Side Saddle (NY)

If you have been jamming Lord Huron and Ace Enders' new albums, it's time for Side Saddle to be on your radar. Having collaborated with Rick Parker (Lord Huron, Good Old War) on their debut LP, The Astorian, in 2014, the six piece folk-pop ensemble are back with a brand new EP, entitled Young Professional, released on July 20. While doing my research on Side Saddle for this feature, one thing became very clear: while some songs make you want to dance, and others make you want to weep, they will always make you want to sing along.

"Young Professional is the story of love lost and love found in the concrete jungle of New York City," according to Ian McGuinness, Side Saddles' lead singer and chief songwriter. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Bright Eyes, The Flaming Lips and Margot & The Nuclear So & So's, as well as his personal experiences, McGuinness has recorded what could be the soundtrack to every twenty-something-year-old's life. "My lyrics aren't cryptic" he continued in the email interview, "sometimes it felt like I was maybe being a bit brutal, but trying to come up with metaphors for the sentiment of feeling like total garbage seemed silly."

This honesty has manifested itself as a refreshing and authentic indie rock album, filled with lush melodies and instrumentation which somehow soften the blow of McGuinness' "brutal" lyrics. (There are more than a couple of moments where you're left wondering why you're tapping your foot when the subject matter is so distressing). Brace yourself for singalongs, the occasional tear, and some of the most heartfelt lyrics you'll hear this year as you spin their records below. And if you want to dig into their story deeper (like I do), purchase their latest Young Professional on Bandcamp where you will receive a free digital download of a "Making Of" podcast that sheds light on the inspiration behind and the recording process of each track. - Absolutepunk.net

This isn’t the first time The Wild Honey Pie has loved a track from Astoria’s Side Saddle, and it surely won’t be the last. Much like Sixpence None the Richer’s “Kiss Me” or Tal Bachman’s “She’s So High” (nostalgia anyone?), Ian McGuinness’s (the man behind Side Saddle) latest single, “Reverie”, is a folky summer ode to complete romantic devotion that will make you sing and dance along until it’s ingrained in your mind. The persistent sweetness of the acoustic guitar, harmonica interludes and the subtle silences just before adorably, sanguine lyrics like, “more than kiss your lips,” ensure a dangerous amount of repeat listens. If summer love had a theme song, I’m pretty sure this might be it. Matching the song in eternal happiness, the video welcomes you to what appears to be the most fun, impromptu bedroom luau ever. It will take you less than two full listens to sing-a-long. If you can’t seem to stop, you can download the rest of Side Saddle’s infectious EP, The Postcard, on Bandcamp. - The Wild Honey Pie

Following “The Romance in Disappearing“–the lead single from their forthcoming EP, Young Professional–UTG is thrilled to once again team up with New York’s Side Saddle to premiere the second single from the new effort, set to release on July 20 via Cedar Lodge Records.

“Legs For Days” is a beautiful folk-rock cut that builds in multiple parts over the course of four and a half minutes–each a fuller, more engrossing arrangement of textures and instrumentation than the last.

In regards to the impetus for the song’s creation, frontman Ian McGuinness tells us, “‘Legs for Days’ was a way for me to cope through a hard break-up. Lyrically, it takes you through the painful, hazy steps of separation and ends with a moment of clarity and a glimpse of hope. Sonically, the song was our first foray into a larger wall of sound, incorporating a string quartet, multiple trumpets and two drummers.”

You can stream “Legs For Days” below, featuring Young Professional‘s cover art by Restless Ghost. - Under the Gun

The Band: Blog-worthy, Queens-based folk-pop artist Ian McGuinness, aka Side Saddle
The EP: The Postcard, out 3/25.
For Fans Of: Tallest Man on Earth, Death Cab For Cutie, David Bazan
Songwriter Says: “Recording The Postcard was the most fun I’ve had making music,” says McGuinness. “The aim was to create something honest and sunny.” - American Songwriter

"Full of lush layers, varied instrumentation and McGuinness’ welcomingly engaging vocals (which have never sounded better), The Astorian is overflowing with beautiful songwriting and impressive production that elevates the band’s addictive folk-pop tunes to a new level." - Under the Gun

