In the vast realm of emerging musical talent, one band in San Diego has recently burst onto the scene with an electrifying force, introducing themselves as Sideswiped. United by a shared passion for music, they have embarked on a journey to make their mark in the industry.
Founded by five musicians, Sideswiped's journey began in the intimate confines of a garage-turned-studio, where creative sparks ignited and musical chemistry flourished. Comprised of lead vocalist Joseph Mikkelson, guitarist Casey Fishback, bassist Josh Brown, guitarist Billy Sample and drummer Armondo Cano, the band's lineup reflects a diverse range of influences, weaving together elements of indie rock, alternative and pop.
A memorable moment of Sideswipe’s formation was when they filled an entire backyard for a house show at San Diego State University and truly felt like real rock stars. Since then, they have continued to chase the high of performing live.
“Sideswiped means everything to me as an artist and as a music enthusiast,” Brown said. “Making the kind of music that I am passionate about with four of my greatest friends is both rewarding and a lot of fun.”
As with every new start-up, there were bumps along the way in the beginning. At first, the band struggled with establishing a common taste in music which made it hard to pick songs to play. Eventually, they went through a drummer, a keyboardist, a lead singer and a name change before finalizing the group that stands today.
Now, with a diverse set of members who share mostly common interests, they have been able to mesh together the sounds of bands like Radiohead, Backseat Lovers and Peach Pit to begin making some of their own original music.
“Coming together is both the hardest and coolest part of being in this band,” said Mikkelson. “Sometimes it’s hard to match each other but it’s also awesome to have people to rely on and have different creative minds.”
Sideswipe’s journey took a monumental leap when they decided to take their music online. Their debut single, "I’m Yours" showcases Mikkelson’s powerful vocals that intertwine with Sample and Fishback’s intricate guitar duel. The song is an omen to the band's ability to creatively combine their individual strengths. It launched with a bang at a house show the band hosted, making a full circle for the first release of their original work.
Now, the band is focused on getting in the studio more, mixing their work and learning more about Spotify’s algorithm and marketing techniques so they can better promote their music. They have even collaborated with artists such as Sabrina Zander, an upcoming graduate in SDSU’s graphic design program, to create their cover art and develop stickers to pass around.
As they continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry, Sideswiped stands as a testament to the power of passion, collaboration and the boundless potential of a new band breaking through the noise with their compelling sound. With an exciting trajectory and a steadily growing fanbase, Sideswiped just might land in your playlist in the near future.
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