Is a name change in order?

[dirty_sandals]

Let me start by saying that I do not, nor have I ever had a problem with the name Nickel Creek...for Nickel Creek! Here is my question. Since we all know that the band adopted the name when they were much younger and still very much imursed in the celtic/bluegrass...that more traditional phase, does the name Nickel Creek really jive with the type of music that the band is producing today? I think that many of the problems that people who are unfamiliar with the band (at least those who choose to prejudge) have a lot to do with the name Nickel Creek and it's tendecy to sound a little outdoorsy/appalachan (spelling! I know). I don't want to bring outrageous examples in to prove my point, because I think you all understand. ANyway...this is just a thought. NC has been my favorite band since early 2001 and it would suit me just as well if they were called the Bluegrass Grave Diggers, but I thought that this might be an interesting thread... :rolleyes:

[e-rock2]

Yes, let's face it, people and the media always prejudge. Many people who are familar with the name, but not the music, assume that they are bluegrass or country. But, I do not think that they should change the name to try to sell more records and get more airplay. I believe that they have tons more integrity than that. On some level, they probably enjoy the challenge to reach more people and try to get more airplay. Also, I'm sure it is a point of frustration too.

[Meghan Narser]

The only problems I've had with the name is talking to people about them one day and the next them coming to me saying I looked up all of NickelBack's stuff and I didn't find the song you were talking about

[fiddlincklcrker]

Originally posted by Meghan Narser
The only problems I've had with the name is talking to people about them one day and the next them coming to me saying I looked up all of NickelBack's stuff and I didn't find the song you were talking about

I have had that happen on more than one occasion, it got old after the first time.

[e-rock2]

I have met people who think it's funny to make a Nickelback joke when you mention Nickel Creek. Like they've just written a very funny joke. Yeah, real funny.

[Tinuviel Girl]

Well, I've heard of Nickeback, yeah I like them they are really good. What is your favorite song of theirs?

At that point I tell them off for being stupid, then I say a very firm goodbye and ask them never to speak to me again.

[hamiltonmill]

I understand what you mean about the name change, but I think you get to a point where you've established a marketable level of name recognition, and it would be financially risky to change it. Take Faith Hill. Everyone knows she's Faith McGraw, but she has name recognition...heck the Hill is actually her ex-husbands last name. Tim McGraw's gotta love that. But she keeps it because that is the name that found fame. Nickel Creek has a fan base that follows the name brand. Change the name and a chunk of that base will get confused...not all of them follow as closely as we do. They have moved into a different musical phase now, but keeping the name is the equivalent of dancing with the one that brought you.

Keith

[buttermuffin4]

I mistook them for Nickelback once [bigeyes] .
Darn those Nickelbackers. . .[bang]

[Marcel]

This happened so many times, I lost count. My main reaction is Not the poodle-haired rockers!.

[e-rock2]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by hamiltonmill
[B]I understand what you mean about the name change, but I think you get to a point where you've established a marketable level of name recognition, and it would be financially risky to change it.



I would really be surprised if they cared about the financial risk as that's not why they make music. To them marketing is not important as the music will always be the focus. So that's why they wouldn't consider changing the name because if people don't get it, well I guess it's too bad for them.

[quietstorm8228]

I just don't understand why the name 'Nickel Creek' would say 'bluegrass' to anyone? Maybe I'm just missing something? But that name is just the name of a band to me! I mean think of all the strange band names there are out there today! I don't know if many of them really have some deep-seeded meaning? Well, maybe someone could explain it to me.....
But in reply, NO I don't think they should change their name at all!!!

[e-rock2]

In bluegrass, there are a lot of band names with the word Creek in it.

[PrincessNic]

No matter if they would want to change it, they do have that name recognition (even if people mistake them for Nickelback). And when people go all crazy and start changing their names people get confused. Look at all the confusion when the released MAS under Mutual Admiration Society. When I went looking for that cd, I had to go through this whole explaination about who exactly they were and what kind of music it was.

And besides, naming changing is kind of stupid anyways. Puffy, P Diddy, Diddy...who cares??? And does anyone care what Prince is calling himself now days?

[hamiltonmill]

QUOTE]Originally posted by e-rock2
I would really be surprised if they cared about the financial risk as that's not why they make music. To them marketing is not important as the music will always be the focus. So that's why they wouldn't consider changing the name because if people don't get it, well I guess it's too bad for them.

