Ideas for Band Names

So, you're looking for ideas for band names? Great, you've come to the right place!

It's getting harder and harder to find a good band name these days isn't it? There are so many bands with great names, that you really need to be creative when thinking of ideas for band names. Thinking up a unique band name isn't easy!

There are many ways of getting ideas for band names, but whatever you do, don't make the same mistake that so many other bands make!

Don't Forget the URL!

Many bands forget about the most important aspect of promoting their band - the band's URL.

The band's URL (also be referred to as the band's "web address") is the thing that looks like this: "www.my-band-name.com". If you forget about this, you could seriously damage your band's future. Or, at the very least, you'll make things much harder for yourself!

So, before you decide on your unique band name, make sure the URL is available.

How to get www.my-band-name.com?

To get "www.my-band-name.com", you need to register a "domain name".

Example: Say you decide to call your band "Homer Flintstone". You need to register "homerflintstone.com". Or, you might prefer "homer-flintstone.com". You should also look for the ".net" version (eg, "homer-flintstone.net").

So, before you decide on your band's name, check that the domain name is available.

So... Ideas for Band Names?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot - you need a band name. Here's something for you to try:

1. Get yourself 1 dictionary*, 1 pen, and 2 big sheets of paper
2. Go through the dictionary searching for interesting words. As you find one, write it down (on the 1st sheet of paper). Keep doing this until the paper is full of words
3. Now, on the 2nd sheet of paper, start writing down combinations of words from the first sheet of paper. Try to create a word from 2 to 3 other words.

   Don't worry if some look stupid, just get them down on paper. After a while, you'll see some interesting combinations. It might even inspire you to add a word into the mix.

4. By the time you've filled up the 2nd sheet of paper, you should have some cool ideas for your band name. Don't be afraid to get a 3rd sheet of paper if you need!
5. Get everyone in your band to pick out their favorite band names from the list. Once you've done this, you'll have a "short list"
6. Now for the fun part - narrowing down the short list! The quickest way is to check for the availability of the domain name (after all, you want to make sure that you can use "www.my-band-name.com", don't you now?). To check for domain name availability, go to ZappyHost, and type in each of your band names. Cross out any that are already taken.

After doing this, you should be well on your way to having a great band name.

But don't forget, once you've decided on a band name, register your domain name!

* It doesn't have to be an english dictionary. You could try any other text that contains cool words. It could be a list of other band names or songs. You could even try using photos to inspire you to write words down. Try anything - get creative!

What if my Band has a MySpace Page?

Not a problem. You can point your domain name to your band's MySpace page. That way, when someone types "www.my-band-name.com" into their browser, your band's MySpace page will be displayed.

For more info, check out this page on changing your MySpace URL.