Sometimes I really don't know what to do with myself when a band has good music but unfortunate naming. Give them a pet name in my iTunes library? Send a well-worded constructive email? Sit passively and hope it gets better? It's not that Horses is a particularly bad name but that it's probably smarter to do your indie 101 before releasing a few EPs. In this scenario, Horses, why not rethink your classification and go by 'Shetlands' or a somewhat less manipulatable-for-swearing breed? I mean, you are a solo artist making crazy bedroom music and I'm happy you're not using your own name for the project. But band names can get a lot more creative.
Because I really, REALLY want to be able to refer you to people without having the discussion:
"Have you heard horses?"
"What. neighing?"
"No the band."
"Horse The Band?"
"No, 'Horses'. They are another band."
"Band of Horses?"
"No, just Horses."
"I haven't actually. Do Just Horses have a bandcamp?"
"Just = not in the band name. Just saying."
Yeah, gets pretty old. Your music is really lovely. I think you should consider re-releasing it under a different name. Thanks.
I suggest that all you readers out there:
a) download the digital cassette tape that Horses have for free on their bandcamp, it's beautiful and strange and really well put together and is called Sincerely, Jackie Chan.
b) send Horses an email telling them that their band name creates trivial drama.
c) do some research before you name any of your own future bands.
Here is a free mp3 taste of their pop pleasantries.
They are on the super-new, super-independent label French Camp who hold under their wings a whole bundle of other lovely musicians, check it out if you're curious.
It's all good. Underadio #2 comin' atcha by the week's end I hope.
*Updated note: Horses has now become 'The Field; The Knower'. That's the power of blogging, guys.
Glad you covered this important issue.
ReplyDeleteAfter that conversation at your house I figured it needed to be addressed. Next: deers, owls, ponies, wolves.
ReplyDelete