Not many bands lock into their sound in high school or manage to hang together for seven years, but Heiruspecs has and now the young 20-somethings are seasoned vets. With more than 100,000 revolutions on the band’s odometer from a touring schedule that keeps them on the road 150 days a year, Heiruspecs has steadily broken down preconceived notions of live hip-hop by refusing to regurgitate the same old sounds you’ve heard before, and knock you upside the head with their impressive array of funk, soul and hard-hitting beats. And the band doesn’t cop samples to get to where they want to take you, instead opting to deliver it all live, all original.
All this has culminated in the band’s latest, A Tiger Dancing (Razor & Tie) released September 28, 2004. With lead MC Felix’s fast-lane but steady and assured handle on the mic and the powerful rhythmic backing of the band, Heiruspecs has brought live hip-hop into a new arena. From the countdown of a daily routine that makes up “5ves” to the mid-song break between old-school and new school in the title track, the soul strains of “Heartsprings,” and the frantic anthem of “Fist,” Heiruspecs cast a net that encompasses everything from the Roots and DJ Shadow to Run D.M.C. and Digable Planets.
“We’re influenced by sampler-based production, old-school rhyming and real life,” says lead MC Felix. “But we do everything live, nothing is sampled and we like to keep it song-oriented, to give equal space to the lyrics and the music.”
“When we started touring, a lot of people seemed surprised there are bands who play this kind of music live,” Felix adds. “They’re even more puzzled when we tell them we’re from St. Paul, because no one has ever heard of St. Paul. Ever. That’s why we tell most people we’re from Minneapolis.”
As part of the burgeoning Midwestern hip-hop scene, Heiruspecs first made inroads with their self-released 2002 album, Small Steps, which earned them critical praise in national and regional outlets (“Exceptional ... the rhythm that rocks the spot” - URB), and set them off on their never-ending touring schedule. In their down time, Heiruspecs has been tapped to perform as the backing band for such acts as Atmosphere, Oddjobs, Aesop Rock, Sage Francis and others, allowing the band to cement themselves as one of the premiere live hip-hop bands in the nation.
“The Twin Cities is a very nurturing scene,” Twinkie says. “There’s a lot of clubs, a lot of musicians, and a lot of open minds here. It’s allowed us to be ourselves while also being able to develop our live act and take it out of town to the rest of the country.”
Something for Nothing
Heiruspecs Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Floors been beat.
I stand for hours before the show, band pictures on the wall
Load the gear in, feeling like I know I'm not far from home
But this place feels really different from St. Paul
It ain't all sting, my friends are around me
My cell phone headphones, band and microphone
I haven't eaten nothing but a continental breakfast
One can hardly feel alone with all these pictures
Press shots, you know the ones that you are supposed to sign
Tonight the stage is ours, we don't have that picture
That picture ain't us, I'll make the memory shine.
Doors
Hey Mr. DJ
Would you flip it like the loser at a bullfight
Spin it like tequila just a little bite
Twist it like a doorknob, let's start the night
The extended family is the crowd and they're here
You're here skeptical at first, I'm glad you cheer
I don't get stage fright but Twinkie gets nervous
D-V-R-G dons the glasses and towel commence service
Stand up, stretch, hit the roof
Bounce off the walls and shake the rafters loose, that's the truth
I want to see somebody jumpin',
Ain't no way y'all are getting something for nothing
Visualize and execute, that's it, keep moving
We told you its not worse than pulling a tooth
I wanna see everybody jumping,
We can't let y'all get something for nothing
Hey, on stage I pace like a tiger,
Yes Felix is a cat, I've got cats at home
I know exactly how they feel looking out the window
My windows on the stage just your side of the microphone
I'm looking at you, feel the eyes burning
Intensity is building unconcerned with any person
It's just the mass that counts
Make 'em bounce 'till the sweat oozes out
Don't leave 'em one ounce
Stalk your crew like animals mindset
Take a little breath, share a few of those words with you and yours
Let me pace my space maybe you'll see 'em feed me
I promise you before the end you'll see me roar.
Stand up, stretch, hit the roof
Bounce off the walls and shake the rafters loose, that's the truth
I want to see somebody jumpin',
Ain't no way y'all are getting something for nothing
Visualize and execute, that's it, keep moving
We told you its not worse than pulling a tooth
I wanna see everybody jumping,
We can't let y'all get something for nothing
Day to day drama weighs down my shoulders
I'm just too generous with limits
A sucker born every minute they say
Maybe I'm a sucker but at least I know my limits
Push the gimmicks to the left, integrity to the right
Look through the middle at the floor, feel the stomach roar.
