Turns out, Big Echo will be the last piece of work under The Morning Benders name. The band announced Sunday it was changing its name, and with good reason (via Buzzbands.la). As explained on its former website, the band learned the hard way that “bender” is a slang/derogatory term used to disparage homosexuals in the UK.
An excerpt from the band’s statement:
“1. We simply cannot go on using a name that is demeaning to the gay community. The reason we are making music is to reach and unite as many different kinds of people as possible, and the idea that our name may be hateful towards anyone makes us sick.
2. In the UK and many parts of Europe the name has simply become too distracting. The MUSIC has always been our number one focus, and we want to present that to people in as pure a way as possible.”
So the band has changed its name to POP ETC, marking the occasion by releasing a mixtape of 11 new (synthy) tracks under the new handle. Stream it below via Soundcloud or download it at the new website.