey Nicole Mosley, later known as Lacey Sturm, was born on September 4, 1981, and raised in , a suburb of Dallas-Fort Worth. She grew up in a single-parent household led by her mother, Lori Ann Mosley, alongside five siblings, in an environment marked by financial instability and frequent relocations within the state when the family struggled to make ends meet. The absence of a shaped her early perspective on authority and relationships, contributing to a sense of familial disconnection. Family dynamics were often turbulent, characterized by a strained relationship between Sturm and her mother, exacerbated by and emotional challenges. The adhered to atheist beliefs, with Sturm emerging as an outspoken proponent of from a young age, reflecting the secular worldview instilled at home. A pivotal trauma occurred around age 10, when Sturm's three-year-old cousin was beaten to death by his , an event that shattered stability and intensified her skepticism toward any notion of divine oversight or protection. This incident, occurring within extended circles, underscored the vulnerability and dysfunction present, further complicating interpersonal bonds and leaving lasting emotional scars.

Adolescent struggles with identity and mental health

During her teenage years, Lacey Sturm (née Mosley) grappled with profound identity crises rooted in her fatherless upbringing and atheistic , which left her questioning her purpose and value. Raised without a , she developed what she described as an "orphan identity," shaping a distorted view of paternal and personal worth based on absent or unreliable male influences in her life. This lack of stable familial anchors compounded her sense of disconnection, as she later reflected in interviews about feeling inherently purposeless in an atheist framework that offered no transcendent meaning. By age 16, Sturm's identity struggles intersected with severe challenges, including deep depression triggered by multiple traumas: a volatile relationship with her mother, a painful with a boyfriend, and the violent of her three-year-old , who had been beaten to death. These events fueled , leading her to plan her own as an escape from overwhelming despair and perceived meaninglessness. She has detailed engaging in drug use and at least one during this period, viewing as a rational endpoint in a life devoid of inherent value. Sturm's accounts emphasize how her adolescent turmoil manifested as , where depression eroded any tied to future potential or relational bonds.

Religious conversion and worldview

Shift from atheism to Christianity

Sturm, raised in a nominally Christian environment but rejecting after witnessing her cousin's by a at age 10, embraced during her teenage years, viewing as nonexistent and as judgmental and hateful. She described this period as one of deep toward people, particularly those who discussed , believing such talk provided false comfort and perpetuated harm. In her late teens, amid escalating depression and a nervous breakdown, Sturm planned to commit , seeing no purpose in life under her atheistic . Her grandmother persistently urged her to attend a , which Sturm did reluctantly, intending to proceed with her plan afterward. During the service, the pastor addressed a "suicidal spirit" present in the room, followed by a white-haired parishioner delivering a prophetic message that knew her inner pain and tears and would be a better Father to her than any earthly one had been—words that directly mirrored Sturm's unspoken thoughts. This encounter, which Sturm recounts as supernatural and transformative, led her to accept Jesus Christ, abandoning her plan and experiencing immediate peace and joy. The event occurred prior to the formation of Flyleaf in 2000, marking the onset of her Christian faith, which she later detailed in her 2014 The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living.

Core beliefs and their influence on personal transformation

Sturm's at age 16 centered on the belief that human life possesses inherent worth derived from creation by a benevolent , a that directly countered her prior atheistic view of existence as meaningless and self-determined. This foundational tenet, articulated in her personal testimony, posits that individuals are "worth loving" regardless of external judgments or personal failures, emphasizing divine purpose over subjective despair. She describes encountering this truth during a on the day she had planned to end her life, where a pastor's prophetic message and a congregant's prompted her to surrender to , marking an immediate shift from to redemption through . These beliefs profoundly reshaped Sturm's personal trajectory, instilling a sense of hope and freedom that supplanted chronic suicidal ideation, drug experimentation, and emotional isolation rooted in childhood trauma. Post-conversion, she reports experiencing renewed perception of reality—"with brand new eyes"—fostering resilience amid ongoing struggles, such as loneliness, by directing reliance toward divine sustenance rather than self-reliance. This transformation extended to her worldview, evolving from resentment toward Christianity—stemming from perceived hypocrisy in her upbringing—to active evangelism, where faith became the lens for interpreting suffering as a pathway to strengthened conviction and communal purpose. In her 2014 memoir The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living, Sturm attributes her escape from atheism's logical endpoint of despair to this encounter, crediting Christian doctrine with providing causal agency for personal agency and moral direction absent in her prior ideology. The enduring influence manifests in Sturm's commitment to integrating these principles into daily conduct and creative output, viewing not as escapist but as empirically grounding her against into self-destructive patterns. She has publicly stated that embracing God's over human frailty enabled sustained and relational , transforming potential into a platform for outreach on themes of redemption and inherent value. This causal framework—divine intervention yielding verifiable life affirmation—underpins her rejection of relativistic self-definition, favoring instead biblically informed identity as a catalyst for ongoing psychological and spiritual vitality.

