about us

“This century, as has been pointed out many times, is the century of emigration, enforced and voluntary. That is to say a century of partings without end, and a century haunted by the memories of those partings. The sudden anguish of missing what is no longer there is like suddenly coming upon a jar which has fallen and broken into fragments. Alone you collect the pieces, discover how to fit them together and then carefully stick them to one another, one by one. Eventually the jar is reassembled but it is not the same as it was before. It has become both flawed, and more precious. Something comparable happens to the image of a loved place or a loved person when kept in the memory after separation.” -John Berger

La Dispute is five close friends from the Upper Midwest with a firm passion for the concept of music and art as a medium for making new friends. As a result, La Dispute makes (or strives to make) music that is both artistically, technically, and emotionally engaging in hopes of establishing legitimate connections with any and all interested people, while encouraging dialogue between those people and themselves about things in life that truly matter and that truly last. La Dispute also carries a firm passion for the relevance of a live show, both for the bands involved and for the people in attendance, and will go to the grave believing that the environment created when strangers come together despite their differences to celebrate one important thing is invaluable and should not under any circumstances be taken for granted. Two split 7″ to come in 2010 (with two amazing friends), Europe tour in June (they can’t wait), new full length in the not-too-distant future, touring always come 2011. Come say hello.

§ 62 Responses to about us

  • cassandra says:

    Fellas,

    Outstanding show in Tulsa. I cannot express how glad I was to find my body involuntarily moving to your energy, grabbing everything I had ( unexpressable suprise, almost like being side-swiped by a semi in the middle of a corn field, along with elation and a smile I had long forgotten) shaking every inch of bone, a feeling I again received while listening to your music today. Your lyrics rush tears to the flood gates and suspend them from gravity. I thank you and wish you the most possible.
    A note to the guitarist I spoke to ( I am sorry to draw a blank at your name, but I asked you the name of your band, and you have blonde hair):

    Please forgive me for such abrupt conversation at the show. I hope you enjoyed your stay in T-Town, and if I could have said more I would have. In apologies I offer you a conversation starter… What/ how do you dream? I live more in sleep than in waking, and ride the fence on my opinion of the previously stated. I listen to Harry Potter audio books at night and have more than once disapparated or encountered He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. How about you?

    Apologies and Appreciation (not to mention nice alliteration),
    Cassie Miller.

    • Nolan Converse says:

      Yup, that’s Jordan for ya.

    • julie orsatti says:

      I can’t wait to see you in London this summe! you were the soundtrack of the last 10 months of my life, truly in love with your music 🙂

      • fabzee says:

        this band, at the underworld in london. i cannot think of anything i look forward more to this year. =D see you there haha

      • MatT says:

        the soundtrack of the last 10 months… I like this concept! The soundtrack of my life for… a little bit longer…but anyway, I can’t wait to see them in Vienna next week. Take care.

    • Carl Philipp says:

      Hey guys!
      I really enjoy your creations day by day! I’m glad I found out about you and your music!
      To honor this I sent you a letter. It should arrive by the end of this week. Is it possible for you to check on your mailbox before you head back on the road?
      It contains a special question for you that you will find a way to answer on your tour.
      Enjoy your time off before the big european tour!

      Carl

  • Ida Patton says:

    It was great meeting all of you in lawrence!
    You all put on a great show! definintly worth the drive=)

  • Susanna says:

    I just discovered you today. Bought the album Somewhere at the Bottom on emusic. Fanlove forever. I truly think that this is the best Hardcore-Release in years – thank you! susan@germany

  • Montana Prince says:

    Why did I miss Lawrence. I’ve NEVER seen you! Kansas or Missouri, just saying.

  • samuel mostyn says:

    hey guys im from aus i loved your show in brisbane a few months back was absolutley amasing such is your album very moving anyways i was wondering if you could tell me when you would be coming back to asutralia and if its anywere in the near future and any ideas of a new album coming soon? love you guys come back to aus soon

    • La Dispute says:

      hey friend,

      we’ll try to make our way out to you guys again next year.

      new music is in the works, we’re very very excited to be writing again.
      keep in touch!

      -Brad

      • Jay says:

        Sam is right come to australia again. If you could play another show at the abonded house in husskison that would be so good. (The house is still very much intact and still vacant). before that show I hadn’t even heard of you guys and afterwards you were and still are my favourite band.

