When musicians fight to break into the music scene, one of the first things they can do is establish their music genres. Over time, there are some musicians who want to switch things up or find that things aren’t working out for them in their current genre, and as a result, switch music genres. Making a big switch could really make or break a career, and some musicians could seriously change the trajectory of their careers.
Gwen Stefani
Gwen Stefani first broke into the music industry as the lead singer of the ska band No Doubt. The band made a name for themselves with hits like “Just A Girl” and “Don’t Speak.’ With roots in several different genres like punk and reggae, No Doubt became one of the most famous female-fronted bands of all time.
In 2004, No Doubt went on hiatus, and Gwen decided to start her solo career, in which she quickly switched music genres. Wanting to break away from being known as the front-woman of No Doubt, she released her debut album, Love. Angel. Music. Baby. It was pretty obvious from her hit singles from the album like “Hollaback Girl,” “What You Waiting For?,” and “Rich Girl” that she seamlessly made the switch to pop music.
Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker is another artist to successfully switch music genres when he went from rock to country music. Darius was a part of the ’90s alt-rock band, Hootie & the Blowfish, and established himself in the music industry as a member of the band. In 2008, however, he decided to take the leap and make the move into country. According to American Songwriter, a few months later, he hit number one with his country single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” making him the first Black artist to be No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in 25 years.
Katy Perry
Many people might not realize that in the very beginning of her career, Katy Perry changed music genres when her first one wasn’t really working out for her. Before we knew her as Katy Perry, she was going by Katy Hudson. In 2001, she was first offered a record deal where she recorded her debut self-titled album, which was Christian Rock, according to American Songwriter. Now we know that quickly changed for her when she
Machine Gun Kelly
When we were first introduced to Machine Gun Kelly, we knew him to be a rapper. His rapid-fire raps were quick to get the attention of other rappers, specifically Eminem, with whom the two had a feud for quite some time. MGK shocked fans and the music industry when he suddenly changed music genres with the release of his album, Tickets to My Downfall, where he exchanged his rap bars for electric guitars and pop-punk beats. Long forgotten were his rap verses, instead performing songs that you’d hear at the Vans Warped Tour, which turned out to be a great career move for MGK.
Skrillex
Before Skrillex became the electronic music producer powerhouse that he is, he was a musician performing under a completely different name and genre. In 2006, as a teenager, Sonny Moore, also known as Skrillex, became the lead singer of the post-hardcore band called From First to Last. According to VIP Zone, he had surgery on his vocal cords that led him to leave the band. In 2008, he changed music genres and became EDM superstar Skrillex.
Taylor Swift
It should come as no surprise that Taylor Swift successfully switched music genres. When she signed her first record deal as a teenager, he started her career as a country music star. As she gained more success, she decided to make the big switch to pop music and become a mainstream pop princess. While these days she’s primarily pop, she occasionally switches genres with the edginess of Reputation as well as the indie-folk of Folklore and Evermore. This proves that Taylor Swift can conquer any music genre.
The Beastie Boys
While we primarily know The Beastie Boys from their hip-hop songs in the late 1980s and early 1990s, they weren’t always that way. Before they released their debut album Licensed to Ill, they weren’t rapping hip-hop verses. Instead, the Beastie Boys were a pop-punk band. According to American Songwriter, record producer Rick Rubin convinced the band to fully make the switch to rap and hip-hop, becoming the Beastie Boys we know and love.
Tinashe
We know Tinashe as an incredibly talented R&B artist, but before that could happen, she had to get her start somewhere. In the early 2000s, she was once a member of a pop girl group called the Stunners, according to American Songwriter. She was in the girl group for a few years, but unfortunately, it didn’t really go anywhere. The group broke up, and Tinashe went off on her own, using what she learned from being a pop star to successfully transition into a R&B star.
Post Malone
While Post Malone did make a music genre change, his was a little more subtle than others. He first burst onto the music scene as a hip-hop artist, primarily rapping over infectious beats. Eventually, he started to collaborate with country artists such as Morgan Wallen as he subtly switched music genres to country. These days, instead of rapping lyrics, he’s singing more heartfelt songs, and country fans are loving the new Post Malone.
Harry Styles
Harry Styles is arguably one of the most famous musicians on the planet. As we all know, he started off his career as a member of the boy band One Direction, where they churned out several albums full of some of the biggest pop hits. Once One Direction decided to go on hiatus, Harry decided to pursue his solo career. As a solo artist, Harry changed music genres, walking away from bubblegum pop music and turning to glam rock and folk music. It’s clear that no matter what genre Harry sings, fans are going to love it.
When an artist decides to switch music genres during their career, sometimes it can be the best decision for them. Many of these musicians certainly don’t regret making the change, as it has propelled them into superstardom and even more success.
