The Hotseat: Jordan of La Dispute
on January 29th, 2012Next week, La Dispute will return to Australia to plug their latest album ‘Wildlife‘ which is out now via No Sleep / Shock. With a bunch of shows already sold out, and extra shows added, it’s bound to be a big tour that you don’t want to miss if you are a fan, so grab what’s left of the tickets if you are yet to sort yourself out. We caught up with Jordan from the band recently to answer our Hotseat Questions. Expand this post to check out his responses and remind yourself of the tour information.
THE BASICS
Name : Jordan
Band : La Dispute
Job In Band : I sing.
Website Address : www.ladisputemusic.com
HOME
Hometown : Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Hometown is best known for : Amway and The Verve Pipe (YouTube, “The Freshmen”). It’s also where Ash’s boomstick was famously manufactured, as per his iconic boomstick-introduction speech in the 3rd and final Evil Dead movie, “Army of Darkness.” You can look that up on YouTube too. Nothing makes me more proud. And Mustard Plug is from here too.
Best venue in your hometown : The Division Avenue Arts Collective. Little hole in the wall run by a board of dedicated volunteers. Throws shows, hosts yoga classes, has art showings, screens alternative films, etc. Fantastic place.
Favourite show you’ve seen in your hometown : (3) Boysetsfire at the Intersection free of charge for a local alternative radio event while they were enjoying their bizarre two weeks of mainstream popularity in the States quite a few years back. (2) Joanna Newsom at the Chapel at Calvin College shortly after “Have One On Me” was released, and (1) Envy and Malady at the aforementioned hole in the wall in 2004(?) with about 30 other people. Truly sublime experience, topped only by getting to tell them about how much it meant to me while on tour with them several years later.
Favourite show you’ve played in your hometown : There are a lot of memorable ones so it’s difficult to settle on just one. Two that come immediately spring to mind: (1) Several (read, 5 or 6) years ago we played a house show in Grand Rapids. Not so strange sounding, given the almost innumerable house shows we’ve played in the States and elsewhere, but fairly strange in actuality in that it is to this day the only house show we’ve ever played in our hometown. And it was the 2nd show of the night for us, we’d already played a show that night about 45 minutes outside of town. (2) A few years ago for Halloween my bandmates made fairly compelling Ghostbusters costumes using Tyvek suits, vinyl tubing, and black backpacks, while I dressed up as the Staypuft marshmallow man using an XL suit of long underwear, a lot of white bedsheets, and some cleverly cut and glued together pieces of blue fabric for flare. Other than it being one of the most insufferably hot shows in our history as a band (Tyvek, sheet-stuffed long underwear, the Arts Collective packed full of kids) it was also one of the most enjoyable nights of my life.
THE BAND
How did the band first come to exist? It all kind of stemmed from the fact that our drummer Brad and I are cousins. Ever since we were young we’ve shared a mutual interest in music and one summer while working together we started bouncing the idea of actual starting a band together. Brad had been in a band that was just winding down so he kind of picked up the pieces from that, fit some other friends in as needed and we all got together. Initially, the plan was just to cover an ATDI song for the hell of it, but we had so much fun doing it that we started to tool around with writing our own songs and it just kind of stuck.
How long has the band been going? Well, technically for 6 or 7 years. But really, the first few were spent kind of feeling it out, playing shows around town while members were in school and the like. As for consistent touring / writing / recording, we’ve taken the band as seriously as we do now for about the last 4 years, which is right around the time our original bass player quit to pursue other endeavors and Vass joined.
Any particular story behind the name? The band name comes from a piece of French theatre by the same name. Right around the time that we were first writing songs I saw the play performed and felt that, because the themes in the play resonated with myself and with the subject matter we were discussing at that time in song, it made perfect sense to attach it them.
What’s your most recent release? Tell us a little about it… We put out an LP late last year called “Wildlife” which took the better part of a year and a half writing, recording, and assembling to put together. Essentially, the record is set up as a series of short stories / poems annotated by the author and quartered thematically by 4 kind of “monologues” from that same author, but it’s also just 14 separate and distinct songs, depending on how you prefer to look at it.
