(Re)Introducing Honest Lee Soul: Why we changed the name
Where the original name Brother’s Keeper came from
In 2017 we came together for what was supposed to be a one off project. It was actually for the release of my second book Whisky and Blues. After that we just continued to get together to make music because it felt good. We enjoy making music. Shocker! One of us would bring an idea to the table, the other would add to it, and before we knew it, we were collecting songs. When it became clear we were going to start presenting these songs, we knew we needed a name. So ensued the search. One day I was reading a copy of UP.ST.ART Magazine and came across an article about a barbershop in Annapolis that was about to be closed down to build luxury apartments. Of course there was much sentimental value placed on this landmark by the owner and patrons. The name of the barbershop was My Brother’s Keeper. We appreciated the story and adopted the name as a tribute to the city. It was a way of preserving a piece the place where we started. We dropped the “My” and Brother’s Keeper was born.
Why we changed the name
The short answer is that someone owned the name already. So to avoid the potential of legal action against the band, we needed to change it. Also, like us, LOTS of people like the name Brother’s Keeper or some variation of it, so as to distinguish ourself (and make searching way easier), we needed a change. The lesson: Do your research and make sure no one else owns the copyright/trademark to the name you want to use.
Who is Honest Lee Soul?
A play on words
We’ve never identified a style or genre of music we wanted to stick to. Our approach is if it feels good and sounds good we roll with it. But that approach as you can imagine makes it difficult to answer the question when it’s asked. And it’s always asked. So we dropped the resistance. And if we really broke our sound down to it’s purest, most basic element, our sound is Honest Lee Soul. Get it?
The persona
But really, who is Honest Lee you say? Maybe he’s your dad, your uncle, a neighbor, the guy by the train tracks with a guitar, the old guy on the corner. He’s a sage. He’s wisdom and cautionary tales. He’s seen things and been places. He’s rough around the edges, yet incredibly charming and lucky. He’s a vibe!
Peace,
Word.
Honest Lee Soul.
