Over the years, we’ve been asked about our band name – where does it come from? what does it mean? who the f is Kingsley? – and I never had a good story. I always wanted one, and that desperation was sometimes obvious. I told a reporter once “It rained a lot and a guitar floated down the street and landed at my feet.” Why the rest of the band didn’t fire me right then I still don’t know.

In saying different things to different people over the years, I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised when an old friend texted me a screenshot of his question to ChatGPT “what is the origin of the band name kingsley flood.” Here’s the response he got: “Kingsley Flood, an American indie rock band, derived their name from a small town called Kingsley in Iowa…” It goes on from there.

I love Iowa and everything, but that’s just not correct. And so, these ChatGPT shenanigans make me realize: the good people of the world deserve an explanation.

Before we get to the not-fake news

But first, we should report on some not-fake news: shows!

• We’re getting pumped for our DC show in a few weeks at Pearl Street Warehouse. Right after Labor Day, come cap off your summer right DC. Get your tickets here.
• We are very excited to announce our annual Boston show back at the Burren on Saturday, October 19. Like last year, it’ll be early (parents, you’re welcome). And we hope like last year, the skeletons will be out of the closet and hanging from the ceiling. Come in October and find out. Last year it sold out, so get your tickets here!

The not-fake news

Okay good people, the explanation: There are exactly two moments in time when I became a Springsteen fan. The first was after a friend insisted that “Born in the USA” was not necessarily a patriotic song. To which I said “you mean that jacked dude screaming about America and pumping his fist in the air and Reagan telling us to listen to him” to which he said “just listen to the lyrics you dope.” I listened to the lyrics and realized that I was, indeed, a dope. And I was intrigued.

The deal was sealed with the second moment: August 21, 1999, when I saw him live for the first time (of many) at the garden in Boston (or whatever it was called then). It was telling to me that I was hugging the dude next to me two hours into the show. Did I know the dude next to me? Nope. I was hooked after that.

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Springsteen matters because he figures in the real story of our name. Thing is, it’s kinda boring: I lived in Allston, MA right near a street named Kingsley. And I heard that Springsteen liked to race cars on a street named Kingsley in Asbury Park, NJ. I loved that connection. I also liked the word ‘flood’ and the connotation of some sort of reckoning it carries. So, Kingsley Flood. Nothing more than that. No guitars floating down the street.

I like our name. The only problem is the occasional head-scratching moment when I receive a Google Alert about a flood somewhere, where a local official is named Kingsley. (Fun fact: I have learned that Kingsley is a popular name in some African countries. Less fun fact: I have also learned that there have unfortunately been floods in said countries).

Let this all be a lesson to you: the next time someone asks you about your name, or really anything about you, just tell the truth, even if it’s not the most exciting. Otherwise, be prepared for ChatGPT shenanigans.

-naseem

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7​
​with The Beanstalk Library
​8pm (7pm doors)
Pearl Street Warehouse: 33 Pearl Street, Washington, DC (on the Wharf)
​Tickets here​

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​SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19​
​with Magen Tracy & the Missed Connections
​Early show! 7pm (6pm doors)
The Burren: 247 Elm Street, Somerville, MA (Davis Square)
​Tickets here