ABOUT BANDSYDE
01
WHERE BANDSYDE CAME FROM
BandSyde is an independent platform covering worthwhile artists, deeper stories, and the people and places that make music scenes possible.
Before BandSyde, there was The Underdog Network. I started The Underdog Network after finding too many talented artists who weren’t getting the attention they deserved. I wanted to tell stories that went beyond copied press releases and “new song out now” posts.
Over the years, I interviewed artists, reviewed releases, filmed performances, covered venues, and watched independent musicians build real careers. Eventually, the idea became bigger than the name. Some artists are just beginning. Some are breaking through. Others have already built something important but still have stories worth telling. That’s where BandSyde comes in.
02
WHAT YOU’LL FIND
BandSyde covers country, rock, Americana, Red Dirt, and the independent music growing between those lines.
Expect artist discoveries, songs and records worth your time, original features, live performances, venue stories, and honest thoughts about the music industry.
The goal isn’t to cover everything. It’s to find what’s worth your attention and give you a reason to care.
03
ABOUT REED
I’m Reed McDonald, the founder of BandSyde.
I’ve worked around independent music through journalism, photography, video, artist development, marketing, talent buying, and production. That has allowed me to see music from the audience, behind the stage, inside the venue, and alongside the people building sustainable careers.
BandSyde brings those experiences together. It isn’t meant to be a faceless publication. My perspective will be part of it, and I’ll always try to be honest, curious, and useful.
If you still enjoy finding something before everybody else catches on, you’re in the right place.
Welcome to BandSyde.
