Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,042
- 45,887
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
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Stage Persona
- Thread starter xxfaux_punkxx
- Start date
I'm surprised no one's mentioned Bootsy yet, since he's one of us, can play and has a persona.
Hmmm Gary Karr. Devo. Gwar. Tom Waits. Elton John. Paganini. The quality of the music doesn't always equate with the success of the person/band. Some people will buy into the music, some will buy into the persona. It is what it is, it's human nature. Different strokes for different folks.
There's room enough for people being themselves, and for people who want to create a persona, or a bit of both. The music will still stand on its own merits.
+1
I like wearing hats, and have done so long before I started playing bass. It's part of my persona whether I'm on stage or off. However, if you're going to "be yourself", and you're not a hat-wearing type of person I wouldn't recommend it as part of your attire. I've known people who feel awkward in a hat. It's just not them. I feel self-conscious in a beret, for example, and I refuse to wear baseball caps.
And TRichardsbass, while this is a bass forum, not a spelling bee or grammar class, I gotta rib you for boasting about being a syndicated sports writer who obviously misses his editor. For your review: "then" vs. "than".
Hmmm Gary Karr. Devo. Gwar. Tom Waits. Elton John. Paganini. The quality of the music doesn't always equate with the success of the person/band. Some people will buy into the music, some will buy into the persona. It is what it is, it's human nature. Different strokes for different folks.
There's room enough for people being themselves, and for people who want to create a persona, or a bit of both. The music will still stand on its own merits.
+1
I like wearing hats, and have done so long before I started playing bass. It's part of my persona whether I'm on stage or off. However, if you're going to "be yourself", and you're not a hat-wearing type of person I wouldn't recommend it as part of your attire. I've known people who feel awkward in a hat. It's just not them. I feel self-conscious in a beret, for example, and I refuse to wear baseball caps.
And TRichardsbass, while this is a bass forum, not a spelling bee or grammar class, I gotta rib you for boasting about being a syndicated sports writer who obviously misses his editor. For your review: "then" vs. "than".
Ha Ha, yes! This is it. You guys with the personality of cardboard don't think it's important because you have none and know it.
I'm an a$$hole but in a good way. In the way of "hey, he can play his butt off but doesn't take himself to serious, but I wouldn't f*** with him just in case..."
Music as a strictly auditory experience is a fairly recent phenomenon. Until the advent of recorded music, you had to go see the performance or it was gone forever. The personas of the players, the venue, the audience, everything plays into the experience. Music is not just sound. It is communication, and whether you like it or not, visuals are a huge part of communication.
Of course it's a part of it, but only an incidental one. Back in those days, unless it was an opera or a play, they really didn't have stage personas, they were strictly craftsman performing their craft. No one went to the symphony to see a bunch of guys in suits just sitting in their chairs.
To break it down on how my band operate's what our stage performance would be (we're still not gigging yet, but we practice like we are at times) I'll go into our genre' and each person's persona.
The genre' is considered grunge metal. Something along the lines of Alice in chains meets Flyleaf.
The drummer is A VERY Aggressive time keeper. A lot of movement behind the set and very angry. His attire is that of a skater and won't change whether it's on stage or at home.
The guitarist (who may or may not see our first gig at this point) stomps his feet a lot when doing heavy riffs and will jump and head bang on spot. He's business casual and Although he might dress up on stage I doubt it.
Vocals.... a chick but definitely front woman material. She doesn't move a lot but her voice is very moving (classically trained) and her attire is very goth/emo. Accessories's a lot.
Than there's me. Basic punk rocker. I can't sit still when I'm strapped up. It's not in me, and my movement ranges from angry, in your face to rocking it in the background. My usual attire is just ripped jeans, band t, bracelets and blue hair. On stage I want to go for a more gothic punk look (f*ck the misfits), more black and studs kind of deal. Judging by the guitarist and drummer though I can see it being me as either the hype man of the band. The guy with all the energy playing to the crowd.
The lyrics are mostly written by me or the drummer. His version of writing is more passive aggressive, where mine is more direct anger. For both of us music is an art and way to release. Our lyrics are personal and not just gibberish written to sound good. That is what I want to emphasis on stage with my persona.
The genre' is considered grunge metal. Something along the lines of Alice in chains meets Flyleaf.
The drummer is A VERY Aggressive time keeper. A lot of movement behind the set and very angry. His attire is that of a skater and won't change whether it's on stage or at home.
The guitarist (who may or may not see our first gig at this point) stomps his feet a lot when doing heavy riffs and will jump and head bang on spot. He's business casual and Although he might dress up on stage I doubt it.
Vocals.... a chick but definitely front woman material. She doesn't move a lot but her voice is very moving (classically trained) and her attire is very goth/emo. Accessories's a lot.