Musical career

Tenure with Flyleaf (2000–2012)

Lacey Sturm co-founded the rock band Flyleaf in , around 2000, initially collaborating with drummer James Culpepper after sharing her high school compositions. The group originated under names like Listen and Passerby before adopting Flyleaf, with Sturm serving as lead vocalist alongside guitarist Jared Hartmann, guitarist Sameer Bhattacharya, bassist Pat Seals, and Culpepper. They performed over 100 shows in as an unsigned act, releasing a self-produced debut EP in March 2004. Flyleaf signed with Octone Records and released their self-titled debut album on October 4, 2005, which achieved platinum certification by selling over one million copies. The album featured Sturm's distinctive vocal style, blending melodic singing with screams, and tracks like "" propelled the band to mainstream rock and chart success. Extensive touring followed, including support slots for acts like Metallica and , solidifying their presence in the scene over the next several years. The band issued their second album, , on November 10, 2009, which debuted at number 4 on the and included singles such as "Again" and "Sorrow." Sturm's lyrics often reflected personal themes of faith, struggle, and redemption, influenced by her Christian beliefs. Flyleaf continued touring rigorously, performing across the and internationally, though the relentless schedule—often limiting home time to less than a month per year—contributed to burnout. In 2012, Flyleaf released on August 28, marking their third studio album with Sturm, which peaked at number 33 on the 200. On , 2012, shortly after the album's release, Sturm announced her amicable departure from the band, citing a desire to prioritize family life amid her and the exhaustion from a decade of near-constant touring. She described the decision as stemming from life-changing events including marriage and impending motherhood, allowing her to step away from the demands of the music industry.

Transitional period and guest collaborations (2012–2014)

On October 22, 2012, Sturm announced her amicable departure from Flyleaf, stating her intention to pursue other passions beyond music while expressing confidence in the band's future. The decision stemmed from a decade of relentless touring that left her physically and emotionally depleted, compounded by personal reflections on mortality—prompted by the death of the band's sound engineer Rich Caldwell—and a prioritization of family obligations, including her role as a mother. Post-departure, Sturm largely withdrew from the music industry to emphasize home life, including the birth of her second son in 2013. This period marked a deliberate pause in her performing career, allowing recovery from burnout and deeper investment in her marriage to guitarist Josh Sturm and their children. Her sole prominent musical involvement during this time was as a guest vocalist on "Take the Bullets Away," a track from We as Human's self-titled debut album released in May 2013. The song, which addresses themes of self-destruction and redemption, featured Sturm's vocals alongside the band's lead singer , aligning with her ongoing interest in faith-infused . No further collaborations or recordings are documented until her solo pursuits intensified later in 2014.

