We got to interview Mike Ziemer(Third String Festivals/Productions). See what he had to say about being in the tenth year of So What?! Festival as well as his other ventures!

TSM: How did you get into booking festivals? Where did you start?


Mike: We wanted to add more bands to our shows so we added a second stage on the second show I ever did and realized if more bands are playing, more people are coming to shows. We tried to do as many of these little 2 stage shows as possible and then it turned into 3 and 4 stages and these large festivals we do today!

TSM: Third String Festivals is in its tenth year, explain how it feels to look at the present and from what started.

Mike: As a business, Third String has actually been around since 2004, but So What?! is celebrating it’s 10th year. It’s insane to think something that started out for fun to help friends has turned into what it has. Being able to “work in music” as a living is crazy for me. 

TSM: You also own a record label “Third String Records”. Can you explain how that came to be and which artists you have on the label?


Mike: I started the label in 2005 but I ended up putting the idea on the shelf because I was more focused on management and shows. When I was managing the band Dear You, they needed help putting their album out so I started the label back up. Currently we have Assuming We Survive, Idle Lives, Mariner, and Desires on the label! 

TSM: Do you do other productions aside from Third String Festivals/Productions?

Mike: Nope!

TSM: What is your favorite band to work with when it comes to booking concerts?
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Mike: I have so many bands I love working with, it’s so hard to choose just one. If I had to, I would say Dance Gavin Dance. Those are some of my favorite people!