Wall of Mouths

Honestly, it seems to get some demons out of the artists systems. Maynard Keenan said it best when asked why he did A Perfect Circle. The songs were already made, but they weren’t really what he’d call Tool songs.

There’s a point when the band should be more important than a single component in it, and satisfying ego’s can be difficult, especially when a band has been together for a long time.

I figure having side projects and waiting an extra year or two is a small price to pay for a new album, compared to losing a great band over tensions involving creative differences that could have been satisfied through the previous venue.

I could be wrong though. I’m told it happens.

My guess is because the music scene has become stale in most quarters again. As far as popular rock goes, there really hasn’t been much to differentiate it from 10 years ago.

As for including other artists, it can only help both bands if one of them gets “discovered” by the public.

Think about it… two bands work on a song together, and have that song released as a single. The single catches on, and both bands get promoted. Even ages ago they did this. Sting sang with Dire Straites on Money For Nothing, and it boosted sales and recognition.

Some people see it as selling out, and some artists see it as an oppertunity to work with someone they’ve always wanted to and broaden their fan base. It’s not just money sense.

Again, though, this is just my opinion, I could be wrong.