Few things capture the spirit of music like a well-designed poster. A music poster not only advertises, it carries an energy that resonates long after a band has left the stage. While teenagers and young adults have long adorned their dorm rooms or residential bedrooms with posters of their favorite artists, framed music posters are now recognized as acceptable representations of art that also belong throughout our homes and offices.
I WAS THERE
For some of us a concert poster represents a specific date in our own personal history. A poster from a concert you actually attended is a visual souvenir of the night. When friends see a specific poster on a wall, the owner proudly acknowledges, “yeah, I was there, it was dope.” They can remember all the details of the night — who they were with, the set list, the smell of the venue, what they did after the concert — you name it. Events like this are as much personal milestones as birthdays or anniversaries.
THEY’RE MY FAVORITE
For others a poster may represent an artist, band, festival that is meaningful to them. They may not have attended that particular concert or festival but they still have a connection. Even if you weren’t there, posters for legendary gigs or bands (The Clash, Nirvana, Bowie, Taylor Swift) tap into a collective nostalgia that remains a constant in our busy lives. I speak to a lot of our customers and so many of them have a “relationship” with an artist or a band that they have been following, sometimes for a significant period of their lives. They don’t need to attend every live events for this relationship to endure.
EYE CANDY
To other people, music posters like how it makes them feel when they look at it, similar to other art they may have in their home. It could still be hung from a wall in a bedroom or recreational room, but also in great rooms, dining rooms, living rooms or hallways. Like other pieces, there is usually one location that just works perfect.
HISTORY IS WORTH THE INVESTMENT
Many posters are works of design in their own right, created by graphic artists who went on to become highly regarded in the art world. In many cases their work has become collectible and often appreciates in value. Prominent examples include Frank Kozik, Bonnie MacLean, Emek and of course the founders of the San Francisco School of psychedelic posters – Wes Wilson, Stanley Mouse, Rick Griffin, Alton Kelly and Victor Moscoso — collectively known as the Big Five. We also can’t forget Hapshash and the Coloured Coat (Nigel Waymouth & Michael English), Jamie Reid and Martin Sharp in the UK. There are those who collect the works of the visual artist, as well as the posters of the musical artist.
A UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
It’s often said that “Music is a Universal Language”. Whether you’re into classic rock, hip-hop, metal, or electronic, there’s a poster to match. They reflect not only a band’s identity but also the trends of their era – the 60’s psychedelic artwork, the harder edged punk look of the 70’s, or today’s more sleek, minimalistic design. For all these reasons, music posters continue to prove that their impact goes far beyond the gig and still resonate today with music lovers and other collectors.
Check out some of the awesome and original posters we have in the Bynx collection!
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