Create a Music Producer Name or Stage Name

If you are a music producer, rapper, music artist, or DJ trying to come up with a stage name, here are 17 tips to help you pick a stage name.

What is a Stage Name?

A stage name or alias is simply a name a lot of actors or entertainers will create for themselves.

They may create a stage name because:

• they want to hide their real name
• they don’t like their real name
• or they want to create a name that stands out more

A stage name can be simple and look like a real name, or it can be a made-up word, that means nothing.

There are no set rules.

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Should You Use a Stage Name?

If you are debating using your real name or creating a stage name, you should ask yourself these questions:

• Do you want to go by your real name?
• Do you like your real name?
• Is your real name hard to spell or pronounce?
• Do you have a long last name?
• Do you have a very common name?
• Is your name easy to remember?

If you see any problems with some of the answers you gave, then you may want to consider a stage name.

So let’s get into the list of tips and suggestions for coming up with a stage name.

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How to Create a Stage Name or Producer Name

1. Brainstorm 10 to 20 Names

The top goal when trying to come up with a name is to brainstorm a lot of ideas.

Don’t get attached to names right away.

You want to try to come up with a name, and then try to come up with a better idea after that.

You don’t want to get attached to a name because:

1. It may already be taken
2. If you keep brainstorming, you may come up with something better

I find when I’m trying to come up with variations of something. Each variation gets a little better.

So you just want to do this exercise of coming up with a lot of ideas.

There are no wrong ideas.

Just capture your ideas.

One idea may lead to another idea.

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2. Track Your Ideas

You can use a notebook, text file, or spreadsheet to help track your ideas.

But you want to track your ideas because you want to get them out of your head, and you want to have a visual way to track and compare ideas.

Free Google Spreadsheet

You don’t have to use a spreadsheet, you can use paper or a text file.

Spreadsheets are helpful because you can easily track and sort data.

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3. Keep It Simple

You want to make sure the name you come up with is simple and easy to remember.

It’s best if you limit the number of words, and the name should be easy to spell.

If you need to explain spelling to someone, it will be hard for people to find you on their own.

It’s best to have a name that you tell a person once or twice, and they can remember it.

So keep it simple.

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4. Avoid Using Generic Terms

You should avoid using single-word terms that are very common.

Example: Don’t name yourself “Bass”.

If you Google “Bass” you will get results for bass guitars, bass fishing, bass speakers, etc.

Avoid using common generic terms to help your chances of being found online.

You want to create a unique name, so when you search in Google, almost nothing comes up.

Then it will be easier to find you.

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5. Think About Your Brand & Image

Think about how you want the public to see you and what emotions you want to evoke in people.

That’s why it’s a great idea to have these things clear in your mind before moving to create an alias:

• How do you want the world to see you?
• What visual imagery do you imagine representing you?
• Who is your target audience?
• What branding or imagery is going to connect with your target audience?
• Where do you want to be in the next 5 years with your brand or name?

Brainstorm these things to help you plan who and what you want to be for the long term.

Related: 10 Branding & Marketing Tips for Music Producers

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6. Use a Part of Your Real Name

Experiment with mixing parts of your name with different words.

Here are a couple of examples of people who have done this.

• Just Blaze – Justin Smith
• Dr. Dre – Andre Young
• Chance The Rapper – Chancelor Bennett
• Post Malone – Austin Post
• Timbaland – Timothy Zachary Mosley
• Missy Elliott – Melissa Elliott
• Remy Ma – Reminisce Mackle

So play around with your real name and see what you come up with.

A lot of actors will keep their real first name, and create a fake last name.

Or the other way around. Create a fake first name, and keep your real last name.

Experiment and play around with your real name.

This can help you come up with a meaningful name.

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7. Use Your Middle Name

If you like your middle name use it.

Here are a couple of examples of people who have done this.

• Drake – Aubrey Drake Graham
• Rihanna – Robyn Rihanna Fenty

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8. Abbreviate Your Name

If your name is too long or difficult to spell, you can try to abbreviate it.

