Evolving the Sound vs. Sticking to the Formula

photo by unusualimage

As a lifetime fan of music and specifically the album format, I have come to the conclusion that there are two types of bands: The ones who stick to their proven formula on each album, and the ones who reinvent and evolve their sound on each installment in their catalog.

There’s something to be said for both sides of this debate.  Every band has a different preference, whether they’re aware of it or not.  Solo songwriters also have their own personal style in regards to changing their sound or sticking to one style over a long period of time.

It also depends on the fanbase.  Do they demand a certain sound and style that they have enjoyed over the years, or do they expect to be taken on a journey through new creative directions on each album?

Sticking to the Formula

Let’s first look at the formula-driven approach.  The obvious qualm many have here is that each album and many songs tend to “sound the same”.  The debut album could be swapped with one a decade into the life of the group and it would be hard to tell which was recorded first.

But this may not be so bad.  If the band has invented a truly original sound that sets them apart from the rest of the musical landscape of their time, then perhaps their consistency serves to reinforce their uniqueness as a band.

Some fans tend reject the music of a band who abandons their original sound.  How often have your heard the phrase, “I enjoyed their old stuff better than their new stuff”?  This type of fan has a hard time digesting new incarnations of a band they’ve come to love.  Maybe they have a point.  Sometimes the band strikes gold on the debut album and it’s downhill from there due to over-experimentation, if there is such a thing.

Evolving the Sound

Many fans, especially musician-fans, appreciate a band who changes and evolves with each release.  The band’s change in creative direction keeps their fans interest alive over the years.  It creates heated anticipation when a new album is on the horizon and lively chatter once the music circulates.

Bands who change and evolve their sound are able to tell a story over the long-term.  They tell you more about the moment in time each album brings.  The fans become more in tune with where the musicians are creatively and emotionally during the period of time spent on each album.

Of course, too much change and innovation can have the downside of turning off fans who prefer the original sound.  They miss the stuff that made them like the band in the first place.  But sometimes it just takes a little longer for these fans to appreciate the progression in the band’s music.  The more original and unique the sound, the more listens it takes to digest the full story in the music.

The Musician’s Preference

I think it’s fair to say that most songwriters and musicians prefer music that progresses over time.  I happen to agree.  I love picking apart all of the creative decisions that bands make with each new album.  I’m itching to hear something new and interesting from the songwriters I’ve come to know so well.

Perhaps it goes back to the way musicians hear music vs. the way non-musicians hear music.  With a background in the way instruments are played, we (musicians) can digest new sounds and styles faster than a non-musician can.  We’re more in tune with the way recordings are produced, allowing us to hear more of what’s going on in the music.

This is not to say that non-musicians can’t dig past the surface of songs or albums.  Many do, and appreciate the creative appetite of a band who prefers to change over time.  

Where do You Stand?

Share your thoughts in the comments.  Let’s hear what your preference is.  Share your personal approach to writing and releasing music.  Tell us about bands you enjoy because of their winning formula or because of their changing style.

Related posts:

1. Advice From The Road: Sound Issues
2. 20 Ways to Keep Evolving as a Musician
3. The Importance of the Album Format
4. What Makes A Song Sound Bad – Part 2
5. Rock Solid Email List Management from Champion Sound (+ Coupon!)

Enjoyed reading this post?
Get articles sent to you via EMAIL or RSS (what’s RSS?)

Thanks for being part of the conversation at Serve The Song. We have a simple comment policy (with thanks to Tim Ferriss) - critical is fine, but if you’re rude we'll delete your stuff. ’Nuff said.