Dismiss labels, forget trying to fit into a scene, be true and play your songs; that encompasses the prevailing spirit of Let It Go, the fifth studio album from Grammy-nominated bluegrass expansionists The Infamous Stringdusters. The album, released on the band’s own High Country Recordings, finds the band on firm footing, at ease with an evolving sound that defies categorization. It’s acoustic music, sure, but not the kind you’ll hear from any other band. Roots can be traced but boundaries don’t exist.
The Infamous Stringdusters have proven they can both mine the past and look forward to the unknown, and their new album is a touchstone for a group of tightly bonded musicians completely comfortable with each other and their collective identity.
Perhaps the sentiment is best summarized through five joined voices in the mountaintop gospel-hued title track: “If it’s worry you’ve been feeling over things you can’t control, it’s time to let it go.”
The Evolution
When The Infamous Stringdusters first emerged some years ago, the band was immediately branded fast-picking Nashville wunderkinds, a new-generation super group built to revive the high lonesome sound. Then came immediate accolades—IBMA awards, a chart-topping self-titled album for Sugar Hill Records and a Grammy nomination for “Best Country Instrumental” (for "Magic No. 9" from the 2010 album Things That Fly). Incendiary chops, complete with undeniable instrumental virtuosity and heartfelt harmonies, immediately positioned the band to be longstanding bluegrass torchbearers.
But for the five members of The Stringdusters—Andy Hall (Dobro), Andy Falco (guitar), Chris Pandolfi (banjo), Jeremy Garrett (fiddle) and Travis Book (upright bass)—reverence for traditionalism has always been only part of the equation. The group has always remained intent on fostering something bigger, more original. It’s this desire—and the combined efforts of uniquely creative minds—that has brought the quintet to its current place as multi-dimensional string explorers, mixing tight song craft from a variety of musical styles with a flare for improvisation. Armed with an exhilarating, often-unpredictable live show, the open-minded approach has certainly resonated and allowed the band to easily fit on a diverse set of stages—from Telluride and Grey Fox to Bonnaroo and High Sierra—building crowds along the way that fill some of the country's best rock clubs.
The Lifestyle Experience
2014 was particularly transformative, as the band members realized there was no need to go through the formulaic motions in a shaky music industry. Bolstered by the support of a loyal and dedicated grassroots fan base, The Infamous Stringdusters are constantly looking for opportunities to create new experiences. Oftentimes it happens on stage, like the recent sit-ins from Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh or jazz guitar legend John Scofield. Other times it’s through accompanying adventures, like the band’s August 2013 trip on the Middle Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River.
Following the group’s 2013 summer American Rivers Tour, which doubled as an awareness campaign for water sustainability issues in partnership with prominent outdoor industry companies including Patagonia, Klean Kanteen and Osprey Packs, the band members and select fans and friends embarked on a six-day float trip through an unspoiled wilderness area. With instruments in tow, the band played music daily, standing on the banks of the river or sitting together in campsite circles. The inspiration of natural surroundings yielded fresh songs that landed on the new album. “Middlefork” is a newgrass instrumental that conveys the mood of being free in pristine open spaces. “Where The Rivers Run Cold” features a fast progression and introspective lyrics that peak with a bold chorus about enjoying the beauty that surrounds.
In The Studio
When it was time to record Let It Go, the band came together in the fall at White Star Sound, a secluded studio with rustic, close-knit accommodations and state-of-the-art equipment, located on a vast, historic farm outside of Charlottesville, Virginia. It’s a quiet place, accessed by a dirt road, where chickens wander freely and long pastoral views can be enjoyed in every direction. With no distractions, it was the perfect place to distill an overflowing well of ideas that had been filling since the band’s last release, 2012’s Silver Sky.
The result is easily the band’s most cohesive musical statement to date. It’s a record that respects the studio process. Dynamic picking is delivered with restrained grace, in service to song. There’s stylistic range within the context of a unified vision, as melodic reflective tunes wander between nuanced expansive folk (“I’ll Get Away”), anthemic country jams (“Colorado”), freewheelin’ acoustic rock (“Peace of Mind” and “Light & Love”) and dusty balladry (“Rainbows”).
The members of The Infamous Stringdusters now all reside in different locations. Hall and Pandolfi recently felt the calling of the mountains and both moved to Colorado. Guitar ace Falco returned to his roots in Long Island to be near family, while Garrett remains in Nashville, where he’s known as a prolific songwriter. Book dwells quietly in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, near the site of the band’s annual October festival The Festy Experience.