  • Ellie says:

    I heard about you through Thursday and just wanted to say I love your music. I’m hoping to go see a concert soon. :]

  • Joe Talento says:

    Its almost scary. I feel like you’ve taken all my thoughts, feelings, and experiences and made them into songs. You guys are and will always be my favorite band. I’ve never had anything resonate with me the way your music does. Since I’ve first heard your music I’ve listened to Here, Hear 1 and 2 and Somewhere Between the Bottom of a River at least twice everyday. Its like just about the only thing keeping me going.

  • N says:

    Heya Just letting you know that even though I’m only just getting into your music you’ve inspired me so much in terms of creativity through your work, and i ant to thank you for that. I really hope you guys come back to Australia so i can see you guys live. I’ve only been listening to the stuff off No Sleep Samplers and the stuff you’ve released over at bandcamp because it is impossible to find your cds in any shops over here. Anyway keep up the good work.

  • i just wanted to say that you guys changed my point of view on everything. i have fallen deeply in love with your music/lyrics/ect.
    Keep it up.

    -elizabeth embry

  • Jake says:

    Just wondering if you will be back at Cornerstone this summer….your not on the list. But I am unbelievably excited to see you when you come to Nebraska in May!!!

  • Shaun says:

    hey guys, so I only found out about you a few weeks back.
    I saw a comment above saying you guys visited Brisbane?
    I honestly think I would have caught a plane to Brisbane just to see you guys.
    Did you visit Sydney by chance? I live there

  • Andrew says:

    Hey,
    You guys were amazing the other night in Oklahoma City! I’m so glad you guys came to Okc and played with such amazing passion! It was one of the most captivating things I’ve ever seen. Thank you very much.

  • James Kelly says:

    I would like to say one more thank you for playing our cd release in Rhode Island with us. Some of us including myself have been listening to you for over a year and i remember first hearing your music at my friends house and being blown away. Then we created Remainder and about 5 months ago we really got into ” somewhere ” we would listen to it driving anywhere and it really means something to all of us and always will. I hope in the near future we can reunite and really take the time to talk because i still have much more to talk about with your lyrics and your idea of community and art. Thank you so much for playing you were amazing and good luck with the rest of your tour. When we all see you play in worcester in may i hope to talk to you guys.

    much love

    – james

  • Jenn Fights Crime says:

    Hi!

    I saw you guys recently in Philadelphia. You guys were incredible and I’m constantly playing your music within my head. When I get really into bands, I become really curious. My question for you guys is, how did you come up with your band name?

    I really hope to see you lovely people again! Thanks for the fantastic music, keep it up! c:

    <3, Jenn

  • Tom says:

    I was just wondering what your favourite quote from one of your songs were, all of you’re lyrics are more than interesting and it would be fascinating to know 🙂

  • T says:

    Thank you for today – the day I spent with your music. While it was my first it pulled me from such depths I know I will never forget nor be far. Thank you again.

  • sashelle says:

    hey guys,

    ive heard rumours about you lads coming to aus next year.
    i definately hope those rumours are true!

    your music and lyrics are inspiringly beautiful and amazing!
    hopefully see you guys in aus soon!

  • natasha says:

    GR show soon? pretty please?

  • Milica says:

    You have no idea what goes trough my mind when I listen to your music. I believe you’re probably the best thing in music today because you’re so goddamn honest and raw. At some points of his singing Jordan sounds like he’s crying, and that makes your music so fucking powerful, heartbreaking and moving. Not to mention the genius tunes and breakdowns… If I start to write about your lyrics I will probably fall apart and start talking utter shit so I’m just going to say that I have never in my entire life experienced something like La Dispute lyrics. My favorite at the time is “Why It Scares Me”, but the whole “Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altair” album is fucking EPIC! I think if I ever see you live, I’ll probably cry at every song and when you finish playing I’ll just die. Period. So I beg of you, come somewhere on the Balkans and play. I live in Bosnia, Banja Luka but anywhere in the Balkans is okay. And one more thing. If you ever break up… I’m gonna kill myself. 🙂 ❤

    I wanna believe that the way I am is just the way it goes… :')

  • Ryan says:

    Your music is unreal! It’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. I’ve been spreading the word to my friends and will definitely be checking your live show next time you’re in Australia.

  • nicole says:

    hello, i recently discovered your guys music and wow,i love it all. i got my brother into your music as well, and i was looking at all your tour dates, and i seen one close to my home and school in riverside you went to in 2009 at a place called back to the grind. i wish i knew about you guys sooner, i would have totally gone. 😀 well great music, very inspiring

  • Allie says:

    Your music, lyrics, and talent are absolutely amazing, please come to Florida ❤

  • Megan says:

    Please come to Pittsburgh, and don’t cancel this time!