Solo endeavors and band reunions (2014–present)

Sturm released her debut solo album, , on February 12, 2016, via Followspot Records, marking her return to music following a period focused on family and writing. The record, produced with contributions from her husband Josh Sturm on guitar and tracks emphasizing themes of resilience and faith, debuted at number one on the Hard Rock Albums chart, making her the first solo female artist to achieve that position. In support, she toured extensively across the , including headline dates with opening acts such as Cage9, performing material from the album alongside select Flyleaf songs. By February 2020, Sturm had begun recording her sophomore solo effort, building on the introspective style of her debut while incorporating heavier production elements. The album, titled Kenotic Metanoia, was released independently on November 17, 2023, featuring 15 tracks that explore personal transformation and spiritual surrender, with singles like "The Decree" preceding the full release. A deluxe edition followed on June 28, 2024, adding new material including a collaboration with violinist . Sturm promoted the project through the Kenotic Metanoia Tour, which included U.S. dates with supporting acts like Islander, extending into 2024 with West Coast performances. Parallel to her solo pursuits, Flyleaf announced Sturm's return as lead vocalist on November 7, 2022, after a apart, with the band sharing photos of the reunited lineup featuring original members. The group performed their first show with Sturm in 11 years on April 27, 2023, at Schoepf's BBQ in , delivering a setlist dominated by early Flyleaf hits such as "" and drawing significant fan interest. Subsequent appearances were limited, including slots at the Sick New World festival in May 2023 and Blue Ridge Rock Festival in September 2023, as the band cited logistical challenges in prioritizing full-scale touring over individual commitments. No new studio recordings from the reformed lineup have been released as of late 2023, though Sturm has expressed openness to future collaborations amid her ongoing solo schedule.

Faith-based initiatives

Founding role in The Whosoevers

The Whosoevers Movement emerged in 2009 as a non-profit Christian outreach initiative aimed at spreading the Gospel to youth, empowering them against issues like addiction, depression, and mental health challenges through personal testimonies, music, and speaking events at high schools, rehabilitation centers, and churches. Primarily established by P.O.D. vocalist Sonny Sandoval and speaker Ryan Ries following a trip to Israel, the group quickly incorporated musicians and public figures to amplify its message of redemption and purpose. Lacey Sturm contributed to the movement's formative phase by participating in its inaugural speaking engagement, which Sandoval credits as the "birth" of The Whosoevers; he specifically invited her to share her story alongside other early participants, helping to solidify the group's emphasis on raw, personal narratives of faith-driven transformation. Her involvement leveraged her prominence as Flyleaf's lead singer to attract audiences in and nu-metal circles, aligning with the organization's strategy of using cultural influencers to reach at-risk youth. As a designated speaker and global ambassador, Sturm has since engaged in The Whosoevers' core activities, delivering talks on overcoming and embracing Christian redemption—drawing directly from her shift from to —while collaborating with members like and "Head" Welch of Korn to host events promoting unity among believers across denominations. This role underscores her commitment to faith-based prevention of , with the movement's approach emphasizing practical application over institutional .

Public speaking and outreach on suicide prevention

Sturm has publicly shared her personal history of and a near-suicide attempt in her late teens, attributing her survival to a faith-based intervention during a , as detailed in her and subsequent interviews. This experience informs her outreach, where she emphasizes resilience through spiritual purpose over secular coping mechanisms alone. In September 2021, she co-headlined the "Choose Life" livestream event for , organized by the nonprofit HeartSupport in collaboration with artists like Love & Death and . The three-hour broadcast on Twitch included performances, artist interviews, and a dialogue with Brian "Head" Welch of Korn, focusing on personal stories of overcoming despair and the message to "choose life" amid mental health crises. Sturm reflected on the event's impact in 2021, noting its role in fostering awareness during Month. She continued this work in 2022 with involvement in the "Choose to Live" World Livestream on , again partnering with HeartSupport and rock musicians to promote staying alive through shared testimonies. Additionally, Sturm supported the HOPE WALK Awareness Walk on October 5, 2022, aimed at signaling solidarity to those struggling and honoring deceased individuals. These efforts align with her broader advocacy via platforms like The Whosoevers, though they specifically target by integrating her narrative of faith-driven redemption.

