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In the rush of albums, tours and headlines that defined 90s grunge, a handful of side bands quietly explored different sounds. These offshoots let famous artists experiment outside the spotlight. Some produced cult favorites. Others slipped into obscurity. Here are three lesser-known projects where familiar grunge voices took surprising turns.
Hater — Soundgarden’s garage-psyche playground
How it began
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Hater formed as a loose outlet for members of Soundgarden. Drummer Matt Cameron and bassist Ben Shepherd wanted to play without pressure. They gathered friends and recorded songs that felt raw and immediate.
What it sounded like
The music leaned toward fuzzed guitar riffs, punk energy and a playful psychedelic vibe. It didn’t chase radio hooks. Instead, Hater favored short, punchy tracks and offbeat experiments.
Why it remained under the radar
- It was a low-key project recorded between major Soundgarden commitments.
- Promotion was limited; the band never toured extensively.
- The mainstream focus stayed on the members’ primary bands.
Where to hear it today
Hater’s records are best found on streaming platforms and reissues. Fans of gritty garage rock and raw grunge-era demos will find the recordings rewarding.
Three Fish — Jeff Ament’s atmospheric detour
How it started
Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament assembled Three Fish to explore quieter, more meditative music. He teamed with Robbi Robb and drummer Richard Stuverud. The goal was texture over loudness.
Sound and themes
Three Fish blended folk, ambient rock and tribal percussion. The songs often feature layered basslines and haunting melodies. Lyrics leaned introspective and occasionally mystical.
Why it didn’t explode
- The project appealed to a niche audience rather than mainstream grunge fans.
- Members returned to their primary bands, limiting follow-up work.
- Its restrained sound contrasted with the more aggressive grunge hits of the era.
How listeners can explore it now
Give it a listen if you value atmosphere over aggression. The albums offer a different side of the Seattle scene, revealing how grunge musicians processed influence beyond distortion.
Brad — Stone Gossard and Shawn Smith’s soulful side
Origins and core players
Brad formed when Pearl Jam guitarist Stone Gossard paired with vocalist Shawn Smith. The collaboration aimed to capture soulful vocals and melodic songwriting outside Pearl Jam’s framework.
Musical approach
The band mixed rock, soul and alternative textures. Unlike grunge’s heavier moments, Brad emphasized melody, grooves and emotive vocal performances.
Reasons it stayed semi-obscure
- Brad was always secondary to the members’ main projects.
- The sound appealed more to adult-alternative listeners than grunge purists.
- Intermittent activity and long gaps between releases reduced visibility.
Where it fits in the grunge story
Brad proves 90s grunge artists weren’t boxed into a single sound. Their records show how the Seattle scene contained soulful, melodic experiments alongside the era’s signature grit.
