Difference between revisions of "Find an Interesting Name for Your Band"
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== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Learning the Rules of Good Band Names === | ===Learning the Rules of Good Band Names === | ||
| − | #Keep it short. Think about it. How many band names do you know that are more than three words long? Not many. That’s the rule of thumb: No more than three words long. <ref>http://www.namepistol.com/bands/good-band-names-6-things-you-should-know.html</ref> | + | #Keep it short. Think about it. How many band names do you know that are more than three words long? Not many. That’s the rule of thumb: No more than three words long. <ref name="rf16392">http://www.namepistol.com/bands/good-band-names-6-things-you-should-know.html</ref> |
#*You want people to be able to spell and pronounce your name. Mostly, you just want to make sure they remember it. | #*You want people to be able to spell and pronounce your name. Mostly, you just want to make sure they remember it. | ||
#*Can you abbreviate your band name easily? That can be helpful for merchandising purposes. That’s one reason that Nine Inch Nails chose its name. | #*Can you abbreviate your band name easily? That can be helpful for merchandising purposes. That’s one reason that Nine Inch Nails chose its name. | ||
#*Consider the merchandise. Your name is going to appear on everything if you make it big, from album covers to shirts. So take that into consideration. | #*Consider the merchandise. Your name is going to appear on everything if you make it big, from album covers to shirts. So take that into consideration. | ||
| − | #Make your name SEO friendly. These days you want your name to be easily findable when you search it on the Internet. Names that are too common – like Girls – will be lost in search engines because there are millions of entries about other things relating to girls. <ref> http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/seo-band-names-how-to-choose-a-band-name-so-you-will-be-foun.html</ref> | + | #Make your name SEO friendly. These days you want your name to be easily findable when you search it on the Internet. Names that are too common – like Girls – will be lost in search engines because there are millions of entries about other things relating to girls. <ref name="rf16393"> http://www.musicthinktank.com/blog/seo-band-names-how-to-choose-a-band-name-so-you-will-be-foun.html</ref> |
| − | #*Thus, your band name should not be a common word or phrase. A band called Harmony or Black won't work well because it would not come up quickly in searches. Some bands with names based on common words – like the Eagles or Kansas – were created before search engine optimization was ever a consideration. <ref> http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-thirteen-dumbest-band-names-in-rock-history-20130701</ref> | + | #*Thus, your band name should not be a common word or phrase. A band called Harmony or Black won't work well because it would not come up quickly in searches. Some bands with names based on common words – like the Eagles or Kansas – were created before search engine optimization was ever a consideration. <ref name="rf16394"> http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-thirteen-dumbest-band-names-in-rock-history-20130701</ref> |
#*Weird spelling can trick people into searching for the wrong thing. So don't get too creative with the spelling. | #*Weird spelling can trick people into searching for the wrong thing. So don't get too creative with the spelling. | ||
#*Avoid special symbols like an umlaut or other coding. It can confuse search engines, and sometimes people don’t know how to type it. | #*Avoid special symbols like an umlaut or other coding. It can confuse search engines, and sometimes people don’t know how to type it. | ||
#*Using more than one word increases the chances your name can be easily searched (if you use a single word, it needs to be something very unusual). | #*Using more than one word increases the chances your name can be easily searched (if you use a single word, it needs to be something very unusual). | ||
| − | #Avoid anything with very negative connotations. You have to know how far you can push it. But, as a band named Viet Cong learned, if you push it too far, you might have trouble getting gigs. <ref> http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/mar/18/viet-cong-we-were-naive-choosing-our-band-name</ref> | + | #Avoid anything with very negative connotations. You have to know how far you can push it. But, as a band named Viet Cong learned, if you push it too far, you might have trouble getting gigs. <ref name="rf16395"> http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/mar/18/viet-cong-we-were-naive-choosing-our-band-name</ref> |
#*The meaning shouldn’t condone awful behavior, generally. A Scottish band once called itself Dogs Die in Hot Cars. Not the best image you want for your band, however edgy. | #*The meaning shouldn’t condone awful behavior, generally. A Scottish band once called itself Dogs Die in Hot Cars. Not the best image you want for your band, however edgy. | ||
