Breaking free from the constraints of a primary band often sparks incredible creativity. For many musicians, side projects offer the perfect outlet to experiment and explore new musical territories. These ventures aren’t just about stepping away; they’re about uncovering sides of their artistry that might otherwise remain hidden.
Side projects often reveal a different layer of a musician’s personality. Whether diving into an entirely different genre or collaborating with unexpected artists, these pursuits give fans a glimpse into their broader creative vision. It’s where risks are taken, boundaries are pushed, and innovation thrives.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most remarkable side projects created by famous musicians. Each one offers a fresh perspective on the artists we thought we knew, showcasing their ability to reinvent and surprise us beyond their main stage.
The Postal Service, Ben Gibbard
The Postal Service is an electronic side project led by Ben Gibbard, who’s better known as the frontman of indie rock band Death Cab for Cutie. While Death Cab’s music is more traditional rock, The Postal Service dives into electronic beats and synthesizers, creating a completely different vibe.
Despite being a contrast to his main band’s sound, The Postal Service became an instant hit, with its music gaining widespread acclaim. Over time, it even outpaced Death Cab for Cutie in popularity, showing Gibbard’s versatility as an artist.
Though The Postal Service has reached new heights, Death Cab for Cutie remains Gibbard’s primary focus. In 2022, the two worlds collided as Gibbard took both projects on tour, performing to massive stadium crowds, blending his musical identities like never before.
The Smile
The Smile is a side project spearheaded by Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, two iconic members of Radiohead. Joining forces with drummer Tom Skinner and producer Nigel Godrich, the band dives into experimental territory that deviates from their Radiohead roots.
In 2021, the group surprised fans with an unannounced performance at the Glastonbury Festival. The following year, they kept the momentum going with the release of several singles that showcased their fresh sound.
By May 2022, The Smile dropped their debut studio album, A Light for Attracting Attention, to critical acclaim. To cap off the year, they also released a live EP, offering fans an intimate glimpse of their evolving artistry.
The Raconteurs
The Raconteurs were born out of Jack White’s desire to explore new musical ground beyond The White Stripes. Partnering with talented songwriter Brendan Benson, the band also includes bassist Jack Lawrence and drummer Patrick Keeler.
Their debut album, Broken Boy Soldiers, hit the shelves in 2006, quickly making waves with its raw energy and catchy hooks. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, setting the stage for their future successes.
In 2008, The Raconteurs followed up with Consolers of the Lonely, and their third album, Help Us Stranger, was released in 2019. Each album showcased the band’s growth, blending rock, blues, and garage sounds into a distinctive mix that continues to resonate with fans.
Lovemongers
Lovemongers is an acoustic band formed by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson, best known for their work with Heart. Alongside longtime Heart collaborators Sue Ennis and Frank Cox, the group explored a more laid-back, folk-driven sound.
In 1992, Lovemongers released a live EP, Battle of Evermore, featuring covers that showcased their ability to reinterpret classic songs in their unique style. The project gave fans a taste of the Wilson sisters’ softer, more intimate side.
Five years later, Lovemongers released Whirlygig, their only full-length album. The 10-track LP was entirely original, with no outside writers, demonstrating their songwriting capabilities outside the confines of Heart’s rock sound.
Mad Season
Mad Season was a short-lived grunge supergroup formed in 1994, featuring major figures from the Seattle music scene. The band brought together Mike McCready of Pearl Jam, Layne Staley of Alice in Chains, Barrett Martin of Screaming Trees, and bassist John Baker Saunders.
Their debut album, Above, was released in 1995, producing the hit single “River of Deceit.” The album went on to achieve gold record status, marking a high point for the group. Despite its success, Mad Season’s trajectory was cut short by tragedy.
After Staley’s struggles with addiction and eventual death, followed by Saunders’ death in 1999, the group never reunited in full. However, partial reunions in 2012, 2014, and 2015 kept the band’s legacy alive. A box set of rare songs was released in 2013, and grunge icon Mark Lanegan briefly replaced Staley before his own passing in 2022.
The Traveling Wilburys
The Traveling Wilburys is often considered the most iconic side project in music history. The supergroup featured five legendary artists: Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. Each member brought their unique style, creating an unforgettable sound.
Their collaboration began in 1987 when Harrison and Lynne were working on Harrison’s album Cloud Nine. As the two were recording, they decided to invite their friends to join in, and the magic of the Traveling Wilburys was born.
The band released two albums, Traveling Wilburys Vol 1 in 1988 and Vol 3 in 1990, both of which were met with widespread acclaim. This unlikely group of musicians produced timeless songs, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with fans.
Prophets of Rage
Prophets of Rage was formed in 2016 as a powerful side project to address the growing political unrest in the United States. The group brought together musicians Tom Morello and Tim Commerford from Rage Against the Machine, alongside Chuck D of Public Enemy and B-Real of Cypress Hill.
The band’s mission was clear: to use their music as a platform for activism and social justice. Their sound combined the raw energy of rock and hip-hop, reflecting their commitment to challenging societal norms and promoting change.
With their bold messages and electrifying performances, Prophets of Rage became a voice for the politically charged climate of the time. They quickly gained attention and sparked conversations, proving that music could still be a powerful tool for activism.