Why Image Is EVERYTHING in the Music Business (And How It Can Make or Break You)

In today’s music industry, image can be just as important as talent. No matter the genre—rock, country, or pop—having the right look is often the key to getting noticed, landing gigs, and building a fanbase. In this video, I dive into why image is everything in the music business and how artists like Jelly Roll have found massive success by balancing authenticity with appeal. Drawing from my own experiences on the Sunset Strip, where image sometimes overshadowed talent, I’ll share tips on finding the right image for your music and why nailing it can take you from just another artist to the one everyone remembers.

#MusicBusiness #ArtistImage #JellyRoll #SunsetStrip #GuitaristTips #RockAndRoll #CountryMusic #MusicianAdvice #ImageVsTalent #MusicIndustry

[pjbrown]

Being a KISS fan since 1985, their 70s era is monumental, and gave them an aura of sorts.

Cheap Trick looks mismatched, but is incredibly good. Had they all looked like Robin and Tom, would they have fared as well? Maybe, seeing as the music is good, but they wouldn't have that unique lineup with Bun E. and Rick standing out.

Judas Priest progressed in sound, but it wasn't until Halford infused their stage wear with leather flair that their look complemented their sound. Hard to not conjure up Judas Priest without leather and studs since then.

Ramones looking like a gang, adopting the same surname, jeans and leather jackets, classic look. Iconic.

Though the New York Dolls were fated to be a cult band, as early as 1971, they were ahead of their time. Johnny Thunders looked like any guy on the Sunset Strip a decade down the road.

Freddie Mercury of Queen didn’t tie himself down with one look. And as much as it caused a stir with the gay scene "clone" look of his 80s era, it made him an icon, readily identifiable. And he's still the same amazing frontman of an all time great band.

Metallica upset fans for cutting their hair and watering down their music for a time, but where they rebuilt their rep is by honoring their past catalogue of music as they randomize set lists frequently.

[johnpatmos]

Great job Brad I always enjoy your perspective on things

[lowdownfender]

To quote American Blues Scene « A jelly roll is a dessert made of sponge cake that has been spread with jam (or jam mixed with cream) and rolled up into a log. Jelly roll is also one of many evocative culinary euphemisms for female genitals heard in the blues. Bessie Smith bragged that “Nobody in Town Can Bake a Sweet Jelly Roll Like Mine.” Also not be confused with Jelly Roll Morton jazz music composer / musician & & his Jelly Roll Blues comp…

[PaulLoughrin]

Thanks Brad! Happy birthday Mia! Well, IMO, style is more for pop artists these days. I wasn't a fan of grunge at first, but grew into it. However, I really liked the way they brought back the jeans and t-shirt look. Cheers, from Jacksonville, Florida.

[jacklbrt]

There's always been an "outlaw" factor in country music (Cash, Haggard, Jennings, etc.). Today, it's Jellyroll, Post Malone, etc. A few decades ago country incorporated rock music into part of it's style. Today they're incorporating rap and hip hop. It seems that Nashville is always 10 years, give or take, behind trends and this is no exception. Nashville is just looking for what they think will sell to the current generation.

[JoeFeingold]

Great topic, Brad!
I always thought this about Kurt Coban. Kids thought. Wow. "That could be me" ?
I don't have to be a great player. Sing on pitch.. Look or dress a certain way, angst written lyrics that was appealing to them. It made it accessible to many. The exact opposite of what was going on by then.

[dwaynejones]

I think artists should always look like artists....if I go to the grocery store, everyone will know that I am in the arts....which art is the only question mark.

[jerryhatrick]

Image does matter.. But one can dress anything doesn't mean they can carry it..
Im just glad you didn't get used up n chewed up out there n we have you here now..
Many didn't make it to our age..
Your gifted to have a sense of things around you.. And how to handle them and have some angels watching over you..
Everything is always as it should be..
Everything in life is a lesson..
Everything.

[greenman]

When I had big flowing Viking Goldilocks, I promised myself I would never be the dude with long hair and a bald spot. Once I got a thin spot I went pompadour.😂

[tacmason]

Image is more important in entertainment - than I was ever willing to accept. (so true)

[slowfinger]

Great advice Brad. I've never been image conscious, even though I once worked in advertising, which included fashion shoots. LOL One time a bunch of us jeans and t-shirt dudes got together to play a charity hosted by a rising country star. We wore tie-dye and cowboy hats, on the bass player's advice. He said, we might confuse the old-timers with our rock music, but the cowboy hats will make them think that we must be okay. Seems to me that a cowboy hat is a great accessory across many genres. Represents a cultural attitude.

[themopedmetallist]

Looking like members of the same band onstage - I keep going back to that video of Cliff Burton with Trauma

[Nik.No.K]

Image definitely does matter but I think what may be more important is knowing your audience and what they want. There’s kinda two worlds to this. Many fans want to see a spectacle of an artist getting all dressed up and being like a mythical figure on stage. On the other hand many of the biggest bands of the 90’s just wore their regular clothes and it worked because the people of the time were sick of insincere spectacle and wanted something authentic. So just wearing their normal clothes was actually a good choice for bands like nirvana and Alice In Chains.

Overall image is important and it’s a good idea to try to look nice and have a sense of style but I think it all comes down to having a good understanding of your target audience and giving them what they’re looking for

[rayprevailer]

I think music will come full circle...The illusion on many things is ending. A new cycle is coming. Just my opinion.

[Nik.No.K]

I’m jealous of your hair bro, if my dad is any indication I’m not going to have mine by the time I get to your age. I’m just 30 and I already have grey coming in on my sideburns. I wondered if I should dye it…

I don’t love jelly rolls music but he is an inspirational figure for me as another person who didn’t see success until later in life. It’s nice to see someone who is nearly 40 and pretty rough looking make it in music. It gives hope for the rest of us😂

[bradhardisty]

Jellyroll looked really strange in Monk Robes and a Sabbath cross singing Mama I'm Coming Home

[neilstern]

Yes its important as they say the whole package. But the other side the promoters what you to build up interest, new cars fast woman. It takes money. But i saw Frampton live in Florida and he had no hair. But didnt matter becuse of his skill. Im glad he got back his stolen guitar. All you entertainers deserve an award, really.

[scottfromsouthcarolina]

Jelly Roll is from Tennesee did some time for robbery and possession in his early 20s. My Grand kids 12, 12 and 8 like him.

[herehere]

Dude id to see some older pics of you in some of your looks 👌 😂 Thatd be awesome

[ProbablyTooLoud]

Normies are confused if a real musician or singer doesn’t look like a skid row rock star. The expectations are real.