Here are some examples:

• J. Cole – Jermaine Cole
• Chuck D. – Carlton Douglas
• Cardie B.
• G-Easy

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9. Use a Childhood Nickname

Do you have a childhood nickname that you like? If the answer is yes, try to use it.

You may have something that is meaningful between you, your friends, and your family.

So if you have a nickname that is Meaningful to you, try to use that to help come up with your stage name.

The music producer Skrillex was called “Skril” and “Skrilly” as a kid by his friends.

So he used those nicknames to help come up with Skrillex.

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10. Use A Online Name Creator

If you are struggling with ideas, check out these free online name generators.

You can use these websites to help come up with different ideas.

• Music Producer Name Generator
• Rap Name Generator
• Music Artist Name Generator
• DJ Name Generator
• Band Name Generator

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11. What to Avoid

Here are some things you should avoid when trying to come up with a stage name.

• Avoid Trends – Trends come and go. You don’t want to look dated in the next 2 years.
• Avoid Specific Music Genres – If you are a music producer, artist, or DJ, I’m sure you will be dealing with a variety of music genres.

You and your career will evolve with time. So plan ahead

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12. Use a Variation of Famous Names

You can play with words and create a variation with celebrities and brand names. For instance, the music producer Mord Fustang swapped the first letter of the car named Ford Mustang.

Another example is the producer Com Truise: Tom Cruise, but with the same idea applied.

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13. Research If the Name is Taken

Check if the name you choose is already taken. Search Google, Spotify, Soundcloud, Youtube, and other services for the name.

You want to avoid taking a name that is already trademarked or copy-written to avoid being sued.

Tools: Namecheckr

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14. Narrow Down to Your Favorites

So hopefully at this point, you have found a couple of names that are available.

Now you need to narrow it down to your favorites.

So you should revisit some of the points I mentioned earlier:

• Is it simple
• Is it easy to remember
• Is it easy to spell
• Does it connect with long-term goals?

Ask yourself these questions.

Then rate and sort your favorite names that are available.

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15. Get Feedback

Go to people you trust and admire to get feedback.

Getting feedback can give you a different perspective, and inspire new ideas.

Listen to the input. Don’t get offended if people don’t like the name.

You just want to get different perspectives.

The ultimate choice will be yours.

But if people are mentioning common problems, pay attention, and make adjustments.

You don’t want to go at something alone and be in a bubble with no input.

You may think something is genius, but when presented to others, people may think it’s strange.

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16. Claim Your Name

Once you select your music producer name claim it on social media websites and get a custom domain address.

Try to keep the domain name consistent across all the platforms.

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17. Don’t Stress Over It

The last tip is don’t stress out over coming up with the perfect name.

You will continue to evolve and change over time. Nothing is permanent.

Don’t let not coming up with a name prevent you from taking action on your goals.

In reality, in many ways, the name you come up with doesn’t really matter.

Some of the biggest people on YouTube, music artists, or business names have no meaning.

They mean nothing.

What is a Yahoo? What is a Google? These are just made-up words.

It’s about what you do with the name. The marketing and branding behind the name is what matters.

Don’t let not having the perfect name prevent you from taking action on what’s really important.

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Conclusion on Creating a Name

When creating a music producer name, think about how it reflects your brand, image, and try to keep it simple so people will remember it.

Always ask for feedback from others so you see what it looks like from another perspective.

You can use a variation of your own name such as your first name and a new last name, or even variations of famous names.

Research popular words and make sure you don’t sound generic.

Try using a childhood nickname to create a deeper connection between you and your fans.

When creating a music producer name, think about how it would look in a logo or website.

Research if the name is already taken to avoid trouble and confusion.

Also, check usernames on social media and domain availability to make your life easier later.

Poll: Do You Have a Music Producer Name ( Closed )

If you have a music producer name, share it below.

Good luck!

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