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
Good Times Around the Bend
The String Cheese Incident Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
when that old feeling comes around again
I've had enough of feeling down
there's something I've lost that must be found again
(chorus)
Sometimes it seems like such a hard life
but there's good times around the bend
if you want to climb to the top again
Driving down the highway in the rain
look out of my window and see that southbound train
its headlights are still shining in my brain
stays right alongside me just to ease my pain
(chorus)
when the snow is gone and springtime's here
river's song is buzzin' in my ear
I sit and watch the treetops sway
here comes a breeze to blow my cares away
(chorus 2x)
The String Cheese Incident's song, "Good Times Around the Bend," is a reflection on the ups and downs of life. The lyrics tell of the singer's attempts to pick themselves up from feeling down and find something that has been lost. The chorus serves as a reminder that even in tough times, there are always good times ahead. The imagery of a roller coaster serves as a metaphor for life's ups and downs. To reach the top again, you have to first ride to the bottom.
The second verse describes the singer driving on a rainy day and catching sight of a southbound train. The train's headlights "stay right alongside me just to ease my pain." This can be interpreted as a symbol of companionship and comfort during difficult times. The final verse depicts the arrival of spring and the arrival of hope. The river's song and the swaying treetops serve as a reminder that after a harsh winter, new life and rejuvenation will come.
Overall, the song's message is one of perseverance and hope during tough times. No matter how low we feel, the good times are always around the bend. Through companionship, comfort, and reminders of the potential for new life, we can find the strength to keep going.
Line by Line Meaning
Gonna pick myself up off the ground
I am going to gather the strength to get back up after being knocked down.
when that old feeling comes around again
When I start to feel the weight of past struggles again.
I've had enough of feeling down
I am tired of being sad and unhappy.
there's something I've lost that must be found again
I have lost something that I need to rediscover in order to find inner peace.
Sometimes it seems like such a hard life
There are moments where life seems unbearable and difficult.
but there's good times around the bend
Despite the struggles, there will be moments of joy and happiness around the corner.
rollercoaster's got to roll to the bottom
The ups and downs are part of life, and sometimes we must experience the lowest of the low in order to rise again.
if you want to climb to the top again
In order to reach happiness again, we must first journey through the tough times and make the climb back up.
Driving down the highway in the rain
Travelling down a wet road.
look out of my window and see that southbound train
I see a train moving in the direction of the South.
its headlights are still shining in my brain
The lights of the train have left a lasting impression in my mind.
stays right alongside me just to ease my pain
The train seems to be accompanying me to help soothe my emotional pain.
when the snow is gone and springtime's here
After winter ends and spring commences.
river's song is buzzin' in my ear
The sound of the river is ringing in my ears.
I sit and watch the treetops sway
I enjoy observing the way the trees move in the wind.
here comes a breeze to blow my cares away
A gust of wind arrives to help me forget my troubles.
chorus x2
Repeats the message of the chorus that despite the hardships, there will always be better times ahead.
Contributed by Kylie L. 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.