As we perform on stage, our visual appearance serves as an extended visual representation of our art. While it is true that our music does most of the talking, a well-thought-out outfit can boost your presence onstage and leave an everlasting impression on your spectators.
A good ensemble will contribute to crafting one’s unique onstage persona by going from elegance to extreme extravagance; each choice you make tells a different story about you as an artist. In this guide, we’ll show you all the styles, techniques, and considerations for choosing stage clothes for male singers that truly represent your musical identity.
The No-Look Look: The Artistic Approach
Example: Art Rock, Hardcore, Post-Rock, Grunge
There’s magic in simplicity. Opting for plain clothing or unkept attire goes a long way in expressing artistic sensibility or rebellious spirit. Think back at grunge fashion from the 90s – it was created as an alternative to the excesses of the previously mentioned decades. Another idea is incorporating band logos or message-driven t-shirts to add a personal touch to your overall look.
Exuberance: Flamboyant Extravagance
Example: Baroque Pop, International Pop, Glam Rock
Make some noise through extravagant outfits without jeopardizing comfortability and mobility onstage – avoid accessories that could hinder your performance. Move around like you own the world while still feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing – take some inspiration from iconic performers like Liberace and Madonna but always remember to stay grounded while adding flair to who you are as an artist.
The Coordinated Look: Unity Through Diversity
Example: New Wave, Art Pop, Electro
Show unity within your team by adopting a coordinated look. Whether it’s matching outfits or thematic ensembles, it’s essential that they all tie together and reinforce your collective identity. Famous groups like Kraftwerk and Devo have used coordinated aesthetics to perfectly portray a united image onstage.
Opposites: Embracing The Unexpected
Challenge stereotypes and subvert expectations by embracing contrasts in your stage attire. Juxtapose visual elements to confuse and surprise your audience – an example of this is the band The Hives, who consistently defy genre norms with their monochrome styled costumes. Take advantage of the power of contrast to capture and intrigue your spectators.
Color: Making A Statement
Example: Jack White’s Color Palette
Colors have the ability to communicate emotions beyond words, so why not take advantage of them? Find vibrant colors that properly resonate with your music themes or aesthetic values on stage.
Jack White for instance incorporates various hues inspired by artistic movements such as De Stijl into his wardrobe – play around with different color combinations until you find something visually striking that truly matches your performance.
Hiding to Show Off: Theatricality and Disguise
There’s power in hiding certain aspects of yourself only to reveal them later through theatrical make-up and costumes. Dive into masks, face paint, wigs, capes, etc., and experiment as much as possible until you find something captivating that goes beyond conventional norms. There is inspiration from performers like Slipknot & Ghost, who use anonymity and mystery to enhance their personas while performing on stage.
Accessorize: Elevating Your Look
Example: Iconic Musician Accessories
Aggressively accessorize your outfit with well-known accessories that bring out the complexity and personality of your inner performer. Look at music legends like The Beatles, Slash, and Kurt Cobain to get inspired and use their signature accessories such as hats, glasses, and shoes in your outfit. Honor them, but also put a contemporary twist on them so you can make them your own.
Embracing Semi-Nudity: The Bold and Bare
Iggy Pop, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Fully embrace the alluring nature of semi-nudity as a way to show how free and confident you are. This can be done by wearing minimalist clothes or accessorizing yourself with specifically placed additions to give off an “I don’t care” kind of attitude. Iggy Pop and Red Hot Chili Peppers have done this before to break through societal norms and cause some controversy.
Conclusion
Your performance outfit means more than anything. It’s like a canvas that shows who you really are on the inside artistically while reflecting on what your musical identity is when it comes to sound. Simple or extravagant, what’s important is that the outfit resonates with you personally while giving life to your stage presence. Mix things up when trying out new looks! Be a theatrical performer! Above all else, rock whatever styled outfit you go for with confidence because that’s really when things shine the best.