Music Fashion

A few local musicians showed us what they wear on stage, and told us why it works.

HipHop

photography by Christina O'Connor

Discerning artists know that AFRO stands for Average Fellas Recognizing Opportunity. Loose, comfortable, and versatile, the hooded sweatshirt is perfect for keeping the 'fro frizz-free—or embracing the windblown look. Vagabond tee reads, "FAME: I WANNA LIVE FOREVER." Enough said. Loose-fitting jeans "hang just off the waist it's not quite sagging, but there's a slight droop, like I might have the toast tucked. I can't believe it's not butter." Black on black, like rhyme battles in the '80's, suede Adidas with the gum sole. Jam Master Jay would have been proud.

DJ

Way-too-big, fitted hat to cover bloodshot eyes. DJing is not for people that like mornings—or healthy habits. High-output headphones have completely destroyed his hearing from monitoring overpowering sound systems during formative years. Bands can't get away with wearing their own gear, but somehow DJ crews can. Chain wallet & key chain clip—a DJ must attach everything to his body, for obvious reasons. When choosing color combinations in footwear, aim for "hideous." Feet must look like they belong at a 90's warehouse dance. Out of respect for the old school.

Americana

Good hat, good boots. Honky Tonk Country? The Hat, the boots, the string tie. These are the accents that pull it together. Hard leather soles instead of rubber soles so you can get some good-soundin' tappin' while you play. A good button-up shirt, in this case, my granddad's. And a sharp jacket or blazer. Country greats always had good mutton chops. Off the shelf/classic western? Desert boots, a throw back to the old days. Brown Wrangler polyester "old guy" pants. For a shirt to look sharp, it's got to be tailored. A skinny tie, "rat pack" style. It's the only kind of tie I'll wear. A hat from Mississippi, a genuine western belt from Texas, and a farmer's coat from Austria. We are entertainers instead of just musicians. The clothes are an extension of the attitude we try to put out there.

Punk

Faux-vintage Cuban revolutionary hat that no doubt hides elegantly disheveled hair. "I'm cooler than you, because you've never heard of this band on my t-shirt" t-shirt. Nothing says, "I'm badass" like a tattoo that ironically defeats that message by consisting of nothing but pretty flowers. Unnecessarily tight, unisex, sweatshop-free pants that would almost certainly suit his girlfriend better. Janitor-esque key chain that contains more keys than anyone could possibly need. Tattered Chucks provide no protection from weather, let alone arch support, and yet all who consider themselves nonconformist are compelled to own at least one pair.