In these days of gigs with just DJ's & MC's the concept of bands is unknown to a lot of the younger generation, something that surprises me a lot, cos I grew up listening to a lot of bands, like Nirvana, Rage Against The Machine, System Of A Down, The Roots and so on.
In many forms of music there have been fewer bands over the last 10 years or so.
I personally think that "club culture" is finishing it's course as being the main place where all the latest hit songs are found. One example being the Brit awards this year being centred around bands like Franz Ferdinand ,The Libertines etc. While it might not be to everyone's taste, I'm very supportive of changes like this, we need more bands!
Even in the bhangra scene, where's the Apna Sangeets and The Sahotas' new, 21st century counterparts? There don't seem to be any.
I occasionally see gigs where artists are billed as "artist - with backing band". However I don't believe that a true band can exist when the focus is still on any one person. Not to take anything away from people that do this, but many are simply puppets to play along with songs that they have nothing to do with creatively, and many are never asked for any input at all.
Whilst this does need to exist in some forms, there is no need to bill it as a band. It almost feels like some people are just trying to big themselves up for having a "band".
Where are the new bands where the musical output is a group effort?
I love being in a band, I love that the focus isn't on ONE of us, it's on ALL of us. I love having an idea and discussing it with the other guys in the band for their input, and hearing their ideas and giving my own input. I believe it brings out the best in all of us, and I believe it's something that the industry can only benefit from, rather than looking for the next "Pop Idol" one hit wonders singing old songs.
I believe that in the 21st century, bands are more relevant than ever.
Your thoughts?
