There’s a lot of pressure to sound original as an artist. Some music fans praise originality, while others appreciate artists who sound like other artists they’re familiar with. Oftentimes, an artist can either carry influence into their own craft or coincidentally sound similar to another artist unintentionally. Whatever the case may be, sometimes an artist is mistaken for another artist upon hearing their debut release.
ben kweller
Previously, Ben Kweller was known as the singer and guitarist of the young 90s alternative rock band Radish. They were slated to be America’s answer to Silverchair. In 1999, Kweller embarked on a solo career. His 2000 debut solo release, Sha Sha, sounded strangely similar to another 90s alternative rock band. When Kweller’s single “Wasted and Ready” became a radio hit, many thought it was the return of Weezer. By this point, Weezer had released their iconic debut album and their fan-favorite Pinkerton before a four-year hiatus, returning in 2001.
the fray
In 2005, The Fray released their debut album, How To Save A Life. The band’s debut single, “Over My Head (Cable Car)” was a huge hit for the band, peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. A follow-up single, “How To Save A Life”, was an even bigger hit for the band, peaking at No, 3 on the Hot 100. These singles took their debut album to No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and No. 4 on the Top Rock Albums chart.
Initially, fans mistook these songs for new Coldplay tracks. Not only do the groups sound similar, but this also had to do with timing. Coldplay had previously released their third studio album, X&Y, in June 2005. Only a few short months later, The Fray released their debut album, and “Over My Head (Cable Car)” became a radio hit in October.
owl city
In 2007, synth-pop artist Adam Young launched his project Owl City. In 2009, he released the massively successful debut single, “Fireflies”. Upon release, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two non-consecutive weeks. Subsequently, Owl City’s sophomore album, Ocean Eyes, peaked at No. 1 on the Top Alternative Albums, Top Dance Albums, and Top Rock Albums charts. This was an incredible feat for a synth-pop artist. Additionally, the album peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Initially, many assumed this was the return of Ben Gibbard’s project, The Postal Service. The Death Cab For Cutie singer launched the side project in 2003 with their only studio album, Give Up. It spawned the indie pop hit “Such Great Heights”, which peaked at No. 21 on the Hot 100. Throughout the years, fans have anxiously awaited a sophomore release. Though the group has reunited and toured, they’ve still released only one album.
Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for Clear Channel Radio New York
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