Literary works

Authored books and memoirs

Sturm's debut memoir, The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living, was published on October 7, 2014, by Baker Books. The book details her early struggles with , family dysfunction, depression, and a averted by an involuntary arranged by her grandmother, marking the onset of her . It emphasizes themes of redemption, purpose, and the causal role of in overcoming self-destructive impulses, presented as a first-person without external co-authorship. Her second authored work, The Mystery: Finding True Love in a World of Broken Lovers, appeared on , , also from Baker Books. This book addresses relational dynamics, , and emotional healing, arguing that authentic stems from individual identity rooted in Christ rather than human efforts alone. Sturm draws on personal episodes of relational failure and crises to illustrate causal pathways from brokenness to restoration, positioning the text as a guide for readers navigating similar issues. No subsequent solo-authored books or memoirs by Sturm have been published as of 2025.

Thematic focus on redemption and human purpose

Lacey Sturm's literary works emphasize redemption as a transformative process rooted in Christian , detailing her personal shift from suicidal despair to spiritual renewal. In her debut book, The Reason: How I Discovered a Life Worth Living, published on September 30, 2014, Sturm recounts her atheistic upbringing marked by , , parental abandonment, and a at age 16, which she attributes to a divine intervention that redirected her toward belief in Jesus Christ. This narrative frames redemption not as self-generated but as an external rescue from self-destruction, leading to a purposeful through , which she contrasts with her prior view of life as meaningless. Building on this foundation, Sturm's second book, The Return: Reflections on Loving God Back, released on May 22, 2018, explores the ongoing nature of redemption as a "return" to God amid later crises of faith and relational strains. She describes surrendering personal domains—such as identity, family, and career—to divine guidance, portraying redemption as a continual obedience that resolves inner conflicts and restores wholeness. Sturm integrates autobiographical elements, including a renewed suicidal ideation during a faith doubt, resolved by recommitting to biblical principles, underscoring redemption's causal link to rejecting autonomy in favor of theistic dependence. Central to both works is purpose derived from spiritual alignment rather than secular . Sturm posits that individuals possess unique -given gifts, discoverable through and scripture, which combat existential voids like depression and purposelessness. In The Reason, purpose emerges as glorifying via music and , transforming her rock career into evangelistic . The Return extends this to daily life balance, urging readers to view existence as a divine gift requiring active response, with empirical anecdotes from her experiences validating faith's role in sustaining motivation amid adversity. These themes reject relativistic notions of purpose, grounding value in objective divine intent, as evidenced by Sturm's cited biblical references and personal outcomes like stability post-redemption.

Personal life

Marriage to Josh Sturm and family

Lacey Sturm married Joshua Sturm, guitarist for the rock band Kairos from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on September 6, 2008. The couple marked their eighth anniversary in early 2017, emphasizing mutual faithfulness developed during courtship as foundational to their relationship. Sturm and her husband have three sons. Their youngest son, Atticus Sturm, was born on July 7, 2018, in , . The family frequently travels together, with the children occasionally joining Sturm on tour and participating in performances.

Ongoing health and relational challenges

Sturm has publicly discussed persistent challenges, including depression, , and night terrors, which she and her husband Josh addressed in a 2020 video . These issues, rooted in earlier life experiences, continue to inform her advocacy, though she attributes overcoming acute episodes to faith-based coping mechanisms like scriptural reliance on Proverbs 3:5 and 1:9. In relational matters, Sturm experienced an early at age 18 followed by at 21, after which she entered an with a married man named Nathan in her early 20s. This involvement, initially framed as counseling despite warnings from associates, escalated into boundary violations that intensified her feelings of worthlessness and contributed to . She later described the affair as a "" from which escape required personal maturation and adherence to external counsel. Within her marriage to Josh Sturm since September 6, 2008, which has produced three sons, she has acknowledged recurring strains such as arguments and periods of hardship. Sturm credits lessons from prior relational failures, including a post-divorce phase of intentional singleness, with strengthening her current commitment, though she notes that challenges like conflict persist as part of marital reality. These experiences underpin her emphasis on boundaries and in public reflections.