Got a personal stand out achievement of your band to date? Not really. I mean, we’re immensely proud of everything that has come to us as a result of the band we’re in but only in that all 5 of us have worked incredibly hard to make this work and it’s a great feeling to see it pay off; there’s not really one specific thing that validates all that time and effort. It’s everything collected. Every experience, every record, and above everything else, every lasting friendship / relationship that has resulted from it.
OFF THE STAGE
What was your first introduction to music that made you think seriously about playing it? My friend Brian burned me “Forever and Counting” by Hot Water Music when we were about 13 and it was the first time I remember hearing music that I felt really challenged me intellectually and emotionally, at least something from “my” generation that did, and it really kind of set things in motion for me. While I don’t remember thinking in that instance “Man, I really want to be in a band” or anything like that, I think listening to that album kind of opened the door for me to a whole new realm of expression and honesty, one that transformed my perception of art and accordingly, redirected my path in a way.
Any particular band / album or song that you personally credit as a major influence? Not necessarily. Like I said, hearing Hot Water and then Small Brown Bike / Planes Mistaken For Stars / Boysetsfire etc. when I was younger probably had a profound impact on who I was at the same and I likely owe a lot of who I became and what I surrounded myself with during the formative years that followed to those bands and that niche of punk / hardcore / whatever-you-want-to-call-it, but I can’t really credit any one of them with truly impacting the person I am now creatively. It’s a process, and everything that you encounter affects it in some way. It has always been more interesting to me to just roll with the tide and see where it takes you rather than to pick up an artist or a record to emulate. Of course, it’s different for everyone, and there isn’t a wrong or right way. But I’m rambling.
Your first band name, and what style did you play? I played one show with some friends in high school for fun. I’m not sure if that qualifies as a first band, but in the event that it does we were called Pistol Pete and the Dustbowl Orchestra and we played the greatest style of music ever, obviously, but I can’t really remember what it was. Kind of Western-tinged punk, I guess. I was 15 and it was a blast. But I’ve been in La Dispute since I was 17 so I really think this counts as my first go at it.
Most prized music related item you own? Oh, man, I don’t know. I don’t own any equipment because I don’t play an instrument, and while I do sort of collect records I’m not ambitious or dedicated enough to do so in way that I’ve secured any rare first press colored 7″ split records or anything like that. Nearly everything that I do own on vinyl is pretty prized in that the bulk of my record collection is comprised of releases I truly and thoroughly adore. The “Black Pear Tree” Mountain Goats / Kaki King split is something I really enjoy owning. For the songs and for the sentimental aspect of it (my best friend bought it for me). Really, all of my Mountain Goats records are pretty dear to me, same goes for my Joanna Newsom catalog.
When you’re not doing band related stuff, what are you usually found doing? I like to read and I like to write, though I probably don’t do nearly enough of either lately. I also really enjoy sports. Baseball and hockey, specifically, but I’m not one to turn away anything really, save for auto-racing. Mostly though, if I’m not doing band-related stuff, I’m probably hanging out with friends or with family or watching movies / TV shows with the girl I love.
The thing you most look forward to just before a tour is… Packing, which is probably not the likeliest of responses, but I really enjoy minimizing my belongings. It’s like backpacking, in a way. Limited space means inevitably downsizing your perceived necessities into what you actually need in order to survive for a period of time. And the organization of it is appealing on top of that. I’m not a very organized person, but having to leave for tour gives me a sort of ultimatum that forces me to be the opposite of what I am most of the time, which is organized. I love it.
The thing you least look forward to before a tour is… Saying goodbye to people, without a doubt. It’s really the one significant downside to touring. Saying goodbye, removing yourself from someone you love’s life for an extended period of time, the mutual acknowledgment that you’re going to miss out things-it can be shitty, and it can be difficult to deal with at times. Of course, the upsides are obvious, but nonetheless, it’s difficult to balance, and it’s most apparent right at that moment when you have to say goodbye. Dramatic, huh?
