Side-project
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In popular music, a side-project is a project undertaken by one or more persons already known for their involvement in another band. It can also be an artist or a band temporarily switching to a different style.
Usually these projects emphasize a different aspect of that person's or that band's musical interests than they feel they cannot explore within the boundaries established by their main project. Side-projects can later become full-time endeavours, but shouldn't be confused with quitting a band for a solo career or another band.
[edit] Overview
The term "side-project" is sometimes used pejoratively: it is usual for members of popular groups – especially those who have little or no input into the creative process of their group – to take part in side-projects with the expectation that the reputation of the "main" group will propel the side group forward regardless of the project's own merits.
There are several examples of side-projects within music; many bands encourage their members to take part in them, thinking that new creative situations will cause new ideas to be brought back to the group. For instance rap group Wu-Tang Clan has released only a few albums as a complete group, however each of the nine members have pursued success with solo projects, resulting in dozens of side project albums. Other groups, however, insist that each member focus all of their energy on the main band. Metallica falls into this latter category, a decision which led to the departure of former bassist Jason Newsted.
One of the most famous examples of musical side-projects is Kiss' decision in 1978 to have each member of the band, Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley and Peter Criss, simultaneously release solo albums. In 1992, as a tribute to Kiss, The Melvins released solo EPs.
Some notably interesting side-projects include Korn bassist Fieldy's 2002 rap album, and rapper Pakelika, a member of Kottonmouth Kings. Pakelika's only role in Kottonmouth Kings is wearing a strange mask which resembles the face part of a bodycast, and to dance around in videos and on stage. However, Pakelika has released a full length rap album of his own work, despite never speaking on a Kottonmouth King's record.
[edit] Famous or notable side-projects
- (a+) machines, a side project of Matt Noveskey of Blue October
- A Silver Mt. Zion, originally a side project of Montreal post-rock band Godspeed You Black Emperor!
- Angels & Airwaves was created after Box Car Racer split by Tom and David . It is an alternative rock band, alongside ex-Distillers bassist Ryan Sinn and Offspring drummer Atom Willard.
- Box Car Racer, consisting of Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker (then of blink-182), and David Kennedy of Hazen Street.
- Brad (band), featuring members of Pearl Jam and Satchel (band)
- The Breeders, featuring members of Pixies and Throwing Muses.
- Broken Social Scene, originally a side project of members of Toronto band Do Make Say Think.
- Cobra Starship, the side-project of Midtown's singer Gabe Saporta.
- Fort Minor, a rap side-project whose only official member is Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda
- The Glove, a side-project of The Cure's Robert Smith and Siouxsie & the Banshees's Steven Severin.
- Gorillaz, a virtual band composed of four fictional animated band members, created by Damon Albarn from Blur, and Jamie Hewlett, the co-creator of the comic book Tank Girl.
- Gov't Mule, a side project of Warren Haynes and Allen Woody of the Allman Brothers Band
- Mike + The Mechanics, a side-project of Mike Rutherford of Genesis.
- The Network, supposedly a side-project of all the members of Green Day.
- The Postal Service, a side project featuring Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie and Jimmy Tamborello of Dntel.
- PROBOT, a Dave Grohl side-project featuring various 70s and 80s heavy metal vocalists.
- Some Devil, a side-project of Dave Matthews from the Dave Matthews Band.
- Temple of the Dog, featuring members of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.
- Three Fish, featuring Jeff Ament of Pearl Jam.
- Tom Tom Club, a side-project of Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of Talking Heads.
- FM Static, a side-project by Thousand Foot Krutch frontman, Trevor McNevan and drummer Steve Augustine.
- Liquid Tension Experiment, a side-project of Dream Theater featuring John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess, and progressive rock icon bassist Tony Levin.
- Stone Sour, featuring Corey Taylor and Jim Root of Slipknot.
