The String Cheese Incident continue their SCI Sound Lab output today with a brand new single, “Illegal,” which we premiered on Facebook and in the video below. The song was written by and features lead vocals from SCI drummer Michael Travis.

“The initial  idea for the song ‘Illegal’ came from the chorus: ‘Will they make us illegal?'” Travis tells Relix about the percussive, reggae-tinged track, which features lyrics speaking out against the discrimination of immigrants, specifically in the US. “It often seems that there is a dark force trying to round everyone into submission in so many ways and disguises, to keep us in line to be good workers for the system.The verses describe different ways in which that is happening.”

Travis continues, explaining his lyrics and message: “The first verse is about crushing the weed enthusiasts and psychonauts. The second verse is about crushing poor working class people by keeping wages so low that disaster is a paycheck away. And the third verse, the incredibly effective: burying everybody in a pharma daze so you won’t notice as our freedoms slip away. And finally, when we try to show dissent by marching and protesting, the line of soldiers shut it down. But with a bit of hope of that they someday realize ‘we’re all one in the end!'”

Listen to “Illegal” below. The track will be widely released on digital platforms tomorrow, November 2.