to change band name or not? please read

[Lopp]

Is there a relationship between those bands above changing their name and then making it big aside from a circumstantial one? Nope.

Do people know you by your current name? Yup. Do they associate your current name with your current music? Yup. Might they get confused and not show up to gigs if you change your name? Yup.

IMHO, the best reason to change your name is if you have a drastic change in the band. For example, a membership change (e.g., everyone quits) or a drastic style change (e.g., rap to country).


Matt

 

[nave]

Quote from lopp

"Is there a relationship between those bands above changing their name and then making it big aside from a circumstantial one? Nope. "


LOPP GOOD POINT , but here is my point :



Is there a relationship between those bands that have kept their name and then made it big aside from a circumstantial one? Nope.....BANDS DON'T MAKE it BECAUSE OF THEIR NAMES.....It doesn't matter if you keep it or change it or whatever you do.....and Ofcourse you might lose a local following temporarily if you change your name......But in the long run that isn't going to matter if "making it big" is what you want.......



Making it big ...........I hate that phrase....people that want to "make it big" always act as if there is some kind of secret formula to success.......But ofcourse, there isn't, so no point in wasting your time fretting with silly things like band names if making it is what your after....Just play your music for crying out loud..

-nave

 

[Lopp]

Excellent points nave.

 

[Bodhisan]

The "New Vermin."

Bodhisan

 

[Whoopysnorp]

This reminds me of that part in Spinal Tap where they talk about having a skiffle band called The Originals, only they had to change it to The New Originals because there was already a band called The Originals.

 

[busted kitty]

I like the name "the Vermin." It sounds rockin'. A name with negative connotations is a big help. How about the Barenaked Ladies? (Oh, do you Americans know this band?) In Canada, they were banned all over the place when they first hit the scene, just because of their name. It was a big deal in the press, and won them tons of attention.

Stick with the name. In fact, stick with it even if you go country.

 

[Buffalo Bob]

I want a Vermin T-shirt. Vermin Fan Club membership. Vermin cereal! Vermin are coming to YOUR TOWN! Your brother is right- keep the name, it has cache.

Bob

 

[YesZep Lick]

How bout "Vermin Nation", "Stinkin' Vermin", or for that matter "Stinkin' Virgin"

YZL

 

[jonobacon]

I vote that you keep the name if there is no reason to change it - if there is not a legal requirement and you have built a reputation (good one!) and a following - keep it.

 

[pchorman]

if you don't want to be a rodent any longer, how about its predator? Vermin Hunters. If you can incorporate the word in the new name (somehow, as difficult as that can be) the association with your band will not be broken.

but seriously, as stated above but in different words, the band makes the name; it's not the other way around. Try and take a step back about 40 years. Although it would be hard imagining that we didn't grow up hearing of a band called the Beatles, if you just heard that name today for the first time you'd probably think to yourself, "what a bunch losers - how can anyone take them seriously with a silly-assed name like that?". Now we're talking insects, and ugly insects that people trap in a bag-o-bug on their front lawns and which crunch when you step on them. I think I'd rather be associated with a rat - at least they can find their way out of a maze with a little training. All I'm saying in this nonsense is forget the association that comes to mind. Redefine it with your sound!

 

[Paul881]

As Lopp says, unless you have changed your style, stick with the name, the vermin is as good/bad as any other name. Its the association with your music that counts.

As a seasoned Marketing Consultant, my advice borne out of bitter experience is NEVER underestimate the power of a "brand", and you have invested far too much to date to give it all up. It will just confuse your fans, your customer base.

 

[ralf]

to update everybody:after all of your greatly appreciated feedback and the help of our fans, we have decided to keep our current name, The Vermin. we are finished recording our new album and hope to have it completed for release by mid april. i'll post some tunes as soon as we do some mixdown. once again, thanks for all your input, it was alot of help!
-Ralf