Prepare to forget about this never-ending winter, kick up your heels and swoon over new music from Side Saddle. Ian McGuiness, the man behind the moniker, has a clear knack for earnest lyricism and layering instrumentals to create an infectious sound, so naturally we’re excited to hear what this Astoria, NY-based folk-pop musician has in store for us. “Don’t Wait for Him,” the new single from Side Saddle is awash with wise lyrics, swelling instrumentals and a catchy chorus, giving it a zesty folk sound that’s as earnest as it is playful. Resistance against pressing “repeat” is futile! Take a listen to “Don’t Wait For Him,” download it on SoundCloud and keep on the lookout for Side Saddle’s debut EP, The Postcard, out March 25th. - The Wild Honey Pie

"Tica was followed by three acoustic guitar strumming dudes from Astoria (in the picture), who represent 50% of the band Side Sattle (we blogged about them in January). The trio picked up the tempo with four catchy folk-pop tunes that stood out for flawless three way vocal harmonies - these guys don't miss a note! The full band can sound completely different from what we heard yesterday, which was more on the lines of their single "When it's All Done" (streaming below). We like both versions. You can see them live at Pianos on August 28." - The Deli Magazine

Folk-pop band Side Saddle, announces the release of their new video, “Halcyon,” which comes off the recently released full-length album, The Astorian, available now. Drawing inspiration from musicians like Ben Gibbard and Paul Simon, Side Saddle has a sound that is classic and wholesome while remaining on the cutting edge of indie pop.

Side Saddle started off as a solo folk project in spring of 2013. McGuinness got in touch with longtime friend TJ Dumser to produce and engineer some songs, which eventually turned into an EP, The Postcard. When they began working on their recent full-length project, the duo called in some friends to collaborate in the recording process, which soon evolved into a six-piece folk rock band. Since their first EP, Side Saddle has performed at numerous New York City venues of legend, including Brooklyn Bowl, The Knitting Factory, Pianos and more.

Side Saddle’s debut EP The Postcard earned the band accolades throughout the blogosphere. The Wild Honey Pie named their single “Reverie” Song of the Summer in 2014, calling it “...a folky summer ode to complete romantic devotion that will make you sing and dance along until it’s ingrained in your mind.” Stay tuned for the accompanying music video for “When It’s All Done,” and future releases from Side Saddle!
Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/168013-folk-pop-band-side-saddle-drops-video.html#wsIdDseDs9cxsPph.99 - Alt Sounds

"Side Saddle started out as a solo indie-folk project by Singer/Songwriter Ian McGuinness, and has turned into a 6-piece folk-rock band. The sound is familiar but fresh. There’s a little Paul Simon, mixed with some Death Cab for Cutie and Decemberists." - Give Me Astoria

What a beautiful world it would be if each one of us learned to argue without taking issue at diverging opinions! As you can see in the first few seconds of the video we are premiering here for single "Something I Said," the six guys in NYC folk pop band Side Saddle are not very good at that, but at least there's enough of them to allow them to resolve their disagreements through a football match in the park. That's a better way to settle disputes rather than screaming at (and secretly hating) each other, although admittedly not a very time-efficient one, in particular for bands, often cauldrons of conflicting egos. But this two year old project doesn't seem to have that problem, since it's coming out from a very productive year that saw the release of debut EP "The Postcard" and, more recently, full length album "The Astorian" (a reference to the NYC borough the band hails from). The latter features "Something I Said" and also their most popular single, the Simon and Garfunkel-esque "Don't Wait For Him." Speaking of the legendary folk duo from the 60s, it's obviously a strong influence on Side Saddle's music, but the band wears it with impressive flair, churning out catchy and compelling folk pop gems, enriched by tasteful and absolutely spot on vocal harmonies.

Astorians can see them at Old Prague on January 31, Manhattanites at Bowery Electric on 02.02, and Brooklynityes at Muchmore on 02.20. Staten Islanders and The Bronx... ites (?) get no love for now (but they rarely do anyway...). - The Deli Magazine

New York folk-rock band Side Saddle formed shortly after the dissolution of singer-songwriter Ian McGuinness’ previous band, This Old Ghost.

Thankfully, the new group is picking up right where the last band left off, with their unique brand of charming acoustic-driven songs.

