Hailing from NE Washington DC, Jei & Los grew up right around the corner from one another in the shadow of GO-GO music. Never having met until they were both accepted to the Duke Ellington School of the Arts, Jei & Los soon became friends through their common love of music. By the time they graduated, they
had become a dynamic duo of song writing. In pursuit of higher education, they found themselves with scholarship offers to the University of Northern Iowa School of Music. In late 2001, while longing for the sounds of home, Jei & Los decided to start their own band & DISSTRICK was born. The first incarnation was a little shaky; they tried to do too much too soon w/ a 10 piece band including a 3 piece horn section. Eventually they met the right mix of musicians, including Jon Kvam & a slew of emeritus band members who matured in the Midwest jazz & R&B scene. In 2004 -- after 2 drummers, 2 bassists, 2 keyboard players and 4 guitarists -- Disstrick finally scraped up enough money to record their first album "DCIA: (it only hurts the first time)." Though marginally successful in the Midwest, Disstrick made a move to L.A. in late 2005 to expand their fan base. The move nearly destroyed the band as crucial members found L.A. life emotionally and financially draining. Down, but not out, Jei, Los, and Kvam decided to restore the ranks. They added Berkelee School of Music grad, Hubie, on guitar and seasoned vets, Sean (bass), and James (drums) to their funky mix and are now setting the world on its ear. Through multiple regime changes and a midwest-to-coast move, Disstrick has earned the title of Indestructible Band. Their songs contain a lyrical boldness that allows them address topics of social relevance, the benefits of "herbal remedies", general party shenanigans, and a myriad of love related issues. This eclectic, hip-hop,funky and soulful band even manages to throw in the occasional ballad while retaining their core sound of East Coast grit, Midwest funk and West Coast groove. With a live show that would make Barnum & Bailey blush, Disstrick has created a positive buzz in their current home base of Southern California. This band is leading a vanguard of a nation-wide phenomenon!!
