Thread: What's in a name?

This is a really cute thread.

What does your performing name mean to you?
Like Amelie, my name is pretty much just a means to an end. I suppose these days it's probably an indication of who's addressing me as I use Cherry in burlesque circles, the name I've gone under for the last 15 years in others and finally, my birth name in some. Originally, I'd been going by 'Cherry Garcia' which I loved for the androgynous quality but thought it a little too kitch/drag queen. Cherries are traditionally associated with feminine sexuality but, in Japan, they're also associated with (amongst a million other things) the Samurai which I thought made a pretty delicious contrast. Garcia is a masculine name but when put together with Cherry, becomes one hell of a sweet treat. I suppose, aptly, changing my name to 'Loco' came after a great number of tequila shots.

Has it been a curse/blessing/both?
Niether really. I wasn't a wallflower to begin with so, I don't think it's given me the freedom to be more confident. I suppose I benefit from appearing as 'one of the girls' on flyer and when I'm introduced, as it's been noted that a number of insecure men tend to take their fag break when the male acts come on at SOME burlesque events. By the time I've hit the stage and they realize, I'm no femme, I like to think I've had enough time and shown enough of my act to keep them seated. But then, I could just be an egotistical crack-head.

Any funny misunderstandings or mispronunciations?
Nope. Makes my toes curl in glee when I hear 'Loco' in a Spanish accent though and I have this buddy who's taken to calling me Loco rather than Cherry which is cute.

Does it reveal your own personality at all? Or are you mysterious?
Eh.. I suppose I have a somewhat 'unhinged' sense of humour which I carry into my acts and apparently I LOOK like a Cherry; whatever the hell that means..

Originally Posted by Leyla Rose

Plus Johnny Depp has a daughter called Lily Rose and I love that.

Leyla, I was actually reading an interview with some guy from some band who had a daughter called Leila Rose. Can't remember who it was though. Hm.

xx CL

Oh I wonder who that is? I think it's a pretty name for a little girl and one she can grow into. I'd like to change my name to it permanently but my real surname is Gaelic for 'Dark Warrior' and I love that too and can't abandon it.

I consider Leyla a first name and Rose a surname but I love to hear them run together. However, I have no daft Madonna or Cher-esque notions of being known by one name, I find that mentality pretty loathsome actually.

But bless the Northern Italians. They call me 'La Leeeyyyla' and that's my favourite.
Only some times they introduce me a Mrs. Leyla Rose which isn't so great.

Originally Posted by Leyla Rose

I'd like to change my name to it permanently but my real surname is Gaelic for 'Dark Warrior' and I love that too and can't abandon it.

If it's what I think it is then it's a lovely surname as well as first name (when I eventually get round to the babies thing I want to use it if I have a boy).

Apparently, it's Craig Mabbitt from Escape the Fate. No idea what they actually sound like but, judging from the interview, I wouldn't waste the google time. Heh.

Funnily enough, I've been going by my "real" name (Very few people know my actual birth name) for so long that I have it on my passport. Gets a lot of funny as hell looks.

xx CL

What does your performing name mean to you?

My burlesque name The Decadent Gent became so completely by accident.
It was chosen is in complete contrast to the name I had in other forums which was "satanicgent". It was only when Parma Violet called me "DG" in response to a post I had made about Candy Box that it began to become a name for me. I would sign off all my posts and still continue to do so with "DG" and it sort of stuck.

When I first went to Burlesque shows I never really used any stage name and just introduced myself as Matt (for those not in the know that is my real name!) and so many burly people such as Leyla Rose, Missy Malone and Red Sarah knew me as just that.

Then when I started making Tassel Time and began doing Compere and MC work I began using "The Decadent Gent" as my performance name and I think it suits me very well.


Has it been a curse/blessing/both?

It has been a blessing in many ways.
Because the name seems to be quite memorable I find that people approach me at burlesque gigs either because of Tassel Time or know me from the forums. I find that people in the burlesque world just call me DG or say things like "How are you Gent?" and I like it. It's seems to have become more of a title than a name: Matt Davis The Decadent Gent, and I answer to both names, but I do love being called DG. It gives me a warm feeling inside, because I seem to have found my niche in this community and being called by that name shows that I have made my mark on it in some small way.

Any funny misunderstandings or mispronunciations?

Plenty.

