Side-project
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 emphasise 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.
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.
*
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.
*
The Breeders, featuring members of
Pixies and
Throwing Muses.
*
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.
*
Mike & the Mechanics, a side-project of
Mike Rutherford of
Genesis.
*
The Network, supposedly a side-project of all the members of
Green Day.
*
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.
*
Tom Tom Club, a side-project of
Tina Weymouth and
Chris Frantz of
Talking Heads.
*
Cobra Starship, the side-project of
Midtown's singer Gabe Saporta.
*
Box Car Racer, consisting of
Tom DeLonge and
Travis Barker (then of
blink-182), and
David Kennedy of
Hazen Street.
These three later created
Angels & Airwaves, an
alternative rock band, alongside ex-
Distillers bassist
Ryan Sinn and
Offspring drummer
Atom Willard, although it can be argued that this is not strictly a side-project, since, for most band members, it is currently their chief musical commitment.
