How Boygenius Made Supergroups Cool Again
2024-09-21 · 5 min read
Supergroups have a terrible track record. They generate massive hype, release one album of compromised material where nobody's fully committed, and dissolve into awkward silence. Boygenius broke that pattern completely. Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus created something that elevated all three artists rather than diluting any of them.
The origins were organic. The three were already fans of each other's solo work and touring in overlapping circles. Their 2018 self-titled EP was recorded quickly with minimal overthinking, capturing the raw chemistry between three songwriters who genuinely admire each other's craft. It felt like a conversation between friends.
The Record, their 2023 debut full-length, cemented boygenius as more than a side project. Songs like Not Strong Enough, Cool About It, and True Blue showcased three distinct voices that harmonize both literally and thematically. Baker's intensity, Bridgers' melancholy wit, and Dacus's narrative clarity create a sound none could achieve alone.
Their live shows became events. The 2023 tour featured the trio switching instruments, playfully ribbing each other between songs, and delivering vocal harmonies with the precision of artists who've listened to each other's catalogs hundreds of times. The friendship is the performance, and audiences respond to its authenticity.
The Grammys validated what fans already knew. Best Alternative Music Album and Best Rock Song nominations brought mainstream attention, but more importantly, the group's success created a blueprint for collaboration between artists at similar career stages, sharing credit equally and checking egos at the door.
Whether boygenius releases another album or not, their impact is already significant. They demonstrated that the supergroup format works when driven by genuine friendship rather than label engineering. The bar they set is one that future collaborative projects will be measured against.
