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.
Halloweencostumes.com - men's
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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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
What You Might Already Own
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Faux leather jackets or blazers
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Skinny jeans, ripped denim, or flashy pants
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Graphic tees or band shirts
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Sunglasses (yes, indoors)
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Heeled boots or Converse
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Clipboards, headsets, phone props
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Anything metallic, sparkly, or “I found this in a thrift store long ago, but now I’m a star and I'm still wearing it because I'm cool and setting trends.”
Hair & Makeup
Pop Star: Big lashes, highlighter, bold lips, glitter. Hair in waves, ponytails, or wild colors.
Rocker: Smudged eyeliner, messy hair or fauxhawk, tattoos (fake ok!)
Agent/Exec: Slick hair, power bun, subtle glam
Sound Crew: Baseball caps, beanies, practical hair for running around
Accessories & Props
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Headphones (real or fake)
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Clipboard + fake contracts
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Microphone (real or toy)
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Water bottle labeled “vocal spray”
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Fake backstage pass on a lanyard
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Sunglasses. Always. Especially at night.
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Instrument case, guitar strap, or boom mic prop
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A giant fake check (if you're feeling extra as a label exec)
Behavior: How to Act the Role
Pop Star:
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Always performing. Even when crying.
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Autograph things no one asked you to.
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Refer to everyone as “babe.”
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Voice: bubbly with a media-trained lilt (sing-song quality)
Rocker:
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Loud. Distrustful. Possibly hungover.
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Shrug everything off or blame the label
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Call the pop star a “sellout”
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Voice: gravelly, mumbly, or passionately ranty
Producer/Engineer:
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Calm under pressure—until you snap
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Pretend to be above the drama
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Mutter technical terms no one understands
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Voice: low and commanding
Agent/Manager/CEO:
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Cut people off when they speak
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Always “taking a call”
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Smile like you’re definitely hiding a secret
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Voice: crisp, no-nonsense, maybe with a hint of menace
Studio Assistant:
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Harried energy, clipboard in hand
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Knows where everyone is at all times
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Whispered gossip = survival
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Voice: quick, nervous, always apologizing
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.