Reception and controversies

Achievements in music and cultural influence

Lacey Sturm's tenure as lead vocalist of Flyleaf propelled the band to significant commercial success within and genres. The band's self-titled debut album, released in 2005, achieved certification from the RIAA after selling over 1 million copies in the United States. Overall Flyleaf album sales exceeded 1.2 million units. Singles such as reached the Top 40 on the and earned certification, while "Fully Alive" attained both and status. Flyleaf's music charted on mainstream rock, Christian pop, and lists, demonstrating crossover appeal. In her solo career, Sturm marked a milestone by becoming the first female artist to top the Albums chart with her 2016 debut [Life Screams](/page/Life Screams). This release highlighted her continued vocal intensity and thematic depth, building on Flyleaf's foundation. Subsequent standalone singles maintained her presence in rock circuits, emphasizing artistic flexibility over traditional album cycles. Sturm's cultural influence extends through her advocacy for faith-integrated music targeting youth in alternative scenes, including skateboarding and art communities. Her lyrics, often drawing from personal redemption narratives, have resonated with audiences grappling with despair, positioning her as a voice for spiritual resilience in Christian rock. This impact is evident in her role promoting messages of purpose amid secular rock's prevalence, influencing fans toward introspective and redemptive themes.

Criticisms from secular and progressive viewpoints

Sturm's personal testimony of overcoming same-sex attraction through Christian faith has elicited criticism from some secular and progressive observers, who argue it promotes the discredited concept of sexual orientation change efforts, potentially harmful to LGBTQ individuals. In her accounts, Sturm describes identifying as amid family and relational trauma during her youth, followed by a in 2000 that led her to abandon those attractions and marry a man in 2004. Critics in online progressive forums contend this narrative aligns with ex-gay ideologies, viewing it as implicitly endorsing conversion practices despite Sturm's emphasis on God's love extending to all, including those with same-sex attractions. Her affiliations with conservative Christian organizations, such as , have further fueled progressive backlash, as the group has historically opposed and advocated traditional gender roles, positions decried by secular advocates as discriminatory. Sturm appeared in Focus on the Family broadcasts in 2018, sharing her suicide prevention story rooted in divine intervention rather than secular therapy, which some mental health skeptics interpret as downplaying evidence-based treatments like in favor of religious testimony. These critiques often highlight a perceived prioritization of faith over empirical interventions, though Sturm has discussed seeking relational counseling alongside her spiritual journey. In broader cultural discourse, progressive commentators on platforms like and have accused Sturm of homophobia, citing song lyrics such as those in Flyleaf's "" (2005) as veiled expressions of revulsion toward her pre-faith queer experiences. Such interpretations frame her redemption arc—detailed in her 2014 interview and subsequent works—as reinforcing stigma against non-heterosexual identities, contrasting with Sturm's stated intent to communicate universal human struggle and hope through evangelical lenses. These opinions remain largely confined to niche online communities, with limited coverage in mainstream secular media.

Discography

Flyleaf contributions

Lacey Sturm provided lead vocals and co-wrote multiple tracks for Flyleaf's debut self-titled album, released on October 4, 2005, which included charting singles "" and "Fully Alive" credited to her songwriting. Her vocal performance, characterized by a mix of clean melodies and screamed elements, defined the band's sound on tracks like "." Sturm reprised her role as and contributor for the second album, Memento Mori, released November 10, 2009, featuring songs such as "Again," another track bearing her writing credit. The album maintained Flyleaf's intense lyrical themes of personal struggle and faith, bolstered by her . For the third studio album, , Sturm delivered vocals on the release dated October 30, 2012, shortly before announcing her departure from the band on October 22, 2012. Her contributions extended to co-writing efforts across the band's early extended plays, including the 2004 Flyleaf EP, establishing the group's foundational discography. In November 2022, Sturm rejoined Flyleaf under the moniker "Flyleaf with Lacey Sturm" for live performances, though no new studio recordings featuring her have been released as of October 2025.
AlbumRelease DateKey Sturm Contributions
FlyleafOctober 4, 2005Lead vocals; co-wrote "All Around Me," "Fully Alive"
Memento MoriNovember 10, 2009Lead vocals; co-wrote "Again"
New HorizonsOctober 30, 2012Lead vocals; songwriting input

