Stage Names

[Jaded Rescue]

Hey guys! So this past September I finally finished up grad school and got my first solid full-time job. I finally have time to play out at more open mics, try to land some acoustic gigs, etc. The problem is, I feel like my name is terrible to market. My last name is really common, and anyone googling me or looking me up anywhere is going to have a difficult time finding anything.

For a good period of time in college, I released a demo and some YouTube videos under the name "Jaded Rescue" like I have on here. I tried to rationalize it almost like Dave Grohl starting the Foo's. It was one guy (me) writing and performing the music, and programming drums and bass. But it never really sat well in my opinion. So now I'm trying to think up more of a standard "stage name" in the sense of sounding like a real person's actual first and last name, but I have no clue where to begin. I would prefer to go by my first name, Mike, but I have no idea how to just think up a random last name that makes sense.

Anyone on here ever have any similar experience to this in trying to brand yourself? Advice?

[Jim]

What's your full name?

[zazthespaz]

Name of your first pet and street you grew up on?

[Jaded Rescue]

Name of your first pet and street you grew up on?

To answer the first question in the other post my full name is Mike O'Brien.

My first pet and street? That would end up being Rusty York.

Not trying to sound like a porn star.

[Mr. Slash]

Just take something that sounds cool. Mike L. Jackson for example.

[Jaded Rescue]

Just take something that sounds cool. Mike L. Jackson for example.

The kids will love that one!

[One Drew Remains]

Mine is Sammy Solo and that sounds like solitaire porn or something.

[TenaciousBe]

When I started doing the solo acoustic thing, my idea was to create an acoustic band and call it "Moonrise Blue." I had my old drummer from my first band doing bass for a while, but for the past year or so it's just been me by myself again. I'm still using the Moonrise Blue name, because I want to build up that name recognition / equity to hopefully have something to build on for the future, especially if I do end up finding more bandmates again. Until then, I'll just be a one man acoustic project under that band name. I don't think there's anything wrong with that! I'd just run with Jaded Rescue and see where it gets you.