The String Cheese Incident: More Than Just a Band

The String Cheese Incident (SCI) isn’t just another band; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a sonic tapestry woven from threads of bluegrass, rock, electronica, Latin rhythms, and a healthy dose of improvisational magic. For those just discovering their unique sound or seasoned fans seeking a deeper understanding, this guide offers a comprehensive exploration of SCI’s history, music, impact, and enduring appeal. We aim to provide an expert look into what makes them so special, their lasting influence, and why they continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

A Journey Through Time: The History of the String Cheese Incident

The story of The String Cheese Incident begins in the winter of 1993 in Crested Butte, Colorado. Michael Kang (mandolin, violin, guitar), Michael Travis (drums, percussion), Billy Nershi (acoustic guitar, vocals), and Kyle Hollingsworth (keyboards, accordion, vocals) formed the initial lineup. Early gigs were characterized by a bluegrass-focused sound, but the band quickly began to experiment, incorporating diverse influences and expanding their instrumental palette. Bill Bartlett (bass) joined in 1996, solidifying the classic lineup. The band’s early years were defined by relentless touring, building a devoted following through word-of-mouth and their electrifying live performances.

Key milestones in their history include the release of their debut album, Born on the Wrong Planet (1996), which showcased their bluegrass roots and burgeoning songwriting talent. Subsequent albums like Round the Wheel (1998) and Carnival ’99 (1999) saw them further explore their eclectic musical vision. The band’s annual festivals, such as Horning’s Hideout in Oregon, became legendary gatherings for their fans, fostering a strong sense of community.

The early 2000s brought mainstream recognition with albums like Outside Inside (2001) and Untying the Not (2003). However, creative differences and the pressures of touring led to a hiatus in 2006. The band reunited in 2009 and has continued to tour and record, releasing albums like A Song in My Head (2014) and Believe (2017), showcasing their continued evolution and commitment to musical exploration.

The String Cheese Incident’s Unique Sound: A Genre-Bending Fusion

What truly sets SCI apart is their ability to seamlessly blend diverse musical genres. While bluegrass forms the foundation of their sound, they incorporate elements of rock, funk, jazz, Latin, electronica, and psychedelic music. This genre-bending approach creates a unique and unpredictable sonic experience that appeals to a wide range of listeners.

Improvisation is another key element of their musical identity. SCI’s live shows are renowned for their spontaneous jams, where the band members explore musical ideas in real-time, creating unique and unforgettable moments. This improvisational spirit extends to their studio recordings, where they often experiment with different arrangements and sonic textures.

Their use of diverse instrumentation also contributes to their unique sound. In addition to traditional bluegrass instruments like the mandolin, banjo, and acoustic guitar, SCI incorporates keyboards, synthesizers, electric guitars, drums, percussion, and even instruments like the accordion and electric violin. This eclectic mix of instruments allows them to create a wide range of sonic textures and moods.

The Cultural Impact of The String Cheese Incident: Beyond the Music

The String Cheese Incident’s impact extends far beyond the realm of music. They have cultivated a strong sense of community among their fans, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment at their concerts and festivals. Their commitment to sustainability and environmental awareness has also made them role models for other artists and organizations.

SCI’s annual festivals, such as Horning’s Hideout and Electric Forest (co-produced with Insomniac Events), have become cultural institutions, attracting thousands of fans from around the world. These festivals offer a unique blend of music, art, and community, creating a transformative experience for attendees. The band actively promotes environmental responsibility at these events, encouraging recycling, reducing waste, and supporting local organizations.

The band’s philanthropic efforts have also made a significant impact. They have supported various charitable organizations, including environmental groups, music education programs, and disaster relief efforts. Their commitment to giving back to the community has earned them the respect and admiration of their fans and peers.

The String Cheese Incident’s Live Performances: An Unforgettable Experience

Experiencing The String Cheese Incident live is an entirely different dimension of understanding their allure. Their concerts are known for their high energy, improvisational jams, and the palpable connection between the band and their audience. Each show is a unique event, with the band drawing from a vast repertoire of songs and constantly pushing the boundaries of their musical creativity. The light shows and visual effects further enhance the experience, creating a multi-sensory spectacle.

A key element of their live performances is their ability to create a sense of community. The band actively encourages audience participation, inviting fans to sing along, dance, and connect with each other. This creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels like they are part of something special. They’re masters at creating a shared experience through music.

Their improvisational skills are on full display during their live shows. The band members constantly communicate with each other through their music, responding to each other’s ideas and creating spontaneous jams that can last for several minutes. These jams are often the highlight of the show, showcasing the band’s virtuosity and their ability to create something new and exciting in the moment.

Exploring the String Cheese Incident’s Discography: A Musical Journey

The String Cheese Incident’s discography is a testament to their musical evolution and their willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. From their early bluegrass-focused albums to their later genre-bending masterpieces, their recordings offer a rich and rewarding listening experience.

