FYI: Remember When is a new series of articles where we look back at some of the most memorable and important news stories that have come out within the genre/scenes we cover – pop punk, metal, rock etc.
Back in September, Issues announced that they had parted ways with the band’s co-founder and vocalist Tyler Carter after becoming aware of grooming and sexual misconduct allegations.
Issues released a brief and direct statement on the 2nd September 2020 via their official social media pages. You can read the band’s statement below:
“Recently we have become aware of allegations against Tyler Carter of grooming and sexual misconduct. We, Josh, Sky and AJ, will no longer be working with Tyler, We believe survivors.”
In case you didn’t know, Carter was also pursuing a career as a solo artist as well as fronting Issues.
The following day, 3rd September 2020, Carter released a lengthy statement via his now-deleted Twitter account. You can read Carter’s statement via Dead Press below:
“I want to set [the] record straight that over my decade as a musician I have no doubt made mistakes. I have crossed boundaries in how I’ve talked to people. In early days I most definitely blurred lines, and had trouble with understanding influence and power dynamics. Something I was not aware existed and shamefully did not see or recognise until later into my career and I began to understand the responsibility of fame and leadership.
I have never physically assaulted anyone in my life. But I can’t deny that I have escalated conversations and abused my power, leaving people uncomfortable and I will not run and hide from it. I had my inboxes open for people to come and flirt with no thought of repercussions, and I blurred lines when engaging fans or strangers in conversation. I fucked up. I made myself accessible, and I did not discipline myself at all. For this, I’m gravely remorseful. For years I’ve been sorry, I’m not just ‘sorry because it caught up to me’ but there is never an inviting way to put yourself out when it comes to a part of the past and a part of yourself that you’re trying to grow from and make sure to never see again.
I have reached out, in the past, to people that I feel I may have hurt or effected by my antics and out of pure compassion wanted to make sure that they knew I was fully aware of what I did wrong and could only hope that they would be able to find solace and move forward in life. I am not going to use that to deflect the fact that there are people who are valid in their emotions. I will always be sorry for my poor judgment, actions, and shortcomings as an influencer, and will continue to apologize to anyone who needs to hear it no matter how often it’s addressed.
Though I never intended to be a “bad guy” nor had vicious intentions, I was blind in that putting interest in someone younger than me is never ok. Through the years in my career I’ve had to take many steps to recovery, from drugs, alcohol, and revisiting personal childhood trauma/repressed memories that led me to that point, and had to reflect on the mistakes I had made and hurt I may have brought onto others as well. I’ve been in counselling and made my constant best efforts to get to the root of my problems and make honest strides in healing, growing, and accountability.
My obliviously manipulative, narcissistic nature led to me mentally hurting someone that was family to me, and I will be forever in shame and genuine heartbreak that I ever blurred lines between friendship, brotherhood, and mentorship, with feelings of confusion and romantic interest. I say heartbreak because the person I am today and have known of myself for several years can not fathom the stress and angst I may have caused. I have heard you. I have understood you. And I’m sorry.
I am sorry to my followers I have confused or let down with my actions, I have strived to be a leader and protect and provide both inclusivity and a safe space for all. Perhaps some of this came from an overcompensation to correct mistakes I had made in my past. I have always cherished your stories of pain, your connection to my lyrics, and the constant courage of pouring your soul at our feet to give us the great responsibility of being able to change the world. I have failed you all. I have let you down, no matter how great or small, I have disappointed and dishonoured you. And I will never stop apologizing for that.
Lastly to my fiancé – I am sorry to have put you through this turmoil. I understand that in your position of being a positive influence to people, you couldn’t just go by without acknowledging my past. I don’t want you to feel sorrow for having to do this to someone you love and cherish, so I understood, and am taking accountability for my actions.
I have of course since departed from Issues. The legacy of our music, what it means to you all, and how it has guided and healed so many, that will never die, though I’ve tarnished my reputation. I will be taking time to continue the work towards personal growth, processing with my family. Infinitely, TC”
One month later…Issues announced that they were going to release an instrumental version of their third album ‘Beautiful Oblivion’ to celebrate its one year anniversary. You can purchase the record here.
Apart from above mentioned news, not much else has come out from the Issues camp. However, remaining band members are promoting their other projects on the band’s official Facebook page. We will continue to monitor and report on the band’s activity.
ALTFRESH will continue to report on any updates regarding this story and any other stories of abuse within the industry. Although we cannot comment in whether the allegations are true, ALTFRESH will always stand with the victims of abuse.