As the buzz about new open-source social platform Mastodon spread round the internet, some not in the know might have been puzzled and asked themselves, "Wait, noted metal band Mastodon has their own social network?"
Rest assured, no, the platform and the band are two entirely different entities.
One is a social media platform trying to break in to the mainstream where others (like Peach, Ello, and Yo) failed. The other is a Grammy-nominated hard rock band renowned for its second album, 2004's Leviathan, a concept album about Moby Dick.
Eugene Rochko, the 24-year-old creator of the social platform, was reported to have named his project after the band, but, speaking to Mashable for an upcoming story, Rochko said the platform was named after the animal.
Either way, it's hell on Google searches.
The band has noticed, too, and are having fun with it on Twitter. After all, it's a great way to give a little promotion to their new album, Emperor of Sand, which hit music retailers everywhere a week ago.
Here they are, responding to a Mashable tweet about how Mastodon the social network won't survive.
Throughout the week the band jumped on the general confusion to plug the new album.
With the band in danger of being mistaken for a new platform that might be aiming to "kill Twitter," they've made it clear they want no part in laying hands on Jack Dorsey.
Of course, Jack Dorsey doesn't take anything personally, not in the name of metal.
We've reached out to the band for a bit more on how they feel about the social network and having one named after them.
What will happen with Mastodon the social media platform as the two race for online dominance? I'm not going to speculate — we leave that stuff up to Lance — but time will tell. Maybe a cage match? Two Mastodons enter, one Mastodon leaves.
Anyway, as for Mastodon the band, they hit the road in support of Emperor next week.
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