Showdown 7
Grand Prize Winner
Side Saddle
Side Saddle was the Grand Prize winner of Showdown 7 and will be kicking off Showdown 8– which is also the world premiere of the winning collaboration “Dog In The Night” with Grand Prize-winning director Fletcher Wolfe.
Side Saddle started as solo folk project by Singer/Songwriter Ian McGuinness back in 2013. In early 2014, McGuinness released “The Postcard – EP” which received accolades from the likes of Baeble, American Songwriter and The Wild Honey Pie. The EP was engineered and produced by longtime friend TJ Dumser. Later that year Side Saddle released their debut LP, “The Astorian” and it was during the recording process that McGuinness’ project evolved into the 6-piece indie-rock band it is now. This past summer, the band released an EP titled “Young Professional”, which tells the story of love lost and love found in the concrete jungle of New York City. This record also marks a turning point in the bands sonic direction as the arrangements have become more elaborate incorporating a string quartets and a pedal steel guitar.
Side Saddle is:
Ian McGuinness – Vocals & Acoustic
TJ Dumser – Guitar & Vocals
Ryan Sniffen – Guitar & Vocals
Brendan Coughlan – Bass
Eric Tait Jr – Keys & Trumpet