What’s with the Name?
By KISHANEE HATHTHOTUWEGAMA, Exposure Staff Writer Ever listen to an Exposure artist and wonder, “What’s with the name?” We’ve got you covered. This week: JR JR. Sound familiar? It’s because everyone’s favorite Seattle-based racecar-driver-affiliated electric duo Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr made the executive decision to change their name...
By KISHANEE HATHTHOTUWEGAMA, Exposure Staff Writer
Sound familiar? It’s because everyone’s favorite Seattle-based racecar-driver-affiliated electric duo Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr made the executive decision to change their name on July 15, months before the release of their new album Jr Jr on September 25. The guys posted a lengthy explanation on the makings of their original name and why they felt they needed some change in their lives, stating “Band names are a weird thing to begin with, but we figured if we named our band Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr there would be no expectations for what we were meant to sound like.”
They were even considerate enough to write to Dale Earnhardt Jr himself to make sure he was cool with them using his name. To everyone’s surprise, the racecar driver actually gave them the go-ahead, and even a pat on the back for it. So, under the blessing of the man himself, Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr churned out some gorgeous tracks.
After five years—why the change? One, their increased popularity has obviously increased the number of people that think Dale Earnhardt Jr himself will drive up on stage and perform. Yeah, apparently they get that problem a lot. Though this has helped them get to where they are now, they also say something that strikes me as true:
Ever listen to an Exposure artist and wonder, “What’s with the name?” We’ve got you covered. This week: JR JR.
Sound familiar? It’s because everyone’s favorite Seattle-based racecar-driver-affiliated electric duo Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr made the executive decision to change their name on July 15, months before the release of their new album Jr Jr on September 25. The guys posted a lengthy explanation on the makings of their original name and why they felt they needed some change in their lives, stating “Band names are a weird thing to begin with, but we figured if we named our band Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr there would be no expectations for what we were meant to sound like.”
They were even considerate enough to write to Dale Earnhardt Jr himself to make sure he was cool with them using his name. To everyone’s surprise, the racecar driver actually gave them the go-ahead, and even a pat on the back for it. So, under the blessing of the man himself, Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr churned out some gorgeous tracks.
After five years—why the change? One, their increased popularity has obviously increased the number of people that think Dale Earnhardt Jr himself will drive up on stage and perform. Yeah, apparently they get that problem a lot. Though this has helped them get to where they are now, they also say something that strikes me as true:
The name has become its own personality…Almost, another member of the band…we’ve found that there is no longer room for a third, ubiquitous member of the project.So they’re breaking free! Striking out on their own! Taking the world by storm! …Well, maybe it’s not that radical of a change, but still very exciting, especially as their self-titled September album has been making such a splash. Check out their single “Gone” below and listen for the duo on Exposure, Monday-Thursday @ 11 PM!