Does the Way You Dress On Stage Matter?

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January 23, 2013{ 16 Comments }

david byrne big suit Does the Way You Dress On Stage Matter?Admittedly, I’m not the best example of a dramatic dresser. I tend to wear things on stage that are just a notch above what you’d see me wearing at home, which — I assure you — is not much of a starting point.

So when it’s time to get ready for a show, I’ll usually grab a comfy coat, maybe a fancy hat, and once or twice a year I’ll let someone apply a little guy-liner (oh, the dazzle and mystique). No Lady Gaga-style meat-suits or swan costumes ala Bjork in my musical world.

But I’ve always admired artists who had the forethought and confidence to put together a striking wardrobe just for the stage. Sequined cowboy jackets. Matching HAZMAT suits. Retro-glam onesie. Camo and boots. The swan and meat costumes mentioned above.

Does WHAT an artist wears on stage change HOW we hear their music?

What do you think? Do fashion concerns enhance or distract from the music? Do costumes or elaborate get-ups make performers seem larger than life, or just pretentious and silly?

How should bands think about fashion and attire when it comes to their stage presentation?

Do you ascribe to the casual approach (say, flannel for the 90′s rockers), or do you go all-out (KISS makeup, clown outfits, or vintage vaudeville vestments with matching parasol)?

If you “dress down,” do you run the risk of being ignored?

Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Chris Robley's Author Bio

  • Eric Fricke

    I think that what you wear expresses your beliefs and who you are no matter what… and if people see that you don’t especially value the art of fashion, that may give the impression you don’t spend as much time on music either… just a thought.

  • http://pjrvs.com/ Paul Jarvis

    I used to care what I wore so I’d look more like a “rockstar” (whatever that means). Now I wear whatever I’m wearing that day. Call me old, but I’d rather be comfy than cool. :)

    • http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author-chris-robley Christopher Robley

      I’m with you. Though maybe we’re just lazy. ; )

  • http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author-chris-robley Christopher Robley

    That’s a good way of looking at it. You — just more you.

  • http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author-chris-robley Christopher Robley

    Hey Lisa, great quotes. Thanks for sharing. I was actually thinking of some of our past conversations when I wrote this article! Hope you’re doing well.

  • Oliver Lemke

    I agree with this, I think. Being onstage is special. Even if you do it a lot, you’re still lucky to be there. I think dressing specially for a show demonstrates regard for your audience. But on the other side, some styles of music (i.e. grunge) can be compromised, cred-wise, by a too-snappy ensemble. So there’s probably a balance to be found depending on what kind of music you play.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1198713576 Igor Prochazka

    Fashion distracts from music. So do CD covers, interview, social networking, online marketing, schmoozing with venue owners and critics and all the rest that surrounds the pure sound. It distracts the audience and it distracts yourself. But let’s face it. We need all of that shit.

  • CassTor

    I hate to say it, but when I go to see an act, my usual impression is that the more elaborately they dress up, the more likely they are to be poor musicians. I’m not paying to see somebody look homeless, but I don’t go for vaudeville either. I’ve seen more of “the look” and “attitude” than my stomach can handle, but the number of good musicians is down. Much like in pro sports, TV promotes posing. Video didn’t just kill the radio star, it damaged live music quite a lot! Seeing performers lip synching while they dance around is for videos. …and if it’s only about displaying sexuality, porn is more direct and less expensive.

  • RoseRobbinsLive

    I feel strongly that musicians should look like they sound when performing. Therefore, I wear pencil skirts and super high heels and red lipstick, looking sexy but classic. On the other hand, I kinda dress like that all the time, so I’m not glamming it up THAT much…if it is a Big Concert, then I wear a sparkly gown, because why not?

  • http://www.facebook.com/ermajean.rich1 Erma Jean Rich

    Let’s face it, having an icredible voice to begin with is the first criteria. Some people have to learn how to sing others are just born with the gift. I feel that it is important to feel the song staight from the heart. Do not stand on stage like a staue. If your a country singer dress country that’s what I do, right down to the country hat and snakeskin boots. Allways show confidence. Smile say good evening how are you all doing out there and let it rip. I agree with Bart_Schram

  • http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author-chris-robley Christopher Robley

    That sounds like an amazing eye-catching set of costumes! Nicely done.

    @ChrisRobley

  • http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author-chris-robley Christopher Robley

    No one minded Bowie dressing up like an interstellar alien messiah! I say keep rockin’ it.

    @ChrisRobley

    • SophiaPrize

      That’s nice to hear, thanks for the feedback. And woah, I just rewatched The Man Who Fell To Earth… interstellar alien messiah is right!!

      • http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/author-chris-robley Christopher Robley

        ; )

  • http://twitter.com/MDLStweet MamasDirtyLilSecret

    As performers, when we stop on stage, our job is to entertain the audience. So, if you’re too lazy to make an effort to spice up your look, that tells me I can go to the bar now and get a drink while I wait for the next band.

    I put a lo of effort into our shows, because I just don’t want to see someone who looked like they just got off of work. I want to see a show! You are performer on a stage; you are not a “regular” person. Act like it! ;)

    Rock Hard! Rock Sexy!
    † The Deacon †

  • http://superecproduction.com/ Superec

    The only musicians that i can remember now are those who were dressed in a special way. After this others come to mind but people usually remember those kinds of artists first.
    So in response to your question: YES! it is important how you dress on stage.
    But most should not worry about it too much. Ultimately the music is more important.