As the music industry continues to evolve, so do the artists. As a result, some artists transcend genres and become rockstars in their own right. These “entertainment artists” change how music is made and performed with their new sounds and ideas. Entertainers are setting themselves apart from conventional musicians with innovative techniques. No one has set the bar higher than these individuals taking the industry by storm. This article discusses the entertainers who are transforming the industry.
1. The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips are a band from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. They are known for making outrageous art, performing at festivals, and playing in unconventional venues such as art museums or their planetarium. This band was formed in 1983 and had been making its brand of alternative rock since. The band is composed of Wayne Coyne (lead vocals, guitar), Michael Ivins (bass, keyboards), and Steven Drozd (drums, percussion) and includes numerous guest artists. Wayne Coyne is the main songwriter in the band, but everyone collaborates with everyone on music and art projects.
2. Dr. Dog
Dr. Dog is an indie rock band formed in the early ’90s. They hail from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and make music since 2000. They are known for their psychedelic rock sound, dreamy vocals, and catchy songs, always in a major key. The band is composed of Toby Leaman (lead vocals, guitar), Scott McMicken (guitar), Frank McElroy (bass), and Zach Miller (drums). The band is known for their performance at the Philadelphia Folk Festival in 2006, where they played to over 100,000 people.
3. Imogen Heap
Imogen Heap is a singer-songwriter from England who has been making music since 1999. She is known for her experimental sound and unique voice. She has collaborated with many big names in pop music and inspiring other artists and musicians. Heap has worked with major record labels and was the first artist to be signed to MySpace Records. She is known for performing gigs in unconventional venues and online, such as her gig in London, where she sang live over the internet using audio-video communication software.
4. Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens is an American Grammy Award-winning folk musician known for his unique style of music. He is also a songwriter and artist who has publicly declared his love for the instrument banjo. Stevens is known for his melancholy style and banjo, which he uses in his songs. He is also known to experiment with other instruments during performances. Stevens is the only musician permitted to perform in a Museum of Contemporary Art by the museum artist. This act was deemed necessary due to his “genre-defying” performances (Klein). Stevens is one of the most innovative folk artists working today.
