The discussion around instrumental vs. vocal-led bands in guitar music is always a hot topic. Take Chapman Guitars artist Rabea Massaad, for instance. His bands Dorje and Toska have garnered attention, but the conversation often circles back to vocals – specifically, whether the presence or absence of a strong vocalist impacts a band’s reach.
One perspective is that vocals are crucial for wider appeal. While instrumental bands can achieve cult status and critical acclaim, breaking into the mainstream consciousness is a different game. Even devoted instrumental music fans might find themselves craving vocals after a while. Dorje, for example, while showcasing incredible musicianship, has faced commentary regarding the vocals, suggesting it might be a barrier for some listeners.
This brings up the career of Rabea Massaad himself. A phenomenal guitarist associated with Chapman Guitars, he’s undeniably successful. He’s played prestigious gigs and built a strong following. However, a fair question arises: is he predominantly known for his bands, or is his fame more rooted in his online presence as a “GearTuber”? For many outside the musician bubble, it’s arguably the latter. The hope for many fans was a project uniting Massaad with Nolly Getgood, envisioning a powerful combination of guitar prowess and, presumably, a strong vocalist to elevate the music further.
But the challenge remains: good vocalists for this style of music seem scarce. The prevalence of instrumental groups might not be a stylistic choice, but a necessity. Could the declining popularity of rock music itself be contributing to a smaller pool of rock vocalists?
Looking at the broader music scene, you see a rise of genres blending hip-hop with heavy guitar elements dominating new rock playlists. Yet, on the flip side, bands like Spiritbox demonstrate that modern heavy metal with a stellar vocalist can indeed break through. Their rapid rise in popularity and sold-out shows prove that the right vocalist in the right band can still resonate powerfully in today’s music landscape. The question isn’t whether guitar music is relevant, but how vocals shape its accessibility and broader success.
