Keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth recently talked with Lumino Magazine about the band’s trials and tribulations in 2004, a Halloween bash done Midwest style, and the band’s plans for the rest of 2005.

ON THE ROAD

“Live performances are what we live for, but studio CDs are something we’d really like to do well with,” Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth, usually confined behind a wall of keyboards, synths and a piano, is also known for his flamboyance on stage. When I inquired about his sparkly, all-sequin shirt, he laughed as he explained his theories behind clothing and musical performances. “For bigger shows, I actually have pants made of Astroturf, like an Astroturf suit,” said Hollingsworth. “I dress randomly…there’s no real connection between what I wear and how I play. A wacky suit doesn’t mean a great performance. It just means I’m feeling a little different that night.”

Setlist writing has also been an interesting process for the band.

“It’s always in refinement,” said Hollingsworth of the set list construction. “Now we always take turns. It used to always be (Michael) Travis (drummer) who wrote it. He’d just decide on the songs and we’d work out the key changes. But now it’s just a single member, it can get tough when five members want to make it.”

SIDETRACKS

While not tickling the keys with the other members of SCI, Hollingsworth said that he enjoys biking, hiking, and working on his new solo project. Even when he’s away from the band, he’s still working on music.

“I’ve been working on the CD, I’ve been busy in the studio, hopefully it’ll be out in the upcoming months,” said Hollingsworth. “I got a bunch of all-stars…Dave Watts, Ross Martin, Matt Spencer on bass, Joshua Redman did sax on two tracks, and Robert Randolph did one track. We just finished mixing it, and it should be done by late November. It’s called ‘Never Odd or Even,’ which I believe is a palindrome.” (After further inspection, yep, it does indeed pass as a palindrome.)

A MIDWESTERN HALLOWEEN

Last fall, SCI embarked on a 13-show tour, ending in Madison on Halloween. Fall touring has always remained a constant throughout SCI’s career, but this was the first time the band will find itself in the Midwest on Halloween.

“It’s a cool holiday to celebrate,” said Hollingsworth. “We’ve done L.A .once for Halloween, and we had the Acadamummy Awards ceremony, when each band member played a dead rock star…the whole thing was like a mock awards ceremony.”

Hollingsworth was excited to come to Wisconsin in October for the fall leaf colors. “I’m originally from Baltimore so I love the Northeast fall colors and foliage,” he said. “Fall, for us, is just all about celebrating your inner freak.”

“The Midwest always gives us the best receptions…and I’m not just saying that because you’re a Midwestern magazine,” he added. “The crowds weren’t totally getting it at first. But now, the fans there are really getting it…the Midwest is such a great place.”

Photos provided by String Cheese Incident

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