Solo albums and singles

Lacey Sturm released her debut solo studio album, , on February 12, 2016, through Followspot Records. The album, comprising 11 tracks, marked her first full-length project independent of Flyleaf and debuted at number one on the Hard Rock Albums chart, making Sturm the first solo female artist to achieve this milestone. Themes of personal struggle, , and resilience permeate the record, with production emphasizing her raw vocal delivery alongside rock instrumentation. Following a period focused on family and writing, Sturm issued standalone singles, including "The Decree" on May 15, 2020, which addressed themes of spiritual defiance and inner strength. Her second solo album, Kenotic Metanoia, arrived unexpectedly on November 17, 2023, self-released and featuring 15 tracks exploring (self-emptying) and metanoia (transformation) through a lens of and personal metamorphosis. A deluxe edition followed on June 28, 2024, expanding to 26 tracks with bonus demos, live recordings, and collaborations, including previously unreleased material. Notable solo singles from this era include "State of Me" (2023, featuring John Cooper), "Reconcile" (2023), "Breathe With Me" (2023), and "Awaken Love," often serving as album previews with introspective lyrics on redemption and frailty. These releases, distributed via platforms like and , underscore Sturm's shift toward more explicit spiritual content while retaining her roots.
Release TypeTitleRelease DateLabel/Notable Details
AlbumFebruary 12, 2016Followspot Records; #1 Albums
Single"The Decree"May 15, 2020Standalone; themes of faith and resistance
AlbumKenotic MetanoiaNovember 17, 2023Self-released; 15 tracks on
Album (Deluxe)Kenotic Metanoia (Deluxe Edition)June 28, 202426 tracks with bonuses
Singles (2023)"State of Me," "Reconcile," "Breathe With Me," "Awaken Love"Various (2023)Album precursors; collaborative elements

