In music, it’s almost impossible to go a day without hearing about a song premiere on a culture blog from an artist you’ve never heard of. With this influx of information, you’re probably subconsciously taking in these names that are being tossed left and right at you. Some of these band names or monikers are, naturally, more memorable than others.
In recent years, we’ve noticed a number of band names that play off real people (or seemingly real people), whether in the form of a pun, spoonerism, or portmanteau. Here are 10 acts we’ve found following this pattern.
1. The Bilinda Butchers
Consisting of longtime friends, Michal Palmer, Adam Honingford, and Ryan Wansley, The Bilinda Butchers are a dream pop trio based out of San Francisco. They take their name from legendary My Bloody Valentine guitarist, Bilinda Butcher. Infusing atmospheric undertones with elements of shoegaze and house, The Bilinda Butchers have been experimenting with genre-bending for years. So far, the band has released two EPs, and a full-length album entitled Heaven.
2. Elvis Depressedly
Currently based in Asheville, N.C. Elvis Depressedly is the cathartic pop recording project of vocalist Mat Cothran, multi-instrumentalist Delaney Mills, and close friends. In 2015, they released their full-length debut LP, New Alhambra and toured the country extensively with artists such as Mitski, Eskimeaux, and The Front Bottoms.
3. Steve Sobs
Playing off of Apple’s late king, Steve Jobs, Steve Sobs is the moniker of Brooklyn’s Eric Littmann. In the past, Littmann has released material via Chill Mega Chill Records as well as Waaga Records. On his Bandcamp page, Littmann says Open Spaces, his most recent record, was, “inspired by the events after Hell Gate Waterway in New York City—loose habits and the pursuit of open spaces within and in reality.”
4. R.L. Kelly
Los Angeles-based bedroom pop artist, Rachel Levy, records under the name R.L. Kelly, a synthesis of her initials and the moniker of R&B recording artist, R. Kelly. In the past, she has done splits with artists such as Alex G and Spencer Radcliffe and released her music through the Brooklyn-based cassette label, Orchid Tapes.
5. Salvia Plath
Michael Collins seems to have a way with puns. He first went under the moniker Run DMT (like Run-D.M.C., get it?) until legal issues arose and then switched his project name to Salvia Plath. This time, Collins toys with the name of 20th century novelist Sylvia Plath. Even with the name switch, Collins kept his psychedelic influences the same, as is quite apparent on his 2013 release, The Bardo Story.