Fashion and music are two major forms of art that have coincided for decades. Over this period, various genres have garnered a unique look that indirectly established a dress code with interesting colours, styles, and brands.

Artists use their style in clothes as a means of expression for their identity and on-stage persona when performing.

“Diving into the content side is another way to just express yourself,” said Tristan Wanamaker, a Fanshawe student studying in the Human Services Foundations program and member of London’s underground hip-hop scene. “Like making little skits or even fashion, you do podcasts or just another outlet besides music.”

Wanamaker, who also goes by the moniker Trizzy, is a London, Ont. native whose career in music started at a young age. He started by playing acoustic guitar to songs he picked up on in video games he used to play as a kid.

This sparked his love for pursuing a solo career in music and his curiosity, which led him to explore different aspects of hip-hop, rap, and R&B.

Trizzy credits many rappers of the current generation as his influence and inspiration behind his sound. 

“The newer legends like Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar, and personally, as a lyricist and hip-hop head, I love Kendrick,” said Wanamaker.

He added that as a Canadian, Drake’s upbringing as an artist paved the way for the underground artists and brought it to the global front.

“In a better, more uplifting way, [Drake] used his experiences from everything like his music, being himself, and being a genuine person to make connections to elevate his career.”

On the side, Wanamaker has also ventured into the world of fashion by creating a clothing line alongside his stepfather, called RUNUP. Wanamaker described how the name of the brand takes a spin on a confrontation term originating from the streets of Toronto and transforms it into a positive message.

“It’s like a call to action. Life gets you feeling run down, and your dreams seem too far away. But instead of feeling defeated, switch your mind frame, run up on your challenges, and face everything head on,” said Wanamaker.

In his career, Trizzy emphasized the importance of how an artist’s style is an important aspect of their personal brand. He meshes his brand at performances to enhance his music in a live setting.

He also feels more grounded and confident within his music knowing he is representing a signature brand with strong familial ties.

“At the end of the day, it’s about taking what life gives you and making the most of it, levelling up physically, spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. It’s about running up on your goals and aspirations, facing them head-on, and understanding you’re in control. A lot of people should keep that in mind,” said Wanamaker.