Remember when artists' names were easy to pronounce? No one tripped up recommending Michael W. Smith to a fan. Jeremy Camp is pretty easy to say. Even the basic reader can figure out that "Bebo Norman" is said exactly like it reads.
But as of late, there have been a number of artists who not only have interesting names, but they are so impossible to read they've had to post video blogs, explaining to fans how their names are pronounced.
For example, here is artist Joel Auge, a new worship artist from Integrity, talking about his last name.
A few weeks back, new artist Francesca Battistelli released an impressive debut on Fervent Records. Good luck with that name! Actually, the slower you read it, the better you'll get. In fact, knowing the challenge ahead of them, the Word Records Label Group (who also markets Fervent Records) put together a humorous video that hits a little too close to home. ("Hey, uhhh, Fran!")
There have been many other artists and groups that have come and go with even stranger names. At least, I'm sure of it. Problem is, I can't remember who they are, and there's the issue. Without a name that people can pronounce, it seems to be a tough challenge to get people to talk about them.
I like both of these artists. They are very original in their separate ways and I hope their lack of memorable names does not trip up their potential. Then again, it could always catch on. Whoever though Google was a great name probably got a lot of eyebrow raises as well.
What are some other artists or groups that you enjoy that have unconventional names?
August 08, 2008, 09:32AM
My favorite growing up was INXS (pronounced in-ex-cess) but before I heard it (on MTV) I used to think it was inks-sess. In Christian music, I appreciated KJ-52 letting me know how to prounounce his name (kay-jay five two).
August 04, 2008, 17:34PM
Well before Grey Holiday changed their name Grey Holiday's name was sort'ave tricky.It was See Ben Try. See Ben Try. So that's why they changed it to Grey Holiday.
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