WHAT SHOULD MUSICIANS WEAR ON STAGE
Are you trying to figure out what you should wear to your next gig? Is your on-stage image lacking something?
It’s a good thing to be thinking about, because your live show isn’t just about the music you play. Your fans are going to be paying attention to a variety of other elements like your stage presence and the stories you share (or don’t share) with them, regardless of whether or not you give any thought to those things.
There are a few different considerations when it comes to your personal branding too. Here’s what you need to know about choosing your clothing for the stage.
What Are My Options?
When it comes right down to it, there are basically only three options. You could:
Wear what you usually wear in your normal day-to-day.
Dress up, or have a specific stage costume.
Accessorize to make your usual wardrobe a little more interesting.
Your choice will depend somewhat on your musical style, budget, marketing, and so forth. We’ll take a look at each of these options in more detail, but first, let’s think about whether or not what you wear really matters.
Does What I Wear Really Matter?
What you wear may seem kind of trivial. Why would your audience be preoccupied with your clothing? Who are they to judge?
The reality of the matter is that your show isn’t just your music. It’s the stage banter, the instruments you’re playing, the signage or branding you use, and yes, even what you wear. It’s a package deal, and every detail matters.
If you’re going to take the time and care to work on your chops as a musician, you should also be thinking about your presentation. It could mean the difference between being heard and acknowledged, or being ignored and dismissed.
It’s important to make a good impression on your audience. More than anything else, this is what you should be thinking about.
At times, your outfit helps to enhance your personality and highlight your individuality. At other times, coordinating with other band members can create a sense of unity, even if it’s just an accent color.
Option #1 – Wearing What You Usually Wear
This can be a great option if what you usually wear is already in keeping with your music, your personality, and your overall brand.
Bryan Adams, for example, very rarely wears anything overly elaborate. You’ll often find him in a pair of jeans and a matching button-down top. If he’s feeling really crazy, you might see him in a white T-shirt with jeans.
In addition, some people like to dress like rocks stars, and their day to day garb might be perfect for stage. Of course, if you just walk onstage with the clothing on your back, it doesn’t create much of a gap between your offstage persona and onstage persona. That could be to your detriment or to your advantage, depending on situation.
Ideally, even if you can’t see yourself dressing up or wearing a specific costume, it’s at least worth considering enhancing your outfit with accessories.
Option #2 – Dressing Up Or Wearing A Costume
If you’re in a jazz band, formal or business casual wear is standard. Some rock bands are even known to wear suits to their gigs.
And, obviously, we don’t have to look much further than acts like Devo, Lady Gaga or David Bowie to see artists that either have a specific costume for every show, or are constantly evolving personalities/characters.
Original post by David Andrew Wiebe for musicindustryhowto.com