A while back, we clued you into eight San Diego musicians with the coolest jobs. Now we're following that up with a list of local musicians who work tirelessly to bring you rad tunes while operating their own businesses. It's no small feat to do both, and we're all about supporting the music scene -- and that includes area folks and their entrepreneurial efforts, too. The musicians highlighted here are far from the only San Diegans worth championing, but it's a good place to start. If you think of someone whose band/business deserves recognition, let us know in the comments!
Cindy Cate, bassist in Madly: While she holds down the thunderous low-end for psychedelic rockers Madly (and the Nervous Wreckords before that), Cate also rocks patrons at Hello Birdie Nail & Lash Lab (3032 University Ave., North Park). Like everything she does musically, her salon is vibrant, modern and unique. Walk in (although we'd recommend making an appointment) and tell her SoundDiego sent you.
Cheyne Dolly, drummer in Wish & the Well: When not purveying folksy Americana tunes with Wish & the Well, Dolly co-owns the Loose Leaf Tea Bar (408 Mission Ave., Oceanside) with his wife, Meghan. The duo recently launched a coffee brand, Sip & Destroy, too (which features beans roasted by another local favorite Dark Horse). Got a hankering for all things caffeine? This is the place.
Nic Friesen, bassist in Crime Desire: Maybe you saw our article on Re-Animated Records (8320 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa), the real-life ma-and-pa shop Nic runs with his wife, Lynn? They've got a crazy diverse selection of awesome records and horror movie collectibles, but if you're into niche genres of metal and hardcore/punk (like Nic's own band), you'll especially hit the vinyl jackpot.
Katie Howard, vocalist in Big Bloom: While she handedly rocks the microphone for one of our favorite San Diego rock bands, Howard’s also got a knack for boutique-ing: She co-owns Little Dame (2942 Adams Ave., Normal Heights) with Simone Grossman, where you can find some of the coolest art-centric stuff around.
David Mead, drummer in Exasperation: We're not gonna lie -- we're extra stoked on Mead's latest band, Exasperation, and its fiery experimental garage-pop/rock. But it's not the only thing heating up: His Baby Clydesdale small batch hot sauce company (which he runs with his wife, Justine) crafts the kind of spicy recipes that are sure to ignite your tastebuds!
Karlos Paez, vocalist in B-Side Players: Paez, the main man behind the B-Side Players, also gets funky at his own San Diego Vintage Company (2185 Logan Ave., located within Barrio Logan's Vecindad artist community market) which specializes in men's and women's vintage clothing and collectibles. No wonder Paez is always lookin' extra sharp!
Steve Poltz, guitarist/vocalist: Music fans the world over know Poltz as that affable, baseball-loving singer/songwriter who penned "You Were Meant for Me" with Jewel (or, for others, familiar with his work in the Rugburns), but few know he's actually a co-owner -- along with the Casbah's Tim Mays -- of Starlite (3175 India St., Mission Hills). The place is hands down one of our go-to late-night spots (don't even get us started on their Moscow Mules).
Greg Theilmann, guitarist in BirdBath: Theilmann, who used to moonlight in the now-defunct Hills Like Elephants, currently rocks out in the '60s-inspired psych-pop group BirdBath. He also manages a mean book nook at Verbatim Books (3793 30th St., North Park) that he runs with Justine Enitsuj. The printed word rules -- put down the Kindle and check 'em out!