This is still about the vibe in this place
I step to show them,
I'm realer than Chris Rock's hair in CB4
I see the door, but leaving means defeat
If I take a seat the local sharks will think that I'm weak
I've done this before, shit, you've done this before
So you know that's all to do, hold it down like a bungee chord.
On stage there's an education to be had
The front row wants to teach you they want it that bad
The middle wants to nod their heads and give approval
The sound man teaches mic technique and wants your removal
Now there's work and there's play
There's worse and OK
On a perfect day I can do both
Some days my teachers put me at the front of the class
Other days I do all my work but they're still at my throat
This is the kind of night when they raise the lights
The drinking don't stop it just moves outside
B-Y-O-B, bring your own bullshit
I'll stay indoors I learned a lot
Thanks for the ride.
Stand up, stretch, hit the roof
Bounce off the walls and shake the rafters loose, that's the truth
I want to see somebody jumpin',
Ain't no way y'all are getting something for nothing
Visualize and execute, that's it, keep moving
We told you its not worse than pulling a tooth
I wanna see everybody jumping,
We can't let y'all get something for nothing
The song "Something for Nothing" by Heiruspecs is a reflection on the experience of being a touring musician. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the often grueling process of setting up for a show, with a dirty ceiling and beat-up floors, but also highlight the excitement and anticipation of performing for an audience. The lyrics reference the band's familiarity with their surroundings in St. Paul and contrast it with the unfamiliarity of being on the road.
The chorus urges the audience to jump and move, emphasizing the importance of giving everything you've got and not expecting something for nothing. The lyrics also touch on themes of perseverance and determination, with lines like "On a perfect day I can do both. Some days my teachers put me at the front of the class. Other days I do all my work but they're still at my throat."
Overall, "Something for Nothing" is a powerful commentary on the ups and downs of life as a musician, and the importance of staying focused and committed to one's craft.
Line by Line Meaning
The dirty ceiling needs a cleaning
The venue needs some upkeep.
Floors been beat.
The floors have seen a lot of use.
I stand for hours before the show, band pictures on the wall
The performer is waiting for their gig to start, surrounded by pictures of other acts.
Load the gear in, feeling like I know I'm not far from home
The band is comfortable with touring and setting up shows.
But this place feels really different from St. Paul
The location feels unfamiliar and new to the performers.
It ain't all sting, my friends are around me
Despite the unfamiliar location, the performer is surrounded by friends.
My cell phone headphones, band and microphone
The performer is equipped with their gear and ready to perform.
I haven't eaten nothing but a continental breakfast
The performer has only had a light meal before the show.
Thank Motel 6 for throwing a dog a bone
The performer is grateful for even a simple breakfast provided by the hotel.
One can hardly feel alone with all these pictures
The performer feels connected to the other acts through pictures on the wall.
Press shots, you know the ones that you are supposed to sign
The performer is referring to promotional photos that they are often asked to autograph.
Tonight the stage is ours, we don't have that picture
The performer is excited to perform and create their own memorable moments.
That picture ain't us, I'll make the memory shine.
The performer wants to create their own unique experience, not just repeat what others have done.
Would you flip it like the loser at a bullfight
The performer is asking the DJ to switch up the music in an exciting way.
Spin it like tequila just a little bite
The performer wants the DJ to play something that will get the crowd energized.
Tonight the stage is ours, we don't have that picture
The performer is excited to perform and create their own memorable moments.
Doors
The doors to the venue are opening.
Hey Mr. DJ
The performer is addressing the DJ to start the show.
The extended family is the crowd and they're here
The performer considers the audience to be like family.
I don't get stage fright but Twinkie gets nervous
The performer is confident on stage, but acknowledges that other members of the band may get nervous.
D-V-R-G dons the glasses and towel commence service
One of the band members is getting ready to perform.
Bounce off the walls and shake the rafters loose, that's the truth
The performer wants the crowd to dance and enjoy themselves.
Ain't no way y'all are getting something for nothing
The performer expects the audience to participate and enjoy the show, rather than passively watching.
Push the gimmicks to the left, integrity to the right
The performer values authenticity over flashy tricks.
On a perfect day I can do both
The performer is capable of putting on an exciting show while maintaining authenticity.
Some days my teachers put me at the front of the class
Some days the performer feels like they are able to teach and guide the crowd through their performance.
Other days I do all my work but they're still at my throat
Despite their best efforts, the performer may not always please the audience.
The drinking don't stop it just moves outside
People continue to party even after the show is over.
B-Y-O-B, bring your own bullshit
The performer is sardonically noting how some people bring their drama and problems to shows for a good time.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind