Musical collective is a phrase used in reference to a leaderless entity that is predisposed to performing music that may be considered experimental. The sound becomes the focus, as opposed to having the outfit become a stepping stone for potential cynosures. Such entities have transitioned from the traditional hierarchical configuration that features either a frontman (e.g.
The Cure's
Robert Smith, or
Trent Reznor of
Nine Inch Nails), or a plurality of band members in tension for dominance (e.g.
Louise Post &
Nina Gordon of
Veruca Salt, or
The Beatles'
John Lennon &
Paul McCartney.) Collectives are seen as an alternative to more ego-driven, combative paradigms of group music-making.
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