• Born on the Wrong Planet (1996): Their debut album showcases their bluegrass roots and burgeoning songwriting talent.
• Round the Wheel (1998): This album sees them further explore their eclectic musical vision, incorporating elements of rock, funk, and Latin music.
• Carnival ’99 (1999): A live album capturing the energy and excitement of their live shows.
• Outside Inside (2001): This album brought them mainstream recognition with its catchy melodies and infectious grooves.
• Untying the Not (2003): A more introspective and experimental album that explores themes of love, loss, and spirituality.
• A Song in My Head (2014): Their first studio album in over a decade, showcasing their continued evolution and commitment to musical exploration.
• Believe (2017): An album that celebrates the power of music to connect people and inspire hope.

The Enduring Appeal of The String Cheese Incident: Why They Still Matter

The String Cheese Incident’s enduring appeal lies in their ability to connect with their audience on a deep and personal level. Their music is uplifting, inspiring, and thought-provoking, and their live shows are a celebration of community and creativity. They have created a unique and lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans.

Their commitment to musical exploration and improvisation keeps their music fresh and exciting, even after decades of performing. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of their creativity, exploring new genres and styles, and challenging themselves to create something new and unique. This keeps their fans engaged and excited to see what they will do next.

The strong sense of community that they have cultivated among their fans is another key factor in their enduring appeal. Their concerts and festivals are a gathering place for like-minded individuals who share a love of music, art, and community. This creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels like they belong.

Understanding String Cheese Incident’s Jam Band Influence

The String Cheese Incident holds a significant position within the jam band scene, both as innovators and inheritors of a rich tradition. They’ve successfully bridged the gap between traditional jam band aesthetics and modern musical sensibilities, influencing countless artists along the way.

Their willingness to incorporate diverse genres like bluegrass, electronica, and Latin rhythms into their improvisational framework sets them apart. This fusion created a unique sonic landscape that resonated with audiences seeking something beyond the typical rock-based jam. It expanded the definition of what a jam band could be, inspiring others to explore similar genre-bending approaches. Many younger bands cite SCI as a key influence in their musical development.

SCI also embraced technology and production techniques that were relatively new to the jam band scene. Their use of synthesizers, electronic effects, and sophisticated sound systems enhanced their live performances and recordings, creating a more immersive and dynamic experience for their fans. This helped to modernize the jam band sound and appeal to a wider audience.

The Business Side: String Cheese Incident as a Model for Independent Bands

Beyond their musical achievements, The String Cheese Incident has also been a pioneer in the independent music scene. They have successfully managed their own career, building a loyal following and generating significant revenue without relying on major record labels or corporate sponsors. This has made them a role model for other independent bands seeking to control their own destiny.

They were early adopters of direct-to-fan marketing, using their website and email list to connect with their fans, sell tickets and merchandise, and build a strong sense of community. This allowed them to bypass traditional intermediaries and build a direct relationship with their audience. They also embraced digital distribution, making their music available online through platforms like iTunes and Spotify.

Their success as an independent band has inspired countless other artists to take control of their own careers and build sustainable businesses without relying on traditional industry structures. They have shown that it is possible to achieve significant success on your own terms, by focusing on building a strong relationship with your fans and embracing new technologies.

A Closer Look at Key Members of String Cheese Incident

Each member of The String Cheese Incident brings a unique set of skills and influences to the band, contributing to their distinctive sound and collaborative spirit. Understanding the individual contributions of each member provides further insight into the band’s overall dynamic.

• Bill Nershi: As the guitarist and vocalist, Nershi provides a steady foundation with his acoustic playing and songwriting. His folksy style is a cornerstone of their sound.
• Michael Kang: Kang’s diverse instrumental skills, including mandolin, violin, and guitar, add a unique flavor to the band’s sound. His improvisational talent shines in live performances.
• Kyle Hollingsworth: Hollingsworth’s keyboard wizardry and vocals bring a funky and electronic edge to the band. He is known for his energetic stage presence and improvisational solos.
• Michael Travis: Travis’s drumming and percussion provide the rhythmic backbone of the band. He is a versatile and dynamic drummer who can play in a variety of styles.
• Jason Hann: Hann joined the band in 2004 as a percussionist, adding a new layer of rhythmic complexity to their sound. His contributions have expanded their Latin and world music influences.

String Cheese Incident: A Legacy of Innovation and Community

The String Cheese Incident’s journey is a testament to the power of musical innovation, community building, and independent spirit. They have created a unique and lasting legacy that will continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans. Their willingness to experiment, their commitment to their fans, and their dedication to making a positive impact on the world have made them one of the most beloved and influential bands of our time. As they continue to evolve and explore new musical horizons, their story remains an inspiring example of what is possible when creativity, passion, and community come together.