After performing at the DSHS homecoming dance in fall of 2023, a spotlight had settled on juniors Ryan Fehler and Blake Romero, and bandmates Izzy and Sparrow, collectively known as Sidepeace.

Sidepeace, an indie rock band made up of guitarists Fehler and Romero, drummer Izzy, and bassist Sparrow, has captured the interest of the Dripping Springs community through their lively performances and talent.

The formation of this band, grounded in mutual passion and friendship, began long before the memorable homecoming performance, as a shared dream.

“I met [Blake] all the way back in sixth grade and I had always wanted to have a band with him…but we needed a drummer and bass player,” said Fehler. “Izzy and Sparow, I met through this other band called Crashing Cali and we all had clicked, and I was like, let’s just bring them over.”

Not long after banding together, Sidepeace was offered an opportunity to perform at homecoming, an experience that has the potential to be a turning point for the emerging band.

“I know a guy named Oskar Silverman and he has a connection with Ms. Reed, and I went to go talk to her one time and she had asked us to play homecoming,” Fehler said. “I was like ‘yeah, but I gotta check with my girlfriend first,’ and now Ms. Reed wants us to come back next year.” 

Although the band has clear potential, Sidepeace maintains a modest objective: to continue enjoying themselves both on and off the stage, and to embrace the freedom that their music provides them. 

“I’d say [Sidepeace] is a lot more freeform than anything else I do… [we’re] just having fun and playing music that we love.” Romero said. “I haven’t put much thought about [continuing the band past high school], we’ll see what happens, but right now it’s just fun.”

Romero’s easy going approach reflects Sidepeace’s artistic and personal direction, prioritizing entertainment for both themselves and their audience by incorporating fresh original songs alongside covers.

“We had done all covers, usually indie rock bands, like The Backseat Lovers and The Strokes,” Romero said. “(But] this gig we played two original songs: ‘Poor Thing,’ and ‘Listen.’”

With their debut of original music, the band has goals to continue writing, and eventually produce that music and release it on streaming platforms to reach a wider audience.

“We definitely want to do more gigs and get out music for Spotify,” Romero said. “[The band and I] want to start consistently getting out songs and writing, which we’re really excited about.”

As they continue to write, Sidepeace has shared plans to release an Extended Play (EP) by the end of the year, inspired by other artists and their vision for the band.

“We also have two instrumentals that just need lyrics, so we want to try and release an EP this year and record it on Spotify and all streaming platforms,” Fehler said. “You can hear inspiration from a lot of the bands I grew up listening to, and they definitely impact the way we write.”

Fehler touches on Sidepeace’s creative goals and musical influences and the close friendships among band members, as this strong connection creates opportunity for productive collaboration, shaping the band’s sound and direction.

“[The band’s] with people I have a connection with, like Blake,” the lead vocalist said. “Izzy and Sparrow are wild, they’ll crack us up, especially at rehearsals. But since I’m comfortable with them we’re not as afraid to say “we don’t like this,” and we get better results.”

Fehler provides insight into the struggles as a developing group, especially when it comes to landing gigs, and building a positive reputation.

“It’s complicated…you have to know the guy, convince the guy, and it kind of sucks when you’re a new band and you don’t have a resume,” Fehler said. “[They] kind of have to trust you a little bit, so it’s good to know people in the business so you can open up for them, and that’s what happened at Hudsons.”

Fehler emphasizes the importance of making connections within the music industry, and how his personal relationships have been a turning point in landing gigs for the rising group. 

“I knew Ryan Holly who performs there a lot, and Chad, who owns Hudson’s and he was like ‘Ok we should book you,’” Fehler said. “We got to play there once, and now I get to open with my full band for an hour.”

The band’s most recent show, performed at Hudson’s on Mercer on March 1, was a widespread success and was well-recieved by its audience. Fehler’s close friend, Oskar Silverman shared his opinion on the performance.

“It was really cool because Ryan is one of my best friends, so it was fun to see him perform,” Silverman said. “I had a good time, and I met a lot of new people.”

Although their journey is just beginning, the community that Silverman found at Sidepeace’s recent show is just one example of the impact the young band is making on the local community.

Sidepeace’s persistence and effort behind their music, and the support of local demographics make it clear that the band has definite talent. And, with the prospect of a second year performing at homecoming, their growing resume, and an EP along the way, it comes as no surprise that Sidepeace is marking its place within the music scene, both now, and for as long as they continue.