Lower Definition
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, California , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Lower Definition is a post-hardcore group originating from San Diego, California, established in 2002. Over the course of their initial run, they produced two full-length albums and six EPs before disbanding in 2009. The band resurfaced in 2011 with the EP The Infinite Et Cetera and reunited once again in 2020, subsequently releasing six new tracks.
2002–2009
The inception of Lower Definition dates back to 2002 when Eddy Marshburn and Valentino Arteaga formed the band. Introduced through Marshburn’s sister, they began practicing together and soon connected with other musicians active in San Diego’s all-ages music community.
Although unsigned at that point, the band secured a place on the 2006 Taste of Chaos tour at the San Diego Sports Arena by winning a MySpace contest. Their demo "Higher Than Kites" featured guest vocals by Vic Fuentes of Pierce The Veil. When original vocalist Jordan Wark abruptly exited during a performance at Mira Mesa’s Epicentre, Matt Geise of The Red Sky stepped in as his replacement. In 2007, Lower Definition independently released their debut album Moths, marking Geise’s first recorded work with the group.
In 2008, the band signed with Ferret Records and launched The Greatest of All Lost Arts, which included guest vocals from Jonny Craig. To support this release, they joined the Party Star Tour alongside Dance Gavin Dance and A Static Lullaby. Early in 2009, drummer Arteaga and bassist Stefan Toler left the band, prompting their initial hiatus.
2009–2011
Towards the end of 2009, Matt Geise and Eddy Marshburn reassembled Lower Definition with new members Willie Caldwell, Korey Severson, and Michael McCullough. Collaborating with Chad Ackerman (formerly of Destroy the Runner), they recorded new material and uploaded demos via Myspace. Following their comeback, they participated in tours such as the No Bummer Summer Tour with Gwen Stacy and the Mac N Dank Tour alongside Conditions, also supporting Jamie's Elsewhere. This period culminated in the release of an EP titled The Infinite Et Cetera, distributed through their Bandcamp page.
Subsequently, Matt Geise announced on Twitter that he had stepped down as lead vocalist, leading to another phase of inactivity for the band. In 2016, Geise independently released a three-track EP under the moniker Low End Talk.
2018–Present: 10 Year Reunion Show and New Album
In October 2018, Lower Definition revealed plans for a reunion concert commemorating the tenth anniversary of The Greatest of All Lost Arts. Originally set for December 14 at San Diego’s SOMA side stage, high demand for tickets prompted a move to the main stage. Supporting acts included Night Verses and Dead American. The lineup featured returning members Matt Geise, Eddy Marshburn, Valentino Arteaga, Stefan Toler, and Mark Luciano.
The band reunited once more in 2020 to begin work on a new album anticipated for release in 2021. On April 2 of that year, they unveiled "Grief Eater," a single from the forthcoming record.
Band members
Current lineup
- Matt Geise – lead vocals (2007–2011, 2020–present)
- Eddy Marshburn – lead guitar (2002–2011, 2020–present)
- Stefan Toler – bass (2002–2009, 2020–present)
- Valentino Arteaga – drums (2002–2009, 2020–present)
- Mark Luciano – rhythm guitar (2004–2008, 2020–present)
Former members
- Esteban Baena – vocals (2002–2004)
- Jordan Wark – vocals (2005–2007)
- Willie Caldwell – rhythm guitar (2009–2011)
- Michael McCullough – bass (2009–2011)
- Korey Severson – drums (2009–2011)
Studio Albums
- Moths (Independent release, 2007)
- The Greatest of All Lost Arts (Ferret Records, July 8, 2008)
EPs and Demos
- Upon Fallen Ashes (Independent release, 2003)
- Early 2004 Demo (Independent release, 2004)
- Winter Tour 2004–2005 Sample (Independent release, 2004–2005)
- Rough EP (Independent release, 2005)
- Demo 2005 (Independent release, 2005)
- Fall 2006 Demo (Independent release, 2006)
- The Infinite Et Cetera (Independent release, 2011)
Singles Outside Albums
- Grief Eater (Independent release, 2021)
- Talk About It (Independent release, 2021)
- Close the Door (Independent release, 2022)
- F G R B (Independent release, 2022)
- Godmode (Independent release, 2025)
- The Purpose of the Moon (Independent release, 2025)