Occasional separation has proven to be a good thing. It’s important to remember these are five musicians with unique individual talents, but they all realize they have an undeniably special chemistry when they come together. That was apparent from day one. But now after years of growth—both personal and professional—the band has cast off labels and found an existence where music is about a greater connection. Through friendship, democracy, skill, passion and open minds, it’s a broader lifestyle filled with community and plenty of celebration.
All The Same
The Infamous Stringdusters Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sky or sea
Locked inside
Or just set free
Have you become
What you could be
Or who could say
Guilt or blame
It's all the same....it's all the same
Hard to say
It's hard to find
Is it all in your mind
Is it without
Or is it within
How does it feel in your skin
Pride or shame
It's all the same....it's all the same
When you want me, you will find me here
When you want me, you will find me here
I'll be here
In the dark
In the light
I had it wrong
But it's alright
Cuz I'm right here
Oh won't you look around
Still can't see
What's that sound
They call my name
They're all the same
They're all the same
When you want me, you will find me here
When you want me, you will find me here
I'll be here
The lyrics to "All The Same" by The Infamous Stringdusters are about finding oneself amidst the chaos and confusion of life. The first stanza poses the question of whether one has achieved their potential or if they are still searching for their purpose. The second stanza contrasts the internal versus external struggles that people may face, whether it's feeling lost in their own mind or facing external obstacles. The third stanza addresses the idea that mistakes and missteps are a natural part of the journey and that one can always find their way back to where they belong. Finally, the chorus speaks to the idea that the singer will always be there when needed.
Through imagery of the sky and sea, as well as the contrast of light and dark, the song conveys the idea that life is full of highs and lows, but that they are all a part of the same journey. The chorus serves as a message of hope, that no matter what trials one may face, they can always find someone to rely on.
Line by Line Meaning
High or low
No matter where you stand in life, whether on the top or the bottom, the question is the same.
Sky or sea
Whether you look up at the sky or see the sea, it doesn't matter, the question remains the same.
Locked inside
Whether you're locked inside your thoughts or your emotions, it's all the same.
Or just set free
Whether you're stuck or free, the question is still the same.
Have you become
Have you reached your potential?
What you could be
Are you fulfilling your destiny?
Or who could say
Maybe you haven't reached your potential because of outside factors.
It isn't me
Don't blame me, it's up to you to fulfill your potential.
Guilt or blame
Feeling guilty or blaming someone won't change things, it's all the same.
It's all the same....it's all the same
No matter how you feel, the outcome is the same.
Hard to say
It's difficult to put into words.
It's hard to find
It's difficult to figure out.
Is it all in your mind
Maybe what's bothering you is all in your head.
Is it without
Could it be an external problem?
Or is it within
Or maybe it's all internal.
How does it feel in your skin
Is it affecting you physically?
Pride or shame
Feeling pride or shame won't change anything, it's all the same.
When you want me, you will find me here
I'll always be here when you need me.
I'll be here
I'm always going to be around, I'm reliable.
In the dark
Even in the dark times, I'll be here.
In the light
And when things are going well, I'll still be here.
I had it wrong
I may have misjudged the situation in the past.
But it's alright
It's okay, we can move on.
Cuz I'm right here
I'm still with you, always.
Oh won't you look around
Take a moment to appreciate what's around you.
Still can't see
Even though you may be looking, you may still be blind to what's in front of you.
What's that sound
What's going on?
They call my name
Someone is calling for me.
They're all the same
No matter who calls my name, my response will always be the same.
Contributed by Wyatt V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
John Rutsky
Just a great ballad sung by a great singer in a great band!
JD2CYLINDERNUT
Some of the best there ever was.......love the dusters!
Cindy Rue
Love this group of artists...they stir an artistic soul! Check it out!
Michael Gaisbacher
Just saw them in cleveland, one of the best shows i have witnessed, love this stuff
David Woods
Andy Hall's voice coupled with the fantastic playing style of the band is unforgettable.
Rose Nygren
Love this upbeat bluegrass! Thanks guys!
SempreGumby
Great recording of a great band. Go see 'em if you can. So much better LIVE.
GnvMark
You are so right on SempreGumby. Just saw the Stringdusters at Springfest pushing the genre of bluegrass to an exciting new level.
wanda browning
tHIS IS MY FAVORITE ! lOVIN IT !
Beth Funsch
<3 <3 <3 when you want me, you will find me here, loving the heart you bring to your music!