Formed in early 1996 under the name of "Stuff," the band consisted of members Chelsey Pieratt, Chris Billings, brothers Andy and Nic Higham, and Dustin Sanders, all members of a Christian youth group who wanted to promote their faith through their various musical talents.
Under the guidance of the youth minister at their local church, the band began to play at a nearby Christian coffeehouse called the Solid Rock Cafe as an opening act for more notable bands, including Satellite Soul and Just Visiting (now known as the award-winning, world-renowned group The Elms.)
In fall of 2000, the group reformed (with lead singer Regina Mullikan replacing Pieratt) and began performing again, with an edgier, less conservative sound and lyrics that incorporated more adult topics, including suicide, teenage pregnancy, relationships, drug and alcohol abuse, and other obstacles encountered by teenagers and young adults growing up in the midwest United States.
It was during this time they took the name Disperse, suggested by Andy for its literal meaning and the related imagery of "spreading the word and the faith" Their newly matured sound and subject matter brought the band an increased amount of popularity and it was during this time that they began performing across Indiana.
Encouraged by this newfound success and the return of their original vocalist, the band released their debut CD Better place under the Route Seven Records label.