I find that gigging in "ratty" clothes is in the end more comfortable than anything else. I would think that's the reason behind so many bands doing it. And they probably wear the band merch to show their support for fellow acts or influences. That's why I do it at least.
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A different way to look at expensive gear
- Thread starter pklima
- Start date
Or, does the statement that you are making show that you will only drop your big bucks on gear? =)
I like to think I treat my girls good, but to be honest I spend way more money on music equipment than I ever have on a girlfriend. Take note i've never been married, so that may not always be the case, but I have long given a big priority to my gear collecting; i.e. studio stuff, P.A equip, drums, guitars, and of course basses and amps. This is one big issue when playing multiple instruments, having a project studio and being a live sound engineer.
Over the years i've collected a fair wardrobe for gigging. It's one of the only occasions in my life where I get dressed up, pretty much. I mean I live on a farm in a rural community, so there isn't any reason to be anything but casual in my day to day life, but when i'm on stage I like to look good. Not that it has landed me any girls. Maybe someday! I don't mind, really, i'm not interested in casual hook ups anyhow. But it is nice to get some attention, so i'll keep cultivating the look and stage presence. I'm happy enough to have people say the band sounds good.
I particularly enjoy halloween and shows with themes. Getting into costume to play is fun!
I think, overall, there are a few rules to follow here:
1) Keep yourself groomed and clean. I usually shower right before I head out to a gig if at all possible.
2) Dress to Impress. If not to impress, then to be a part of the crowd of whatever style you're going for or type of girl (or guy) you're into.
3) Be confident. If you're timid and shy, there is a very good chance people wont care who you are. Make them care enough to notice how confident you are, but don't be a hatefull jerkface.
4) Have fun. If you look like you're not having fun, people wont want to be around you. It doesn't mean that you have to dance (definitely not a selling point for me), but it should mean that you're having some conversation and/or making small talk with some people who watched you.
Shmoozing is a big part of the before and after show deal. People will be more likely to come back and watch you if they actually enjoyed being around you.
1) Keep yourself groomed and clean. I usually shower right before I head out to a gig if at all possible.
2) Dress to Impress. If not to impress, then to be a part of the crowd of whatever style you're going for or type of girl (or guy) you're into.
3) Be confident. If you're timid and shy, there is a very good chance people wont care who you are. Make them care enough to notice how confident you are, but don't be a hatefull jerkface.
4) Have fun. If you look like you're not having fun, people wont want to be around you. It doesn't mean that you have to dance (definitely not a selling point for me), but it should mean that you're having some conversation and/or making small talk with some people who watched you.
Shmoozing is a big part of the before and after show deal. People will be more likely to come back and watch you if they actually enjoyed being around you.
I think younger guys in punk bands can pull off the ratty clothes look. In a lot of cases it looks cool.
But remember all guys playing bass in bands and are on stage are not young or in punk bands.
Ever seen an over weight balding 40 year old on stage in ratty clothes? It doesn't work. End of story.
Ya you pretty much hit the nail on the head on this one
And I guess I used the wrong word, I don't necessarily wear ratty clothes, just nothing that could be considered anything but casual. Same reason though, nothing is more comfortable than jeans and a t-shirt imho. I think we can mostly agree on that.
