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Stoneman
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12/1/2015 4:40:02 PM
What Is The Story Behind Your Band/Artist Name?
What Is The Story Behind Your Band Name
I have always been fascinated about how artists choose their band/artist name. I see their band name and I imagine to myself what may have caused them to pick that name. I see a lot of artist/bands here at IMP with names that tend to peek my curiosity. I know some artists just use their real name and that is cool to. But I wonder. Where, what, why, how or who gave you the idea for your name. I will start with my own story.
My birth name is Stonewall Towery jr. A lot of people think that my birth name is where my artist name came from. But that is only partly true. Most people called me Stoney when I was a kid. My closest friends called me Wall. But when I was 11 years old I was jumped into a street gang (Bloods). For those of you that don’t know what that means, I was put in the middle of a circle of about 10 guys and then they started beating me up. The purpose is to see if you are tough enough to be in the gang. What they didn’t know was that I had been getting my ass beat almost every day since I was 4 years old. So, instead of cowering until the beating was over like most folks do, I kept getting back up and saying hit me some more. I was use to getting knocked down and bloodied up. I loved that shit. I saw getting my ass kicked as an expression of love. Yeah I know, being an abused and abandoned child really fucks you up.
Anyway, after about a half hour of getting my ass kicked and getting back up for more the leader of the gang made them stop and dubbed me the “Man Of Stone”. All members were given a street name and that was mine. Eventually it was shortened to Stoneman and as I moved up the ranks I was called O.G. (Original Gangster) Stoneman. Many years later when I became a prison chaplain the inmates called me Chaplain Stoneman. They all knew me as Stoneman on the streets. From then on the name just stuck with me. I only allow people that I don’t like and business people (bill collectors) to call me Stonewall. I hate that name because I am named after my father who abandoned me when I was 4 years old. Don’t ever call me Stonewall. It pisses me off.
So, how did your band/artist name come about?
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Two Silo Complex
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12/1/2015 6:58:41 PM
The cover design is a schematic of two identical nuclear silos. You notice that the mushroom cloud in the back ground touches both silos that is because only one strike would affect the entire planet with radiation and fallout so even that country that delivered the first strike even if there is no counter strike still destroys itself in the end. The premise is based on the cold war between US and Russia during the nuclear build up. Similar to the theme of the old movie war games no one country dared to nuke the other because of fear of retaliation strike. Hence the Two Silo Complex neither side can win but also none will give up the defense of what they have its like and endless stalemate. Unfortunately nuclear proliferation has grown since those days and dangerous countries are now nuclear capable. However due to forged alliances NATO and the like the quandary still exists no one country dares to start first strike because of the inevitable outcome. For me it’s a sobering reminder that each day should not be taken for granted and after reading your story I’m lost for words.
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Father Time
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12/1/2015 7:34:36 PM
I've told this numerous times but here I go again.
I had a dream where I was talking to an alien that had abducted me and I asked the alien what would be a good artist name for me. The alien said "the missing link". Anyway I used this name for a few years, sent out some tapes, not much happened. So at some point I had another dream and was talking to the same alien in the dream, and asked if the alien had any other possible artist names for me, and he said "Father Time is the missing link"
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Stoneman
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12/1/2015 8:35:56 PM
Two Silo Complex,
Man, that is really deep. I hadn't put that one together at all. But after your explanation it makes perfect sense. Yes, I believe that each day that we live is a gift to be cherished. It can all be taken away so suddenly. We all know that one push of a button could set off a chain reaction that would engulf the entire planet into flames. Thanks for the fascinating info about your name.
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Stoneman
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12/1/2015 8:39:01 PM
Father Time,
Very cool story about your name. I saw some very interesting things out to sea when I was in the Navy. Things that could not be explained. The alien in your dreams is very wise.
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Bony Gardens
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12/2/2015 12:05:54 AM
The story behind my name, and also the entire reason for the start of my solo project stemmed from the suicide of my best friend a few months ago in October. I had become extremely depressed and lethargic, dropped out of school and had lost all drive to do much of anything at all. When I did end up leaving my bed, I would grab my guitar(which is odd for me, because I'm primarily a percussionist) and I found that it was actually a very cathartic experience for me. So I started actually recording my music in order to keep busy. Once I had finished my EP, I struggled with the naming of my project. I couldn't really find a meaning in any of my potential names. This was all in the time span of 3 days(aside from the suicide) and I was really just bugging for everything to be done, so I didn't really take a lot of time to brainstorm names. Eventually, I had decided that I wanted "Gardens" in the name, because they're beautiful, and it's a beautiful word. I then met difficulty finding a fitting first word. Bony Gardens then came to be. I felt as though it flowed rather well, and it also has a rather cryptic, but not cheesy (at least I don't think so) referral to a graveyard, in which my best friend now resides. And there you have it folks. Bony Gardens exposed.
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Brody Sheale
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12/2/2015 12:09:56 AM
Welcome to the pipeline, BG.
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Bony Gardens
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12/2/2015 12:28:26 AM
Much appreciated, Brodo Baggins.