La Dispute “Wildlife” CD / LP out now on No Sleep / Shock - Grab a copy [Here]
ON THE STAGE
When on offer, what’s your one must have item on the rider? We’re really still getting used to even the possibility of a rider, but if we are hypothetically going to be getting anything I’d have to say a vegan meal of some sort. Nourishment is crucial when travelling, and often difficult to find. Nice, local beer is cool too, but that’s definitely number two.
Favourite place you’ve toured… and why? It’s hard to choose, really. Australia presents a pretty compelling case, and I’m in no way blowing smoke, but every place has their own quirks and characteristics that make them memorable and entertaining in different ways. The history in Europe, the scenery in Canada, the myriad of memories we have in our home country, etc. And people are amazing everywhere you go. But, having said that, Australia is kind of special to us given how we were introduced to it and how enjoyable the previous two trips have been. Again, it’s tricky, but I think if you polled my bandmates Australia would be number one.
Most memorable show you’ve played? and why? Fluff Fest in the Czech Republic this last year was amazing to the point where it almost feels too surreal to have happened at all. The sun setting over the treeline, 3000 some odd people getting along / eating vegan food / sharing information / celebrating punk and each other, Touche Amore, The Carrier, then us, and our Norwegian friends Death Is Not Glamorous had played earlier and absolutely slayed. It was incredible. I will never forget it, that’s for sure. Playing an abandoned house in Huskisson, NSW during our first trip to Australia is definitely up towards the top of the list as well. Never before have been witness to a better example of the spirit by which punk and hardcore should operate. Kids really came together to make sure we had a place to play no matter what and we are forever thankful for that show.
Got a favourite song to play live? New songs are fun. Not really sure that one sticks out right now. “The Most Beautiful Bitter Fruit,” maybe? It’s got a definite groove that makes playing it live an absolute blast. Also, the two songs on our split with Touche are a lot of fun to play live too, particularly if we we’re playing with them and Jeremy can come up to do his parts.
Any embarrassing on stage moments come to mind? Nearly all of them. I flail around, often fall over, and sometimes have a difficult time stringing words together to form coherent sentences during between song banter. No one moment really sticks out, although I bet if you asked my bandmates they could compile a pretty thorough list.
Any pre-show rituals? Chad and I usually end up in the same place backstage doing weird stretches and breathing exercises. It was a long slow lesson learning that I get really sore after playing if I don’t properly stretch myself after a long van ride, and I’ve kind of accepted the fact now. Before that I had this delusional youthful resistance to anything preparatory, I think because I was afraid of getting in any way older, but now I accept and relish it. No sense in fighting.
What do you find is the hardest aspect of touring in a band today? Well, probably the first response in this block of questions, but that’s probably always been the most difficult thing about touring. In regards to the state of things presently, it’s expensive, particularly to travel abroad, and it is by no means a lucrative field of work (especially if you want to have some sort of normal life at home because that, unfortunately, requires bills and money and stuff). The worst part is that the more expensive travel becomes the higher the price of admission / merch becomes in order to recoup costs, and that sucks. As an artist, you want everything to be fair and reasonable so that everyone can participate, but you also need to achieve a certain level of stability so that you can continue coming back. It’s an unfortunate push / pull, and I don’t think anyone fully understands how to properly balance the two things.
RIGHT NOW
Last song you listened to? Just finished “Requiem for Dying Mothers, Pt. 2″ by Stars of the Lid.
Last album you acquired? “A Cat May Look At The Queen” by Franklin Bruno. First iTunes purchase in ages. Worth it, so far.
Which band or album is currently on high rotation? Pig Destroyer’s discography has been in very heavy rotation, bad joke emphasis on “heavy.” Intelligent, articulate, punishing grind. Forgot how good they were until recently. Glad I remembered.
Tell us an up and coming band or artist you think we should go and listen to right now? Our friend Mikey from All Teeth has a new band with members of Sabertooth Zombie and Not To Reason Why called NO SIR. They have an EP called “Holy Land” that I’ve been having a hard time not listening to you for the last couple weeks. Definitely worth looking into.
What’s on the cards for the next few months for the band? We’re hitting the UK and Europe for a few weeks before we head over to visit all of you down under. Beyond excited.
