Friends,
Hey there, and hope you’re having a good week.
Back in July we welcomed folks to join the unpacking process with us. A few weeks ago, we passed the mic to India, who unpacked the process of packing as she moved from Portland, Maine to a tiny home in a rural area.
This week, we passed the mic to Emily’s husband Greg, an avid folk-music fan, to unpack a pivotal moment in his pandemic timeline: This spring his favorite band announced a sudden name change, right as the U.S. started opening up again.
In a time of broader social upheaval, it seems that name changes may be more common these days: Lady Antebellum changed their band name to 'Lady A'; Dixie Chicks pivoted to just “The Chicks.” But for Greg’s favorite band, the name change was more existential: Mandolin Orange switched to “Watchhouse” to align with their true intentions as a band.
So Greg, what do you want to unpack?
Greg: I fell in love with the band Mandolin Orange, the folk duo from Chapel Hill, after college when I started missing North Carolina and the friends I met there. I've seen them live probably eight times, went on an early date with Emily to their show in Cambridge, and went on a later date with Emily—one of my happiest memories—to see them outdoors under Carolina Blue skies. When COVID started, I relied on them to keep myself grounded. The night before my two-week post-vaccine day, they did something that frustrated me: they changed their name. To Watchhouse. (?).
Why do you think the name change struck a chord? (pun intended)
Greg: Right when things were about to get better, I felt like I lost something so central to what was keeping me sane in the first place. It's taken some time—and a live Watchhouse show in Virginia—to forgive them, but I do forgive them. I'd like to unpack that more.
Unpack away!
Greg: I listened to them a lot during quarantine. I think a lot of people find solace in their songs. It's pretty melancholy but sneakily joyful music, good for a rainy day or … you know … 500 days in your apartment. I think I just leaned on them during quarantine and didn't like that the same moment the country started opening up, I learned I was never going to go to a Mandolin Orange concert again. I see now that I was being a little dramatic. They play all their old songs and are just as melancholy as before.
We don’t think it’s being dramatic! Here’s our hot take: The name Mandolin Orange represented a bevy of legitimate experiences. Suggesting that the old name doesn’t represent the authentic meaning of that music can hurt. The name and the music belong to the listeners, just as much as to the musicians, right? Or no?
In sum: They changed the meaning at a time when the meaning really mattered.
Greg, how do you feel about the reasoning for this name change — that “Watchhouse” better suits their new sound and style?
Greg: Once I got over my initial feelings about the name change and really read the reasoning behind it, I got it. I hope Watchhouse reads your newsletter some day so they know I’m supportive of the new name now.
What’s your favorite Watchhouse song?
Greg: “Old Ties And Companions.” It’s about never wanting ties to and times with friends and family to end. It’s actually been helpful for processing their name change. Also you should listen to their NPR Tiny Desk Concert.
If you HAD to change your own name, what would you change it to and why?
Greg: Mandolin Orange because it's available now.
The snark!
Thank you, Greg, for unpacking with us. We really appreciate it. Readers and friends, we hope you listen to your favorite band this weekend.
Your pals,
Carrie & Emily