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Bryon Tosoff
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12/2/2015 6:59:54 AM
I have to go into my genealogy, the name Tosoff is ancient and we are from the people of the Volga River, who were warriors and come from way up at the start of the genesis of the rivers beginnings, marched down slaughtering and killing others in their way as they looked for new territory to conquer, they then displaced the people Now known as Romanians out of their once beautiful land and conquered it and took it over , the name Bulgaria is a corrupted form of Volga.so Tosoff are ones that tossed off others from their lands and kicked their asses there is much more to my artist name but i will leave it at that. LOL
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Two Silo Complex
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12/2/2015 7:49:48 AM
Dear Bony Gardens,
I'd love to tell you that in time you will move on from what happened but the truth is that you never do. Your friend and what happened will always be with you. I am not one to blow sunshine up any person's you know what but if I can offer any advise from someone who has lived through your experience more than once my advise is hold your friend close to your heart and when you feel the burden is too great to bear do what you need to do. If making music helps you that is fantastic if you need counseling seek it out. What you should not do if try to convince yourself that your life is not forever changed it is and no matter how hard you try to run away from it. One day if you have not dealt with it no matter how long you try to hide it will hit you over the head like a ton of bricks. For what its worth I think creation from the ashes is beautiful and I encourage you to continue to honor your friend in your heart and in your life.
Best regards
TSC,
Ken
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Two Silo Complex
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12/2/2015 7:54:08 AM
PS I forgot to mention, not that its really all that significant, but the round pieces on the edges of my logo are schematics for the ICBM warhead.
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Jilly
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12/2/2015 8:35:22 AM
I change my band name regularly on different sites and for different styles but the biggest problem I have is finding one that nobody else has thought of.... and that is almost impossible. I like to use digital Band Name generators - in fact just yesterday I was trying to decide between "Chronic Monochrome" "Glass Fungus" and "Phat Frenzy" Hmmm!
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Two Silo Complex
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12/2/2015 9:53:49 AM
Funny you mention that Jilly I have has several incarnations over time different names. I am hoping to do a release next year under the name "atmospheric refraction" album name -"deviation of light" featuring some of my lighter work like dream away and cordial melody that does not really fit with the mood of my "Two Silo Complex" album name Mercury Rising that was intended to have harder songs but has become a collection of works instead.
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LyinDan
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12/2/2015 10:36:27 AM
Comes from LyinDanTheManagerMan back at MP3COM. That name made the news. Google it.
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Bony Gardens
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12/2/2015 11:26:39 AM
Dear TSC,
Thank you very much. Your comment really means a lot to me. I'm sorry that you've had to experience this pain, and in greater numbers. I've come to terms now with the permanent pain from this loss. I am doing all that I can now to make it not affect my every day life, although that's proving to be a bit of a mission. All I really have at the moment is my music, and that really keeps me grounded, day-to-day. Hopefully I can continue to work solely on music for a while. Thank you, again.
-Bony Gardens
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Steve Ison
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12/2/2015 12:25:44 PM
Jilly..Interesting hearing about you using different names around the net..
Is this wonderful track by you under a pseudonym ??
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Noah Spaceship
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12/2/2015 8:16:32 PM
Great stories, tragic and all. Intriguing stuff, for sure.
Zeman Ruckus is obviously based on Kris's last name, and the ruckus part is me, because I always thought she epicly outclassed me. The funny part is, as a black sheep in her family, she considers herself the ruckus as well.
Noah Spaceship is short for Noah's Arc (ark) was a Spaceship.
I saw what I thought was Noah's Ark flying by my bedroom window when I was young, and tried to convince everyone Noah came from another planet. I used that as the title of my first self produced album back in '96 and when I arrived online, I used the shortened version as my username. I totally answer to Noah, it is my second name now, haha.
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Shoe City Sound
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12/2/2015 9:45:52 PM
---- Updated 12/2/2015 9:53:31 PM
The city of Brockton, MA is actually referred to as the Shoe City. Most of the boots for the Union Army were manufactured here during the Civil War. By the turn of the century, the shoe industry was huge here. Lots of businesses were called Shoe City something, like Shoe City Auto, or Shoe City Tavern, etc etc. Brockton is pretty run down now - has been for decades - a total victim of greedy, ignorant politicians. It's a matter of civic pride that we applied for a business license as Shoe City Sound. It's really a wonderful city, home to people from lots of different cultures. Even though we're not from here we'll probably never leave.
On another note - Bat Face Girl - if you're around somewhere, I'd love to know how you got that band name.
Great topic Stoneman!
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Jilly
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12/2/2015 10:39:29 PM
Steve.... You're not far off but this is Gilly with a G not Jilly with a J. We were very good friends some years ago but lost touch. I'm quite sure it's her vocal (very recognisable) and guitar on this. Gilly if you're around say "Hi" :)
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12/9/2015 12:37:25 PM
So Noah...
You have a Spaceship??
Please can I fly in it???
Please please please please....
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12/9/2015 12:44:20 PM
Oh.
