So I’ve finally made the decision that it’s time to get off my ass and name my band. We’ve been working under the John Orr Franklin Band moniker for about a year and a half now, while this works as a name, it really is just a safe, non name, name.

So after meditating on this for well over two weeks now, I’ve yet to come up with THE name. I’m now drawn back to the ultimate question; what’s in a name?
On a universal level, this is almost like asking, who am I?, or why am I here? yes, bands really do take this stuff that seriously. It’s almost like you have to look inside yourself for the answer but when you focus so much energy on doing so, you quickly realize that the mere act of looking for the name, diverts you from actually “Being the name”. Almost a, I can’t see the forest for the trees scenario.

On a business level a band name is nothing more than a brand and should at the least encompass the following criteria.
1. Define the brand
2. Avoid any confusion with existing brands
3. Be easy to remember
4. Have a .com available
5. Have multiple marketable concepts behind it that can be used hopefully for decades to come
6. Have personal meaning to the band
7. Take a stand by adding definition to the brand

If you are a universally spiritual person as I am, all of this business perspective, while totally necessary in our world of marketing, really has nothing to do with naming the music. Is there a magical name that when you come up with it, sends a shiver down your spine and makes you feel all special inside? I have to admit, I’m beginning to wonder if there is. While I want the name to have deep meaning and resemblance to my music, I have to wonder, if in the end, does it really matter what I call it as long as it meets the business criteria. I mean the name is not going to dictate the direction of the music at this point. Is it?

While this is starting to stink of doubt, I truly do believe that there is a name for this band carved into the cosmos somewhere, just waiting for us to realize it, pick it up and start running with it. So the meditations will continue. Maybe you can help? Feel free to add your comments about this topic or even suggest some names for the band if you have any ideas! After all, it may be totally obvious to someone else what this band should be called! Please be nice lol

Peace! – John