Costume Advice
BEATS AND BACKSTABS COSTUMES
Where every outfit screams “chart-topper” or “suspicious manager energy.” Welcome to the glittery chaos of the music world—where egos are big, secrets are bigger, and someone definitely lip-synced for their life (and maybe their alibi). Whether you're channeling rock royalty or sleuthing through a sound booth, this guide has everything you need to dress the part and drop the mic.
MUSIC BIZ COSTUME VIBES
Character Roles You Might Play
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Sound Engineer – Quiet, all-knowing, hides in the booth, might know too much
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Producer – Big vision, bigger sunglasses, running the show behind the scenes
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Studio Assistant – Overworked, underpaid, overhearing everything
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Pop Star – Glammed-up, always “on,” suspiciously well-prepped for press
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EDM Producer/Artist - always wearing a tech-savvy mask, acting suspicious
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Rocker – Loud outfits, louder opinions, hidden vulnerability or violent streak
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Roadie – Rough around the edges, always lugging gear… and grudges
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Talent Agent – Dressed to close deals, slick and possibly shady
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Talent Scout – Knows what’s hot before it’s hot—always watching
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Record Label CEO – Cold, calculating, charismatic, probably has a yacht
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Social Media Manager – Talks fast, tweets faster, always filming
🎧 Beats & Betrayal: A Music Industry Mystery Guide
Because behind every chart-topper is a little drama — and maybe a motive.
🎚️ Sound Engineer – The Quiet Genius
Vibe: Always in the booth, always listening, probably knows more than they should.
Costume (from your closet):
Hoodie, jeans, sneakers, baseball cap, and headphones (around your neck or on one ear).
Props: Laptop, fake soundboard, notebook labeled “Mix Notes.”
How to Act:
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Adjust invisible knobs mid-conversation.
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Say “check, check” at random.
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Stay calm while everyone else panics.
Sayings:
“Relax, I can fix it in post.”
“That feedback wasn’t from the mic.”
🎛️ Producer – The Big Boss of Beats
Vibe: Confident, creative, and convinced they run the whole show.
Costume (from your closet):
Cool jacket or hoodie, dark shades, clean sneakers, lots of attitude.
Props: Tablet, gold chain, notebook labeled “Next Big Thing.”
How to Act:
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Talk about “the vision.” Never explain it.
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Name-drop fake artists.
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Say “trust the process” before chaos.
Sayings:
“We’re not making noise — we’re making history.”
“I can drop a beat faster than you can drop an excuse.”
🔊 EDM Artist – The Beat Drop Master
Vibe: Mysterious, high-energy, and slightly unhinged in the best way.
Costume (from your closet):
Black jeans, bright hoodie or jacket, LED accessories, sneakers.
Props: Glow sticks, fake DJ controller, USB drive, headphones.
How to Act:
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Dance randomly while talking.
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Speak in beats and sound effects.
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Treat every flicker of light like a concert cue.
Sayings:
“Feel the drop before it hits.”
“I don’t just play music — I summon chaos.”
💄 Pop Star – The Spotlight Sensation
Vibe: Sparkly, confident, and constantly performing.
Costume (from your closet):
Glitter top, jacket, jeans or skirt, and shiny shoes.
Props: Toy microphone, phone (for selfies), autograph pen.
How to Act:
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Always “on.”
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Wave dramatically for no reason.
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Call everyone “darling” or “sweetheart.”
Sayings:
“My next single? It’s called ‘I Didn’t Do It.’”
“Don’t worry, I look great even under suspicion.”
🎸 Rocker – The Loud Legend
Vibe: Bold, stubborn, and allergic to rules.
Costume (from your closet):
Leather jacket, ripped jeans, band tee, wristbands.
Props: Guitar pick, drumsticks, or fake microphone stand.
How to Act:
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Shrug off accusations.
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Complain about the label.
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Flip your hair for emphasis.
Sayings:
“I don’t follow the beat — I break it.”
“The real crime here is pop music.”
⚙️ Studio Assistant – The Unsung Hero
Vibe: Overworked, under-caffeinated, knows everyone’s secrets.
Costume (from your closet):
Jeans, tee, sneakers, messy hair, clipboard.
Props: Notepad, walkie-talkie, fake schedule.
How to Act:
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Apologize for things you didn’t do.
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Whisper gossip mid-crisis.
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Look exhausted yet unstoppable.
Sayings:
“If I stop running, the studio explodes.”
“Don’t worry — I alphabetized the alibis.”
🕶️ Talent Agent – The Smooth Talker
Vibe: Knows everyone, talks fast, makes deals in the shadows.
Costume (from your closet):
Blazer, dark shirt, shiny shoes, sunglasses indoors.
Props: Clipboard, fake contract, smartphone.
How to Act:
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Interrupt conversations with fake calls.
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Smile like you know too much.
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Say everything like it’s top secret.
Sayings:
“Everyone’s a star — until they’re not.”
“I didn’t cause the drama. I just negotiated it.”
🎯 Talent Scout – The Trend Tracker
Vibe: Friendly, observant, and always two steps ahead.
Costume (from your closet):
Stylish jacket, jeans, sneakers, cool accessories.
Props: Camera, notepad, fake audition list.
How to Act:
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Whisper “You’ve got potential” to strangers.
