Skip to main content

Maverick Ad

Home

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Cover Stories
  • Features
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Cashbox Legacy Awards
  • Past Covers
  • Weekly Archive
Sunglasses and Music: The Connection Between the Accessory and Artists

Breadcrumb

  • Home
  • Sunglasses and Music: The Connection Between the Accessory and Artists
No caption needed
Thu May 23, 2024
Sandy Graham

Sunglasses have been an indispensable accessory for decades, both for protection against the elements and for spicing up an outfit. They’ve also long been intertwined with the music industry, worn on the faces of musicians or the subject of songs. For instance, Corey Hart’s ‘80s hit ‘Sunglasses at Night’ is a timeless classic, highlighting how a simple pair of shades can be a major focus for a tumultuous love affair set to a passionate new wave synth-pop hard rock sound or a dance-pop rendition like Heidi Klum’s version. But beyond trying to look away from a lover’s unfaithfulness, sunglasses have a variety of functions musicians use to their advantage. Here’s a look into the deep connection between sunglasses and music:

Style and image

Sunglasses are an easy way to elevate any look, which makes them a convenient accessory for musicians with a penchant for fashion. The variety of styles can make for a different vibe and match different aesthetics, allowing artists to curate the image they present to fans. Black Wayfarer shades can add an air of mystery and allure. Round mirror lenses can provide a cool rockstar edge that’s both flashy and rebellious. Oversized or cat-eye frames can amp up the glam. Joni Mitchell is a great example of how shades can complete a look and even become a part of a musician’s usual style. Even in her older age, she’s often seen in long braids, a beret, and a pair of square, cat-eye Dita Perplexer sunglasses, helping her look stylish no matter where she goes. Even those who may not have known her in her younger years can recognise her by her signature image.

Practicality

Beyond fashion, sunglasses serve a practical purpose for musicians. The main use for sunglasses is for UV protection, which can protect artists’ eyes when they’re performing in outdoor venues or when they’re out and about. They can also block bright stage lights or glare from reflective surfaces that can cause discomfort and fatigue when performing. For musicians who need vision correction, prescription sunglasses allow them to reap all the benefits of regular sunglasses while being able to see clearly without glasses or contact lenses. They’re also just as stylish as typical shades, as popular models like the Ray-Ban Wayfarers and Aviators are available with prescription lenses in various colourways. These styles are also staples in the music scene, with legends like Bob Dylan and Slash sporting and popularising these sunglasses for years.

Songwriting

Musicians can write a song about anything under the sun, and sunglasses are no exception. But thanks to their many uses, a pair of shades can symbolise all kinds of topics. Corey Hart’s take on sunglasses in ‘Sunglasses At Night’ touches on staying ignorant of the affair happening in front of his eyes, making for a painful and passionate lament of wanting to look away but being too deep under a lover’s control to do so. Indigenous pop-rock trio band Low Budget Rock Star take a different approach in their track ‘Sunglasses’, asking their muse to take her sunglasses off so she won’t have to hide any longer. Sunglasses are just as versatile for songwriting material as they are in everyday life. 

Medical necessity

Some musicians struggle with eye conditions that require them to wear sunglasses for protection. U2 frontman Bono has long been known for his signature colourful shades, which he’s almost never seen without. Though he’s joked that they’re meant to conceal X-Men-like superpowers, the singer actually wears them everywhere due to glaucoma, which he’s been dealing with for around 20 years. The sunglasses help his sensitive eyes withstand bright lights from spotlights or camera flashes, which are frequent encounters for a musician of his status. Sunglasses are a great way to prevent or protect against any eye issues while still looking fashionable.

Features
Music
Month: Feb 2021
Dan Hill - On The Other Side of Here Feb 26
Rethink The Strategy - What The Artist Needs To Learn! Feb 19
Kate Koenig Brings New Spirit to a Tiring Season with Release of Sophomore… Feb 19
Carol Welsman & Randy Bachman Serve Up “A Taste Of Paradise” with Newly… Feb 19
BTW - Carol Welsman/ Randy Bachman, Light of Day Canada Online Festival,… Feb 19
Laurie Leblanc When It’s Right it’s Right for Another Night Like This Feb 19
Do You Really Own Your Fanbase? Feb 12
BTW Strippers Union, Mighty Duck Blues Band/ Cheryl Lescom, Serafin LaRiviere… Feb 12
Mary Wilson …….And Now You’re Gone Feb 12
A Good Picture Says It All! Feb 05
BTW Moist, Jordana of Earth, Julie Neff, Tami Neilson, Devon Kay and the… Feb 05
Hitmakers David Pomeranz & Jim Brickman Team Up for the First Time Feb 05
Musician & Author Greg Godovitz Releases a New Book Up Close And… Feb 05
Month: Jan 2021
Begonia, Maya Zita, Denise Leslie, Melanie?, SPEAK Music Be Kind Festival,… Jan 29
The Problem With Social Media Porn Jan 29
Toronto-based vocal group, Countermeasure releases new video for concept… Jan 29
Winterfolk XIX is Set for February 19th & 20th With FREE Virtually… Jan 29
The Most Creative People In the Music Industry Are Not Just the Artists! Jan 22
BTW This Week- TiKA, Kaisha Lee, Art of Time Ensemble, Alexandra Beck, Carbon… Jan 22
Robbie Burns - Scotland’s Original Rebel Rock Star! Jan 22

Pagination

  • First page « First
  • Previous page ‹ Previous
  • …
  • Page 34
  • Page 35
  • Page 36
  • Page 37
  • Current page 38
  • Page 39
  • Page 40
  • Page 41
  • Page 42
  • …
  • Next page Next ›
  • Last page Last »

CEO/PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF
SANDY GRAHAM

email:sandygrahamemg@gmail.com 

Canadian Journalists:

Contributing Journalist - Canada and Global
Don Graham
email: dongrahamwriter@gmail.com

Contributing Journalist - Canada and Global
Lisa Hartt
email: lisahartt87@hotmail.com

Contributing Journalist - Canada 
Michael Williams
email: greydread@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

International Journalists:

Contributing Journalist - Sweden
Malin Osth
email: malin@musicdays.se

Contributing Journalist - Sweden
Jonas Tancred
email: jonas@musicdays.se

Contributing Journalist - USA
Rob Durkee 
email: rockster2746@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Web Developer/Technical Support
Chris Wardman

email: info@chriswardman.com
website: chriswardman.com

Cashbox Cover Design and Graphic Artist
Jain McMillan

email: jainmcmillan@gmail.com

Contributing Photographer 
Tracey Savein - South Paw Productions
southpawproductions@rogers.com

 

 

 

Footer menu

  • Home
  • Features
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Cashbox Archive
  • Issue Archive
  • Past Covers