Than there's me. Basic punk rocker. I can't sit still when I'm strapped up. It's not in me, and my movement ranges from angry, in your face to rocking it in the background. My usual attire is just ripped jeans, band t, bracelets and blue hair. On stage I want to go for a more gothic punk look (f*ck the misfits), more black and studs kind of deal. Judging by the guitarist and drummer though I can see it being me as either the hype man of the band. The guy with all the energy playing to the crowd.
The lyrics are mostly written by me or the drummer. His version of writing is more passive aggressive, where mine is more direct anger. For both of us music is an art and way to release. Our lyrics are personal and not just gibberish written to sound good. That is what I want to emphasis on stage with my persona.
- Jul 27, 2001
- 720
- 8
- 42
- Disclosures
- Unofficially Endorsing Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars
I am a very different person on stage than i am in real life.
Link Removed
The music is better for it.
-Ernie
Link Removed
The music is better for it.
-Ernie
Paganini is by far the most famous performer from "back then". He had a very distinct persona, a great image, and even plenty of scandals.
All of which virtually no one would have cared about if it weren't for the music. Which might sound like me saying I think there's something wrong with having a stage persona, which nothing could be further from the truth. I think a person should be who they are, whether it's flashy or flamboyant or serious or stoic or funny or whatever, a person should always be themselves.
The music is just a reflection of that. But it's ultimately the music that people are interested in, both player and audience alike. Without it neither one would exist.
Nothing wrong with "being different" on stage than who you really are (I tend to be more subdued on stage than in real life because the music we play calls for it). Jumping around on stage has never been a distraction to watch as much as bad musicianship, IMHO. As long as the music hasn't become secondary, I'm fine w/ it
I'd never go see a band play on looks (or persona) alone, though. YMMV
I'd never go see a band play on looks (or persona) alone, though. YMMV
There are about a bazzillion talented musicians in this world with good music who can't draw a crowd. I hate to play the appeal to the majority card, but apparently just being good for them isn't entertaining enough to potential crowds.
I hate, hate, hate gimmicks. However, I do like it when a band puts some thought into its image and how the members present themselves. It can't be contrived, though. Aside from a gig calling for a specific dress code (i.e., tuxes for corporate or wedding gigs), the image musicians portray should be an extension of themselves.
And as others have been alluding to here, the image can be art in itself. While a lot of Lady Gaga's get-ups obviously help her sell records, I have trouble believing that she doesn't enjoy the art of crafting her image. Likewise, mid-career U2 was purposefully image-conscious as a way of adding to the art, such as Bono becoming The Fly.
Maybe he'd be obscure, only moderately influential, and could not haven been nearly as inventive if he was boring as a person. Or at least less successful, less influential and less inventive. I'm serious - thanks to having a certain persona, I know I can get away with playing parts other bassists cannot.
- Jun 3, 2009
- 3,330
- 398
- Disclosures
- Bassgearu, Music Industry Consulting and Sales. Tech 21, NBE Corp, Sonosphere.
I used to be a huge CARS fan. Loved the music, the album art and the sound.
I saw them live. It was like taking a huge sleeping pill. They barely moved on stage, and the band live had zero personality. Big turn off.
Reginald, persona I am sure is what we all agree, being something on stage that is not necessarily what you are off stage. In this case I'm sure punkxxxx is thinking larger then life for himself. Persona is rooted in personality, so you can mush the two here.
I said earlier, I have a persona on stage. I'm something a little nasty, a little more "manly" and aggressive on stage then I am in real life. You'd be surprised to see me in a suit and tie and at the negotiating table. I've been mistaken for a real lawyer many times, even in court when I've had to represent myself.
It is not formula, but a good part of any band is crafting and paying attention to your image. Since most people here agree now that musicians make the most of their living doing live performance, then image becomes hugely important.
For the old dudes here who will talk about how the Allmans looked like crap and you didn't go see them because of their image but the music, that all ended with MTV AND YouTube. I know, it sucks, but today there would be no Momma Cass, Neil Young would be questionable and the entire band of Kansas would never see the light of day. You have to be talented and pretty. Harsh, but true.
Many may not like to hear it but we all find some music better if the chick singer is smokin' hot. Sorry, but its true. I'll spend hours listening live to a chick who is moderately good at singing if she is hellaciously hot rather then listen to the 300 lb girl who has a voice between Barbara Streisand and Joss Stone.
Maybe because I'm a guy. But I know several local cover bands who draw because all the chicks want to do the lead singers (yes, because to the young girls these dudes are physically attractive and they are singing) and I know very talented cover bands that only draw moderately because no one in the band is attractive or has a personality.
I love great musicianship, for sure. I'll go to hundreds of piano concerts/recitals in Red Bank at the Two Rivers because of the sheer talent that comes through. However, I still prefer to have Gwen Stefani sweating on me in the front row....
