He Quit Onstage

Lower Definition was the only local unsigned group invited to play the Taste of Chaos tour at the Sports Arena on February 16. The post-hardcore band won the slot in a Myspace popularity poll. At Mira Mesa's Epicentre a month later, lead singer Jordan Wark surprised fans and his four bandmates when he announced onstage that he'd be moving on. Insiders say that Wark was going to be told he was out of the band sometime after the Epicentre show and that Wark heard about the alleged plan.

"He had a different work ethic than we did," says Lower Definition drummer/manager Tino Arteaga. "We didn't know he was going to quit onstage.... He said, 'These guys need somebody who can keep up with what they are trying to do.' "

Lower Definition leaves for their third tour of the Western U.S. next month. Arteaga says he's not worried about enduring a personnel change; at least 20 singers have contacted the Chula Vista band via e-mail, Myspace, or instant message. "Some people want to fly out from Texas."

What is Lower Definition looking for in a lead singer?

"Even if you have to get a job twirling signs on a street corner for $12 an hour, you must be willing to do whatever it takes to make the band happen."