Inside the Business of Boy Bands — From One Direction to BTS
On the latest episode of On the Record, Billboard's Jason Lipshutz joins the podcast to talk about his new book on One Direction and what makes boy bands a singular music business phenomenon.
The music industry has long been captivated by the allure of male vocal groups, known collectively as boy bands. These groups, which have evolved in style, presentation, and size throughout various generations, continue to be a staple in global music culture. Prominent examples include New Kids on the Block, Menudo, Boyz II Men, One Direction, and BTS.
Beyond their musical talent, boy bands are also substantial business ventures. Their ability to sell millions of albums and merchandise, such as pillows, t-shirts, action figures, and toothbrushes, highlights the significant impact they have on the industry. However, the popularity of these groups is often short-lived. As Jason Lipshutz, co-chief content officer at Billboard, notes in his new book, "A Whole Lotta History: One Direction and the Sound That Shaped a Generation," boy bands are "ephemeral" in nature, typically lasting just a few years as their predominantly teenage female fanbase matures.
Jason Lipshutz joins Billboard On the Record to discuss his book on One Direction, the mechanics of the boy band industry, and the evolution of our modern understanding of these groups. In this excerpt, Lipshutz explains the definition of a boy band, which has expanded from its origins in the late '80s and early '90s to encompass a wider range of members, sounds, and presentations in the 2020s.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