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2487821/bio/
  2. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/lacey-sturm-mn0002529292
  3. https://www.iconvsicon.com/2016/10/11/the-mystery-lacey-sturm-offers-an-inside-look-at-her-inspirational-new-book/
  4. http://www.themcollective.com/press-releases/2016/10/4/lacey-sturms-the-mystery-finding-true-love-in-a-world-of-broken-lovers-available-today
  5. https://altwire.net/altwire-lacey-sturm-life-screams/
  6. https://www.premierchristianity.com/home/lacey-sturm-suicidal-atheist-becomes-christian-rock-star/3037.article
  7. https://www.newreleasetoday.com/artistdetail.php?artist_id=4800
  8. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/lacey-sturm.html
  9. https://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/celebrity_interviews/article/283016/Lacey-Mosley
  10. https://religion.fandom.com/wiki/Lacey_Mosley
  11. https://www.thehopeline.com/my-interview-with-lacey-sturm-videos/
  12. https://www.facebook.com/focusonthefamily/posts/by-the-time-she-was-16-lacey-sturm-had-weathered-a-series-of-crises-including-a-/10157646442883520/
  13. https://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/lacey-sturm-shares-god-saved-suicide/
  14. https://www.christiantoday.com/news/the-murder-of-a-young-cousin-turned-lacey-sturm-against-god-but-later-he-saved-her-from-suicide
  15. https://jimdaly.focusonthefamily.com/how-god-saved-me-from-suicide/
  16. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/how-god-saved-me-from-suicide-part-1-of-2/
  17. http://www.themcollective.com/press-releases/2014/7/31/former-flyleaf-singer-lacey-sturm-shares-how-faith-saved-her-life-in-upcoming-book-the-reason-how-i-discovered-a-life-worth-living
  18. https://www.christianpost.com/news/when-i-was-an-atheist-i-hated-people-especially-people-that-talked-about-god-says-former-flyleaf-singer-lacey-sturm.html
  19. https://www.godreports.com/2017/02/prophetic-word-from-pastor-and-parishioner-brought-suicidal-rocker-to-christ/
  20. https://reasonsforjesus.com/how-god-saved-me-from-suicide-former-atheist-rock-star-lacey-sturm-finds-jesus/
  21. https://www.christianpost.com/news/former-flyleaf-singer-lacey-sturm-recalls-atheist-beliefs-says-faith-saved-her-life.html
  22. https://godreports.com/2017/02/prophetic-word-from-pastor-and-parishioner-brought-suicidal-rocker-to-christ/
  23. https://jamesbishopblog.com/2017/01/16/how-god-saved-me-from-suicide-former-atheist-rock-star-lacey-sturm-finds-jesus/
  24. https://www.geneva.edu/news/2015/10/nr-lacey-sturm
  25. https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=2970
  26. https://www.learnreligions.com/flyleaf-profile-709311
  27. https://docradio.org/bio/Flyleaf
  28. https://revenantmedia.com/2025/08/05/enjoy-a-2006-throwback-interview-with-flyleafs-lacey-sturm/
  29. https://loudwire.com/flyleaf-reunite-with-lacey-sturm/
  30. https://loudwire.com/lacey-sturm-highest-lowest-moments-flyleaf/
  31. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHvLflIJTz4
  32. https://blabbermouth.net/news/lacey-sturm-why-i-left-flyleaf
  33. https://loudwire.com/former-flyleaf-vocalist-lacey-sturm-reason-for-exiting-band/
  34. https://www.altpress.com/lacey_sturm_speaks_out_on_her_decision_to_leave_flyleaf/
  35. https://loudwire.com/flyleaf-singer-lacey-sturm-exits-band/
  36. https://www.newreleasetoday.com/article.php?article_id=1888
  37. https://www.songfacts.com/facts/we-as-human/take-the-bullets-away
  38. https://genius.com/We-as-human-take-the-bullets-away-lyrics
  39. https://loudwire.com/former-flyleaf-vocalist-lacey-sturm-release-date-life-screams-solo-album/
  40. https://loudwire.com/lacey-sturm-life-screams-album-review/
  41. https://metalshockfinland.com/2016/07/28/cage9-announce-dates-supporting-lacey-sturm/
  42. https://loudwire.com/lacey-sturm-starts-second-solo-album/
  43. https://heavensmetalmagazine.com/index.php/2023/11/17/lacey-sturm-album-officially-released/
  44. https://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/lacey-sturm-announces-release-of-kenotic-metanoia-deluxe-edition-and-summer-tour/
  45. https://www.facebook.com/officiallaceysturm/
  46. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/flyleafs-first-reunion-show-lacey-sturm-see-videos-and-setlist/
  47. https://www.revolvermag.com/music/flyleaf-share-first-photos-reunited-lineup-lacey-sturm/
  48. https://loudwire.com/why-flyleaf-dont-have-more-reunion-shows-planned-lacey-sturm/
  49. https://blabbermouth.net/news/flyleaf-shares-first-part-of-documentary-about-reunion-with-lacey-sturm-return-to-live-stage
  50. https://thewhosoevers.com/about
  51. https://www.loudersound.com/features/meet-the-whosoevers-the-heavy-metal-baptists-korn-of-mice-men
  52. https://audioinkradio.com/2012/05/ex-korn-guitarist-brian-head-welch-flyleaf-lacey-sturm-whosoevers/
