The Melophobic: The Name Game

posted in: Features

One of the most influential aspects of marketing your band is creating a compelling name that will not only interest listeners  but also be remembered.  Simply put: your band’s name is your first impression.  Pick a bad name, and even the most ardent music lover will quickly move on to a new artist.  With the quick-minded tempo of people these days, you only have a brief moment to capture their attention.  The average person surfing the Internet only views an individual web page for 37 seconds.  In the same fashion, a music executive or A&R rep will only  listen to the first 30 seconds of your song”if you’re lucky.  However if your band’ name is something like “The Dudes with Mullets,” you probably won’t even get a listen.

A good name is essential so I’ve laid out a few helpful “Dos” and “Don’ts” for the new bands out there!

YES! ” Make the name weird, memorable.  Google it before you pick it.  Check for availability of the name here on OurStage and on MySpace.

NO! ”  Don’t pick a name that goes over the edge or plays off of another artist’s unique name.  There’s only one Ke$ha, 3oh!3, and Chk Chk Chk(!!!).

YES! ” Ask your friends opinions, maybe even some random people you barely know.  If they don’t like it, the world won’t either.

NO! ”  Don’t decide to change your name mid career.  If you’re starting to build up a buzz, a name change could confuse fans.   Remember, you’re not Miley Cyrus or Prince.

YES! ” Take your band name seriously. If you are determined to make a longterm career in the music industry, pick a name people will respect and not laugh at.

NO!” Don’t pick a name no one can pronounce. Who wants to drag out a dictionary in order to figure out who their listening to?

Keep these in mind before venturing into the music industry.  You never know where your name will get you!