Sidewatcher
Garage Surf / Barbie Punk / Prom Rock
Detroit-based trio Sidewatcher is a sweetheart with a switchblade. It's the teenage girl who was ditched at prom and now has blood in her eyes. Mixed with waves of garage surf, Sidewatcher's songs have a barbie punk/prom rock vibe that take you on a trip through sick love and manipulative alien boyfriends.
Sidewatcher was officially formed in December 2014 by the sibling duo of Zoë Kissel (guitar/vocals) and Dylan Kissel (bass/vocals), finally giving the longtime collaboration a name. In October 2015, Zoë and Dylan were joined by AJ Picciuto on drums/keyboards. Sidewatcher began as a psychedelic studio project but quickly evolved into a punkie live performance band. It's a continuous art project for the trio, serving as an outlet for their musical works and other creative projects. Sidewatcher is extremely DIY driven, focusing the band's energy on creating their own artistic world.
As Sidewatcher evolves, so does their sound. The trio is currently in Broken Jaw Studios recording a full-length album, set to be released early-summer 2018.
Press
“100 Awesome Independent Album and EP Releases You Probably Missed in 2017... 31. Drive - Sidewatcher - Detroit, Michigan, USA.”
— Adam Marx, Adam Marx's Mind
“If your senior prom had morphed into a punk rock show, Sidewatcher would be the band tearing up the stage. Or, if you missed prom, this feral trio would provide the soundtrack to your night of plotting revenge for being jilted. They’re a band of punkish, surf rock dichotomies — sweet and bitter, charming and dangerous, seductive and snotty. They’re a hot rod that takes corners on two wheels and barbed wire wrapped around sugar cane.”
— Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival
“We bring to you yet again another talented group from Play Yah Records. We’ve talked before on the site about the need for female fronted bands and with Zoë Kissel singing and playing guitar, Sidewatcher is a perfect example. Luckily for us, September 7th Sidewatcher is releasing their debut album titled “Drive”. Every track on the album packs a punch of a punk rock guitar and powerful and raw attitude filled vocals.”
— Autumn McDonald, Pure Nowhere Magazine