Finding Out the Origins of Unusual Band Names

In the world of music, there are so many bands with unusual names. I’ve looked into the origins of these names, from those that were chosen on a whim to those with deep, meaningful stories behind them. The characters of these bands are often reflected in their names, so be sure to check them out!

■ Japanese Bands

○ ゲスの極み乙女 (Gesu no Kiwami Otome) (Girl at the Height of Rudeness)

The name of the band came about when one of the members, ちゃんMARI (Chan MARI), saw the phrase "ゲスの極み乙女" (Gesu no Kiwami Otome) written on a handmade bag of a friend. The band decided on this instinctively, and it was chosen on a whim. Despite being a spur-of-the-moment decision, the name ended up being incredibly impactful!

○ back number

The name "back number" came from the vocalist, Shimizu Iyori, during his high school days when he was dumped by his girlfriend. He felt like he had become outdated or a "back number". The band's name gives off the image of a slightly shy, insecure guy, much like the tone of their songs' lyrics.

○ サカナクション (Sakanaction)

Despite the name, it's not a band of fishmongers or a fish-themed group! The name comes from combining "サカナ" (sakana, meaning "fish") and "アクション" (action). The band wanted a name that conveyed the idea of moving quickly and fluidly, just like a fish, adapting to changes with agility.

○ SEKAI NO OWARI

The name SEKAI NO OWARI (世界の終わり) (End of the World) comes from a difficult experience in which one of the members felt as though their world had ended. However, during this time, they realized that music and the friends they had by their side were the only things left. With this in mind, they decided to start fresh with a positive twist on the concept of the "end of the world".

○ Official髭男dism (Official HIGE DANDism)

The name "Official髭男dism" was chosen by the band member Narazaki Makoto, who wanted to express his desire to continue creating music excitedly even as he grew older and grew a beard. However, the main reason behind the name is actually the impact of the sound and visual appeal of the name itself. The word "Official" doesn’t carry a specific meaning in this context.

○ Macaroni Empitsu (Macaroni Pencil)

The name "マカロニえんぴつ" Macaroni Empitsu (Macaroni Pencil) combines two unrelated things: macaroni (a type of pasta) and a pencil (a writing tool). However, there's a deeper meaning behind it. Macaroni symbolizes emptiness or nothingness, as it's hollow inside, while a pencil represents creation, as it brings something into existence from nothing. The band chose this name to reflect their desire to create meaningful music from nothing, using their own power and creativity.

○ ONE OK ROCK

The name "ONE OK ROCK" originates from the band's practice schedule. They used to rehearse mainly at 1 a.m. (one o'clock) to take advantage of cheaper studio rates, and they combined "one o'clock" with "rock" to create the name. It's a stylish and clever play-on-words, capturing both the time and the genre they are associated with!

○ BUMP OF CHICKEN

The name "BUMP OF CHICKEN" was chosen to mean "the strike of a coward," reflecting a sense of hesitation or nervousness. However, when translated into English, it amusingly becomes "BUMP" (as in a bump or a little thud) and "CHICKEN" (which can also mean a scared person), which together might suggest "goosebumps". It’s a bit quirky, but the band felt the sound of the name was cool, so they embraced it regardless of the unintended interpretation.

■ Overseas Bands

○ AC/DC

It might sound like the name of an electrical outlet, but that's exactly where it comes from. The name AC/DC is derived from the label indicating the type of electrical current, which are alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). Perhaps their early performances were so loud that the name seemed fitting!

○ Eagles

The name "Eagles" refers to the bird the eagle, which holds significant spiritual meaning in Native American culture. Eagles are believed to possess spiritual power and are able to soar higher than any other bird, and they represent freedom and strength. The band chose this name to symbolize their aspiration to reach great heights in the music world, much like the majestic eagle flying in the sky. It's a simple name, yet it carries a deep and inspiring meaning.

○ Nirvana

The name "Nirvana" comes from a Buddhist term meaning 涅槃 (Nehan), which refers to the state of enlightenment, liberation from the cycle of birth and death, or transcending the material world. Kurt Cobain, the band's frontman, chose this name to evoke a sense of beauty and poetic depth. Once you know the true meaning behind it, you might hesitate to casually say, "I love Nirvana!" as it holds a much deeper and more profound significance.

■ A strange band name with a strange guitar

Since we've discussed some interesting band names, let’s also look at some unique, shaped guitars that stand out just as much!

JACKSON / JS32 KING V, GLOSS BLACK

When we think of shaped guitars, the V-shaped guitar immediately comes to mind. The sharp, pointed V shape is perfect for heavy rock, offering a bold and aggressive look that complements the music style. However, one downside is that when sitting down to play, the guitar may not be as stable, making it a bit harder to handle. But since it looks so cool, if you're rocking this guitar, the best way to play it is while standing up! The V-shape was made for standing and performing.

JACKSON (ジャクソン) / JS32 Warrior, Black with White Bevels

This shape, often referred to as the “Explorer type”, is perfect for rock with its sharp, edgy design, but it also allows for comfortable playing while sitting down—making it a great option for those who want to practice seriously while sitting. It's an ideal choice for those who want to stand out or make a bold statement with their guitar.

KILLER GUITARS / KG-GALAXY CUSTOM MACCHIA

This unique, custom guitar is the signature model of Luke Takami from the band Seikima-II (聖飢魔II). The body shape uses a variety of curves, making it a beautifully crafted, distinctively shaped guitar. If you're into the occult or want to bring a little dark, demon-inspired flair to your music, this might just be the guitar for you!

■ Stand out with an impactful band name!

In this article, I’ve shared the origins of some unique band names. What do you think? Personally, my favorite is the cute yet meaningful Macaroni Empitsu (マカロニえんぴつ) – a name that is both charming and deep in its significance. I hope this article can offer some inspiration to you when it comes time to pick your own band name! Whether you're creating something quirky, bold, or meaningful, the right name can make a big impact.

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