What’s In A Name?

UNER

Spanish tech house king releasing on Diynamic, Cocoon and Cadenza, resident DJ at Ibiza clubs like Pacha.

In my experience, the name is not the key to success, but it plays an important role in creating an international movement. I myself previously worked under another name that did not work at all. A simple name that people remember is much more practical than something unwieldy.

My real name is Manuel Garcia, so it was clear that I would not use my real name for the electronic scene. Firstly because it is very Spanish, and secondly because I do not want to mix my personal life with my work. I chose UNER, because in principle it meant absolutely nothing. They were just letters from my first name and surname and this meant that the scene would not take into account where I was from, or what my name was or who was behind it: I just wanted them to listen to the music.

Nobody influenced the choice. I spent a few days writing names, as seeing it written down is very important. Also, when written in capitals (which we have still not managed to get everyone to do) UNER has a strong impact. My name is not an English name. I discovered over time that it has Turkish origins, but the best thing is that it sounds the same in all languages. Something which is also very important when choosing a name.

it was clear that I would not use my real name. Firstly because it is very Spanish, and secondly because I do not want to mix my personal life with my work.

I like the name UNER. I never go back on my choices. I am very proud to work under this pseudonym, although I wouldn’t rule out creating another in the future. I don’t think it affects the music. If you make good music, it doesn’t matter what you are called. But when coming out into the general public, it is easier to remember a simple name than a complicated one. You can carry out a test and ask them to name known artists and write them according to name. Sometimes it is very difficult and I include myself in the group of people that find it easier to remember an artist better if they have a simple name.

Korrupt Data

Mysterious and anonymous artist who has just released an album of retro sci-fi techno on Carl Craig’s Planet E label. 

Names are merely labels for the lazy-minded. Simply listen. Our entire reality simply consists of data. Some of this becomes corrupted. What are the implications for our society?

Why are we here? Why do you even care? I am Korrupt Data. I have always been Korrupt Data. Whether or not my music has appeared under other earthly pseudonyms is irrelevent. I was inspired by mankind’s inability to see that the world around us is merely data. My album is made up of corrupt information in the form of electronic music. The data has been transferred to vinyl via a third party. In this case, hardware from the 80s.

Names are merely labels for the lazy-minded. Simply listen.

I couldn’t care less about the impact of my name. Nothing went through my mind. It has no direct association. It is merely corrupted data in the form of electronic music, released into the world. It is for others to join the dots. There is nothing more to add. Abandon all preconceptions.

I’m not anonymous: I’m Korrupt Data. Can you not accept this? Abandon all preconceptions now, before it is too late. Again, I am korrupt data. I may be more than one person. I may not exist. I may perform live shows through another well-known producer. Either way, I am still Korrupt Data.

If that’s not clear enough for you, bad luck. It’s all you’re getting.

Bill Patrick

Despite appearances, Bill Patrick – A&R for Guy Gerber’s Supplemental Facts and a famed American DJ who doesn’t produce – is not his real name.

My first DJ name was DJ Holy Roller. Ridiculous, I know. I was going to raves at that time and every DJ had a crazy nickname like that. I was also really into religion at that point in my life, for some reason (thankfully I’ve grown out of that phase) and I was trying ecstasy for the first time, so Holy Roller it was.

William Gargiulo is my given name but I figured that would be too hard for some people to pronounce and would be a disaster to spell on flyers. Also, I lived in Long Island at the time and that Italian surname would have landed me gigs in the Hamptons and Jersey Shore playing for bridge and tunnel douchebags and their terrible girlfriends. I was not into that. People called me Bill and my middle name is Patrick so I decided to go with that. It’s easy to remember and spell. Also, you have to take into consideration that we all go through phases in life – we evolve and grow up. When choosing a name, always keep in mind that in two years you’ll probably be into something completely different. Your sound will change, your style and interests change, you grow up and you find yourself into different things. You may hate that name you thought of a few years prior, but now you kinda built a career around it and it’s too late to change.

I think you’re more inclined to avoid a terrible name rather than seeing a cool name and automatically listening to their stuff. I think when signing someone to a label you should be focusing on music first and then if the artist is just starting out and not very well known and their name sucks, you can discuss coming up with a better one. For instance, if I see a track by someone named Crazy Vagina Lover or something, I would be like wow, this person is probably a dick and I don’t want to listen to his or her music. Based on name alone. 100% judging a book by its cover. Sometimes it needs to be done, but let’s say a miracle has occurred and Crazy Vagina Lover actually makes dope music. Well, I would sign the tracks but then also advise CVL that hey, maybe you wanna rethink that name of yours. It’s kind of giving off a creepy vibe and people won’t take you or your music serious.

that Italian surname would have landed me gigs in the Hamptons and Jersey Shore playing for bridge and tunnel douchebags and their terrible girlfriends. I was not into that

I don’t know Hot Since ’82 but I hate 80s music and that name makes me think of that era. I’m sure he’s a nice guy, I just don’t like that name. Also, Alex Niggemann. Very nice guy but very unfortunate name. I would probably change that. Even for a black guy that would be tough to pull off. Chase & Status sounds like a fucking accountant firm. Also, I see what they did there, “chasing status”. Terrible. I love Eats Everything. I think it’s hilarious and if you know Dan, it really fits his personality. It’s fun and gives off a good vibe. Zip is a nickname I love as well. Easy to remember, fun to say, good times. I also really like Ben UFO. I’m into aliens, UFOs and all that stuff.

I guess just don’t try to overthink it when it comes to choosing a name. I know that’s easier said than done because it’s basically the thing people see first and what they will silently judge you on. Your music should be in the forefront, so don’t choose a name that overshadows your sound.