Is it too late? Changing names.

Mo'Phat · #1 07-29-2004, 09:27 AM

I'm in a band called Shaggin' Wagon. It's a stupid-ass name and I have this feeling that people A) don't wear our t-shirts because of it. B) don't tell their friends about us because they're embarrased C) don't want our CD's in their cases next to 'reputable' band names like Butthole Surfers and Limp Bizkit

D) think it's funny in a Dumb and Dumber sort of way, but they're all in their mid-20's and are outgrowing that phase.

The band has gone back and forth about it...none of us really like the name, but we feel there's been too much time and cash invested...over 6 years and about $1,000 in promo's.

The question is, is it too late to change it? We've got merch, cd's, website, mailing list, banner, stickers, etc...and fans spread worldwide (we're huge in Germany...sort of). How hard is it to change names and is this particular name keeping us from getting the gigs/fans that other bands are having an easier time getting?

Any advice welcome.

**WillPlay4Food** · #2 07-29-2004, 09:45 AM

I think Shag-Wagon sounds better than Shaggin' Wagon, but that's just me.

About the rest of your questions? I have no clue.

I just think Shag-Wagon sounds better.

Matt Till · #3 07-29-2004, 09:49 AM

Are you sure people are embarrased to like you? Because to me it doesn't make a difference...

Probably taken but:

Shag?
Shaggin'?

Joey3313 · #4 07-29-2004, 11:16 AM

Finger Eleven was Rainbow Butt Monkey first, but only got big once they changed their name. Coincidence? I think not.

**rickbass** · #5 07-29-2004, 11:29 AM

Whenever it comes to names, I use "The Goo Goo Dolls" to remember the name doesn't mean squat compared to what/how you play.

Mo'Phat · #6 07-29-2004, 11:35 AM

Good example...some others that make me think that names don't really mean anything in the grand scheme of things:

Hoobastank
Belly
The Flaming Lips
Squirrel Nut Zippers
Jimmy Eat World
My Morning Jacket
Mudhoney
Ned's Atomic Dustbin
Jesus Jones........

Aaron Saunders · #7 07-29-2004, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joey3313

Finger Eleven was Rainbow Butt Monkey first, but only got big once they changed their name. Coincidence? I think not.

My brother got a free copy of their demo when they were the rainbow buttmonkeys coming out of a concert in Hamilton once.

I, personally would change it, mostly because the name is rather cliche and junky. Not silly, just junky.

Matt Till · #8 07-29-2004, 12:29 PM

My friend is friends with the guitarist from a band that was called "The Deadlights." They played Ozzfest, but they had some name before then and built a huge following, but nationally there was another band named their former name. So they changed it and a lot of their fanbased didn't know who they were.

But the band broke up anyhoo + Nu metal is dying. They were pretty good though.

**rickbass** · #9 07-29-2004, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt Till

My friend is friends with the guitarist from a band that was called "The Deadlights." ... They were pretty good though.

FWIW - The Deadlights were one of the best bands I've heard in the last 8 years or so.
Luckily, I got one of their cassettes before they disappeared.

"Sweet Oblivion" remains one of the best songs I've heard in the last decade...."Meet me in the bathroom and I'll show you everything....."

I had just received my first 5-string when I got that recording and it showed me the incredible power of a "butch" B string.

They are just one more example of why today's major labels can't sell ice cubes in the desert.......the big labels don't know talent when it hits them in the face because they want cookie-cutter bands.

At least people can still hear a clip of "Sweet Oblivion" on amazon.com if they look up "deadlights."

Brendan · #10 07-29-2004, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mo'Phat

Good example...some others that make me think that names don't really mean anything in the grand scheme of things:

Hoobastank
Belly
The Flaming Lips
Squirrel Nut Zippers
Jimmy Eat World
My Morning Jacket
Mudhoney
Ned's Atomic Dustbin
Jesus Jones........

May I add Flaming Cheetah Wheelies to that list?

HiFi · #11 07-29-2004, 02:47 PM

Of the four in my band, I was the only one who voted against our current name, Ithamar.

I guess the bass player still gets little respect.

Not sure we'll ever change it, although if the time came to change it I would be all for it. If your fan-base is considerable, it might be tough to do but it can be for the best if you want promoters to take you seriously.

Good luck, whatever happens.

Schwinn · #12 07-29-2004, 02:51 PM

I agree that names don't matter. All that matters is the name is easy to remember and pronounce. You don't want the morning-after-the-gig conversation to go off like this: "saw a killer band last night...sh...starts with an s I think...was 4 words...ahh damn!"

Mo'Phat · #13 07-29-2004, 03:00 PM

Good point...I do have to say that the first time I told my grandmother the name, she laughed and thought it was catchy...and 6 hours later after not talking about the band, I asked her if she remembered the name. She did.

**rickbass** · #14 07-29-2004, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schwinn

I agree that names don't matter. All that matters is the name is easy to remember and pronounce....

And I might add, if you don't mind, Schwinn, --- something that stands out on a poster or handbills.

Your font size on a promotional material means a lot. As much as I don't like `em, such names as "Creed" and "Nickelback" stick out on a poster/handbill and have more room for good artwork if you use a graphic designer.
"Hootie and the Blowfish" or "The Dave Matthews band just don't get it, IMO. If they didn't have market cache', I doubt I would go to hear them based on their names.

Even though Kittie is now a mature band playing the Goth card, Kittie still has cool promo materials due to the artwork. The name and the promo materials look interesting, IMO.

Reverend G-Money · #15 07-29-2004, 03:40 PM

Yo MO..... whatever you guys decide to do it'll be cool, YOU GUYS ROCK!!! when i played with you guys at the party on the bay you guys killed me!!! what song was it... "sweat of my balls" or something? that was just fantastic! you got a fat tone comin outta that 'Ray too man...

Gia · #16 07-29-2004, 03:45 PM

yeah, the kittie logo (i don't know if it's changed though) is still cool

i wear the shirt sometimes even though now they kind of suck

Mo'Phat · #17 07-29-2004, 03:49 PM

Yeah, that was "Lickin' My Balls, Merry Xmas" It's a sing-along. The ladies love "Kiss you where you pee" and "Mucha Panocha" as well.

Right now I'm the only one on the fence with the name. The rest of the guys have lived with it for years. I'm the newbie that has to get used to telling people 'I'm in Shaggin Wagon.'

Gus: I got your PM, I have to check ye' olde' schedule. I'm pretty sure my wife is going to a wedding so I'm babysitting...I'll let ya know. We're doing an all-nighter (just us) at Winstons in OB next Wednesday. If you could make that, that'd be swell.

Reverend G-Money · #18 07-29-2004, 03:55 PM

i'll definitely give it a shot... i know how those all-nite Winston's shows go...

RicPlaya · #19 07-29-2004, 03:57 PM

"KISS YOU WHERE YOU PEE"...Shaggin Wagon is fine for what you guys are doing. If you guys did love ballads yeah change it, but if your a fun rockin band you need a fun rockin name. You have had it for years keep it. Just get a big old station wagon, paint it all psychodelic to haul your gear around and write "Shaggin Wagon" on it......the ladies will be hot to trot to get into the "Shaggin Wagon".

Mo'Phat · #20 07-29-2004, 04:06 PM

Actually, it's an '88 Chevy Club Wagon van conversion. Tan on Brown on taupe, with burgundy velvet curtains, 4 captains chairs, and a cocktail table. We're about to install rope lights and a disco ball. It IS the Shaggin Wagon, but has been dubbed The Heavy Chevy...(or the fxxk truck)

ps. We have love ballads too...one called Red Rose which, they tell me, is NOT a reference to a pahjina.