Five Fashion Statements: A Look at Model/Actriz’s Style

Pinpointing Model/Actriz’s genre is challenging; however, their powerful, pulsating, and intense music is immediately captivating. The band, formed in 2016, released their debut album, Dogsbody, in 2023 to critical acclaim. Their new album, Pirouette, showcases a more polished and dramatic sound, incorporating stronger dance and pop influences while reflecting lessons learned from touring their debut.

Music holds primary importance for the band; style, clothing, and fashion followed. A significant personal goal is successfully merging these two passions. Model/Actriz masterfully achieves this fusion. The band places significant emphasis on their individual and collective appearance—a characteristic not always seen in rock and punk-adjacent genres. Some members even have modeling backgrounds (the lead vocalist once modeled for a men’s magazine, and the bassist started his career in modeling and continues to walk in high-fashion runway shows).

Outfit One: The Band’s Origin Story

The band’s narrative began with two members who had a loose acquaintance since childhood. Upon relocating to Boston, their friendship blossomed, leading them to start playing music together in a small drum room. They began writing songs that naturally fell into the dance-punk category. After searching for a vocalist, they discovered the lead singer at a solo performance. His punk style, even more intense than their own, impressed them, resulting in an invitation to join the band. Following a successful first rehearsal, they realized they had created something special.

The band’s official start was in April 2016. A mutual friend had conceived the band’s name years prior, and it was quickly adopted, although a name conflict required a slight adjustment.

Outfit Two: The Evolution of Their Sound

The creative process for Pirouette differed from their debut. The second album was more spontaneous. The band’s first album was a deliberate statement of their artistic identity and purpose. Having already played together extensively, they had accumulated a larger range of experiences than most bands writing their first album. The second album still aimed to surpass their previous work, but the pressure was lessened. Experimentation and self-surprise were key objectives, successfully achieved by the band.

The shift in sound was a natural progression; they felt they had fully explored the possibilities of their initial style. The live performances of Dogsbody also greatly influenced the creation of Pirouette. The second album aims to refine the feeling of their initial live shows.

While Dogsbody conveyed a darker, more intense emotional state, Pirouette embodies the joyful communal energy of their performances. The contrast between the two is notable, with the newer album reflecting a more inviting and celebratory atmosphere.

Outfit Three: Collaborative Creativity and Live Performances

The band’s creative process involves extended jam sessions, followed by refinement. The initial music creation is straightforward, as they focus on playing rather than overthinking the process. More in-depth discussions arise when shaping the final product. Despite individual differences in mood and musical preferences, their collective sound remains consistent.

The band members acknowledged experiencing burnout during their initial tour. This experience, however, was viewed as a learning opportunity, helping them better understand their limits and plan for future tours accordingly. Time has eased the challenges of touring and performing, allowing them to appreciate their musical journey and focus on maintaining their physical and mental well-being.

Outfit Four: Style and Stage Presence

Three of the band members maintain a consistent and uniform style during performances, their simple outfits complementing the vocalist’s ever-evolving and dramatic stage presence. The vocalist’s changing outfits serve as a deliberate artistic choice, creating a unique visual experience for each show.

Each member shares their favored brands for both on and off-stage wear, highlighting a blend of high fashion, vintage finds, and locally sourced apparel. Their approach to fashion mirrors their music—a blend of consistent elements with space for individual expression.

Outfit Five: Musical Influences and Dream Uniforms

Each member selects a non-negotiable album they believe everyone should experience, demonstrating a diverse range of musical tastes. They then describe their ideal lifelong outfit, showcasing individual preferences while reflecting their overall aesthetic.

The responses reveal their varied tastes, ranging from high fashion to comfortable everyday wear. The choices ultimately demonstrate how their individual styles complement and enhance the cohesive image of the band.