The future of live music as we know it hangs in the balance. While no one needs a repeat of The Chainsmokers train-wreck that happened in the Hamptons, gigs online and appropriately distanced in person will continue to become more the norm. So what’s one to wear to the social distanced gig? Here’s what our writers, editors, and contributing artists would wear along with what their ideal bill would be for the night.
Grace Eire, Associate Editor
I’d put this on because it pretty much was my summer uniform last year, I’d wear a variation on it most nights. Shoelace belts/small shirts/cutoffs turn me into a self-aware caricature of myself and that’s fine. Plus, I don’t have to wear a bra with this very old spandex shirt I found in my old dresser. Key. Also key: socks. I got these at a Japanese sock store in Cologne or Aachen, Germany when I was traveling with my brother. They might be my favorite item(s??) of clothing. I bought these platforms on sale right before I “temporarily” went to my parents’ and never got to wear them out. I like to put them on around the house to feel real, occasionally sipping on tequila soda alone in my childhood bedroom.
Lauren Khalfayan, Managing Editor
First rule of thumb for a gig stream (for me) is to set the vibe and mood — lighting, environment, a drink, a smoke, whatever you need to do to get relaxed and in the best mood and mindset to enjoy an altered version of our favorite pastime.
I got this Guy Fieri-esque bowling shirt in LA right before everything shut down in March and it has yet to see the light of day, so it seems appropriate for it to make an appearance. My ideal gig would be Shame (new record leak ideally), Sza, Lala Lala, Twin Peaks, and Sydney Gish — zero sense, but combo of raging, more chill, lots of feelings, and bad bitch energy feels appropriate.
Julia Fletcher, Editorial Intern/Graphic Designer
A socially distanced gig would finally let me wear cute clothes to a show. I love wearing chunky earrings and I never get to wear any to shows because I’m terrified they’ll get ripped out in the mosh pit. Usually I wear the same thing to every show — pants that have big pockets for my phone, a bralette because I know it’ll get sweaty, and shoes I wouldn’t mind getting dirty. For an online gig I’d get to dress up and wear a delicate top and some bright pants, and even healed shoes!
My dream lineup would be Dehd, Deeper, Pure X, Protomartyr, Special Interest, and Crack Cloud. The lineup makes no sense and the genres are all over the place, but all of these bands released some of my absolute favorite albums this year and I would love to hear them played in their entirety.
Enne Goldstein, Graphic Designer
Aricka Moultry-Davis, Writer/Photographer
E.R. Pulgar, Writer/Columnist
For better or worse I’ve been changing locations a ton in this most sinister of summers…currently in South Texas, where it’s blistering hot. I’ve been blasting the AC and staying in in my black harem pants and black slippers, with a red satin pajama top— not pictured: the matching shorts. Also wearing my sword earring, gold armlet, and a few rings…finally had a reason to dress up that wasn’t going to the supermarket to stock up on spinach and oatmeal.
I’ve been wanting to feel a lot and also feel softly. Weird mix of sounds, but I’d love to see Big Joanie, The Marías and FKA Twigs with a post-show rave DJ’d by Arca.
Charis Forrester, Writer/Graphic Designer
For a socially distanced gig, I would be able to reflect more of my own style rather than simply dressing for the sweaty mosh pit. I’d be able to wear something more comfortable and light, and also be able to wear platform shoes without worrying about the weight on my feet.
My dream lineup would be Cindy Lee, Protomartyr, Black Marble, Crack Cloud, Automatic, and Porridge Radio. All of these acts have put out wonderful albums either this year or late last year, and I’ve been looking forward to seeing them live for a while if I haven’t already before.
Kirsten Spruch, Writer
