Who We Are: The New Jersey Band Behind the Music
We've been part of the emo and post-hardcore world since the early 2000s. If you're new to us, or just want the story straight, here is where it all started.
Where are we from?
Our singer and guitarist Ben Jorgensen started Armor for Sleep in Teaneck, New Jersey, in 2001. Drummer Nash Breen and guitarist PJ DeCicco soon joined, and with bassist Anthony DiIonno we became the four-piece most people know.
Where does the name come from?
Ben tied it to the sleepless nights he spent writing songs. As he put it, the music was keeping him from passing out.
What kind of music do we play?
Our songs sit between emo, post-hardcore, pop-punk and dreamy alternative rock, with emotional lyrics at the centre of every record.
Which albums should you know?
- Dream to Make Believe (2003): our debut, on Equal Vision Records.
- What to Do When You Are Dead (2005): a concept album that follows its narrator into the afterlife, opening with Car Underwater.
- Smile for Them (2007): our major-label album, on Sire.
- The Rain Museum (2022): our first album in 15 years.
- There Is No Memory (2025): our newest record.
Did we break up?
Yes, in 2009. We came back in 2012 to play New Jersey's Bamboozle Festival and say goodbye properly, toured again in 2015 and reunited in 2020. Since then we've played anniversary tours for Dream to Make Believe and What to Do When You Are Dead.
Who is in the band now?
Ben Jorgensen and Nash Breen, with Erik Rudic on lead guitar and Chad Sabo on bass since 2024.
Wear the story
Our designs come from those albums and moments, from the floating man to the farewell wings. Browse the collection and find the piece that matches your favourite era.