The most infamous one I have had was at Scarlet Fever's first burlesque night in Stoke. It was at the end of the show and I had just done a roll call of everyone who had taken part. I had gone behind the curtain as I never congratulate myself to the audience, (I am rather humble at times), but the DJ took the mike and said "Lets not forget the man who steered tonight's show, lets hear it for..." at this point I came out of the curtain to receive my applause "... Decadent Dave!" I looked directly at him aghast and he seemed to twig he had got it wrong then proceeded to say "...er...sorry...Diamond Dave!" A roar of laughter from the audience and sounds of protest from the performers behind the curtain as I was telling the DJ what my name actually was. I was continually ribbed all night because of it and it has not been forgotten by anyone who was there. If you look at Super Sexy Susie's myspace photos of the night you can see the whole thing and my reaction in sequence. It was rather funny.

I have been christened "Decagent" by Princess Farhana, more of which you will hear in a forthcoming Tassel Time (it has been completed so watch out for it!) I rather like that one I must admit, as I have a great deal of respect for Princess and shes such a sweetheart.


Does it reveal your own personality at all? Or are you mysterious?


I have always had a keen interest in the decadent periods of our culture, historical and present and I do have a bohemian aspect to my life that is very important to me. Also The "gent" part of the name refers to my commitment to being a gentlemen wherever I go and to whomever I meet. I was brought up in a very female household (my Mum has four sisters) so I was always taught to be respectful to my elders and others and I even have come away from it with a great sense of awe and respect for women everywhere. (some could almost call it chivalrous)

I am very grateful to the name though "DG" is very much a heightend aspect of my personality, not a completely other identity. Those who have met and know me, understand that Matt and DG are one and the same.


DG

Originally Posted by Broomy

Iv'e been lucky enough to see you both sing and act, and you are indeed, a talented lady. Never could fathom the original: "Annie 20," but I'm sure it must of had some significance.
What is iconic about 'Annie' is the avatar. I know I jest about you and me being sad fans of grandma's wardrobe, but Annie in the avatar is like; "Rosie the Riveter,"
Now my suggestion for a name, is to keep Annie, but link it to the famous song by John Denver.
YouTube - John Denver - Annie´s Song
You have a strong and powerful voice, that is forever Annie, so why don't you call yourself:
Annie Denver.
I know it doesn't have an immediate burlesque ring to it, but for the above reasons, it is you.
Anyone else think so?

I had thought about "Rosie the Riveter" or even "Riveting Rosie", but I agree with you about keeping Annie in the name. I can see where you are coming from with Annie Denver and I have been thinking about it but I think it sounds a little too Country - so I'm back to the drawing board!!!!

I'm singing at "The Birdcage" on Saturday night if you're free that night Broomy, was singing there last weekend (the launch) with Khandie Khisses - strangely enough we were talking about you and how you had helped her with her name, the next day when I logged on here I read your message - you truly are a spooky witch!!!!!

My name was chosen for me by an elderly lady of which I cared for many years ago...

She used to call me 'mama' when I fussed over her ie; asking her if she wanted more tea, go in the garden, have a lay down etc. She also said that my 'lovely fat , warm arms' reminded her of her mother lol!

She called me this for the first 6 months or so then actually asked what my name was. when I told her she couldn't get it either due to her hearing, dementia or sarcastic sence of humour and reeled out a list of what she thought it was. The names ranged from Cheryl, Bernice, Heather, Cherub to Ginny...eventually she said 'Jenufa' and I agreed as it was the closest she had got to Jenna (my actual name).

And so mama jenufa was christened, eventually staff at the home called me it and friends still call me this now, or gin,gin but thats another story!

I feel that maybe dear Florence had an idea of what my future interests could be as it seems to fit well with my Burlesque enthusiast self, plus there doesn't seem to be too many mama's around!

mama jenufa X

Originally Posted by mama

My name was chosen for me by an elderly lady of which I cared for many years ago...

She used to call me 'mama' when I fussed over her ie; asking her if she wanted more tea, go in the garden, have a lay down etc. She also said that my 'lovely fat , warm arms' reminded her of her mother lol!

She called me this for the first 6 months or so then actually asked what my name was. when I told her she couldn't get it either due to her hearing, dementia or sarcastic sence of humour and reeled out a list of what she thought it was. The names ranged from Cheryl, Bernice, Heather, Cherub to Ginny...eventually she said 'Jenufa' and I agreed as it was the closest she had got to Jenna (my actual name).

And so mama jenufa was christened, eventually staff at the home called me it and friends still call me this now, or gin,gin but thats another story!

I feel that maybe dear Florence had an idea of what my future interests could be as it seems to fit well with my Burlesque enthusiast self, plus there doesn't seem to be too many mama's around!

mama jenufa X

This totally sounds like a Louisianna blues singer. Love it.

xx CL

Originally Posted by Cherry Loco

This totally sounds like a Louisianna blues singer. Love it.

xx CL

haa haaa! I lived with a Filipeano girl for a while who said it sounded similar to 'mama sagh' which is a brothel madame in the Phillipeans, so refused to use it!:eyebrows: