Cary Siress and Andrew Whiteside met while studying Architecture in New York City in 1989. Late nights playing a 1980 Epiphone 12-string with six strings missing and singing together in the university stairwells evolved into a musical collaboration initially under the name Wine & Cigarettes that has, in varying forms, spanned four countries and more than twenty-five years. In 2002, Christoph Maurer met the two in Switzerland, merging his own rich musical history into what ultimately became Country Code, a trio devoted to exploring acoustic interpretations of Americana. Progressively, increasing emphasis was placed on original compositions as well as on producing increasingly sophisticated studio recordings and live performances. In 2016, Martina Imlig added the voice of a cello to the group’s original songs, adding an essential layer to the development of the group’s acoustic signature.

Andrew Whiteside

Born in 1963, from Brooklyn, NY, USA, lives in Waedenswil, Switzerland. Andrew plays a Martin D-42, a Taylor 856CE and a 1933 Epiphone Olympic. Listens to Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Old Crow Medicine Show, Robert Fripp, Steve Earle, John Paul White, Mumford & Sons, David Sylvian, Bonnie Prince Billy, Jamal Maneli, Candyrat solo artists.

Cary Siress

Born in 1961, grew up in Louisville, Kentucky and now lives in Munich, Germany. He plays a Taylor Grand Symphony GS5, a Martin D-1 and various banjos. When not listening to bluegrass and country giants like Bill Monroe or George Jones, he is caught listening to pianists such as Keith Jarrett, Bill Evans, Nelson Geoerner, Oscar Peterson, or Thomas Ruekert. He seldom listens to radio.

Christoph Maurer

Born in 1968, from Zurich, Switzerland. Christo plays a Martin D-16RGT, a modified Epiphone Wildkat, an Epiphone Les Paul Standard, a pre Joe Pass Epiphone Emperor II and an Aria Diamond vintage bass. He likes David Gray, Jolie Holland, Steve Earle, Dixie Chicks, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, John Mayer, Brett Dennen, Dave Stuart, Elvis Costello, Lou Reed, Nick Cave, Radiohead, The Verve, The Cure, The Smashing Pumpkins, Metallica, Foo Fighters, Alter Bridge, Pearl Jam, Züri West, Stephan Eicher, Reza Dinally, Daniela Sarda, Saalschutz and many more!

Martina Imlig

Born in 1987, from Zug, Switzerland. Martina plays a custom-made cello by Stephan Schürch from Burgdorf CH. Martina works as a music teacher who graduated in 2011 from Lucerne University in music and movement with major instrument cello. She likes listening to Johnny Cash, Simon and Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, Famous October, Max Herre, Fratelli-B, Bob Marley, Adele, Apocalyptica as well as classical stuff like J. S. Bach and Jazz, e.g. Brad Mehldau or Nils Landgren.