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10 Questions with ... Joe Sib
September 26, 2006
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NAME:Joe SibTITLE:Co-OwnerCOMPANY:SideonedummyBORN:8-2-67RAISED:Northern California
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
First I sang in the band WAX, then we lit a guy on FIRE and Spike Jonze filmed it. After that I started Sideonedummy with my roommate Bill Armstrong. Over the last 10 years we have released over a 100 CD/recordings, etc. We love what we do!
LAST NON-INDUSTRY JOB:
Counting "underwear" at a Mervyn's in the Valley. Sooooo bummed!
FIRST RECORD EVER PURCHASED:
Bruce Springsteen 7 inch "Blinded By the Light". It came with the stereo I bought for 5 bucks. I was stoked!
FIRST CONCERT:
Social Distortion 1982 at San Jose City College
FAVORITE BAND OF ALL-TIME:
RAMONES
1. What got you interested in the record business?
I always was the guy in my band that handled all the business. I didn't want to be that guy, I wanted to be the "artist" but I always ended up handling all the business.
2. How did Sideonedummy Records get started?
A lot of coffee, about 5 grand and a lot of people saying "NO" to us. Bill and I just never stopped. All we have done for the last 10 years is live, sleep, and eat Sideonedummy. There was never a "back-up" plan and I think that is the real reason we have lasted so long.
3. How has the label changed since it when you got started 10 years ago?
First, we have eight fulltime people here now. For the first four or five years, it was only Bill and I and maybe one other person. But the main differences between then and now are the bands. At first no one would sign to us. Now we have the best bands on the planet!
4. The Sideonedummy roster has been growing. Tell us about some of your recent signings?
We are talking to some new bands now but nothing that is firm. The last band we signed was Big D and the Kids Table out of Boston. Killer "ska" band. We are working a lot on the Sideonedummy College Tour that starts September 17th in Salt Lake City. Flogging Molly, Bedouin Soundclash and Zox are all a part of the line up. Also, The Casualties just released their 3rd full length with us and Gogol Bordello are getting ready to go back out again in October and, last but not least, The Briggs released their new full length in September, as well. So we are busy.
5. Who are your mentors?
Both of our parents, our wives, and families. As far as mentors in the business go, "they are hard to find." I think Bill and I have people who have inspired us, like Andy Allen of ADA.
6. What is your biggest challenge running an independent label?
Finding music that inspires you. I have to LOVE every band I work with or I can't do my job.
7. Of all the things you've done with Sideonedummy Records, what are you most proud of?
Paying the bands is what I am most proud of. I love visiting an artist on the label at the home that they "bought" from playing music and doing it their way. That is a great feeling!
8. Where do you see Sideonedummy Records five years from now?
Doing the same thing we have always done, putting out the best music possible.
9. Tell us about your Punk Rock show Complete Control?
I had the idea to do a radio show that was completely dedicated to Punk Rock and Michael Steele at Indie 103.1 loved the idea. I talked to a bunch of people who handle radio syndication about getting the show on in other cities but all of them said it wouldn't work. Now we are on in six markets (Las Vegas, LA, Portland, Denver, Oklahoma, Austin, and three times a week on XM). Check out completecontrolradio.com.
10. Fill in the blank: I can't make it through the day without ____________?
Coffee.
Bonus Questions
What are your hobbies?
Skateboarding and surfing.
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