#*Avoid capitalizing on tragedies or human suffering in your band name. If your name is an expletive, some radio stations might not be able to say it. | #*Avoid capitalizing on tragedies or human suffering in your band name. If your name is an expletive, some radio stations might not be able to say it. | ||
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#*It’s passe to add a number to your name. Boys II Men seems so… not now. | #*It’s passe to add a number to your name. Boys II Men seems so… not now. | ||
#*Acronyms are out. Think NSYNC. Putting an exclamation point at the end of your name will date you, too. | #*Acronyms are out. Think NSYNC. Putting an exclamation point at the end of your name will date you, too. | ||
| − | #*Adding an extra “d” or “t” on the end of a name is kind of clichéd. Avoid it. Think “Ratt.”<ref> http://gighive.com/the-buzz/2010/06/15-tips-for-choosing-the-perfect-band-name/</ref> | + | #*Adding an extra “d” or “t” on the end of a name is kind of clichéd. Avoid it. Think “Ratt.”<ref name="rf16396"> http://gighive.com/the-buzz/2010/06/15-tips-for-choosing-the-perfect-band-name/</ref> |
| − | #Develop a vision for your band. What’s your brand? What's the vibe you’re trying to create? What’s does your band stand for? What’s your target audience? Understanding your band's essence can help you figure out a name. <ref>http://blog.sonicbids.com/8-tips-for-a-strong-band-name</ref> | + | #Develop a vision for your band. What’s your brand? What's the vibe you’re trying to create? What’s does your band stand for? What’s your target audience? Understanding your band's essence can help you figure out a name. <ref name="rf16397">http://blog.sonicbids.com/8-tips-for-a-strong-band-name</ref> |
#*The band name should be consistent with your brand and genre. A country band would not want a name that sounds too punk rock, most likely. You don’t want people to be disappointed because your band name promises something you don’t deliver. | #*The band name should be consistent with your brand and genre. A country band would not want a name that sounds too punk rock, most likely. You don’t want people to be disappointed because your band name promises something you don’t deliver. | ||
#*If you understand who your [[Write a Target Market Analysis|target consumer]] is, you can pick a name that appeals to that consumer. This is how the band Green Day picked its name. Green Day is a reference to marijuana smoking, and the band was trying to use an insider reference to speak to a specific audience of rebellious young people. | #*If you understand who your [[Write a Target Market Analysis|target consumer]] is, you can pick a name that appeals to that consumer. This is how the band Green Day picked its name. Green Day is a reference to marijuana smoking, and the band was trying to use an insider reference to speak to a specific audience of rebellious young people. | ||
===Choosing a Name=== | ===Choosing a Name=== | ||
| − | #Find a word with meaning to you. Combine it with something else, perhaps. Your favorite candy bar? The name of your girlfriend from high school? Your hometown? These are all words you could add into a band name or just use as one. <ref>http://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-come-up-with-a-band-name-fans-will-dig-in-6-steps/</ref> | + | #Find a word with meaning to you. Combine it with something else, perhaps. Your favorite candy bar? The name of your girlfriend from high school? Your hometown? These are all words you could add into a band name or just use as one. <ref name="rf16398">http://www.musicindustryhowto.com/how-to-come-up-with-a-band-name-fans-will-dig-in-6-steps/</ref> |
#*Having meaning behind your brand name can be important when it comes to publicity. You want your band name to have a good story, such as Led Zeppelin has. (Keith Moon of The Who heard one of their gigs and stated that they would go over like a lead balloon- in British English, a Lead Zeppelin.) They kept the idea but changed the spelling. | #*Having meaning behind your brand name can be important when it comes to publicity. You want your band name to have a good story, such as Led Zeppelin has. (Keith Moon of The Who heard one of their gigs and stated that they would go over like a lead balloon- in British English, a Lead Zeppelin.) They kept the idea but changed the spelling. | ||
#*Make a list of your favorite people, places, and things. Do this without thinking too hard. You may find a good band name in that list (especially if you combine a few of the words). | #*Make a list of your favorite people, places, and things. Do this without thinking too hard. You may find a good band name in that list (especially if you combine a few of the words). | ||
