Side-project
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In music, a side-project is a musical project undertaken by one (or several) person already known for their involvement in another band. (It can also be a complete band switching to a different style.) Usually these projects emphasise a different aspect of that person's musical interests than they feel they can 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.
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. 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 famous side-projects
- A Perfect Circle, featuring Tool's Maynard James Keenan.
- Black Light District, a dark ambient side-project of Coil.
- Box Car Racer, featuring members of blink-182.
- Mike & the Mechanics, a side-project of Mike Rutherford of Genesis.
- Ocean Machine, a side-project of Devin Townsend.
- Richard Wahnfried, a more dance-oriented project of composer Klaus Schulze.
- Snakeskin, a side-project of Lacrimosa's Tilo Wolff.
- Stone Sour and The Murderdolls, both side-projects by members of Slipknot.
- Superjoint Ritual, a side-project of Pantera's Phil Anselmo, though he then had to leave Pantera.
- Temple of the Dog, featuring members of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.
- The Breeders, featuring members of Pixies and Throwing Muses.
- The Glove, a side-project of The Cure's Robert Smith and Siouxsie and the Banshees's Steven Severin.
- The Transplants, featuring members of Rancid and blink-182.
- Time Machines, a drone music side-project of Coil.
- Tom Tom Club, a side-project of Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of Talking Heads.