The music of FASHFEST

Posted on 1 May, 2014

There’s something about a soulful guitar solo, the thunder of drums or the classical sounds of a violin that speaks directly to the spirit. Powerful to human emotions, music can evoke some rather powerful feelings.

When the soul hears music, it drops its best guard…at least according to Socrates.

The lyrics, the tone of music, and the mood it puts us in…are all things heard and felt through the expansively different genres of music. The right song can dictate a single memory in our life and vice versa—one moment can dictate a song. We are taken on adventures we never forget while wishing to forget some of the songs we hear; taken to places we not ordinarily go and shown things that we would not ordinarily see.

Creative on every level, the influence it has can’t really be explained.

The fashion industry is much the same.

An expression of personal style without using words, it is a language that tells a story about the person who wears it, and just like music, it evokes emotion. Fashion is art—beautiful, colourful, imaginative and unique.

Like track pants and UGG boots, music and fashion are the perfect couple.

Music can make or break a collection because it sets the tone for a show. The right song has the power to convey the aesthetic of a designer’s work in ways which presenting the collection on its own cannot. It is a complete sensory experience. The speed, the melody, the orchestration, the genre…are all carefully considered.

Regardless of the matchmaking and challenges, both find innovative ways to survive and thrive through collaboration.

The most recent of this manifestation is the collaborative spirit of FASHFEST—a stunning four-day fashion event that shines the spotlight on Canberra’s diverse local design and musical talent.

Just ask FASHFEST’s very own musical director, Michael Liu aka Mr Michael who has pulled together an exciting lineup of local talent for this year’s event…

Q. Do you think Frank Sinatra was right on the money when he said music and fashion are inseparable?  

Mr Michael: Music and fashion are intrinsically linked by one key element—creativity. When paired together it is a complete experience for the senses—wearing the clothes, seeing the garments, and hearing the music. A fashion show really highlights how important music is in setting the right atmosphere.

Q. Music can evoke a variety of emotions, which differs person to person. What emotions does FASHFEST 2014 hope to evoke this year with those in the audience? 

This year is a real celebration. Last year we were out to prove ourselves and wanted to provide that oomph. This year we are back bigger and better with a huge smile on our face. Canberra should be celebrated for all its diverse arts and culture and I hope that the music leaves audience walking away wanting more and more.

Q. How have we seen the tradition of music played for the catwalk change and develop over the past few years?

MM: I think more and more, music is playing a greater role in creating the fashion experience. Shows are experiment with live music and more genres than just the standard house music. At FASHFEST we’ve always believe that music has a critical role, and continuing this with great local, live and original music.

Q. What do you look for when scouting artists for a fashion show and matching their genre to a designer’s collection?

MM: That’s a tough one. Canberra has an absolutely burgeoning music scene and there is a wealth of acts out there. As I always say, in looking for FASHFEST music it has to be live, local and original. I think this really centres the music and gives the whole production an organic feel because it’s all coming for Canberra. We’ve been very lucky this year that a lot of material has specifically been written for FASHFEST 2014.

Q. What was the biggest challenge last year in regards to composing and arranging the music for the show? How have you overcome it this year?

MM: It’s hard to pick music, which is suitable for the show. It generally has to sit between 90-120 beats per minute so that it isn’t too slow or too fast for the models to walk. The other concern was of course picking music, which may not have necessarily been used for catwalks before. It was a bit of a gamble but it well and truly paid off. This year I delved even deeper into what one might not normally hear at a fashion festival and I’m confident Canberra will be impressed.

Q. This will be my first FASHFEST experience, so can you tell me why the music of FASHFEST 2013 was memorable and what fashonistas can expect this year? How do the sounds of each night differ to the next?

MM: I wanted the music to have ‘oomph’ last year. It needed to hit audience at the very core and remind them that this was all coming from Canberra. Shotgun Cubs, Safia, Doppel and Magnifik created mammoth sets traversing a whole range of different electronic genres. One of the most satisfying pieces was when a number people came up to me after the show and said they were torn where to look- at the fashion or at the musicians! I wanted it to be compelling and I’ve stepped it up again this year. With an even more varied line-up this year, Magnifik, Radar & Weston, Coda Conduct and Monfory Horrors will be taking audiences on a journey through electro/disco house, minimal techno, hip-hop and rap to dubstep and trap.