Dispatch Unveils ‘Break Our Fall’: How the Pandemic Shaped Their Album, Ignited Social Justice Themes, and Fueled Their Epic Summer Tour with O.A.R.

For nearly three decades, Dispatch – the renowned indie folk-rock outfit comprising Chadwick Stokes and Brad Corrigan – has captivated audiences with their distinctive sound and compelling narratives. Since their humble jam band beginnings in the mid-90s, the band has consistently evolved, navigating both creative shifts and personnel changes. Following the departure of founding bassist Pete Heimbold, Dispatch demonstrated remarkable resilience, recalibrating their approach and finding renewed momentum. They released America, Location 12 in 2017 and quickly followed with Location 13 a year later, showcasing their prolific artistry and dedication. By early 2020, the duo was deep into preparations for the release of their eagerly anticipated album, Break Our Fall, and a subsequent summer tour. Everything was meticulously planned, and the band was undoubtedly in a potent creative groove. However, the world had other plans.

Just as Dispatch was putting the finishing touches on Break Our Fall, the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, bringing life as we knew it to an abrupt halt. “We recorded it in January [2020],” Chadwick Stokes recounted to HollywoodLife, recalling the pre-pandemic optimism. “Then we were setting up for the big summer tour in 2020. Then that got canceled…Most of [Break Our Fall] was recorded just as COVID was hitting.” The sudden shutdown forced the band to pause, an unexpected turn that, despite the global tragedy, would ultimately become a profound “silver lining” for the album’s development and its ultimate message.

The Pandemic’s Unexpected Silver Lining: Refining ‘Break Our Fall’

Before the lockdown, Dispatch believed they were nearing completion. “We’d gotten to like maybe ten songs that we thought ‘we’re done,’ ” Brad Corrigan revealed to HollywoodLife, describing the typical studio rush to finalize an album. “Because in the last couple of days, inevitably in the studio, you’re just like, ‘go, go, go go! I think we’re done.’ And then, when we listened to them, we’re like, ‘ah, there are a couple that just didn’t quite feel right.’ ” This candid self-assessment, coupled with the enforced break due to the pandemic, presented a unique and invaluable opportunity. What followed was, as Chadwick described, one of the most profound “silver linings within this tragic landscape” of the COVID-19 era.

With tour dates canceled and the world in lockdown, the band found themselves with an unprecedented amount of time to revisit their creative output. This wasn’t a setback but rather a chance for deep introspection and meticulous refinement. They dove back into their recordings, meticulously working to “retool the songs,” “change lyrics,” and ultimately give Break Our Fall the undivided attention it truly deserved. The physical distance between the band members – Chadwick on Martha’s Vineyard and Brad in Colorado – didn’t hinder their progress; instead, it fostered a new dynamic of remote collaboration. “We would be remotely trying to finish the tracks, and we even added ‘Promised Land,’” Chadwick shared, highlighting how this period allowed for new material to emerge and integrate seamlessly into the album’s evolving narrative, further enriching its emotional and thematic scope.

“When we delayed things,” Brad added, “We went back in and had time to listen and go, ‘is this really the best, leanest version of each song?’ And we dove back in and got the full fifteen songs done.” This invaluable extra time transformed the album from a near-complete collection into a truly polished and captivating body of work, making it one of the most compelling additions to the band’s discography. The pandemic months also provided a somber but fertile ground for reflection on the tumultuous events of 2020 – from the global health crisis and widespread uncertainty to the powerful resurgence of the Black Lives Matter protests. These profound societal shifts weren’t just background noise; they deeply permeated the band’s consciousness and, subsequently, their lyrical and musical compositions, giving Break Our Fall an undeniable depth, urgency, and resonance that might not have been achieved otherwise.

The Cornerstone of ‘Break Our Fall’: A Narrative of Social Justice

The defining theme, the true “cornerstone” or “anchor” of Break Our Fall, coalesced around the urgent issues of social justice and systemic inequality. Chadwick Stokes recounted the evolution of a poignant line in the album’s focus track, “May We All.” “I think that one of the lines on one of the focus tracks — if we can call it that — was ‘may we all be forsaken’ [on the song “May We All”],” he explained. He initially had “about fifty different things, options, for what’s going to follow that.” But the tragic murder of George Floyd in May 2020 provided a stark, undeniable clarity, reshaping the song’s trajectory and amplifying its message. “When George Floyd was killed, that was clear to me that that had to at least be in the song once as to how people of color in our country had been so forsaken, and the racial implications of what was happening and exposure of white supremacy and even our own whiteness.” This pivotal moment crystallized the album’s direction, transforming abstract allusions into sharp, unflinching commentary. “There was a lot that I think changed for us, in that the things that we might have been alluding to and talking about came into clarity,” Chadwick affirmed, highlighting the profound impact of these societal events on their artistic vision.

Brad Corrigan echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the album’s overarching themes. “I’d say all this time as well,” he added. “In demoing thirty songs, [we were] starting to feel the theme of the record, like what was the cornerstone, or the anchor be for it.” He realized the album was evolving into “this really thick narrative of all the different social injustices that we are used to now, sadly.” As fathers, this narrative took on an even deeper personal significance for both members of Dispatch. “But, now that we’re dads, thinking about those injustices — what are we going to give ourselves to so that the world is hopefully a better place for our kids to carry forward?” This question underscored their commitment, not just as artists but as citizens and parents, to contribute positively to societal change and foster a more equitable future through their impactful music.

