Do Pop Stars Focus on Singing After Gaining Success?

It is a common misconception that all musicians stop playing instruments and solely focus on singing once they achieve significant success in the music industry. However, this is not the case for many artists. The success of a musical act does not necessarily mean that they will abandon their instruments in favor of singing.

Essential Ingredients for Success in Music

While singing is indeed a critical component of musical success, it is far from the only requirement. A strong combination of vocal prowess, songwriting skills, compositional ability, and instrumental proficiency is what often propels a musical act to the top. A great singer is indeed one of the key ingredients, but the absence of instrumental proficiency can hinder an artist's ability to make it big in the music world.

Non-Singing Musicians

It is not uncommon for musicians to achieve success without being primarily singers. Many musicians who gain fame and recognition do very little singing, if any, either before or after their success. These artists focus on their instrumental skills and the creation of their music. They often work with session musicians to provide backing for their singing and vocal performances once they enter the mainstream music industry.

The Role of Instruments in Singer/Songwriters

For singer/songwriters, the relationship between singing and playing instruments is more complex. These artists may play an instrument when performing live or in the studio to maintain a sense of authenticity. However, as they progress in their careers and earn the financial means to hire backing musicians, the focus often shifts from performing with their instrument to concentrating on their vocal performance. When writing, they still use their instruments, but the performance aspect may take a back seat.

Popular Pop Stars with Instrumental Skills

Countless pop stars demonstrate a high level of instrumental proficiency alongside their singing. For instance, John Mayer and Brad Paisley are renowned for both their exceptional singing and guitar playing. Ed Sheeran, while not quite as exceptional as the former two, is still an adept guitarist with impressive singing skills. Similarly, Lady Gaga occasionally performs with a piano, showcasing her impressive piano playing and vocal abilities. Matthew Bellamy from Muse is a multidimensional artist, excelling in singing, guitar playing, and piano playing.

The Continuation of Instrumental Performances

Some pop stars continue to combine singing and playing instruments throughout their entire career. These artists ensure that they retain their unique authenticity by performing with their instruments in live concerts. John Mayer and Brad Paisley, mentioned earlier, are prime examples of musicians who maintain their high level of instrumental performance as they rise to fame. Ed Sheeran, while perhaps not as impressive in his guitar skills as the former two, still demonstrates his prowess in both areas.

In conclusion, while many musicians do focus more on their singing as they gain success, it is by no means universal. Many artists continue to play instruments and blend their instrumental and vocal performances, showcasing the multifaceted nature of their artistry. The success of a musical act is a symphony of skills, and the balance between singing and playing instruments depends on the specific career trajectory and personal choices of the artist.