SideOneDummy Records

SideOneDummy Records is an independent label associated with punk and related genres, and is known for helping bring wider attention to a range of guitar-driven bands. Based in Los Angeles, it has operated as a platform for both emerging acts and established names within its orbit, with a catalog that reflects the overlap between punk, indie rock, and adjacent scenes.

The label was founded in 1995 by Bill Armstrong and Joe Sib. It began as a practical outlet to release music for their friends’ bands, a grassroots origin that shaped its early identity and continued emphasis on community-based punk networks. Over time, SideOneDummy became linked with the rise of several prominent artists, including The Gaslight Anthem, AJJ, Flogging Molly, Gogol Bordello, and Title Fight, among others. These acts illustrate the label’s stylistic range, from folk-punk and punk rock to more eclectic, genre-blending approaches.

SideOneDummy’s profile has also been tied to the touring ecosystem around punk and alternative music. Since 1998, the label has released the annual Warped Tour compilation album, collecting music by bands appearing on that year’s tour. This recurring series positioned the label as a consistent documentarian of a major touring circuit and helped connect its releases to a broader audience of festival and tourgoers.

In addition to its release activity, SideOneDummy maintains an online presence through a YouTube channel featuring artists from its current roster. According to available figures, the channel has 116,000 subscribers and 170,015,900 views. The label’s roster has included artists such as Carpool, PÆRISH, Pretty Rude, Summerbruise, Kerosene Heights, Semantics, worlds greatest dad, and CLIFFDIVER, reflecting an ongoing commitment to contemporary punk-leaning and alternative acts alongside the better-known names associated with its earlier history.