Misfit Tunes The Magazine September 2014 | Page 28

W

hat’s your stage
name? The most
asked question
of any artist. Developing a
stage name is often seen as
the easiest step when starting
your music career. Developing
a stage name is actually the
hardest step. Perhaps not for
all but for many selecting a
stage name is a daunting task.
Coming up with your stage
name is not rocket science
true yet it should have your
full attention and should be
given the necessary time to
get it right.
Let us take a look at rapper /
actor Lil Bow Wow as he is a
prime example of stage name

older now and it’s too many
Lil’s.”
Then again in 2014 Bow
Wow announced he was
changing his stage name from
Bow Wow to his birth name,
Shad Moss, claiming that he
made a lot of history as Bow
Wow now it is time for the
next chapter and new challenges. And “Bow Wow”
was no longer a suitable stage
name because he is now an
actor, a father, and a host. He
also pointed out that he has
matured from the boy he was
early on his career / life.
I am not saying Shad did not
think his original stage name,
Lil Bow Wow, out thoroughly

stage name. Yes an expiration
date? “Lil” may be suitable
when you are a teenager but
five / ten years later it may
just expose your age thusly
acting as an expiration date.
Your stage name should be
viewed as your super hero
name. It should be:
* Something catchy and flashy
not bawdy, a name that embodies your sound and energy.
* Something that withstands
the times. Avoid current popular brands or trends. They
might not be popular next
year.
* Something people are
comfortable saying in front
of their parents. Do not use

WHAT’S IN A NAME???

does your stage name fit your music?
dilemma.
When he started his career
in 2000 at the tender age of
thirteen Lil Bow Wow, a playful play on legendary rapper
and his idol, Snoop Dogg,
name, appeared to be an appropriate stage name for the
adolescent rapper.
As he started to grow into
a young adult he found the
“Lil” a bit of a hindrance to
his career’s growth. In 2002
he dropped the “Lil” from his
stage name becoming Bow
Wow stating “I changed my
name because I’m getting
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yet I am merely using him as
both an example and a cautionary tale.
Your stage name should fit
not just you the artist but also
your music. If your music is
about positive energy and love
a name like #1 Killer might
not be the right name for you.
Resist the urge to copy
your favorite entertainers
name they had it first! Also
ask yourself where do you
see yourself and your music
in five and/or ten years. The
answer will help you avoid
placing an expiration on your

profanity or vulgarity in your
name radio will neither appreciate the name nor play your
music.
Your stage name should be
as meaningful and memorable
as the name your parents gave
to you. It should be as unique
and original as well. It should
stir curiosity and encourage
people to listen to your music
and watch your videos.
Your stage name should not
restrict. It should allow you
and your music to grow freely
in any direction that suits your
career.