I saw them live. It was like taking a huge sleeping pill. They barely moved on stage, and the band live had zero personality. Big turn off.
Reginald, persona I am sure is what we all agree, being something on stage that is not necessarily what you are off stage. In this case I'm sure punkxxxx is thinking larger then life for himself. Persona is rooted in personality, so you can mush the two here.
I said earlier, I have a persona on stage. I'm something a little nasty, a little more "manly" and aggressive on stage then I am in real life. You'd be surprised to see me in a suit and tie and at the negotiating table. I've been mistaken for a real lawyer many times, even in court when I've had to represent myself.
It is not formula, but a good part of any band is crafting and paying attention to your image. Since most people here agree now that musicians make the most of their living doing live performance, then image becomes hugely important.
For the old dudes here who will talk about how the Allmans looked like crap and you didn't go see them because of their image but the music, that all ended with MTV AND YouTube. I know, it sucks, but today there would be no Momma Cass, Neil Young would be questionable and the entire band of Kansas would never see the light of day. You have to be talented and pretty. Harsh, but true.
Many may not like to hear it but we all find some music better if the chick singer is smokin' hot. Sorry, but its true. I'll spend hours listening live to a chick who is moderately good at singing if she is hellaciously hot rather then listen to the 300 lb girl who has a voice between Barbara Streisand and Joss Stone.
Maybe because I'm a guy. But I know several local cover bands who draw because all the chicks want to do the lead singers (yes, because to the young girls these dudes are physically attractive and they are singing) and I know very talented cover bands that only draw moderately because no one in the band is attractive or has a personality.
I love great musicianship, for sure. I'll go to hundreds of piano concerts/recitals in Red Bank at the Two Rivers because of the sheer talent that comes through. However, I still prefer to have Gwen Stefani sweating on me in the front row....
That's part of why I can't stand seeing classic rock or blues rock cover bands. They often don't entertain. That and they usually just stick to safe songs they know the crowd will know.
I'd rather see a metalcore or deathcore band having a blast and tearing it up on stage even though I despise -core genres. Why? Because their stage presence and energy would transfer into the audience and me. Encouraging me to have a really good time.
When I got dudes old enough to be my dad going "arrrrrright, this next number is blabity derp by herpty derr, annnnd heeeere we go!" Come on guy. You're in a band on stage to entertain. Stop talking like you're some monotone NPR reporter.
I'm not saying you have to flip out and stuff on stage. Just be fun.
I remember when I was surfing youtube and was like. Hey I always liked a few Kansas songs let's see what they were like back in the day. So I found Carry On being done live in like 1980 or something back then. My kneejerk reaction was "ew".
I'd rather see a metalcore or deathcore band having a blast and tearing it up on stage even though I despise -core genres. Why? Because their stage presence and energy would transfer into the audience and me. Encouraging me to have a really good time.
When I got dudes old enough to be my dad going "arrrrrright, this next number is blabity derp by herpty derr, annnnd heeeere we go!" Come on guy. You're in a band on stage to entertain. Stop talking like you're some monotone NPR reporter.
I'm not saying you have to flip out and stuff on stage. Just be fun.
I remember when I was surfing youtube and was like. Hey I always liked a few Kansas songs let's see what they were like back in the day. So I found Carry On being done live in like 1980 or something back then. My kneejerk reaction was "ew".
Maybe so. I know I'm certainly not paying anyone to be charming or provocative or clever or what-have-you when what I want is to hear some good music. I for one, to paraphrase an earlier poster, would much rather hear the 300 pound lady with the awesome set of pipes than the musically mediocre eye candy. The image is what it is, and people do or don't identify with it, but it's beside the point.
I totally disagree with this. Why do you think orchestras dress in black tie and not jeans and t-shirts? Because the sense of aristocracy is part of the collective "persona."
Also, an historical fact we need to remember; performance to mass audiences was a new phenomenon of the mid-to-late nineteenth century, made possible by industrialization and urbanization that gave the masses money to spend on tickets and brought them close enough together to be able to form audiences that could financially support theaters and concert halls and professional performers to appear in them. Before that you had to have either court or church patronage, which entailed a whole other "persona" you had to cultivate for success.
As soon as the mass audience appears, so does the performer's persona. Chopin and Paganini made the impression they did not simply in their virtuosity but in their dazzling charisma on stage. People seem to keep thinking that it's a zero-sum game, that having great stage persona means "not playing great music." Chopin knew that wasn't the case; a successful performance means both charisma AND virtuosity - indeed the virtuosity is part of the persona.
And by the way, I would suggest that a blatant disregard for stage presence is often itself a subtle way to assert a stage persona, rather like those Oxford dons who deliberately choose to wear rumpled tweeds in order to signal their refusal to follow fashion trends. I'm not sure how often it works, but it is still a deliberate performance decision.