Any band who wants to tour nationally and sell records cares about marketing to some extent. That's not to imply that it's more important than the music, but you simply have to give some thought to what works in the marketplace. Otherwise, NC could just record their music on blank disc, put them in a paper sleeve and offer them to the public for donations only, or better yet, offer the music on a download for free website. Caring about financial risk is the responsible thing to do. There are investors to consider, and profits allow musicians to make a living doing what they love to do. All of that said, I do think that marketing factors are a much lower priority to them than they are for most bands. Deceiver is the best example of their willingness to take a financial risk for the sake of their music in my opinion. Chris knew that a large part of his audience would be confused or even put off by the CD, but he put it out anyway. I think that the success of the debut album and This Side gave him the capital to take such a risk. If he had offered Deceiver as his opening debut, I doubt very seriously we would even know his name today. In the end, you could be right...they probably would choose a name change if they felt passionate about the need to take such a measure, but I don't think for a minute they'd do it without at least considering and discussing the potential market risk...they're a lot smarter than that. Just my opinion.

Keith

[e-rock2]

Obviously, they need to care somewhat about the marketing. That is a given, but they knew that by making this CD that a good chunk if not a large majority of their bluegrass audience wouldn't get it. I believe that they follow their passions and record the music that they want to and don't worry too much about what percentage of the audience follows them. I honestly believe they try to make themselves happy first with the music because that is what integrity is all about. Otherwise you would be listening to focus groups and record company executives and people who would care more about the business end of things other than the artistic side.

[hamiltonmill]

I see where you're coming from and I agree wholeheartedly that they have a lot of musical integrity. I also think they care about their fans too even if they don't let the fans dictate their musical direction. My original point is that they also are in business and have to consider the power of name recognition in the marketplace. Being smart about how to sell your product doesn't mean marketing is more important than music or that you lack integrity; it simply means that you take care of the engine that drives your success. Without that engine, you decrease your ability to create and share music for a mass audience. It's a delicate balance managing both aspects of the music business, but I think they have their priorities figured out and are capable of maintaining the proper balance. I think we basically agree here that Nickel Creek is primarily about the music. I just don't believe that putting the music first means you can't consider your fans or the business side of your career.

Keith

[Adyn]

Originally posted by e-rock2
In bluegrass, there are a lot of band names with the word Creek in it.

True... but if you don't come from a bluegrass background (I certainly didn't when I first started listening... and it's actually debateable now whether I do haha) there is not the same association. I could see people thinking it would be music with a country slant, esp. considering that it's generally listed in a country section.

I think the MAS example is a great one. I would venture to guess that the vast majority of people who bought that CD were either Glen, Toad, or NC fans, rather than new listeners.

Name recognition is a HUGE part of marketing. Generally names aren't changed once they have an established, loyal market base. Causes for name changes I can think of would be failure as a band (to sell or reach audiences) and therefore wanting to disasociate from the past... or change in the band itself... like, they all decide to go electric LOL or add/subtract new members that changes the groups dynamic.

I, personally, think it's very cool that while moving forward in their music and breaking new ground with style, they still have that connection to their roots and know that it's part of what makes them who they are. (Chris talks about this a bit in the making of When in Rome video)

[AngelofMusic]

Well personally, I like the name Nickel Creek, and I don't think they should change it, and if they did I would be very dissapointed. [grumpy] So that's my two cents.

[EmmieOdysseus]

I think that the name Nickel Creek is something that they should keep. Even though their styles may be changing, they still bear their roots (at least in live shows). Really, they can't be put into a specific genre. Nickel Creek holds all their styles that they've played previously and are going to play. My few cents.

[lethal12005]

When NC were interviewed in Country Weekly magazine when they first came out on the scene, they said some people knew it, then more and more, and it got to the point where they couldn't change it. As for MAS, I would also venture out as far to say that many people that knew about the album were fans of the artists. Same as a Chris Thile or Sean Watkins solo record.

And Creek, it could be pond, or river, etc.

[Ikkin1018]

Yesterday I asked one of my friends if he wanted to go to a Nickel Creek show with me, and another friend, listening in was like, Where is Nickel Creek? Yeah. It's a band. I thought that was funny. It just seemed to relate to this thread.
And about the Nickelback thing, one time Nickel Creek was interviewed on this website, and the guy interviewing them was like, Yeah, you sing that one song like, 'this is how you remind me! And all three of them rolled their heads around and explained the difference between Nickelback and Nickel Creek.
I don't think they should change their name. At this point it's part of their identity. Once people get used to them, they won't even think about the name anymore. Like, when you say Nickel Creek do you seriously think about a creek in the backwoods with nickel in it, or do you think of the band? A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET! Ok, I'm done.

[Jmal]

nickel creek shouldn't change their name. It's easy to remember.

Nickel Creek = awesome
Nickelback = sucks

[iamalighthouse]

I was telling a friend about Nickel Creek and she said, I've heard them.... and I said that's cool. i just think they are absolutely awesome; some of the greatest musicians I've ever seen. She said, Yeah....we're not talking about the same band..... Turns out she had heard Nickelback.