  53. https://live-metal.com/2017/02/08/interview-lacey-sturm-february-2017/
  54. https://guideposts.org/positive-living/health-and-wellness/better-living/emotional-and-mental-health/lacey-sturms-powerful-testimony/
  55. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/how-god-saved-me-from-suicide-part-2-of-2/
  56. https://loudwire.com/choose-life-suicide-prevention-livestream-lacey-sturm-love-death-august-burns-red/
  57. https://jesuswired.com/2021/09/03/love-death-and-lacey-sturm-to-headline-heartsupports-groundbreaking-suicide-prevention-livestream-on-twitch
  58. https://jesuswired.com/2021/10/02/lacey-sturm-and-brian-head-welch-reflect-on-chooselife-as-suicide-prevention-month-comes-to-an-end
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-d3Q2vs1iw
  60. https://www.facebook.com/officiallaceysturm/posts/hope-walk-suicide-awareness-walk-2022/676387147188973/
  61. https://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=5535
  62. https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780801016738_the-reason
  63. https://www.amazon.com/Reason-Discovered-Life-Worth-Living/dp/0801016738
  64. https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780801016745_the-mystery
  65. https://gospelmusic.org/news/news-lacey-sturm-announces-the-mystery-finding-true-love-in-a-world-of-broken-lovers
  66. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/20665268-the-reason
  67. https://www.geeksundergrace.com/books/review-the-reason-how-i-discovered-a-life-worth-living/
  68. https://rodlampard.com/2015/01/28/review-the-reason-lacey-sturm/
  69. https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780801016752_the-return
  70. https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/books/TheReturn.asp
  71. https://joyfullyyours.wordpress.com/book-reviews/the-return-by-lacey-sturm/
  72. https://www.indievisionmusic.com/reviews/lacey-sturm-the-reason-how-i-discovered-a-life-worth-living/
  73. https://purerock.us/former-flyleaf-singer-lacey-sturm-to-release-third-book-the-return-reflections-on-loving-god-back/
  74. https://sobrief.com/books/the-reason
  75. https://noisecreep.com/flyleaf-lacey-sturm/
  76. https://thetraveladdict.com/interviews/rock-goddess-lacey-sturm-talks-family-travels-rock-collaborations-and-reuniting-with-flyleaf/
  77. https://www.newreleasetoday.com/news_detail.php?newsid=3290
  78. https://rockonpurpose.com/2018/07/08/lacey-and-josh-sturm-welcome-third-son/
  79. https://jesuswired.com/2020/05/29/lacey-josh-sturm-open-up-about-their-mental-health-in-new-video
  80. https://www.christianpost.com/news/lacey-sturm-on-finding-healing-having-emotional-affair-with-married-man-interview.html
  81. https://hmmagazine.com/feature/lacey-sturm/
  82. https://bestsellingalbums.org/artist/4321
  83. https://flyleafonline.com/band/charthistory.php
  84. https://www.theprp.com/2025/09/10/news/flyleaf-land-multiple-new-platinum-certifications-in-the-united-states/
  85. https://www.billboard.com/pro/lacey-sturm-first-solo-woman-hard-rock-albums/
  86. https://blabbermouth.net/news/ex-flyleaf-singer-lacey-sturm-talks-about-pros-and-cons-of-releasing-standalone-singles
  87. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/lacey-sturm/
  88. https://www.breathecast.com/news/lacey-sturm-found-jesus-left-suicide-drugs-homosexuality-behind-died.html
  89. https://www.tumblr.com/femalefrontedbandsconfessions/615239637824307200/21058-is-lacey-sturm-homophobic-or-not-i-really
  90. https://www.reddit.com/r/flyleaf/comments/1dt8dpg/is_lacey_sturm_antigay/
  91. https://www.facebook.com/groups/920430970187085/posts/1038183678411813/
  92. https://www.facebook.com/officiallaceysturm/posts/happy-20-years-to-the-album-that-started-it-all-our-20-year-anniversary-collecti/1403238574503823/
  93. https://www.musicvf.com/songs.php?page=artist&artist=Lacey%2BSturm&tab=songaswriterchartstab
  94. https://www.blacksheeprocks.com/tm-attraction/lacey-sturm/
  95. https://music.apple.com/na/artist/flyleaf/27653104
  96. https://www.lemon8-app.com/%40snoopyfan91/7477780655900754475?region=us
  97. https://www.reddit.com/r/flyleaf/comments/1gf9apd/happy_12th_anniversary_to_new_horizons/
  98. https://laceysturm.fandom.com/wiki/Flyleaf_Discography
  99. https://www.indievisionmusic.com/reviews/lacey-sturm-life-screams/
  100. https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/lifescreams.asp
  101. https://loudwire.com/lacey-sturm-the-decree/
  102. https://www.thechristianbeat.org/lacey-sturms-transformational-sophomore-solo-album-kenotic-metanoia-available-now/
  103. https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/KenoticMetanoia.asp
  104. https://genius.com/albums/Lacey-sturm/Kenotic-metanoia-deluxe-edition
  105. https://open.spotify.com/album/7tlOspCNKpF5qRIyFPcxTG
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