• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Need help with Band Image

mboogiemanusa

mboogiemanusa

Mar 6, 2009
538
13
Ventura CA
#1
I'm in an currently in an classic/modern rock cover bands with some older guys. Musically we are comparible or better than competing bands in everyway except stage image. Frankly we have some short comings in the image department especially when compared to some of the other bands in the area fronted by attractive female singers in short skirts. While no guys can truly compete against hot looking ladies....I've at least would like to get these guys to lose the "Larry the cable guy" look. How do guys get some of your fashion challenged members to upscale their look? Trying to get the band into some trendier upscale club booking but some members show up for gigs looking like they are working the counter at Bubba's bait shop. Yet these same guys are complaining the band should have more bookings and get paid more.
 
#4
Where's the BL in all this? I can imagine a band meeting saying, "guys, we need to have an image starting at the next gig. Please wear black." Repeat that message every time you have a gig, rehearsal, etc. If you see the guy on the street, "Hey man, don't forget, wear black on <day x>" Especially important if the wife is around as she will side with you for sure and will probably even tell him to dress in black on the gig itself.

If they don't get that hint, you know the next step
 
#5
"What do you guys think about dressing up a bit for our shows? I think it would look good if we all wore black, or shirts and ties with dress pants without running shoes or something."

I used to just dress however for a show, but now I see the value in looking better. You want to set yourself apart, or at least look somewhat professional. Everything helps.
 
#7
Suggestion from the business world. When "we" don't want the uncomfortable calls coming from within (we have to downsize, sell a division, move people to another city etc.) we bring in a consultant. We pay these "professionals" huge sums of money to tell us the truths we don't want to touch upon ourselves that we already know. A consultant doesn't have to be some coke-snorting A&R weasel, just an impartial party to bring the truth to light (someone like a friendly club owner that you have pre-discussed the situation with). Just an opinion of one. Cheers from Zurich Switzerland..,
 
#9
A simple suggestion from the "business" world. When "we" don't want the uncomfortable calls coming from within (we have to downsize, sell a division, move people to another city etc.) we bring in a consultant. We pay these "professionals" huge sums of money to tell us the truths we don't want to touch upon ourselves. A consultant doesn't have to be some coke-snorting A&R weasel, just an impartial party to bring the truth to light. Just an opinion of one. Cheers from Zurich Switzerland..,
 
#11
mboogiemanusa said:
Trying to a least get them at least dressing in black and losing the sweaty fishing caps. Any good way to approach folks without insulting them?
Click to expand...

I never worry about insulting people. People don't seem to worry much about insulting me. Do they look like crap? That's not your fault.

"Guys, I love you dearly, but onstage, you look like you work at a bait shop. I would like this band to be more successful, and one of our problems is our look. Are you open to try and 'cool it up' a bit?"

For me, it was video of me singing with my paunchy belly. I decided "screw it, I'm going to hit the gym," and it is definitely paying off.

It is important to LOOK GOOD if you are going to be paid to perform. Yes, you need to sound good first, but you can't approach it as if you don't give a crap.

I looked at pics on facebook, and they look like they're just jamming in someone's basement, and not playing in a professional band.

You don't need to all wear black, or have a uniform look. What you need is for the people out front to wear something with STYLE.

I will NEVER care what a drummer wears, and neither will anyone else. He is behind a kit all night, and he can be in Bermuda Shorts and a camisole for all I care.
 
#12
Link Removed

This is the look we've been promoting. That Dirty Lixx tee I'm wearing has the sleeves cut off, and that is what the band likes me to wear. I am starting to have the body for it. I would like to wear very seventies chic/biker clothes; leather vest; fringe leather shirt; etc, but boy is that look unpopular with bandmates and some other people. I try to keep everyone happy, best I can. We can't get Arthur out of his T-shirts either, but he sort of has a look anyway, don't you think?

Now Krystal; there's someone who has their own look!

The drummer isn't pictured, because seriously, who cares? (just kidding; we took this photo with our ex-drummer, and haven't gotten around to doing photos with the present guy.)
 
#14
A musical performance is a multi-dimentional event. Those who ignore some of the dimensions (example: "It's all about the music") lose out to those who do pay attention to more dimensions. Among the commonly-ignored dimensions of a live performance are the band members' looks & actions. If it were truly "all about the music" you could dress like everybody else in the club, & just stand there watching your shoes all night. It's a show, & people respond at least as much to the visual as to the audible. If it really were "all about the music" you could take that $500 the club is paying you, put $100 in the juke box, & walk away with the rest never having to set up, tear down, load in or out, or put up with any of the rest of what's involved in putting on a "show".
 
#15
The best solution is to be honest and direct. In the past, I've played in some bands with older members, and they can be an issue in the attire department. Either they look like they're heading to Denny's for the Early Bird special, or they go to the other extreme and break out the leather and fringe. Honestly, you might have to go as far as picking their clothes for them if they are too far out of touch.

Also, be mindful of their age when picking clothes. The last thing anyone wants is to be a walking cliche, looking like you're trying to recapture some lost youth while playing in local bars.
 
#16
JohnMCA72 said:
A musical performance is a multi-dimentional event. Those who ignore some of the dimensions (example: "It's all about the music") lose out to those who do pay attention to more dimensions. Among the commonly-ignored dimensions of a live performance are the band members' looks & actions. If it were truly "all about the music" you could dress like everybody else in the club, & just stand there watching your shoes all night. It's a show, & people respond at least as much to the visual as to the audible. If it really were "all about the music" you could take that $500 the club is paying you, put $100 in the juke box, & walk away with the rest never having to set up, tear down, load in or out, or put up with any of the rest of what's involved in putting on a "show".
Click to expand...

I shall use this logic on bandmates. Good insight
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back