The creative process for such deeply personal and politically charged songs is often transformative, evolving long after the initial recording. “It’s interesting when you write a song and are a part of it — just recording it, it’s out here,” Brad reflected. “But then when you live with it, and it starts to speak to you and tell you what its true identity is…it’s that one that’s really grown for me over the years.” This profound connection between the music and the lived experience of the artists, amplified by the events of 2020, ensures that Break Our Fall is not merely a collection of tracks but a resonant statement, a living document of their artistic and social consciousness.

Unearthing a Tragic Story: “The Legend Of Connie Hawkins”

This commitment to social justice and historical awareness is powerfully demonstrated in “The Legend Of Connie Hawkins,” a track that brings to light the harrowing story of Cornelius Lance “Connie” Hawkins. Hawkins was a gifted professional basketball player whose burgeoning career was tragically derailed by the infamous 1961 college basketball gambling scandal. Despite never being indicted or arrested, he was unjustly implicated, becoming an easy target in the widespread hysteria due to his race and lack of influence.

Chadwick Stokes stumbled upon Hawkins’ story in a serendipitous moment. “I was making a fire and crumpling up pieces of paper,” he recalled. “I stumbled upon Connie Hawkins’ obituary in The New York Times and start reading about him — because we always love sports.” As he delved deeper, the injustice of the situation struck him profoundly, revealing a forgotten chapter of American sports history and systemic prejudice. “I started reading. I was like, ‘Oh my god.’ Like, ‘how come I don’t know about this guy?’ I started researching and learning about his athletic ability, how he was roped into this thing and then blamed for the point-shaving scandal because he was an easy target with the color of his skin.” This discovery highlighted a critical intersection of athletic prowess, racial bias, and legal vulnerability.

Hawkins’ plight was exacerbated by his lack of support and resources to combat the powerful forces arrayed against him. “He had no resources around him to fight the man,” Chadwick lamented. “So just this tragic story of the district attorney just like saying, ‘you know, you will confess or else you’re going to be in jail for 30 years.’” This chilling ultimatum, forcing a confession for a crime he didn’t commit, resonated deeply with contemporary issues of systemic injustice. Chadwick drew powerful parallels to modern-day injustices: “these people get accused, and then they’ll plea bargain because they’re up against the system.” The story of Connie Hawkins, though decades old, sadly remains acutely relevant, shining a stark light on how vulnerable individuals can be crushed by an unforgiving and biased legal system, especially when race is a compounding factor.

For Brad, bringing such a powerful narrative to life through music is one of the most fulfilling aspects of songwriting. “One of the most rewarding aspects of songwriting can be when a story like that, in and of itself is a song,” he shared. “I mean, I feel like it’s a full-on rock opera or musical like it from start to finish. There’s something profound and rewarding when like you find something. It’s like this treasure that finds you. You put it into a song and then just release it, wondering where it’s gonna go.” The journey of “The Legend Of Connie Hawkins” didn’t end with its release. The band has since connected with Sean Hawkins, Connie’s grandson, fostering a hope that their music can play “a small part of like unearthing more of that story and getting it into the light.” This ongoing effort exemplifies Dispatch’s dedication to using their platform to advocate for truth, justice, and the recognition of overlooked historical injustices.

Dispatch and O.A.R. Unite for an Unforgettable Summer Tour 2022

Fans eager to experience the depth and energy of Dispatch’s new music, along with their extensive back catalog, can look forward to an unforgettable summer. For the first time ever, Dispatch will embark on a highly anticipated co-headlining tour with fellow beloved band O.A.R. in the summer of 2022. This collaboration brings together two iconic groups known for their engaging live performances and dedicated fan bases, promising a truly special concert experience. The Dispatch & O.A.R. Summer Tour 2022 is set to kick off on July 15 at the Mesa Amphitheatre in Mesa, Arizona, before traversing the country and culminating in Irving, Texas, on September 10. Adding to the excitement, the incredibly talented Robert Randolph Band will open for the first leg of the tour, bringing their electrifying pedal steel guitar to the stage, with the always soulful G. Love joining on the back end to ensure every night is packed with exceptional musical talent and diverse sounds.

This tour is more than just a series of concerts; it’s a vibrant celebration of live music’s return and a unique opportunity for fans to connect with artists who consistently infuse their work with profound meaning and passionate storytelling. Experiencing songs from Break Our Fall live will undoubtedly offer a powerful dimension to the album’s narratives, from its reflections on the challenges and silver linings of the pandemic to its profound social commentary and historical explorations. Don’t miss the chance to witness Dispatch and O.A.R. share the stage, delivering performances that promise to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. For detailed ticketing information, a complete list of tour dates, and venue specifics, please visit the official tour website at www.dispatch-oar.com. Secure your tickets now and be part of this monumental summer event that celebrates music, resilience, and a shared commitment to a better world.