IF ONLY…
You can pick any one album for your band to cover in full, what would it be and why? An easy and obvious answer would be “13 Songs” or “Relationship Of Command” or something along those lines, and, while it would be a lot of fun to play those songs, I think the coolest covers are the out there ones. So I’m going to say “First Band On The Moon” by The Cardigans. Great pop record. Or a Fiona Apple record. THERE ARE SO MANY GREAT RECORDS THOUGH. It’s tough.
You can pick any one band / artist to cover one of your albums in full, what would it be, and why? Comadre does the coolest covers, from the more obvious (ATDI, Refused) to the out there (Tom Waits, Elliott Smith, etc.) nobody I know does it better. And it’s because they’re not playing straight recitations of original pieces, they put they’re own unique Comadre feel on everything, and, put simply, it rules. Just an all around a great band doing great things. I’d be stoked if they covered even a bar of one of our songs.
One band you wish you were able to see live but never had the chance? Hmm, so many great bands existed before I was even old enough to attend shows, so it’s hard. I was heartbroken when Small Brown Bike broke up originally, but I’ve seen them multiple times since then (the joys of being from their home state, and of reunions). Godspeed You! Black Emperor was number one on my list of regrets but they reunited recently and I caught them in Detroit. Flooring experience. Fugazi, maybe? Neutral Milk Hotel? Jeff Mangum is playing shows again.
One venue you have yet to play that you would love to? I really honestly can’t think of any right now. Most of the venues I wanted to play growing up have since shut down. ABC No Rio, maybe? That’s the only one I can really think of. That, or Fireside Bowl in Chicago.
The chance comes up to fill in for a member of a band for one tour, which band would it be, and why? Pig Destroyer, although I’m not sure I’d be up to the task. JR Hayes is a hell of a vocalist, and I’m not sure I have feet tough enough to fill those shoes, but I can fantasize, and I just think it would be a blast playing in such a fast and heavy band.
A headline tour overseas comes up, tell us two bands you’d take along to support your band. All Teeth from California, and Radiator Hospital from our hometown. Two great bands full of great people.
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Resist & VIA Studios present
La Dispute Australian Tour February 2012
Tickets on sale now.
FEBRUARY
8th – The Zoo, Brisbane [18+] w/ Arrows, Quiet Steps.
Tickets from Kill The Music, Oztix outlets and Oztix.com.au
9th – Between The Walls, Brisbane [AA] w/ We Set Sail, Nuclear Summer.
Tickets SOLD OUT
10th – Annandale Hotel, Sydney [18+] w/ Hira Hira, Let Me Down Jungleman Gently.
Tickets SOLD OUT
11th – Annandale Hotel, Sydney [AA - Arvo] w/ Between The Devil and the Deep, Perspectives.
Tickets from Annandale Hotel and annandalehotel.com
10th – Annandale Hotel, Sydney [18+ - Night] w/ Animal Shapes, Making.
Tickets from Annandale Hotel and annandalehotel.com
13th – The Basement, Canberra [18+] w/ Life & Limb, Mornings.
Tickets from Landspeed, Moshtix outlets and Moshtix.com.au
15th – Amplifier Bar, Perth [18+] w/ Vanity, The Love Junkies.
Tickets from Moshtix outlets and Moshtix.com.au
16th – HQ, Perth [AA] w/ Only Hope, Statues.
Tickets from Moshtix outlets and Moshtix.com.au
17th – Fowlers, Adelaide [Lic/AA] w/ Paper Arms, Weightless.
Tickets from Clarity, Moshtix outlets and Moshtix.com.au
18th – Corner Hotel, Melbourne [18+] w/ Harmony, Hoodlum Shouts.
Tickets SOLD OUT
19th – Corner Hotel, Melbourne [U18] w/ Infinite Void, White Walls.
Tickets from the venue 03 9427 9198, and cornerhotel.com
20th – East Brunswick Club, Melbourne [18+] w/ The Smith Street Band, Palisades.
Tickets from East Brunswick Club and the box office 9388 9794
21st – Between The Walls, Brisbane [AA] w/ Little Shadow, Make More.
Tickets from Kill The Music, Oztix outlets and Oztix.com.au
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