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For a certain generation, Myspace was where bands broke through and fans discovered midnight playlists. Amid profile pics and friend counts, many frontmen and sidemen launched side projects that burned bright and then slipped under the radar. These offshoots reveal artists experimenting outside their signature sounds. Here are three underrated side projects from 2000s Myspace-era acts that deserve a fresh listen.
Jack’s Mannequin — Andrew McMahon’s piano-led escape
After Something Corporate’s emo-piano hooks, Andrew McMahon created a solo outlet with a more personal, cinematic bent. Jack’s Mannequin blended piano rock with confessional lyrics. The project arrived at a moment when Myspace playlists helped fans trade demos and bootlegs.
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How it started
McMahon used the name to separate his solo songwriting from the band’s identity. The songs leaned into storytelling and broader arrangements.
Sound and standout tracks
- “Dark Blue” — swelling chorus built around a piano motif.
- “The Mixed Tape” — nostalgic narrative and concise pop craftsmanship.
- “Bruised” — raw emotion with melodic hooks.
Why it faded from playlists
Jack’s Mannequin became associated with a specific era and McMahon’s later projects and health struggles shifted attention. Yet the songs still reward repeat listens for their melodic clarity.
The Young Veins — retro pop from ex–Panic! members
When Ryan Ross and Jon Walker left Panic! at the Disco, they pursued a vintage pop direction. The Young Veins looked back to 1960s rock and early pop, trading theatrical emo for jangly guitars and harmonies.
Origins and angle
Frustrated with their former band’s evolving sound, they embraced concise songwriting and period production choices.
Essential songs to rediscover
- “Change” — upbeat, hook-filled single with a retro sheen.
- “Take a Vacation!” — album title track that captures the group’s breezy aesthetic.
- “I Can Feel You” — melodic interplay and vintage vibes.
What makes it notable
The Young Veins showed how artists can reinvent themselves by borrowing classic influences. Their short lifespan kept the project from staying in mainstream rotation.
Leathermouth — Frank Iero’s abrasive side of My Chemical Romance
Frank Iero stepped away from his role as guitarist to channel something harsher. Leathermouth delivered aggressive, hardcore-tinged songs rich with anger and urgency.
Formation and purpose
Iero formed Leathermouth with friends to explore themes that didn’t fit MCR’s framework. The project embraced raw production and confrontational lyricism.
Key tracks and moments
- “Bodysnatchers 4 Ever (I Got a Feeling I’m Fixin’ to Die)” — an adrenaline shot of punk fury.
- “To Tame a Lifeless Tongue” — frantic, uncompromising and cathartic.
- “Sunsets Are For Muggings” — dark imagery paired with breakneck pacing.
Legacy and rediscovery
Leathermouth remains a cult favorite among fans who wanted to hear the rawer side of a mainstream act. Its intensity contrasts sharply with Iero’s other work.
How to find these forgotten projects today
Streaming services and curated playlists make rediscovery easy. Look for deluxe reissues, fan forums, and archival uploads for rarer B-sides and demos.
- Search on major streaming platforms for official releases.
- Check band and artist pages on social media for archive links.
- Explore fan communities and music blogs for rare live recordings.
Each project offers a different window into what artists were willing to try when Myspace made cross-pollination simple. They capture risk-taking moments that larger discographies sometimes obscure.
