From playing local gigs at ski resorts in exchange for free lift tickets, the band is composed of Michael Kang (acoustic/electric mandolin, electric guitar, and violin), Michael Travis (drums and percussion), Bill Nershi (acoustic guitar, lap steel guitar, and electric slide guitar), Kyle Hollingsworth (piano, organ, Rhodes, and accordion), and Keith Moseley (bass guitar), and, in 2006, Jason Hann (auxiliary percussion).
The String Cheese Incident has been described as a democratic ensemble rather than a band, since all of the members contribute their own original compositions to the group’s burgeoning library and share the vocal burden on a number of cover versions as well as their own songs. If a de facto leader had to be named, such a title would probably fall upon Nershi, who is responsible for the bulk of the group’s original song library.
From their management, Madison House Inc.:
"The String Cheese Incident has emerged as one of America’s most significant independent bands. Born in 1993 in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, SCI has since released 6 albums, 3 DVDs and countless live recordings from their relentless tour schedule. Their 14 year history is packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. They have been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum over a decade ago, when the internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely different approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” With the World Wide Web as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information via the internet, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base. Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” The String Cheese Incident put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On the Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the internet. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development. Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to building a band.
The String Cheese Incident’s commitment goes well beyond their immediate community, and even beyond the music community as a whole. Early on, the band took a serious interest in giving back to the communities that they visited, and they were among the first performers to encourage “Green” shows and tours. SCI’s support has helped give rise to such not-for-profit organizations as Conscious Alliance, Rock the Earth, and Head Count. In 2002, when the band’s right to sell tickets to their own shows became threatened by ticketing giant Ticketmaster, the band stood strong for the independent music community and filed a lawsuit against the company. All the while, The String Cheese Incident has stayed committed to music as a creative endeavor, not just in their recordings but also in their live performances. The list of SCI’s special guests and collaborators is long and diverse. Their annual events such as Horning’s Hideout, and holiday shows such as New Year’s and Halloween, have helped redefine the concert experience and has garnered the band a reputation as live music vibe innovators."
Some side groups are eoto, zilla with Jamie Janover, Zuvuya, Honkytonk Homeslice, Billy nershi's Plue Planet, Pangaea, The Trancident & Keller Williams with Moseley Droll and Sipe
Galactic
The String Cheese Incident Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I see millions and billions of tiny stars shining light down on to you and me
Have you ever just sat and wondered if theres life in other Galaxies
If you have, just take a seat and relax cuz son therell be not more uncertainty
Will they be green or gray or yellow or black
And have two legs on which they stand on
Will they slither around like a funky lizard and have tongues that only stick out
Will they read our minds like open books and tell us that were primitive
Our government continues to tell us lies about who our closest neighbors are
They cover up, smother up, distort and distract any proof of recent contact
Its all a lie, were not alone, we never have been, we never will be
So turn off the boob tube and put on a groovy tune and keep an extra eye out for ET
The String Cheese Incident's song "Galactic" ponders the possibility of life in other galaxies and the government's secrecy about extraterrestrial contact. The opening lyrics describe the vastness of the universe and the countless stars that shine down onto humans. This leads to the contemplation of whether other forms of life exist in other galaxies. However, the song quickly shifts to the idea that the government is hiding evidence of extraterrestrial beings from the public, and encourages the listener to be open to the possibility of contact with such beings.
The lyrics also explore the potential physical appearance and abilities of extraterrestrial beings. The singer wonders if aliens would resemble humans, or if they would be completely different with unique features such as slithering or mind reading abilities. The artist emphasizes that we should remain open-minded about the possibility of contact with extraterrestrial life and not let government propaganda and lies stand in the way of the truth.
Overall, the song conveys a sense of curiosity and wonderment about the mysteries of the universe, while also encouraging listeners to remain skeptical of information provided by those in power.
Line by Line Meaning
Take a look into the sky and tell me what it is that you see
Observe the unending expanse above and describe what you perceive
I see millions and billions of tiny stars shining light down on to you and me
I observe with awe the countless celestial bodies bestowing their radiance upon us
Have you ever just sat and wondered if theres life in other Galaxies
Have you taken the time to contemplate the existence of beings in distant galaxies?
If you have, just take a seat and relax cuz son therell be not more uncertainty
If you have, fret not, for any doubts will be put to rest
Will they be green or gray or yellow or black
What might the colors of their bodies be?
And have two legs on which they stand on
Do they resemble us with their bipedal anatomy?
Will they slither around like a funky lizard and have tongues that only stick out
Do they move gracefully like serpents, with uniquely protruding tongues?
Will they read our minds like open books and tell us that were primitive
Might they possess psychic abilities to discern our every thought, deeming us simple-minded?
Or will they swarm down on us like insects like in this summers latest blockbuster
Perhaps they will descend upon us like a swarm of insects, reminiscent of a popular film this season
Our government continues to tell us lies about who our closest neighbors are
In a deceitful manner, our leaders feed us misinformation regarding our nearest interstellar acquaintances
They cover up, smother up, distort and distract any proof of recent contact
Emphatically denying any recent contact, they take great measures to obscure evidence of such
Its all a lie, were not alone, we never have been, we never will be
The truth is that we are not solitary, and never have been or will be
So turn off the boob tube and put on a groovy tune and keep an extra eye out for ET
Disregard the television and play some delightful tunes while remaining vigilant for extraterrestrial beings
Contributed by Mateo H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dana Wright
on Water
“Phosphorescent, luminescent, nature’s show astounds me”
Dana Wright
on Water
“Cicadas, in minor, all sing a melody so inventing” 100% correct.