Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and band leader Ian McGuinness is known for his infectious indie-folk melodies and introspective, ‘bare it all’ story telling. Now based in North Texas, Ian and his bandmates will be releasing their upcoming EP “Forever and a Little While”, produced and mixed by Peter Katis (The National, Hozier, Kurt Vile). The EP was recorded in the spring of ’23 and was the first time the band has worked with an outside producer. “Forever and a Little While” is a collection of songs about consequential events that change the course of your path and alter who you are at your core. From meeting your life-partner to the death of a best friend, the songs take you from the highest highs to the lowest lows of the human experience all within the span of 15 minutes.
Side Saddle began as a solo project by singer/songwriter Ian McGuinness back in 2013. Early the next year, 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." It was during this recording process that McGuinness' project evolved into a 6-piece indie-rock band.
Summer '15, the band released a second EP entitled "Young Professional", which tells the story of love lost and love found in the concrete jungle of New York City. That record marked a turning point in the bands sonic direction as the arrangements had become more elaborate; incorporating string quartets, a pedal steel guitar and two drummers. The record was well received and landed the band a spot on Absolute Punk's "Best of Bandcamp" series. The band continued playing countless shows in and around NYC including Knitting Factory, Brooklyn Bowl, and a CMJ Deli Showcase at Rockwood Music Hall 2.
Shortly thereafter, the band went back into the studio to work on their second full length 8-track record, "Stunner" which came out on 10/28/16. They raised $6k on Kickstarter to fund the mixing, mastering and for their first time - the production of vinyl. "Stunner" was mixed by Tony Doogan (Wintersleep, Belle and Sebastian, Mogwai) and marked yet another turning point as the band's sound grew heavier and it was the first recording with longtime friend Rich Bozek on drums.
The most recent release from Side Saddle was The Waltermelon - EP, named after the beloved dog shared by McGuinness and his wife. The EP was dubbed “A rejuvenating indie-pop jewel reminiscent of Nada Surf and Death Cab for Cutie”. by Glide Magazine.
On December 7th 2021, Side Saddle Released “Evergreen Magic”, a one off single that reflects on McGuinness’ childhood memories of finding and cutting down the family Christmas Tree. The new song was released in tandem with a one-off brew sharing the same name from Side Saddle’s friends at Long Island, NY based Blue Point Brewing Company. “Evergreen Magic” was the first song recorded at McGuinness’ new home studio named The Barnum Sound Studio.
Side saddle
Eric Tait Jr
Miles Nasta