Picking a band name is one of the most challenging parts of starting a new band.You can learn how to come up with a good list of names and pick the best one from the bunch if you want to find a classic that will represent your band creatively and uniquely.
Step 1: The music should be written first.
You should name your band after you know your friends and players.Get a feel for the sort of music you want to play, who your target audience is, your shared interests, and other important considerations while having lots of rehearsals together.You are making something.You are trying to sell something.In order for this product to succeed, you have to be passionate about your band's identity and focused on the right people.
Step 2: Try a one-word band name.
One-word names are easy to remember.Blur, Sleep, Kyuss, Genesis, and Death are just a few of the great band names that can be easily translated into a logo.To find cool words, start flipping through the dictionary.If you want to seem old-school, or like a punky unit, give it a "the" in front.Pantera is a Spanish word which means "panther"..Just like Black Mountain, Crystal Castles, and Arctic Monkeys, you can add an adjective to your name.
Step 3: Do you practice or come from there?
Portishead, Lindisfarne, Sleater-Kinney, Boston, and Beirut are all named after geographical locations that meant something to the bandmates involved.The name of the place where your band practices, or the streets you grew up on, should be on your mind.It should be kept local.
Step 4: Make a "kenning" by combining two words.
" Kennings are single words made out of two different words, and are techniques common to poetry and band names."A band name made of two words smooshed together to make a new one is what Radiohead, Whitesnake, and Megadeth are all examples of.
Step 5: You should go with an animal theme.
Band names are always popular with animals.The classics of the genre are the Eels.Think of animals that aren't the inspiration for a band yet.Is there a yellow squid?Box turtles?Sun Bears?Think about your spirit animal.
Step 6: You can go with a long name.
Some crappy jam band in Canada has already taken every sweet, awesome, short band name.Make sure it's safe with a long name like We Were Promised Jetpacks or And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead.Even if it sounds silly.
Step 7: There is a literary reference text.
One way to find a band name is to pick up an old epic poem and start flipping through random poetic phrases that you might be able to use in a literary reference.Faulkner stories inspired A Rose for Emily and As I Lay Dying.John Donne and Wordsworth are old English poets.There are phrases like "Disintegrated Angels" which can make for great band names.
Step 8: Listen to what other people have to say about you.
The Band went through a lot of names, but settled on "The Band", which is what everyone called them in the first place.If it's right in front of you, try for a simple approach.
Step 9: The name should be changed one little thing.
Sometimes a small change in a phrase can make it sound better.The Eagles are a famous band, but what about other bands?Do you think the Eagles of Death Metal got their name?It won't have been taken before because of bad English.Ditto the umlaut.Blue yster Clt is an example.Be careful with spellings.Sometimes it works and other times it doesn't.
Step 10: Try a name generator.
Potential band names can be found on a number of websites.You can use the phrase "generate band names" to find them.The names they come up with can be bad.
Step 11: You should keep a running list.
If you keep coming back to it, then you should go with your hearts.There is a reason you keep coming back to it.It is still your band at the end of the day.If you can all relate to the name, you will never have a problem selling it as a product.You will be proud of it in 10 years time at school or family reunions.
Step 12: Something that matches your sound is what you should pick.
A metal band's name doesn't fit the bill.Someone who has never heard your band before should be able to tell you what you'll sound like.Acid Meltdown might be a great band name, but it's probably better for a psych-rock band than a black metal outfit.
Step 13: Get some feedback.
You should start shopping for friends after you have settled on a couple of names.Ask if they think Roller Derby Crash is a good name for a pop-punk outfit.Listen to what they have to say.Ask friends who are in a band how they got their name.Ask your family and friends to see if the band name sounds right for the genre you play.
Step 14: The band should like the name.
All of your bandmates are crazy about the band name.It could become a problem down the road if you're not happy, but you might be willing to go along with it now.It's important to address any issues that come up so you don't resent your band.It's not the right name if you're embarrassed about saying your name.This excludes names with swear words in, names that insult any particular person or party, and anything sexually explicit.
Step 15: Make sure you register your band name for free.
It can be difficult to find a good band name because there are so many that have already been picked.The Warlocks?Try again.The Black Plague?Too late.Doberman?Taken.Fortunately, there's a simple and free database of band names that you can register with first to make sure nobody else takes it.You can find your favorites at http://www.bandname.com.
Step 16: Don't force it.
A lot of bands use formula to come up with a name.You might try to force a phrase that ties you together or you might think of a random word.It won't feel right.You are stuck with a band name for the rest of your career.It should be a good one that fits.Give it time.There shouldn't be a rush to find a band name that works for you.Pick one of your last names and call it quits if you can't make it work.Don't rush into a name that you will regret in the future.If you realize that your name isn't working, it is possible to change it.The time and natural process it takes to find the right name is a vital part of your band's identity.