  • Fritz says:

    Hey guys,
    I just discovered you/your band and I´m totally in love with your music! There was some Hardcore or Postcore before, but nuthin like the stuff you do!
    I´m from Germany and I would love to see you guys somewhere around here in Europe. How about a euro-tour?
    Hope to see you some time!

  • sydney says:

    When are you guys playing in Greensboro, North Carolina next?

  • Nikolaifret says:

    I discovered your band about a few months ago. your music is very inspirational and has alot of truth. I listen to your music when I draw. I love you guys<3

  • Trevor says:

    Guys, I don’t think you understand what talent you have. You guys are my favorite band ever, and are a constant source of inspiration to me when I try to write for my band. I haven’t made it to a show yet, I wanted to go to the one tomorrow in Denton, but my schedule will not allow me to go. But, I will definitely be there the next time you guys are in town.

    Keep on making your amazing music

    • Hanna says:

      I hope you don’t mean they were just here in TX in October and I missed them… :[ Sad day.

  • Zachary says:

    Hey guys,
    You all are truly inspirational. The lyrics are by far the most moving, and beautifully written that I have ever heard grace any genre of music. I couldn’t help but well up with tears the first time I heard Nine played for me. I saw you guys for the first time when you played with Thursday at the Granada theater in Lawrence, Kansas, and I have been hooked ever since. I came to your show in Lawrence just this past month as well, and it was a truly amazing experience. I sang as much as I knew. Thank you all for sharing your music with me. Much love, stay genuine.
    Zach

  • Patrick says:

    Dear La Dispute,
    My friend Zach above has been fortunate enough to see you live. I arrived to the Thursday concert late and missed you guys. After that concert he lent me your cd. It was love at first verse, like every line you sing just has so much truth its overwhelming. I can’t count how many Facebook status’s have been attributed to lines from your songs. I just got your Here, Hear albums and they are probably the most truthful, best said, and most beautiful songs/poems (idk which to call them) that I have ever heard. One and Nine are probably my instant favorites but I can honestly say that I have never heard a song from you guys that I don’t immediately fall in love with. You put so much into your music its just so unique to find. Every song has a message that somehow is able to teach me something about my life and help me when I thought there was no way that I could be helped. I beg that you guys come back to Lawrence. I missed your second show that Zach went to as well so right now I have yet to see my favorite band in concert. So I’ve said more than I meant to but it still doesn’t seem like enough. I can’t say it enough how beautiful your music is and how much it impacts me.
    Sincerely,
    Patrick

  • Nick says:

    My friend showed me La Dispute awhile back, as he is the guy I go to for good music. He said “You should listen to these guys. Not many people like them, that I’ve shown, but I’d think you’d like them.” He showed me He is Here, He is Not Afraid, and See You in Vancouver. I fell in absolute love with your band ever since, and I listen to your music day in and day out, during school, during any games I play, and even when I sleep sometimes. One of my favorite parts is you’re a much more daring band than most, with your 6/8 and 5/4 time signatures, changes in tempo, etc., while most other bands stick in 4/4, and have a set in stone tempo for the entire song. Plus, the free time part in Ten is amazing, I love playing in free time, it’s so… free, heh. Thanks for making such beautiful and moving music. You guys should come up to Spokane, Washington some time!
    -Nick

  • Missy says:

    When are you coming back to England? Make it happen lads.

  • Yana says:

    Finally got a tattoo with your lyrics last night cause I realized you’ve been getting me through everything for a while now. Just sayinnnnn :D! The most sincere and passionate gratitude to you guys. SRSLY, thank you. <3!

  • sarahammond says:

    Your music is genuinely amazing. A UK tour would be amazing – I would love the chance to see you live.

  • Daniel says:

    I’m so disappointed I missed that show in Husky.

  • Emily says:

    I cant get over how amazing your music is! I’ve only had one other band give me the chills. your style is so intense, and it drives me crazy. There’s just so much emotion pouring out of the songs. Lyrics are definitely the most important part of music, in my opinion… the actual background instruments just fade away. The way you talk and describe things is pure genius. I really dig the stuff you guys are doing. Hope to see you in Connecticut sometime…possibly :]

  • D says:

    Hey,

    You guys used to play super local shows at the Underground in Kalamazoo, MI about five or six years ago right? I remember buying your cheap shirts 🙂

  • Destiny Nicole says:

    Dear La Dispute,
    You guys are insanely gifted. You are now and forever will be my favorite band. Can’t wait to see you at KrazyFest 2011. ❤
    Much love, Destiny Nicole Robb.

