A couple of weeks ago I did a photoshoot with the fantastic Danielle Maheu an awesome photographer and good friend. Since then I've been mulling over the importance of image in a performing artist's career. I suppose I should've thought a little bit more about what I wanted before we went ahead with the shoot, but I've been assured there will be chances for further exploration. Before those chances come up, I want to solidify my image, that is how I want "Beware! The Leopard" portrayed to the world. Image is such an important part of the overall artistic package that it cannot be overlooked. All the bands I've been in have only given a cursory nod to image, when in reality if we'd taken it a bit more seriously, we probably would have gained more notice in the music community.
Image doesn't have to be something completely contrived. I mean take a look at the White Stripes:
Theirs is a very simple asthetic (although the getup for Icky Thump was a bit over the top). They've pretty much stuck with a white/red/black colour scheme, and not veered outside of that. It's not overly elaborate, just jeans, t-shirts, and simple skirts and dresses, but it works. It's easily recognizable and helps to increase their brand. It also links to their music which can be described as simple, catchy, songs that are easily remembered.
That the image of the band has to match the music is an important aspect that also cannot be overlooked. Take a look at these two.
It's pretty easy to tell what kinds of music they play by their look. Would G'N'R have gotten as far as they did if they looked like the Beach Boys? Would 50-cent be alive if he tried his brand of Gangsta Rap looking like Rivers Cuomo? probably not. (Ok, he'd be alive, and living in a basement with his mother). Image is the first thing the audience sees when you go out to perform. It is a stamp that is indelibly put on your audiences foreheads the minute you step on stage, before your music has even begun playing. It is important.
Once catch though is that it needs to be authentic, something I'm comfortable in, not something that is pure schtick. I'm torn between a few different things and I might want to try an amalgam of them. I like Andrew Bird's sense of style.
It conveys exactly what Andrew Bird's music is, sophisticated, but with an artistic eccentricity.
These days I've been going for the artistic revolutionary look. Long hair, beard, and shirts with epaulletes or graphic t-shirts. I'm very comfortable with this look. It doesn't feel contrived, but I would like to either add or change something just a bit to make me stand out a bit more from all the other bearded slacker looking musicians out there. I'm toying with adding a retro/vintage vibe. I really like Fedora's (I own two), or something along those lines. I guess I'm going to have to just try a few things and see what sticks.
Do you guys have any ideas that could help me out?
How about a falcon on your wrist? Kidding...
I like the fedora idea. Not a lot of men look good in hats these days, but I think that you can rock a fedora. Although, the last time I saw you wear it you had short hair, not sure how it'd look with the shaggier locks. Take a photo and post it!
Posted by: Vn | May 19, 2009 at 09:11 PM