But i agree with most people. I like their name and I would be disappointed if they changed it, though not enough to keep me from listening to such a great group! <><

[eripmav]

they cant change it, thats their name...no way around it...they are family and that name is bonding....

[funnycats]

Originally posted by quietstorm8228
I just don't understand why the name 'Nickel Creek' would say 'bluegrass' to anyone? Maybe I'm just missing something? But that name is just the name of a band to me! I mean think of all the strange band names there are out there today! I don't know if many of them really have some deep-seeded meaning? Well, maybe someone could explain it to me.....
But in reply, NO I don't think they should change their name at all!!!

i agree with u. when i first heard and still hear the name Nickel Creek i didnt even think Bluegrass. when i first hear the name nickel creek i dont think bluegrass, if didnt know who they were i would think what type of music are they

[Jooya]

i do know some people who confussed the simply awful band nickelback for nickel creek...horrible mistake

[Desperad07]

They should just changed their name to Nickel Starship ;)

[kmiller1610]

Maybe someone in the band is thinking about this. Last night's show in Boston included a cover of Up on Cripple Creek

Very nicely done too....

[Day]

hmmm god forbid they ever change their name. i like the way it is and always will, eh their name doesnt have to go along with the types of genre they play either. think of it this as above stated they got their name when they were younger and playing bluegrass and stuff. think of their name as a present. when you open the present you get more then just bluegrass, but everything soo its a big surprise....did i get you peeps confused again?

[Kutipetuti]

Way back in 2002, my then boyfriend was planning to take me to the Nickel Creek concert that would hook me on them for life. Never having heard Nickel Creek OR Nickelback before, I accidentally referred to NC as Nickelback.

*stupid stoopid dummy dumb dumb stupid*

Needless to say, I was soundly scolded, and after hearing NC at the concert I had too much respect for them EVER to do that again!

[Pulpfree21]

I think a name change would happen only to gain more poularity, and I agree the band is much smarter than that. plus I like the more intamate venues that they play at the hope that they may come out and hang out with after the show.... that would happen if they pop music icons.


I love the name nickel creek its got a ring to it. and with nickleback who give a crap about them as long as you know the difference

[Pulpfree21]

ok I just re read what I wrote and it made no sense.... sorry let me refrase


if they were Pop culture Icons they wouldn't hang out after the shows. and I like the more intimate venues AND the hope of hanging out with them after the show.


I need to go to bed...

[Papaduke]

I don't understand the people who prejudge on name alone, I mean when I first heard the name Britney Spears, I did not think slutty blonde who could not sing.

[Adyn]

Originally posted by Papaduke
I mean when I first heard the name Britney Spears, I did not think slutty blonde who could not sing.

[lolol] [lolol] [lolol] [lolol]

That was beautiful, man! Hehehe. I think people probably judge more than one would ideally hope... like... think of some of the punk band names hahaha. But I personally think NC is a pretty tame name that is not too genre attached.

Then there's always the illustrious Snake Oil Medicine Show LOL. Somehow the names just fit... I think it's the same with people, we grow into our names and they become what we are. Unless you're a big hulking bouncer type guy named Francis or some such thing hahha.

[Cutter John]

Hey, if you've got something going, and it works, why change it? Nickel Creek is a great, original name, methinks. Very neat sounding indeed. Definatley a better name than something like... Red Hot Chilli Peppers. [splat]

[Ikkin1018]

Be careful what you say about Britney Spears... they did a cover of one of her songs at the show I went to last week.

[PrincessNic]

I know. it is so weird that we were saying all that and then they went and played her song. I would have never guess it.

[ecarmikel]

Actually, I like Nickelback.

I think the mistaking thing is because many people these days have a major hearing problem. Not physically as much as plain NOT PAYING ATTENTION.

Yes, because NickelBACK definitely sounds a lot like Nickel CREEK. Right. The vowels sound totally different!! *Rarr*

Anyway.

[Eirian]

I would never have confused Nickel Creek for Nickelback for three primary reasons:

1. They play completely different genres of music.

2. Nickelback is one word, Nickel Creek is two.

3. Nickelback is Canadian and Nickel Creek are not.

Simple, but it works for me! :) I hope they don't change their name. Even with the changing face of music, their roots are still strong. Nickel Creek still fits them beautifully.

[TradFan]

Yeah, exactly. That's pretty much it. The only reason people are confusing the names is because they most likely don't know about Nickel Creek. Nickelback is more mainstream, so naturally when you mention Nickel Creek, the first thing that would pop into their minds would be Nickelback, thinking that you're in error.

[NCkitty]

*kicks nickelback* you guys SMELL!!!!! muhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha hahhahahahahahahahhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaaa