Good morning, Fictionist?
Imagine you're in a band. You've played a lot of gigs, you've paid your dues and now you're on the verge of something big - you're one of five finalists in a nationwide contest, where the winner gets a slot in a big music festival in the alt-music capital of the world, Austin, Texas.Is this really a good time to change your band's name?
That's what the Utah band Good Morning Maxfield is doing. The band is one of five finalists for The Sound and the Jury, a nationwide contest (sponsored by Dell computers) in which the winner will play at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Austin on Sept. 26.
But the band is no longer called Good Morning Maxfield. The band's new name is Fictionist.
On one level, it makes a bit of sense. Now Stuart Maxfield, the band's guitarist and lead vocalist, doesn't have to discuss with his bandmates why he's mentioned in the band's name and they aren't.
On the other hand, the band has gone from slightly silly but charming to really goofy and hard to pronounce - and doing it right when America's being introduced to the band's music.
The five bands will perform Sept. 24 in Austin, and a panel of judges and the Austin audience will pick the winner. Before that, though, Fictionist will be playing two gigs for the home state audience: Friday afternoon at Redfest at the University of Utah, and Saturday night at BYU Fall Fest in Provo.
posted by Sean P. Means @ 2:26 PM |
4 Comments:
I think they were smart! The new name reflects their evolving jamrocky sounds much better than Good Morning Mouthful.
Props to the band for making a gutsy artistic decision--even with weird timing.
There was a probably a point at which "The Quarrymen" and "Blackwood Convention" decided that "The Beatles" and "Phish" were hipper names--and part of that secret sauce that was necessary to their ultimate triumph.
And it looks like it's working: thanks for the free publicity!
they probably wanted to change their name at this time in the event they won the competition and could play at Austin City Limits. Why make a national splash with an old name you plan to change anyway?
It makes sense.
They're absolutely amazing by the way. And I suggest Sean Means (and everyone for that matter) actually go see them play before making any judgments on what name works for their sound.
Best of luck in Austin dudes!
They were on tour in Nor Cal and absolutely dazzled a crowd of over 100 newly exposed fans. Their music even appealed to the over 40 crowd (hope that doesn't jinx them!)
As for their name, it is much better than GMM, and whimsical enough to grab some attention.
The band makes the name, the name doesn't make the band.
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