Visual appearance........how important is it it?

[ausrock]

OK, this may seem a bit harsh but in todays industry climate, marketing (selling) an image seems more important than selling the music.

That being the case, how important is it for a band and it's members to be critical of their own appearance.........including, style of clothing, tidyness, their own physical condition, etc., etc.

Is a band limiting their chances of getting a deal, if for example they have a bass player who looks more like Demis Roussos, (think of an overweight Greek waiter ), rather than everyone looking as though they are candidates for the next "boy band".

Comments anyone?

 

[AlChuck]

I would venture to say it's critically important if the goal is to be a huge pop success, far less important (though it helps) if the goal is more artistic in nature.

 

[Layla Nahar]

I thought today's mantra was

"Forget about a Deal"


Don't bag a good player because he's hefty. Besided, Greek is good, right? But if he dresses like a bum, I'd say, clean 'im up. (easier said than done. American guys don't do 'dress up' in general. it makes em real uncomfortable)

Appearance is important, but you also got to have a good product if yoiu are doing any of this yourself. I mean, you're not going for American Idol, are you? 'cause that whole thang is about how the ideal label act works. An average joe/jane with enuf charisma to transform themselves into a hottie, who has a decent enuf singing ability, and is between 18 and 26 - the record label's execs pick the writers, the producers etc and make a product with that attractive young person as the selling face et voila - New Talent!

I would say worry more about yoiur fan base NOW. Are ya bringin in girls or guys to your shows? That should give you some idea of what to do with the appearance question

 

[ausrock]

This isn't for me personally................I'm waayyyy past worrying about getting up on stage or getting a deal.

It is something however, that is of concern around here at the moment and unfortunately, regardless of how many other factors a band has in their favour, looks do sell.

BTW, where did the "forget about a deal" mantra come from? That kind of spells a defeatist approach even before you have started.

 

[Rhythmsavant]

i say Joey Ramone...

while alot of "pop stars" will always be harvested to fill a look or style people like Lou Pearlman and Clear Channel decide (in all fairness pretty accurately) the country wants, there is still going to be a call for good music, and while decreasing with technology most of the time you dont "see" the performers, youre listening on the radio or a CD...as a straight man i dont think Mick Jagger is good looking at all, but his stage presence and attitude make him a world recognized "sex symbol" you could say the same about Steven Tyler...the list goes on on both sides i suppose...
my $.02

 

[Layla Nahar]

BTW, where did the "forget about a deal" mantra come from? That kind of spells a defeatist approach even before you have started.

I see it all the time - one is advised to do it oneself, go indy whatever; Kenny Love (I think it was kenny love) said "if the artist is *unlucky* enough to get signed" The book "What they don't tell yoiu about the music business" is pretty much devoted to talking yoiu out of going for a deal with a big label. That's what i meant. I didnt mean for it to sound defeatist.

 

[homeuser]

DUH!!!! Ofcourse looks matter. But it's AFTER the fact if you sound good or not. And actually it's the vocalist that has to worry about it. The guitar players, drummers can look messed up. Sorry, but it's true, all eyes on the vocalist. I think for adults over 30, as long as the music sounds good, the music will be judged on it's own. For younger performers, looks does play a more important role. I think anyone will tell you though, if the music is there it doesn't matter what they look like.

Look at the remaining bunch on American Idol, not one "looker" in the bunch! Actually the cutest one got the boot!!