Is there a “Lost” Art to being in a Band?

Popular music – some people love it, some people hate it, personally I find it very hit and miss nowadays. There is one thing I’ve noticed though in the 21st century, and it might just be me, but where are all the bands and groups?

As of recent times, some of the biggest names that we see are all just solo artists of some sort. To name a few, we have Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, Adele, Robbie Williams… The list goes on with just a single person’s name in some shape or form. This is all okay, but where’s the next Queen? Where’s the next Black Sabbath?

George Ezra has a promising 2019 ahead of him.

It’s not a bad thing, and it certainly isn’t something new (for example, Ozzy Osbourne, Elton John and Kate Bush have been making music under their own names for years) but it makes me wonder where the art of being in a band or a group has gone? It’s hard to explain why, but I get a lot more excitement when it comes to those as opposed to a solo artist, which is why I spend a lot of my time revisiting my mosher-nerd days at the moment.

You can’t escape the curse of the solo artist though – for those who are familiar in the rock and metal scenes, you still see single names cropping up such as Devin Townsend and Steven Wilson. Again, both amazing musicians with amazing music… but I got more excited when those two were in actual bands with other consistent members. Even Jonathon Davis of Korn is touring with his own solo record now!

Steven Wilson used to lead prog rock band Porcupine Tree, but is now a fairly successful solo artist.

I’m definitely not complaining about this, I still think some brilliant music is being provided to us all, even if it is under the moniker of a single person’s name. I’m just not sure why it’s not considered “cool” to be in a band anymore? Maybe it became overly saturated? Is it just because marketing a band in today’s age is a lot more difficult, and people prefer that personal connection with an artist’s name?

The art of being in a band is far from dead though. For example, the kids in Greta Van Fleet are giving us a taste of what it’s like to go back to the 70’s, and going back to my mosher-nerd days, there’s A LOT of very strong bands that are doing brilliantly. So, maybe I’m just imagining things?

What are your thoughts? Is being in a band with your mates a dying art? Or do you think it’s just not in popular music’s interest right now? …Or am I just getting worried over nothing? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!