Szikla’s new baby, Cloudside

Scott Szikla did what most singer/songwriter/guitarists do — he started a band. First it was the Shattered Hope, then Silent Lune.

But it was because of his entrepreneurial spirit and outgoing personality that he got to go out on the road.

Szikla books shows at the all-ages Epicentre in Mira Mesa. He’s also put together shows at UCSD’s Porter’s Pub.

Because of his connections, he came in contact with L.A.’s Vain and Valor, San Jose’s Maya Over Eyes, and local bands Headway, Fourth and Coast, and Hello Highway.

All had set up their own U.S. tours but were missing a member for different reasons.

Because Szikla was willing to be the sit-in bassist and/or guitarist for those bands, he was asked to join them on the road as they played New York City, Chicago, and Seattle. “I got to play in most of the [United] States and Canada and Mexico,” Szikla tells the Reader. “I was a touring, freelance kind of guy.”

Szikla, 26, says he now hopes to hit the road with his own band.

“Cloudside is my new baby. I’ve never been able to push my own band that much. This is my opportunity to really push the songs I’ve written over the years.” He says a six-song EP is in the pipeline. “We’re a Poway band that’s not pop-punk.”

Szikla says he will continue to book shows, even though he is losing a venue. Upcoming shows with headliners Cartel (May 6) and He Is Legend (May 11) will be his last at Porter’s Pub. UCSD is taking over the 550-seat venue in June to devote the music venue to school-sponsored events.

“It’s one more music venue decaying. It’s sad to see the scene is not as thriving as it was ten years ago when there was more camaraderie, better attendance.”

Szikla defends the Epicentre’s pay-to-play policy.

“I have to explain that we are a nonprofit that is in the process of getting out of a deficit. We do that just to stay alive.” He says art classes and karate have been added to keep the teen center vital.

He says the Epicentre is the only place where many of these bands get to play. “The kids love the opportunity. Eighty-five percent are high school or middle school kids.”

Many are hard to listen to. “I keep reminding myself I was there ten years ago.”

Cloudside appears at Soda Bar Thursday night, April 23.