Discussions at the crossroads of fashion and music.

Mojo is the essence of an artist. This energy and character trickles directly into their music.

Mojo is as hard to define as magic is as hard to see. The Mojo of music is the combination of fashion, influences, and non-verbal communication of sharing their message on stage. Every musician has evolved from their heroes, upbringing, and observations of watching music, defining what they want to represent and communicate.

This series was created to dive deeper behind the microphone by discussing personal styles and making community connections in artists’ closets. Every piece, every story, is part of the sound.

Imagine Slash without his nicked top hat, or Prince without his royal purple aptly named “Love Symbol #2.” Would we recognize Bono without his sunglasses? How much farther did the Lady Gaga ‘meat dress’ or the Britney Spears schoolgirl uniform propel them into relevance? Clothing can transcend music as Kurt Cobain’s mohair green cardigan represents grunge and Madonna’s pink cone bra was a rebellion to controversy.

Music has influenced fashion throughout history. The 50’s brought us Bobby-soxers and the The 80’s opened up goth, while the 90’s into grunge. The 2010’s opened the door for electronic dance music (EDM) trends. Currently we’re navigating through the 2020’s gender-bending fashions, where artists such as Harry Styles, Dua Lipa, Arianna Grande, and Lil Nas are redefining style. Mojo continues to be that driving force of connecting the internal to the external.

 
  • Ashtyn Barbaree

    Having navigated the music industry built on passed down work ethics, Ashtyn Barbaree blends practicality with whimsy, creating a look that feels both personal and universally relatable.

  • Nina Luna

    Singer songwriter Nina Luna combines natural mysticism and sacred sensuality into a shape-shifting alt-pop sound.

  • Willie Watson

    Willie Watson is not only a talented folk musician but also an accomplished clothing designer that embodies the same authenticity found in his music.

  • Helen

    Confessional singer-songwriter Helen unveils the style behind her music and the romantic narratives that connect to her fans.

  • Emmy Woods

    Emmy Woods discusses how her style has evolved from growing up in North Dakota to thrifting in the Twin Cities.

  • Phoebe Go

    Melbourne-based alt-pop musician Phoebe Go takes control of her style with comfort first.

  • Sarah Morris

    Intuitively aware of the magic of life, Sarah Morris blends practicality and the joy of feeling good in her style and music.

  • ELOUR

    Femme-Rock artist Elour uses her fashion edge as an anthem of empowerment and rebellion.

  • Molly Martin

    Indie-rock rebel Molly Martin releases a debut album embedded with attitude and swagger.

  • VOLK

    Nashville-based cyber cow punk duo VOLK combines genres and fashion in the truest sense.

  • Mom Rock

    From the Boston basement circuit to large summer festivals, Mom Rock has catapulted onto the scene with an iconic coordinated look.

  • Athereal Rose

    Athereal Rose is a dynamic DJ, model, and songwriter that energizes her fashion to meet the role.

  • KAATWALK

    Model and musician KAATWALK explains her fashion choices in both walks of life.

  • Daphne Jane

    Queer bedroom pop artist Daphne Jane discusses her affinity for ribbons and lace and the special color behind her guitar.

  • The Spine Stealers

    Winners of the 2023 Virtual Band Competition at Blue Ox, the spooky-folk duo The Spine Stealers share how the pandemic solved their existential crises.

  • Charming Disaster

    New York goth-folk duo Charming Disaster share the importance of intention and using costumes in music.

  • Molly Brandt

    Americana artist Molly Brandt discusses how fashion always finds at the right time.

  • Dad Bod

    Dad Bod discusses their eclectic styles and how it relates to their blend of rock, shoegaze, and distortion.

  • Ruby Blu

    Feminist rocker Ruby Blu shares how the bombshells from the 90’s influences her music today.

  • Kelley Smith

    Minnesota folk artist Kelley Smith emerges from the woods to discuss minimalism and staying grounded on stage.

  • Julia Wheaton

    Julia Wheaton combines glamour and Brazilian-inspired fashion with her powerful vocals and performances.

  • SYM1

    Always evolving Electric Pop artist SYM1 incorporates DIY aesthetics and hi-tech theatrics in her fashion.

  • Black Widows

    Punk surf-roxotica trio The Black Widows shares how they honor the importance of performance with uniformity.

  • Monica LaPlante

    Garage rock queen Monica LaPlante discusses her fashion start and how it seeps deep into her music.

  • Anna Tivel

    Oregon-based artist Anna Tivel discusses her keen ability to song write based on observations without her own style being observed.

  • Syvers

    Syvers brings a unique perspective to the series as a married duo.

  • ELSKA

    ELSKA honors her Nordic heritage while adding strength to her fashion and music.

  • Resonant Rogues

    Behind the stage at Blue Ox Music Festival, dark Appalachian folk duo Resonant Rogues share their lifestyle fashion.

  • Johnny Sincerely and the Traveling Blues Orchestra

    Suave theatrical front man Johnny Sincerely shares the limelight with his band.

  • Rigby

    DIY garage punk group Rigby discusses finding your identity with music.

  • Mayyadda

    Singer, songwriter, producer, and overall chameleon Mayyadda explores making everything ugly into cute.

  • Mojo of Turn Turn Turn

    Turn Turn Turn

    Turn Turn Turn brings the past into the presents with coordinated intention.

  • Mojo of Good Morning Bedlam

    Good Morning Bedlam

    Furious Folk group Good Morning Bedlam breaks down their innovative style.

  • Mini-Mojo with Yasmin Nur

    Yasmin Nur

    Wichita native Yasmin Nur channels her inner strength through clothing before playing at The Treasury.

  • Mojo of the Low Rats

    Low Rats

    Minneapolis garage-punk band Low Rats discusses their personal style and elements that inspire their music.

  • Haley Blais

    Haley Blais takes a moment before a sold out show at The Varsity to share some thrifting tips.

  • Mini-Mojo with Lanue

    Lanue

    Before playing First Avenue, Lanue discusses her hand sewn outfit and how it connects to her music.

Smouse in the House is a published writer, professional photographer, podcaster, and uncontrollable collector of vinyl. Inspired by community driven projects, Midwest musicians, and the stories behind the music, Smouse in the House is constantly redefining how to share and connect people to the sound.

Traveling through the Midwest on tour? Want to share your sense of fashion through a special article?

tsmouse310@gmail.com