About Me
“Folk song is the authentic expression of a way of life now, past or about to disappear.†From this definition it would be hard to exclude any genre of music from the “folk†category. Second String presents their unique take on the American folk song by utilizing traditional instruments, an acoustic backbone, contemporary guitar, and heart felt lyrics.
From beneath the soaring Rocky Mountains comes the Boulder, Colorado-based sextet whose melodic songs are heavily infused with traditional, country and rock. Second String was formed in early 2004 as a pop-rock act by life-long friends and musicians, Ryan Ramsay (guitarist) and Ben Meis (vocalist and CU Idol winner). "Originally singing in the church choir together at age 6...", recalls Ramsay, "We’ve built a close friendship through our music." This dynamic is one that all the members of Second String strive towards; the music becoming that binding force which brings a sense of family to one and all. Second String developed an impressive reputation after winning the City of Northglenn Teen Music Festival with a band formed only one-month prior. Through playing small shows around the Denver area the group began to experience a diverse and growing audience that soon spread to the acutely musical landscape of Boulder where Second String released their first disc at the Flatiron’s Theatre.
Shortly after the CD‘s release, the boys of Second String took a road trip to the beautiful mountain town of Durango, Colorado. There, it became clear to Second String that they would feel most comfortable allowing their music to return to its hidden roots. The months following this shift were a period of becoming immersed in the beautiful and catchy melodies of bluegrass and country, exploring the great singer-songwriters, and embracing the idea of change as something that Second String could both withstand and utilize to advance the musical experience within the group.
In the midst of this evolution and transformation the group, Second String underwent a few personnel changes. The hiatus of the guitar player, Marc Laughton, led to the addition of fiddle player, Kellen Zakula. With nearly 15 years of experience, Kellen added exactly what the group was searching for. The familiar voice of the fiddle proudly represents their traditional roots and values melodic strength.
Second String presented their new sound for the first time in Durango by performing a hit show at the Durango Performing Arts Center and playing a live set on KSUT four-corners radio.
In the fall of 2006 Second String again made it abundantly clear that they are staying and bringing their loyal fans along for the adventure. With a fierce competition at the University of Colorado at Boulder the group stole the show with their unique Old Time-Contemporary Folk music and took home a first place victory thus securing a place in the hearts of judges, fans, and newcomers alike. Shortly thereafter, the return of Marc Laughton added to the musical diversity of the group with his introduction of blues/ jazz inspired guitar lines.
In the footsteps of so many influences, Second String is stopping at nothing to spread the music that the members truly love playing and that the audience loves to hear. Second String completed and released their EP, “Wake Me When it Falls“ in September of 2007.
In October of 2007 Second String folded their cards. "Thanks everyone for your support! We had a great ride!" Check out Kellen, Ryan and Marc's solo sites:
Kellen Zakula
Ryan Ramsay
Marc Laughton