  • bettina says:

    i just wanted to thank you for all that inspiring, beautiful moments i had with your music. actually, i can’t express in words what i feel about your incredible songs. they manage to change my feelings like no other songs. just amazing!
    greetings from germany, bettina.

  • April says:

    Just discovered you guys thanks to mewithoutyou radio on last.fm.
    Officially my new favorite band.

  • alina says:

    Dearest La Dispute,
    I’m writing from Italy. I discovered you thanks to my friends, then made my other friends discover you.
    Your music in truly inspirational.
    Please come here some time.

  • Sasha Z says:

    Hey, would it be considered rude or intrusive to send you guys some art (watercolor… really crappy)and a short story? Both are based off of “Andria”

  • Destiny :) says:

    Dear La Dispute,
    Most teenagers growing up in the twentieth century, have taken a liking to “Screamo, Metal, And hardcore music”. And i can say myself i know a great deal about that kind. But myself introudced me to you & your music has completly taken it’s toll upon my life. It is unbelievably beautiful. And NO band compares. When i was born i had to get heart surgery. And everyday is a struggle. But everyday i listen to you guys and you give me hope. I’m not making this a sob story but your music is truley inspirational.
    And i cannot wait to see you guy’s in May for my birthday! I love you.

  • Jacob Collins-Wilson says:

    To Jordan Dreyer and La Dispute at large,

    I want to get you a publisher to publish your lyrics (and newer poetry mainly) and also publish a compilation of music as poetry using your, Listener and other such bands lyrics as the content. Please e-mail me back so I can get your words out to new people who don’t listen to this style of music and to people who want those words in their hands always, always, always, always (get it?).

    jacob (the teacher who introduced himself to you in Portland, Or b/c he was teaching your lyrics to his class, it went awesome, a lot of them love you guys now)

    p.s. thank you for using an e.e. cummings poem in here, hear, he gets written off all too often and easily

  • benkim says:

    You guys are the few bands that I can say they swept me off my feet and took me to a roller coaster the very first time I listened to. You bring on so much emotion to your music it is almost mental. I come from Kenya and it is almost impossible right now but you guys are most definitely one of the bands I would like to see live in my lifetime. You are the most original band that I have listened to in a very long time. Keep up the amazing work guys.

  • matt says:

    Its amazing how great music gets spread around. Im from Somerset, Ky and just randomly stumbled across such small hands about a year ago on youtube while I was deployed and when I heard it I was kind of in awe at how well put together the poetry/lyrics are your songs were all I listened to for the 5 months I was gone. You guys are extremly talented I make everyone I know listen to your music, but anyways I’ll be seeing you guys tonight in Columbia, Sc

    -Peace

  • Montana Prince says:

    This is by far the greatest band in all of music today. I enjoy you’re music more than I enjoy The Beatles and Led Zeppelin. That’s definitely saying something. Fantastic work guys, you’re lyrics are brilliant. You’ve been an inspiration, thank you.

  • Lupe says:

    Just listening to you guys now. And remembering that you are the best. Absolutely. Honestly, I’m sure you hear it constantly, your lyrics combined with your music, it makes my heart swell. Heart breaking almost? Just so beautiful. I would say relate-able but that’s not always true. Nevertheless, still wonderful. But something funny I thought of once when I was listening to you guys while doing some writing over Hamlet… You will probably think this is so random.. but I was like, “Hey! This song could totally be about Hamlet.” Then I proceeded to listen to all of Somewhere at the Bottom.. and I SOMEHOW managed to relate every song to that play. It was crazy. But it still makes sense, I SWEAR. Maybe I am insane. But music and Shakespeare are open to interpretation, as far fetched as it may seem. Hahah I’m ridiculous. But yeah, goooood story.

  • Eva says:

    Seeing you last night in Hamburg was the best thing that ever happened to me. Seriously. I’ve been waiting for that day for such a long time and you guys didn’t disappoint me at all. I was so overwhelmed by your energy and your emotion and I still am.
    I guess your music is the only thing that can deliver my mind from any fucking problem. It make me feel alive and I just wanted to thank you for that. I really appreciate you and your music. So keep it up like that.
    I’m looking sooo forward to see/hear/feel you again, so please come back to Hamburg as soon as possible!
    Love you guys.

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