Prince’s Secret Side Projects: Exploring the Music He Released Under Other Names

When we think of Prince, we instantly remember the purple icon—the electrifying performer, prolific songwriter, and genre-defying artist who shaped pop and funk music across decades. But what you might not know is that Prince was also a master of disguise, releasing groundbreaking music under various pseudonyms and side projects. These secret identities allowed him to explore different sounds, challenge the status quo, and push creative boundaries without the overwhelming spotlight his own name carried.

Today, we’re diving deep into Prince’s secret side projects and the mysterious, iconic music he put out under other names. If you’re a true Prince stan, grab your headphones because this is some seriously underrated gems territory.

Why Did Prince Release Music Under Other Names?

Prince was known for his intense control over his career and music. By adopting pseudonyms and side projects, he protected his creative freedom while experimenting with fresh styles and collaborators. Releasing music under different names gave him the flexibility to maintain his superstar brand while quietly influencing the industry from behind the scenes.

Plus, during the height of contract disputes with his record label, using aliases was a savvy move to get around restrictions and keep dropping music fans craved.

Camille: The Androgynous Alter Ego

One of Prince’s most fascinating secret projects was “Camille,” an alter ego with a pitch-shifted, higher-pitched voice that blurred gender lines. Initially conceived in the mid-1980s, the Camille persona was a daring creative experiment highlighting Prince’s obsession with gender fluidity and pushing norms.

Most Camille tracks were intended for an album that never fully saw release. However, fans can hear these captivating songs on Prince’s broader albums, like Sign o’ the Times. Tracks such as “If I Was Your Girlfriend” showcase Camille’s unique sound—intimate, playful, and a little mysterious.

Camille wasn’t just a gimmick. It was a bold statement on identity and reinvention, which only adds to Prince’s allure as an artist who refused to be boxed in.

The Time: Prince’s Funky Side Hustle

While not exactly a pseudonym used by Prince personally, The Time was a band he secretly produced, wrote, and heavily influenced. Formed as his brainchild, The Time burst onto the scene with funk-fueled anthems like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird.”

Though fronted by Morris Day, behind the curtain, Prince was mastermind, contributing demo vocals and instrumentals and writing most of their hits. The Time gave Prince the chance to spotlight his songwriting genius without taking center stage himself.

Their dynamic, funky sound helped shape the Minneapolis sound—a blend of funk, rock, and new wave that defined the ’80s and beyond.

Madhouse: Jazz Fusion and Instrumental Experiments

Prince’s creative reach went well past pop and funk with projects like Madhouse, an instrumental jazz-fusion venture launched in the late 1980s. Under this moniker, Prince explored lush and hypnotic sounds heavily influenced by Miles Davis and Weather Report.

Madhouse released two albums, 8 and 16, which remain cult favorites for fans wanting to explore Prince’s lesser-known musical adventurousness. The project showcased his incredible versatility and composition skills, offering a more experimental and cerebral side to the Purple One’s oeuvre.

Joey Coco: The Funky Prince Producer

Joey Coco might not be a household name, but it’s another alias Prince used, particularly for his production credits on hits he provided for other artists. This persona allowed Prince to flex his magic in the background, guiding and shaping careers without ever overshadowing his proteges.

From the funky grooves he masterminded for Sheila E. to tracks crafted for Vanity 6, Joey Coco represents Prince’s alter ego in the producer’s chair—always behind the scenes but forever influential.

Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of Prince’s Side Projects

For fans and music historians alike, Prince’s secret side projects add layers to his already mystifying legacy. Each alter ego exposes a new facet of his artistic psyche—whether it’s Camille’s boundary-breaking vocal sound, the danceable grooves of The Time, or the smooth jazz textures of Madhouse.

These projects remind us that Prince was more than just a pop icon; he was an artist unafraid to experiment, blur lines, and constantly reinvent himself. For fans craving deep cuts and rare gems, uncovering these side projects feels like discovering a hidden vault of musical gold.

The Legacy Lives On

Even years after Prince’s passing, his mystery-shrouded side projects continue to captivate fans and new listeners. In a streaming era hungry for fresh narratives, these secret aliases are experiencing renewed interest. Reissues, documentaries, and deluxe editions frequently highlight these hidden chapters, proving Prince’s vault of unreleased and pseudonymous work might just be endless.

Whether you're a casual listener or a die-hard fan, digging into Prince’s secret side projects is a must. They reveal not just the greatness of an icon, but the complexity of a man who lived to make music beyond all labels and expectations.

By koalafriend
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