Name Matters?

DrGonzo · 2014-04-06T22:40:49+00:00

Hi, ? So i wanted to get some feedback from you trusty forumites, I had a chat with Alan about this _ but thought i will check out some opinions of you guys as well, it makes for an interesting discussion in any case on the nature of band names.. So I play for a new band which we called OhGod! - we went with the name based on the expression of an intense moment or that something crazy is about to happen... did not think too much more into it than that, but now after a couple of conversations with other people Im questioning on whether having a slightly controversial name, will hinder rather than help us down the line, in terms of getting endorsements and press, interviews and some venues. We play instrumental post rock and prog metal so our listeners are quite open minded. What are your thoughts on this? :-\ I don't personally see anything offensive in the name at all, but then again I was not brought up in a very religious environment Im very interested to hear some feedback... We thought that a name that attracts attention is not a bad thing and will help us get ahead but Its still early days and we wanna take this far, so perhaps thinking of the future is a good thing too. Also, generally, how important is a band name really.... I believe that after a while, a band name just becomes a word that is associated with the music and the musicians and loses all meaning if it had any to begin with

DrGonzo

Julian Emdon wrote I think OhGod is a great name, it kind of stands out, yet fits in with the current trend in post-metal/rock band names.

A controversial name is always a winner.. Springbok Nude Girls, Fokofpolisiekar.. those names kind of slap you in the face and demand your attention. A name should stand out on a compilation playlist, yet be easy to google.

Yup thats kind of what we were initially thinking… I thought that, if we are on a busy lineup at a festival and people are reading through the lineup - The chances are that it will stand out and they would be more likely to be interested and go and watch us…

Charlie4 wrote
DrGonzo is a very cool name for a prog band imo. It makes me think of GONG. Can't get more crazy prog than that. 8)

Its a cool name, just not very original… Its the pseudonym of a famous author (HS Thompson) and is associated with his work as well as an entire popular genre of journalism… (Fear and Loathing in Las vegas)

Oh and also the band - Gonzo Rebuplic, and a host of other bands that are Gonzo something..
Interestingly enough, Gonzo it is also a sub-genre of Pornography, ? so ja… ?

singemonkey

Good for an initial burst of publicity if people are so offended that they make a stink about it and if, as I presume, those people are not your target market.

DrGonzo

singemonkey wrote Good for an initial burst of publicity if people are so offended that they make a stink about it and if, as I presume, those people are not your target market.

you presume correctly!

flatfourfan

What about Dog Ho?

funkadelic

Right or wrong...I see artists who have become big names purposefully offending certain groups for the sake of publicity. To me that's just plain distasteful. Not too sure about doing at initially before you are quote that famous?

Having said that staying too conservative is just plain boring...there must be a middle way or something? A name that attracts attention but not offensive? In the end the type of artist you want to be plus your band's personality will reflect in the name choice. A rebel will come up with arebel-type name etc etc. My guess.

I'm also in the process of starting a band and struggling with a band name so I feel your pain...

DrGonzo

Thanks Funkadelic.. ?
I see what you are saying…. there is definitely no intentional offence intended. only that some people ( and a surpassing few so far) might look at it the wrong way… as some others pointed out, it can also be perceived as positive expression, depending on which way you look at it.

Ja I know it sucks naming bands… we had a solid list, all the good ones were taking already and the rest were just so mediocre, hence why we chose something that will jump out at you!

been so busy haven't been able to speak to the lads yet… i would be more comfortable with a happy medium, but its ultimately up to them as well, I'm a replacement for a previous band member, although the band and music is totally new in its own right…

epictring

I'll give my opinion.

I don't personally think the name is a good choice. Fokofpolisiekar is a good name because it is not particularly offensive to a specific group of people. In one of my social groups which consists of people with religious ideologies, your name would not go down well, and probably none of my friends in that specific group would be interested in the music based on the name alone - as it would be received as offensive. I understand that is obviously not your goal, but you will definitely be alienating potential listeners.

Will the name stop a good band? Probably not. But its not gonna help the career either.

DrGonzo

I had a chat with some religious peeps yesterday, and they said that they don't find it offensive at all, and it depends on which way you look it at (as with everything in life)

Anyway, thanks guys appreciate the opinions, we will have a chat at tomorrows band practise and move on from there...

Cheeers

Norman86

So what did you guys decide?

Personally, and I am not the most religious person, i don't like the name, but that's just me and my beliefs.

Cheers

DrGonzo

Hey Norman

They are really not amped to change the name, they have become quite attached to it, but its still pending. ill let you know either way.
From what i have gathered, some people like it, some people don't. most people don't care (including some people i have chatted to from music stores and music media publishers)

Personally i think its more important to focus on the music at the moment!!

Also I'm out of town for a little while, so when I get back to CT we will settle it.!

Bob-Dubery

epictring wrote I'll give my opinion.

I don't personally think the name is a good choice. Fokofpolisiekar is a good name because it is not particularly offensive to a specific group of people.

Did you check with the National Union of Police Car Drivers?

« Previous Page