Yes, I have always been American Lesley Jane even before I knew it.
My mentor was Lesley Gore, who did know it. Even before I did.
Taught me well. Was the one who told me not to wuss out
and settle for good, that I was destined for great.
She has a lot with why I'm here today. Sometimes, the right bit of
encouragement from the right person, takes you an unimaginable distance.
As for BEATLESEX, John named us.
It's an anagram for Ex BEATLES,
You stack it in a row,
a bunch of the word BEATLESEX,
you see EX BEATLES EX BEATLES....
well there's him and there's George.
George has told me I'm a BEATLE,
and John can't much argue beyond, 'yeah a fat Elvis Sheila Holly Beatle'
John also calls me Meatpie.
John's boyhood friend, Pete Shotton, whom has been friends
with Lennon since they were both five years old,
came here about nine years ago, possibly ten by now I should think,
and recognized that it really is John Lennon I channel.
This is what Pete said,
after the morning we all met,
where we wrote a song in Pete's hotel room,
then Pete watched at our studio while for over seven hours
me and John and George made the record,
"Between Here And There" by BEATLESEX
(not out yet here, so presently it's unavailable, but I'm getting
set to put out that entire album 'round New Year's...)
and after it was done, Pete said, to John, who just used my body
to make a record,
"You bastard. You knew. You knew didn't you.
You knew that if I saw you work, I'd know it's you."
John laughed and said,
"I've only been trying to tell you that for two fuckin' years, Shotton."
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12/9/2015 12:47:21 PM
But seriously. Even all that.
Maybe we're in the runner uppers....
but nobody beats Stoneman's Story.
Jesus what a tough road.
Makes me feel like a total wimp and pussy ever complaining about anything, ever.
Okay, carrying a dead beatle on your back trying to get people to understand
the worth in that, is a toughie too, fair square.
Man of Stone.
And by now I'm nearly the Girl of Steel, so let me say
the Respect is Mutual.
~L
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Noah Spaceship
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12/9/2015 5:17:08 PM
Lesley, - I left the spaceship double parked and it's now impounded. The fees are astronomical, but I have some vintage old cars I was thinking of selling for the impound bill, and then, yes. Shit, I'll let you drive if you want. :)
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Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:29:45 AM
Wow, that is really deep and personal BG. Such a fitting tribute in the name. So sorry for the loss of your friend. Thankful for your music!
Much Respect!
Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:30:30 AM
Oh I like the idea. Let's take 'er out and bring a case of alcohol as well.
Then we can drive haphazardly through the Van Allen belt dodging asteroids.
It'll be an absolute Howl. I'm all in, Noah. Snacks. Mental note: Bring Snacks.
I like... Snacks.
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Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:31:51 AM
Bryon, that is an amazing story of great historical importance. Makes me see your name in a different light. Thanks for sharing!
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Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:37:12 AM
Thanks Jilly!
Lyin Dan,
Yes, I did Google it and there was lots of fascinating stuff there. I am totally aware of the great awe that members here have for MP3.Com. I was also an MP3.Com artist but I don't remember it or revere it the way you folks do. It was just another site I was on. Even back then I was on about 50 musician sites but because I was actively touring, I didn't spend much time on any of them.
Much Respect Though!
Stoneman
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Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:39:42 AM
Noah,
I like that story to man. Noah's Ark flying by must have been quite a sight. Great Name!
Much Respect,
Stoneman
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Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:43:02 AM
Delores,
OMG! I learn something new everyday. I had no idea your band name was so historical. Never been to Brockton but I like the fact that you took something so relevant to the city and made it the name. Awesome idea.
Much Respect,
Stoneman
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Paul groover
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12/10/2015 9:44:57 AM
---- Updated 12/10/2015 9:46:44 AM
I have a scottish name that no-one can pronounce. So i used groover to make it easy for folk. The funny thing is when people try and say my real name it always different to anyone else and no where what it should be. I find it hilariously funny when people try and pronounce it. Also groover was a nickname. I picked up in the bands when i was bass playing
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Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:46:30 AM
Thank ALJ for sharing your story. You have great tunes and great names. Can't ask much than that from an artist.
Much Respect!
Stoneman
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Stoneman
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12/10/2015 9:48:30 AM
Big thanks to everyone for participating and sharing your story. I found each one to be quite fascinating and interesting. Never thought this thread would reveal so much.
Wishing everyone a great Holiday Season!
Respect & Admiration,
Stoneman
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Noah Spaceship
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12/10/2015 12:17:40 PM
---- Updated 12/10/2015 12:18:45 PM
Yeah, it was actually a C-130, but for a 4 year old who had just moved next to a massive Air Base and never seeing anything like that up close, spent a week of his life convinced it was Noah's Ark. haha
Great topic, Happy holidays to you too, Stoneman!
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Chandra Moon
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12/14/2015 1:15:33 PM
My real first name is Chandra which means moon. So I used Chandra Moon as a blog name, then as an email address and finally a performing name. Now it's what everyone knows me as and who I feel I am!
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