Glad Rags: Cannons' Front-Woman Michelle Joy is a Disco Land Mermaid
Get your glad rags on gang! Glad Rags is a column where we chat to some of our favourite musician's about their best garms. This week we're joined by Michelle Joy of Cannons!
How important is clothing to you for a stage presence?
Supremely! Music and clothing on stage work together to create an entire world of my own and a beautiful synergistic feeling between the sonic and visual elements while performing. I see more and more people coming to our shows in their “Cannons clothing” i.e. anything shiny, sparkly, feathery and retro! It creates a feeling of connectedness with the audience as well and it's been rewarding to see the Cannons vibe resonate with so many people in the fashion industry, including Heidi Klume, Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Jesse Jo Stark in their recent social media posts.
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Do you have a different style on stage compared to off stage?
Off stage I am usually in something more laidback and comfortable, thinking about my next stage look and giving myself a break from my love of platforms.
Do you think image is important for musicians wanting to be successful?
Yes. Image and what you do with it can be so powerful. It would be a shame to not try and look the way you feel and sound on stage.
Who are some of your style inspirations as an artist?
Cher, Grace Jones, Diana Ross, Jane Fonda, Debbie Harry, 80's Michelle Pfeiffer in Scarface, Twiggy, David Bowie, Prince, Sade, Edie Swdgwick, The Supremes, Jane Burkin, Brigitte Bardot, Nancy Sinatra.
What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear on stage and why?
I wore a vintage sequin green flared one piece with feathered bell sleeves and I felt like a disco land mermaid! My stylist Lyn Alyson has helped me a lot this year to find unique pieces that make me feel powerful and like a shining star on stage.
What is your favourite piece of clothing to wear offstage and why?
Hoodie’s. I love being comfy!
Do you think people look down on musicians who like fashion too and if so, why?
I think people admire artists that like fashion and appreciate creativity! I do, at least.
How has your style evolved alongside your journey as an artist?
My style really started to evolve last year when we shot our music video for “Bad Dream." Director, Ryan Rundle, wanted to create a future-retro world inspired by elements from the 70s and 80s (much like our music). We collaborated with stylist, Lyn Alyson, building mood boards that included some of the same 70s soul and disco artists I grew up watching because my parents. Lyn was able to bring those looks to life, creating a cohesive world between our music videos and live performances. We've continued to explore that world together over the past year, creating custom pieces with Alana Rose Ault and Tia Usher as well as key pieces for the guys from Marc Keiser and Alligator Jesus.
What advice would you give someone struggling to find their image as an artist?
Don’t be afraid to try new things. I used to think that I didn’t like wearing red or gold until this year and now I'm obsessed with both! Also, think about the feeling you want to instill in your audience, what kind of world you'd like to invite them into and how you can express your sound visually.
