Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani, Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture
The Rise of Chart Topping Collabs and Their Appeal
When you scroll through your playlist, how many of your favorite songs are collaborations? The music industry has seen a significant rise in artist partnerships, with stars like Charli XCX teaming up with Troye Sivan and artists like Chase & Status joining forces with Stormzy. In fact, four of the top 10 tracks in the UK Singles Chart are collabs, and this trend shows no sign of slowing down.
A Surge in Collaborations
According to data, nearly half of the 100 biggest tracks since 2020 have featured multiple artists—more than double the number of collaborations in the late 2000s. This growing trend has been observed across the last 30 years, with the rise of artist pairings becoming a staple of the music scene.
Take Fall Out Boy, for instance, a band known for collaborations with big names like Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato, and Jay Z. Frontman Patrick Stump explains that collaborations often happen through a simple request: “People just ask,” he says. While there was a time when Stump considered holding off on collaborations, an email from Taylor Swift changed his mind. Fall Out Boy ended up on Swift's track "Electric Touch" from her album Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).
The Authenticity of Collaboration
Stump stresses that he prefers organic collaborations over those that feel like marketing ploys. He references the time Brendon Urie from Panic! At The Disco joined Fall Out Boy on a track simply because he was hanging out in the studio. "That's when collaboration feels really good," says Stump, emphasizing that authentic, in the moment partnerships create a natural and rewarding experience.
A Learning Experience
Frequent collaborator Ella Henderson, known for working with artists like David Guetta and Becky Hill, says that collaborating with other musicians has broadened her horizons and allowed her to grow as an artist. She explains that the process helps her learn new techniques and perspectives, pushing her to explore different genres. "Not only do you get to open your horizons a little bit to a different genre of music," Henderson says, "but you also get to learn about their heritage in music."
Collaborating has also revived her creative spark during moments when her own projects felt stale. Henderson shares that songs she initially discarded, like "Crazy What Love Can Do," found new life thanks to David Guetta’s involvement, transforming into a hit. She emphasizes that collaborations can uncover the magic in songs that might otherwise go unheard.
The Impact of Technology and Social Media
Music producer Seb Barlow, who plays bass in the band Neck Deep, has noticed an increase in collaborations, particularly since the pandemic. He attributes this to the rise of remote recording tools, which make it easier than ever for artists to collaborate without being in the same room. "Everyone started looking for ways to collaborate that didn't mean getting in a room with each other," says Barlow.
Neck Deep has collaborated with notable artists like Mark Hoppus from Blink 182 and Sam Carter from The Architects. Barlow explains that collaborations are a way for bands to expand their audience and show that they appreciate a variety of musical styles. "Fans like their favorite artists teaming up with each other," Barlow says, adding that it’s also a fulfilling way for musicians to push themselves creatively.
A Trend That's Here to Stay
As artist collaborations continue to dominate the charts and reach new listeners, it’s clear that this trend is more than just a passing fad. With advancements in technology making remote work easier and fans eagerly awaiting the next big partnership, collaborations have become a way for artists to grow creatively, expand their fanbase, and keep their music fresh.
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