Paul Draper isn’t convinced the modern music landscape can compete with the ’90s.
Speaking to ContactMusic.com, the Mansun frontman – who reworked his songs on the recently released album Mansun Retold – argued that the era of chart‑dominating guitar bands has all but vanished.
He said: “I think the new bands that hit after Mansun… Arctic Monkeys were the first.
“These days I really like Wolf Alice, Alt‑J, The Last Dinner Party — they’ve got some great tracks. But there’s a lot fewer great bands now than there was in the 90s when the charts were peppered with them.”
Asked whether it’s easier or harder for new acts to break through, Draper didn’t hesitate.
He admitted: “It’s a lot harder now.
“I’m lucky to have a fanbase left from Mansun and kids discovering it. I sell a lot of physical records, but I don’t get a lot of action on streaming.”
He said the digital era may make it simple to upload music — but cutting through is another story entirely.
He said: “It’s easier to get on streaming, but to cut through the noise is so difficult. That’s why there are fewer and fewer bands now. It’s a lot more difficult than it was back in our day.”
And the challenges don’t stop there.
Draper pointed to the collapse of grassroots venues and the soaring cost of live music.
He said: “There’s less venues for people to play.
“Gig prices are through the roof too. It’s weird looking back at Mansun tickets — we were doing Brixton Academy for like £6, £8 a ticket.”
He added that he still tries to keep his own ticket prices low, but admits the industry has changed beyond recognition.
He added: “For the big acts, it is unbelievable, the prices.”
Mansun Retold is out now.