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
Sirens
The String Cheese Incident Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Which house is it gonna be
The wailing and crying comes closer still
Its on our street today
A roll of the dice fate comes a knocking
And takes one more away
For all of their careful planning
Never thought it could end this way
(chorus)
I just want to say I love you
And make sure you feel it everyday
'Cause if today had been my last chance
It's just something I wanted to say
But this is not my time to go
Grace has brought us another day
But if tomarrow were to bring my turn
What would I leave unsaid?
What would I leave undone?
What would I leave behind?
(chorus)
X2
The String Cheese Incident's song "Sirens" discusses the unpredictability of life and death. The lyrics address the inevitability of death and how it can come unexpectedly, leaving important things unsaid. The sirens in the song represent the call of fate, signaling that someone's time has come to an end. The lyrics raise the question of what one would leave unfinished if tomorrow brought their turn to leave.
The song urges listeners to make sure their loved ones know how much they are loved and to make sure to leave nothing undone or unsaid. The chorus emphasizes the importance of expressing love and making sure it is felt every day because life can be unpredictable, and tomorrow is never guaranteed. The lyrics also acknowledge that grace has brought another day, meaning that every additional day of life should be cherished and make the most of.
In summary, "Sirens" is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of expressing love and living life to the fullest every day.
Line by Line Meaning
Sirens are calling for someone they're on there way
Emergency services are approaching to assist someone in danger
Which house is it gonna be
Uncertainty and fear about who the emergency services are headed to
The wailing and crying comes closer still
Sounds of distress are getting louder and nearer
Its on our street today
The emergency is happening in their immediate vicinity
A roll of the dice fate comes a knocking
The randomness of life and luck can lead to tragic events
And takes one more away
Someone has lost their life
For all of their careful planning
Despite preparing for the worst, life can still throw unexpected challenges
Never thought it could end this way
Even with precautions, people can still be caught off guard by tragedy
I just want to say I love you
Expressing affection to loved ones
And make sure you feel it everyday
Consistently showing loved ones how much they are cherished
'Cause if today had been my last chance
If today were their last opportunity to do so
It's just something I wanted to say
Expressing the desire to communicate feelings while one still can
But this is not my time to go
Acknowledging one's fortunate situation of still having more time
Grace has brought us another day
Thanking a higher power for the gift of more time
But if tomorrow were to bring my turn
Considering the possibility of one's own mortality
What would I leave unsaid?
Reflecting on whether there are unspoken thoughts or feelings
What would I leave undone?
Reflecting on whether there are unfinished actions or goals
What would I leave behind?
Reflecting on one's legacy and impact on others
X2
End of song
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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.