Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued

If one should never judge a book by its cover, should one judge a band by its name? Imagine how much thought goes into the cover art of a novel: photography, text, font, color … the wrong size title could automatically deter a future purchase. 

What’s in a name for a band? Let’s try a game: As you read the following band names, think of the first genre that comes to mind. Even if you are familiar with the group, go with your first instinct. 

1.      1.  All Time Low

2.      2.  Dance Gavin Dance

3.      3. Isetmyfriendsonfire

4.      4.   Asshole Parade

Perhaps the somber meaning behind number one suggests emo. In reality, All Time Low typically features very upbeat tunes and got their name from a favorite New Found Glory song. Number two suggests something easy to dance to. On the contrary, the screaming isn’t very danceable. And so on. 

This music fan is guilty of judging a band by its name. I couldn’t wait to look up number four out of pure curiosity from an outrageous name. Although the style of music was not my cup of tea, I can’t help but think of what it would be like if I had added them to my list of favorites. When a colleague asks what concert I’m heading to, what looks would I get with the answer, “Asshole Parade”?

Another band I’ve researched exclusively for the name was Go Rydell. Why? Because Grease is my favorite movie and a reference to it immediately peaks my interest. Again, it wasn’t the kind of music I gravitate to. 

The point is not that I did not like either of these bands in the end. The intent of my story is that I researched the bands in the first place. For no other reason than what they decided to call themselves, I searched out new music and formed an educated opinion. These bands will continue to gain exposure because of what they call themselves.

In marketing, focus is on branding. Creating an image of a product is everything and without it one cannot expect to go anywhere. The same goes for music. Bands can go through several names before settling on the final one. New Found Glory seems to be in constant debate over the addition and deletion of the “A” before the title. To the average eye, one letter doesn’t make much of a difference. But obviously it means something huge to the members of the group, as they bothered to drop it in the first place. 

Names have oftentimes plagued me when reviewing shows. My first interview was with the band Saosin and my first obstacle was assuring that I did not pronounce the name wrong. Luckily, the guys have obviously battled this problem before I found the problem, so they had an explanation on their web site, complete with phonetic spelling (Say-oh-sin). If I had not found this key information, the interview could have gone in an entirely different direction. 

Pittsburgh band Spontaneo designed a clever video to help fans:

Next time you hear a name that strikes you as odd, obscene or obscure, look for the music. Don’t judge by the name; appreciate it, embrace it, you may find your new favorite band. (I’ll give you your first: The String Cheese Incident)

Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued by Fall Out Boy