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#*Food names can also make good band names. Think Black-eyed Peas or Red Hot Chili Peppers. | #*Food names can also make good band names. Think Black-eyed Peas or Red Hot Chili Peppers. | ||
#Pick a random name. There are different ways you can pick random names. Sometimes bands will randomly flip through a dictionary. That's what REM, The Pixies, Incubus, The Grateful Dead, Evanescence and Outkast did. Apoptygma Berzerk did as well, using two randomly found words. | #Pick a random name. There are different ways you can pick random names. Sometimes bands will randomly flip through a dictionary. That's what REM, The Pixies, Incubus, The Grateful Dead, Evanescence and Outkast did. Apoptygma Berzerk did as well, using two randomly found words. | ||
| − | #*Use a band name generator. Some online sites will put together random words to generate lists of potential band names for you. <ref>http://www.bandnamemaker.com/generator/</ref> The downside of a name generator is that you’re not tapping into your own creativity. And your band name won’t be something with meaning. | + | #*Use a band name generator. Some online sites will put together random words to generate lists of potential band names for you. <ref name="rf16399">http://www.bandnamemaker.com/generator/</ref> The downside of a name generator is that you’re not tapping into your own creativity. And your band name won’t be something with meaning. |
#*Still, random names can generate inspired pairings. A randomly creative name might be more unique. Some of the best band names consist of putting two words together that have nothing to do with each other. Think: Pearl Jam. | #*Still, random names can generate inspired pairings. A randomly creative name might be more unique. Some of the best band names consist of putting two words together that have nothing to do with each other. Think: Pearl Jam. | ||
#*You can also just brainstorm random words that you think sound cool. And then put them together. Or put them together to create a new word (like Nickelback). | #*You can also just brainstorm random words that you think sound cool. And then put them together. Or put them together to create a new word (like Nickelback). | ||
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#*Metallica is an example of a band with a name that is a made-up word. Drummer Lars Ulrich made it up while thinking about a metal magazine. | #*Metallica is an example of a band with a name that is a made-up word. Drummer Lars Ulrich made it up while thinking about a metal magazine. | ||
#*Create a new word by misspelling a common word, like Korn. | #*Create a new word by misspelling a common word, like Korn. | ||
| − | #*Some bands combine parts of their hometowns’ names with other pieces of words. However, you might be called out as a fake if you choose a place name from somewhere you’re not really from. <ref | + | #*Some bands combine parts of their hometowns’ names with other pieces of words. However, you might be called out as a fake if you choose a place name from somewhere you’re not really from. <ref name="rf16396" /> |
#*A band might name itself after a neighborhood in its hometown. Examples are Soundgarden, Linkin Park, Hawthorne Heights, Alter Bridge, or Cypress Hill (misspelling is optional). | #*A band might name itself after a neighborhood in its hometown. Examples are Soundgarden, Linkin Park, Hawthorne Heights, Alter Bridge, or Cypress Hill (misspelling is optional). | ||
===Finalizing Your Band Name=== | ===Finalizing Your Band Name=== | ||
#Make sure someone else doesn’t have your name. It would be a nightmare to announce a band if there is another band with your name. | #Make sure someone else doesn’t have your name. It would be a nightmare to announce a band if there is another band with your name. | ||
| − | #*Some places to check include ASCAP <ref>http://www.ascap.com/</ref>, BMI <ref>http://www.bmi.com/</ref>, and BandName.com, which allows you to register a band name. <ref>http://www.bandname.com/</ref> | + | #*Some places to check include ASCAP <ref name="rf16400">http://www.ascap.com/</ref>, BMI <ref name="rf16401">http://www.bmi.com/</ref>, and BandName.com, which allows you to register a band name. <ref name="rf16402">http://www.bandname.com/</ref> |
#*Google your name. See if any other bands come up. This sounds obvious, but sometimes people forget to do it. | #*Google your name. See if any other bands come up. This sounds obvious, but sometimes people forget to do it. | ||
| − | #*For inspiration, study up on the meanings behind some of the most iconic band names. <ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_band_name_etymologies</ref> | + | #*For inspiration, study up on the meanings behind some of the most iconic band names. <ref name="rf16403">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_band_name_etymologies</ref> |
