Humble Beginnings and Early Buzz

Morgantown is a college town, but in 1998, it was also home to a powerful underground music movement. The Argument quickly made waves by playing house parties and local venues, their high-energy sets resonating with students and locals alike.

Their popularity exploded after a landmark moment—opening for Busta Rhymes at a 14,000-student back-to-school concert. From that point on, the band was no longer just a college act; they were a rising force.

Connect with The Argument

In 1997, a group of young musicians in Morgantown, West Virginia, were brought together by a mutual friend, and after a quick realization that naming a band might be harder than writing songs, a clever roommate dubbed them The Argument—a moniker that would soon carry weight far beyond college bars.

Nearly three decades later, The Argument is back, capturing the spirit that once drove them to tour over 25 states without a label and open for some of the biggest acts in music. Their story is a testament to hustle, chemistry, and a passion that time just couldn’t kill.

Touring Across the Nation

The Argument hit the road hard. Without the backing of a major label, they embarked on self-funded tours across 25+ states, playing everything from small clubs to massive festivals. They shared the stage with iconic bands like:

Train

OK Go

Fountains of Wayne

3 Doors Down

OAR

Matt Nathanson

Keane

Their resilience and stage presence earned them showcases with Atlantic Records and Hollywood Records, putting them within reach of commercial success.

First Recordings and National Recognition

In 2000, The Argument released their debut album, which was well-received in the regional indie circuit. But the real breakthrough came in 2003 when the band was featured on Mountain Stage, a revered platform for emerging artists. That same year, the American Music Awards recognized them as one of the “Top 10 Unsigned Bands in the Country”—a title that carried significant credibility in a music industry still ruled by labels.

Their follow-up album, “Recess Serenade,” created more buzz and even got the attention of Arista Records, leading to a showcase in New York City. Regional radio airplay followed, and momentum built fast.

The Reunion: New Music After Two Decades

Now, nearly 20 years later, The Argument is recording again. With a batch of fresh material, they’re blending nostalgic energy from their van-touring days with mature songwriting and sharp production. It’s not just a reunion—it’s a revival.

Their new music speaks to the journey—who they were, who they’ve become, and the music that always held them together. It's raw, honest, and vibrant—everything you’d expect from a band that lived it all.

An EP and a Tribute to The Cars

In 2005, the band dropped a new EP featuring their emotionally charged cover of “Hello Again” for a tribute album to The Cars. This track stood out for its combination of retro reverence and modern flair, drawing in both long-time fans and newcomers.

But despite the momentum, in 2006 The Argument made the difficult decision to part ways—a decision born not from failure, but from the reality of life catching up to their rock-and-roll dreams.

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From Morgantown basements to showcases in New York City, The Argument built a legacy on passion, perseverance, and powerful songwriting. Their story is one of grit over glamour, and now, with a return to the studio, they’re proving once again that indie rock isn’t dead—it’s just been resting.

Fans of early 2000s alt-rock and newcomers alike should keep an eye (and both ears) on The Argument’s return. If their history taught us anything, it’s that when this band gets going, they don’t stop until the van is out of gas—and even then, they might just keep walking.

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