music needs fashion

Good music will defend itself. That is for sure. But I think music needs fashion. Cause as an art form is background, which is the image, should be the form of art too. So when we see what stands behind the music, clothes which add some story and appeal, we can identify more with what we hear and interpret it in the end.

What would we know about Bruce Springsteen singing ‘Born in the USA’ if we did not see he is wearing navy blue Levi’s jeans, white t-shirt and a red cup?  That he is a patriot, not a disheveled rebel identifying with his country.

I would say the same about Jim Morrison, whose leather, skinny pants and shirts were the perfect reflection of the unsettled, rebellious generation he stood for. With an aim to be a weirdo he managed to prove that not only with music but the image he created, calling himself Mr. Mojo Risin’ or the Lizard King.

But now, when we do not have so much to revolt against, artists go back in time, trying to resemble the 60’s or the 70’s like The Drums, with their blurred video clips, college sweatshirts and socks sticking out the gym shoes. Without that ,,Me and the Moon’’ songs’ lyrics would just be a banal ballad without this edgy reminiscence of the past.  Then think of Lana del Rey and her ,,National Anthem’’. Would I understand the hint if it was not for the retro, simple Jackie Kennedy look in the music video?

 I do not mean ‘fashion' in terms of trends, but in terms of what style do artists create. It complements music, makes performance exceptional and more profound. And as for me, this is great art. X