Disperse
Encyclopedia
Disperse is a Christian Rock
band from Southern Indiana
. The band was formerly known, with an adjusted roster, as "Stuff."
youth group who wanted to promote their faith through their various musical talents. Under the guidance of the youth minister at their local church, the band began to play at a nearby Christian coffeehouse called the Solid Rock Cafe as an opening act for more notable bands, including Satellite Soul
and Just Visiting (now known as the award-winning, world-renowned group The Elms
.) Eventually the group began performing solo and headlining their own shows at the Solid Rock Cafe, as well as performing shows at various teen-oriented Christian clubs and coffeehouses across Southern Indiana. In the spring of 2000, because of personal conflict between the members of the band, coupled with tensions between the group and the church leadership that brought them together, the group canceled its upcoming gigs and declared an "indefinite hiatus" and Stuff stopped performing.
In fall of 2000, the group reformed (with lead singer Regina Mullikan replacing Pieratt) and began performing again, with an edgier, less conservative sound and lyrics that incorporated more adult topics, including suicide, teenage pregnancy, relationships, drug and alcohol abuse, and other obstacles encountered by teenagers and young adults growing up in the midwest United States. It was during this time they took the name Disperse, suggested by Andy for its meaning and the related imagery of "spreading the word and the faith"
Their newly matured sound and subject matter brought the band an increased amount of popularity and it was during this time that they began performing across the midwest United states, including southern Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Southern Illinois. Once more they found themselves opening for bands like The Elms and Far From Home
. However, less than a year after joining the band, Pieratt's replacement Regina dropped out of the band because of creative differences, and Pieratt returned to the microphone.
Encouraged by this newfound success and the return of their original vocalist, the band released their debut CD Better place under the Route Seven Records label. The CD, containing 12 tracks, was a local success and bolstered the bands popularity across the midwest. The CD, recorded at Paradise Studios in South Central Indiana, featured all original tracks as well as a re-imagined version of "Amazing grace" as a closer, with the hymn "Blind man" as a hidden track. The album was sold at both live shows and over internet distributors such as CDbaby.com.
After four more years of playing, Disperse amicably broke up as each of the members went their separate ways, either to college or careers. The group has made available through internet distribution several of their recorded but as-yet unreleased tracks.
Contemporary Christian music
Contemporary Christian music is a genre of modern popular music which is lyrically focused on matters concerned with the Christian faith...
band from Southern Indiana
Southern Indiana
Southern Indiana, in the United States, consists of the 33 counties located in the southernmost part of the state. The region's history and geography has led to a blend of Northern and Southern culture distinct from the remainder of Indiana. It is often considered to be part of the Upland South...
. The band was formerly known, with an adjusted roster, as "Stuff."
Members (as of 2004 break up)
- Chelsey Pieratt - Vocals
- Chris Billings - Lead Guitar
- Andy Higham - Rhythm Guitar
- Nic Higham - Bass Guitar
- Dustin Sanders - Drums, Percussion
Former members
- Regina Mullikan - Lead Vocals (2000-2001)
- Amber Hillen - Keyboards (1997 - 1999)
- Erin Davidson - Backing Vocals (1997 - 1999)
History
Formed in early 1996 under then name of "Stuff," the band consisted of members Chelsey Pieratt, Chris Billings, brothers Andy and Nic Higham, and Dustin Sanders, all members of a ChristianChristian
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as recorded in the Canonical gospels and the letters of the New Testament...
youth group who wanted to promote their faith through their various musical talents. Under the guidance of the youth minister at their local church, the band began to play at a nearby Christian coffeehouse called the Solid Rock Cafe as an opening act for more notable bands, including Satellite Soul
Satellite Soul
Satellite Soul is a critically acclaimed Alt-Country / Folk Rock band from Kansas. Their sound has developed and matured over the years from jangly roots rock to a hard cutting Alt-Country sound. They were formed in 1996 while living in Manhattan, KS and played extensively in the Midwest as an...
and Just Visiting (now known as the award-winning, world-renowned group The Elms
The Elms (band)
The Elms were an American rock and roll band known for their breed of rootsy, blues-based rock, with the essence of the music of the 60's and 70's. Although the band had been in existence since 2000, 2001 saw the release of their first full-length album, with the first musical contribution from...
.) Eventually the group began performing solo and headlining their own shows at the Solid Rock Cafe, as well as performing shows at various teen-oriented Christian clubs and coffeehouses across Southern Indiana. In the spring of 2000, because of personal conflict between the members of the band, coupled with tensions between the group and the church leadership that brought them together, the group canceled its upcoming gigs and declared an "indefinite hiatus" and Stuff stopped performing.
In fall of 2000, the group reformed (with lead singer Regina Mullikan replacing Pieratt) and began performing again, with an edgier, less conservative sound and lyrics that incorporated more adult topics, including suicide, teenage pregnancy, relationships, drug and alcohol abuse, and other obstacles encountered by teenagers and young adults growing up in the midwest United States. It was during this time they took the name Disperse, suggested by Andy for its meaning and the related imagery of "spreading the word and the faith"
Their newly matured sound and subject matter brought the band an increased amount of popularity and it was during this time that they began performing across the midwest United states, including southern Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Southern Illinois. Once more they found themselves opening for bands like The Elms and Far From Home
FFH
FFH is a Contemporary Christian band from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the United States. The band is occasionally known as Far From Home. They released six independent projects before being signed by Essential Records. Since then, they have released seven studio albums, as well as a "greatest-hits"...
. However, less than a year after joining the band, Pieratt's replacement Regina dropped out of the band because of creative differences, and Pieratt returned to the microphone.
Encouraged by this newfound success and the return of their original vocalist, the band released their debut CD Better place under the Route Seven Records label. The CD, containing 12 tracks, was a local success and bolstered the bands popularity across the midwest. The CD, recorded at Paradise Studios in South Central Indiana, featured all original tracks as well as a re-imagined version of "Amazing grace" as a closer, with the hymn "Blind man" as a hidden track. The album was sold at both live shows and over internet distributors such as CDbaby.com.
After four more years of playing, Disperse amicably broke up as each of the members went their separate ways, either to college or careers. The group has made available through internet distribution several of their recorded but as-yet unreleased tracks.
Better Place album track listing
- "Father's Eyes" - 5:00
- "The Way" - 6:02
- "Question of Life" - 3:04
- "Little Girl" - 4:51
- "Where Were You" - 3:18
- "Sally" - 4:14
- "Better Place" - 2:44
- "Lonely Boy" - 4:01
- "Hippocritic Oaf" - 3:46
- "Hippie Tree Song" - 3:31
- "My Angel" - 3:28
- "Amazing Grace" - 5:47
Unreleased recordings/songs
- "Hold Me Jesus"
- "Wheels"
- "He is the One"
- "B's Song"
- "I'm Alive"
- "Door to September"
- "I'm not Alone"
External links
- [ Better Place on Allmusic]
- Route 7 Records Homepage (updated January 6, 2008)