SIRIS 赛日 |
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SIRIS - Patrick and Michael Maley
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Background information | |
Origin | Philadelphia, United States |
Genres |
Rock Progressive rock Alternative rock Pop |
Years active | 1996–present |
Labels | Run Hard Music |
Members |
Michael Maley Patrick Maley |
SIRIS is the name of American music duo Michael and Patrick Maley. Their name SIRIS was derived from two Chinese words "sai" 赛 and "ri" 日, meaning to surpass the sun. Hailing from the city of Philadelphia, the brothers are best known as the only western band in the world performing and composing their own original English and Chinese language songs.
The brothers began singing and writing music at an early age. During their teenage years they performed in local bands throughout the city of Philadelphia. Some of their major influences included Genesis, Sting, U2 and Tears for Fears. In 1992, shortly after graduating highschool, Michael Maley moved to China to pursue his studies in Chinese at China's prestigious Fudan University. During that time, younger brother Patrick remained in America and continued his pursuit of music as a drummer.
Siris' Chinese inspired music is due in large part to Michael's experiences in China. While living in China, he not only studied at Fudan but also worked as an English teacher and Chinese/English translator. Michael's fluency in Chinese and strong martial arts background helped him gain notoriety in TV commercials and films. In 1994 he was featured in the Hong Kong produced martial arts movie The Green Hornet. After his initial four-year stay in China, Michael returned to America and reunited with his brother Patrick. In 1996, the brothers returned to their musical roots and formed the band Siris. They adopted a unique multi-cultural approach to making music by melding influences from the east and west.
Beginning with their 1997 debut Chinese EP entitled, "Till My Last Breath" (直到我最后一息) SIRIS became the first Western group in music history to record an original Chinese language album. The album was co-produced by Grammy nominated producer David Ivory. In 1998 the brothers moved to Taiwan and Mainland China to promote the new album. Breaking new ground in the Chinese market would prove difficult. After a modicum of success in Asia, they returned to the United States in 1999.