Side Saddle recently released their debut, The Astorian, and have spent considerable time promoting the excellent effort.

Recently, Nothing But Hope And Passion debuted the band’s first music video for their song, “When It’s All Done.”

Watch the guys from Side Saddle get uprooted by a troupe of young dancers in the official video for “When It’s All Done,” below. - Under the Gun

Just in time for Super Bowl Sunday, Brooklyn folk pop sextet, Side Saddle, present a gargantuan battle for the ages: Chinese (food) vs. Pizza (er, food as well.)

“Something I Said” is the fifth track from their brilliant 2014 debut album, The Astrorian, to get the music video treatment, following “Halcyon” which we featured last month. In the clip, the band is innocently trying to figure out what to eat for dinner. Their disagreement leads to a pigskin brawl pitting Team Chinese against Team Pizza in possibly the worst and funniest football game ever played (and the best combo of chain smoking cheerleaders and a hard drinking referee.)

As for the song itself, “Something I Said” is an energetic, punchy number that finds Side Saddle at their jangliest, foot stomping, rollicking Mumford and Sons best. The video and song compliment one another cleverly, particularly when frontman and lead vocalist Ian McGuinness sings, “You couldn’t bring me down,” a nod both to the football aspect of the quirky clip and the original relationship angle of the track.

Side Saddle are playing a spate of shows around NYC this month and next. Get a The Astorian now on iTunes or Bandcamp. - Fuzzy Headphones

Folk-pop band Side Saddle, announces the release of their new single, “When It’s All Done,” which comes off the recently released full-length album, The Astorian, available now. Lyrically, “When It’s All Done” captures the fear and beauty that come along with the end of a significant chapter in someones life. Sonically, the song pays homage to McGuinness’ love of the west by infusing the bridge with upright piano and trumpet. Drawing inspiration from musicians like Ben Gibbard and Paul Simon, Side Saddle has a sound that is classic and wholesome while remaining on the cutting edge of indie pop.

Side Saddle started off as a solo folk project in spring of 2013. McGuinness got in touch with longtime friend TJ Dumser to produce and engineer some songs, which eventually turned into an EP, The Postcard. When they began working on their recent full-length project, the duo called in some friends to collaborate in the recording process, which soon evolved into a six-piece folk rock band. Since their first EP, Side Saddle has performed at numerous New York City venues of legend, including Brooklyn Bowl, The Knitting Factory, Pianos and more.

Side Saddle’s debut EP The Postcard earned the band accolades throughout the blogosphere. The Wild Honey Pie named their single “Reverie” Song of the Summer in 2014, calling it “...a folky summer ode to complete romantic devotion that will make you sing and dance along until it’s ingrained in your mind.” Stay tuned for the accompanying music video for “When It’s All Done,” and future releases from Side Saddle!
Read more at http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/167505-side-saddle-releases-single.html#xfp1pi0O2SFeDjx7.99 - Alt Sounds

Since the release of their debut, The Astorian, this past fall, we here at Under The Gun Review have been relentlessly covering the movements of New York indie group, Side Saddle. Speaking of which, it appears the band is back in the studio working on new music, which we are all pretty excited to report.

Right now, the band is streaming their second music video from The Astorian, which features an up-close look at the band’s hometown, as the guys ride their bikes around and perform on the streets of New York. You can stream the official video for “Halcyon” below the jump. - Under the Gun

NYC’s folk-pop band Side Saddle just released their quirky music video for “Something I Said,” an upbeat, foot stomping track that comes off their debut LP, The Astorian.
The video features the band members disagreeing over what to eat for dinner, which ultimately results in a battle between Team Chinese and Team Pizza.
An appropriate video for the end of the football season, watch below and make sure to keep up with Side Saddle on their Facebook and Twitter. - Speak Into My Goodeye

Indie folk band Side Saddle has just released a new music video for their song “When It’s All Done.” The track is their current single off of their debut album, The Astorian. You can currently stream the album in its entirety on the band’s Soundcloud page.

The adorable video features the band performing their song onstage at the Paramount Theatre while having to deal with some competition for the stage space. Check out the video to see the hilarious outcome when several young ballerinas claim that they had reserved the stage first! - Confront Magazine