Side-project

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In popular music, a side-project is a project undertaken by one (or several) person 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.

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.

Famous or notable side-projects

In alphabetical order:

• the 6ths, essentially Magnetic Fields with a variety of guest vocalists including Bob Mould, (formerly of Hüsker Dü), former Altered Images vocalist Clare Grogan and Dean Wareham previously of Galaxie 500 and Luna.
• A Perfect Circle, featuring Tool's Maynard James Keenan.
• A Silver Mt. Zion, featuring members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor.
• Black Light District, a dark ambient side-project of Coil.
• Box Car Racer, featuring members of blink-182.
• The Breeders, featuring members of Pixies and Throwing Muses.
• Excessive Force, featuring members of KMFDM and My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult.
• Fort Minor, a rap side-project whose only official member is Linkin Park's Mike Shinoda
• Gescom is an "umbrella project" of Autechre with various (and often mysterious) collaborators, including over time at least Sean Booth and Rob Brown (alias Autechre), Darrell Fitton (alias Bola), Rob Hall (from Skam Records), Andy Maddocks (from Skam Records), Daniel 72, Velocity Kendall, Tara, Pharoid, Time Chamber, DC Duo's.
• The Glove, a side-project of The Cure's Robert Smith and Siouxsie & the Banshees's Steven Severin.
• Gorillaz, featuring Jamie Hewlett of Tank Girl fame, and Blur's Damon Albarn.
• Gov't Mule, a side-project of Warren Haynes and Allen Woody of the Allman Brothers Band.
• Mad Season, featuring members of the Seattle grunge scene, including Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, and Screaming Trees.
• Mike & the Mechanics, a side-project of Mike Rutherford of Genesis.
• The Network, a side-project of all the members of Green Day.
• Ocean Machine, a side-project of Devin Townsend.
• Pigface, an industrial "supergroup" that has a constantly-rotating lineup, including members of notable bands Throbbing Gristle, Nine Inch Nails, KMFDM, Ministry, Skinny Puppy.
• PROBOT, a Dave Grohl side-project featuring various 70s and 80s heavy metal vocalists.
• ProjeKct One, a side-project of King Crimson's Robert Fripp, Trey Gunn, Tony Levin, Bill Bruford.
• ProjeKct Two, a side-project of King Crimson's Robert Fripp, Trey Gunn, Adrian Belew.
• ProjeKct Three, a side-project of King Crimson's Robert Fripp, Trey Gunn, Pat Mastelotto.
• ProjeKct Four, a side-project of King Crimson's Robert Fripp, Trey Gunn, Pat Mastelotto, Tony Levin.
• ProjeKct X, a side-project of King Crimson's Robert Fripp, Trey Gunn, Pat Mastelotto, Adrian Belew.
• Rainbow, a side-project of Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
• Richard Wahnfried, a more dance-oriented side-project of composer Klaus Schulze.
• Snakeskin, a side-project of Lacrimosa's Tilo Wolff.
• Some Devil, a side-project of Dave Matthews, from Dave Matthews Band.
• 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.
• Tapeworm - reported collaborative project of Trent Reznor, Danny Lohner, and Charlie Clouser (Nine Inch Nails), Maynard James Keenan (Tool), Atticus Ross (12 Rounds), and many others. Existed for 8 years, but disbanded without releasing any music.
• Temple of the Dog, featuring members of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden.
• Time Machines, a drone music side-project of Coil.
• Tom Tom Club, a side-project of Tina Weymouth and Chris Frantz of Talking Heads.
• Trance Atlantic Air Waves, a side-project of Michael Cretu, creator of the musical project, Enigma.
• The Trans-Siberian Orchestra is a side-project of members of Savatage that has become better-known than the original band.
• The Transplants, featuring members of Rancid and blink-182.