How to Create an Awesome Band Name

So you have an awesome band. And an awesome band needs an equally awesome band name, something that is catchy without it being foolish, odd sounding or easily forgettable. Who knows, maybe you could create the next King Crimson or QueenAdreena.

Instructions

1. Search band name generators or band lists (see Resources) for ideas. Make a list of band names that you like. Pick out the names that are catchy, creative and stand out. Determine which bands have been most successful in the past in the genre of your choice and write down their names. Determine which band names work and which ones fall flat.

2. Make the name short and catchy. The best band names are memorable and easy to remember, so with few exceptions, a band name should be no more than four words and typically two words. Make the band name a vivid image or emotion, something that has meaning or has a story behind it and will still be in vogue a few years down the road.

3. Fit the name to the genre of music the band plays. Avoid naming the band Servants of Jesus unless you're a Christian band, or a metal band trying to be ironic. The name doesn't have to obviously belong to the genre. For example, if the band is a rock band it isn't necessary to name the band Kings of Rock or Stone Warriors, but the band should not obviously sound like another genre so that fans and potential listeners do not become confused or turned off.

4. Avoid pretentiousness and oddball humor. "Fire acid rock kings from the sunny seas of Babylon" may sound like a good band at 4 a.m. but is probably too oddball and long to be memorable. Pretentious band names make the band appear to be sophomoric, and such bands seldom last long.

5. Check to see if the band name is original. Check sites like GarageBand (see Resources) to see if a band exists with the same name. Keep the name original to avoid confusion with fans and avoid potential lawsuits down the road. Also, if you name your band The Beatles, you're likely to be booed off the stage.

References

• Name Pistol: Band Names Guide
• Moony Chick: Make A Band Name
• Garage Spin: Cool Band Names

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Band Name Maker
• Garage Band