| − | #Determine if the domain name is available. The domain name means your name is the URL before the .com. You might want to pick a different name, if you can’t make a website in your band’s exact name because the name is already taken. <ref> http://blog.hostbaby.com/2013/10/how-to-pick-your-bands-domain-name/</ref> | + | #Determine if the domain name is available. The domain name means your name is the URL before the .com. You might want to pick a different name, if you can’t make a website in your band’s exact name because the name is already taken. <ref name="rf16404"> http://blog.hostbaby.com/2013/10/how-to-pick-your-bands-domain-name/</ref> |
| − | #*You can check with sites that sell domain names online. They will tell you if it's available, and the cost is not usually very high. You can find many sites online for what are called domain registrars. <ref>http://www.thesitewizard.com/archive/registerdomain.shtml</ref> | + | #*You can check with sites that sell domain names online. They will tell you if it's available, and the cost is not usually very high. You can find many sites online for what are called domain registrars. <ref name="rf16405">http://www.thesitewizard.com/archive/registerdomain.shtml</ref> |
| − | #*Having a [[Register a Domain Name|domain name]] gives your site more credibility, and the name will follow you when you change hosting services. Also, purchasing your domain name stops opponents or competitors from buying and using your band's name as a domain name. <ref | + | #*Having a [[Register a Domain Name|domain name]] gives your site more credibility, and the name will follow you when you change hosting services. Also, purchasing your domain name stops opponents or competitors from buying and using your band's name as a domain name. <ref name="rf16405" /> |
#Develop more than one band name. It’s a good idea to come up with more than one band name. Then, test it out! | #Develop more than one band name. It’s a good idea to come up with more than one band name. Then, test it out! | ||
#*Show the list of names to people you know from different socio-economic backgrounds, but also from your target audience. | #*Show the list of names to people you know from different socio-economic backgrounds, but also from your target audience. | ||
#*Don’t just ask them which name they prefer; ask them what they think of when they hear each name. | #*Don’t just ask them which name they prefer; ask them what they think of when they hear each name. | ||
| − | #[[Get a Trademark|Trademark]] your band name. If you want to make sure someone can’t take your band name, you should trademark it. It could be a disaster if another band trademarked your name after you did it. A trademark is simply a brand name. <ref> http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/trademark-your-band-name-now/</ref> | + | #[[Get a Trademark|Trademark]] your band name. If you want to make sure someone can’t take your band name, you should trademark it. It could be a disaster if another band trademarked your name after you did it. A trademark is simply a brand name. <ref name="rf16406"> http://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/trademark-your-band-name-now/</ref> |
| − | #*The other band would have to prove they had the name first. Getting a federal trademark is not mandatory. Still, you should do it to avoid the hassle. If you are confused, hire a trademark attorney. <ref> http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics</ref><ref> http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/klovetrademark.htm</ref> | + | #*The other band would have to prove they had the name first. Getting a federal trademark is not mandatory. Still, you should do it to avoid the hassle. If you are confused, hire a trademark attorney. <ref name="rf16407"> http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics</ref><ref name="rf16408"> http://www.musicbizacademy.com/articles/klovetrademark.htm</ref> |
| − | #*You can trademark your name and learn all of the basics of trademarking through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. <ref> http://www.uspto.gov/</ref> It’s possible to apply for registration online for a few hundred dollars. <ref> http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-application-process/filing-online/filing-your-application-online</ref>The office also has a database of registered trademarks you can search. <ref> http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics/searching-marks-uspto-database</ref> | + | #*You can trademark your name and learn all of the basics of trademarking through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. <ref name="rf16409"> http://www.uspto.gov/</ref> It’s possible to apply for registration online for a few hundred dollars. <ref name="rf16410"> http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-application-process/filing-online/filing-your-application-online</ref>The office also has a database of registered trademarks you can search. <ref name="rf16411"> http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks-getting-started/trademark-basics/searching-marks-uspto-database</ref> |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