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Watch everyone like you’re filming a documentary.
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Keep secrets until the finale.
Sayings:
“You’ve got something. I can’t explain it… yet.”
“I spotted talent once. It didn’t end well.”
💼 Record Label CEO – The Big Boss
Vibe: Cool, powerful, and maybe too calm about the chaos.
Costume (from your closet):
Suit jacket or blazer, nice shoes, watch, no tie.
Props: Fake check, coffee cup, clipboard labeled “Artist Contracts.”
How to Act:
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Smile through confrontation.
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Speak slowly, like you’re always negotiating.
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Deny everything politely.
Sayings:
“I didn’t cause the drama — I just signed it.”
“Let’s spin this disaster into good PR.”
📱 Social Media Manager – The Digital Dynamo
Vibe: Fast-talking, frantic, and probably live-tweeting the investigation.
Costume (from your closet):
Trendy streetwear, sneakers, laptop bag, headset or earbuds.
Props: Phone, fake social feed printouts, iced coffee.
How to Act:
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Narrate everything like it’s a vlog.
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Panic over “the algorithm.”
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Whisper “don’t post that” every 10 minutes.
Sayings:
“We’re trending — but for the wrong reason!”
“Delete that! Wait, no… hashtag it.”
⚡ Roadie – The Backstage Legend
Vibe: Rough around the edges but loyal. Always fixing things (and maybe suspects).
Costume (from your closet):
Dark jeans, band tee, boots, flannel or hoodie.
Props: Cables, flashlight, roll of tape.
How to Act:
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Grumble affectionately.
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Carry fake gear around for realism.
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Fix imaginary problems.
Sayings:
“If it’s broken, I can fix it. Except people.”
“Don’t worry — I’ve got duct tape and a dream.”
MORE ABOUT THE MUSICAL ROLES
🎤 What You Might Already Own
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Faux leather jacket or blazer
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Skinny jeans or ripped denim
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Graphic tees or band shirts
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Sunglasses (even at night — it’s the law)
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Converse or boots
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Clipboard, headset, or phone prop
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Anything shiny, metallic, or vintage-cool
💄 Hair & Makeup
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Pop Star: Sparkle, gloss, and big hair energy.
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Rocker: Messy hair, smudged eyeliner, fake tattoos optional.
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Agent/Exec: Neat and confident — the “I own this” look.
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EDM Artist: Neon streaks, glow paint, or light accessories.
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Sound Crew: Hats, beanies, simple, functional styles.
🎧 Accessories & Props
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Headphones (real or toy)
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Microphone
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Fake backstage pass
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Instrument case or prop guitar strap
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Glow sticks or flashlight
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Clipboard and “contracts”
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Lanyard with your “Artist Access” badge
🎭 How to Act the Role
Pop Star:
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Wave, pose, and smile through suspicion.
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Say things like, “My fans would never believe this.”
Rocker:
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Loud, passionate, maybe dramatic.
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Toss your hair and storm off… then come back for applause.
EDM Artist:
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Move like you’re in a slow-motion rave.
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Say, “Wait for the drop,” then freeze dramatically.
Producer / Engineer:
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Calm voice, intense focus.
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Whisper, “We’ll fix it in post” even if you don’t know what that means.
Agent / CEO:
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Confident and composed.
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Smile through every accusation.
Studio Assistant:
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Nervous energy.
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Say “You didn’t get this from me…” and scurry away.
NOTES FROM THE GAME DEVELOPER:
This is one of the most flexible costume categories, since there are no limits on what a person in the music industry can or will look like.
POP STARS: can wear another band's rock t-shirt and jeans on up to a glitzy catsuit costume or ripped jeans and a blazer - it's anything you want, actually. At the end of the day, dress for being on stage - what would your inner pop star want to wear for your fans? A butterfly costume? Why not? There is no right or wrong. Add a fun diva headset prop, why not?
ROCK STARS: just like pop stars above - there is no right or wrong. The typical rocker costume focuses on the '80s, as they were the most distinctive and fun, but you can dress casual in a t-shirt and jeans with maybe crazy hair or go for an all-out sequin outfit with platform shoes. Or, you could always dress as your favorite inspiration, like a Jimi Hendrix look or maybe Angus Young-inspired and make it your own with accessories.
AUDIO ENGINEERS: Wear any rock band t-shirt or hoodie with pants. Throw a pair of headphones around your neck, and you're good to go! You should be comfortable, as your character works long hours in the studio. You can dress it up and wear a suit, if you wish.
RECORD LABEL EXECUTIVE: This character should be flashy and show they have money, as you are trying to attract talent to sign up for your company. Maybe wear a sequin suit with fake money flooding your pockets. And wear flashy sunglasses - why not? You should be a little less accessible to lock eyes with, as you are the scout and not vice versa.
LOUNGE SINGER/CRUISE SHIP ENTERTAINER: I would default to the red sequin Jessica Rabbit-style lounge dress or any formal gown and a cheesy wig. You shouldn't be as polished as a pop or rock star—you should be more of a lower-budget and cheesier version. Or, for the guys, go for a cheesy leisure suit—maybe go for a 70's hippie vibe.





























