Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward five favorite band names each week. Winners are (usually) listed alphabetically.
Selection is wholly unscientific and subject to whim, with a bias toward wordplay, humor, and local flavor. In most cases, I won’t know anything about the bands at the time of selection. Thanks to the Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #57
I don’t know why I was ever surprised to find such a vast number of Science Fiction/Fantasy-themed band names. It’s the same kind of nerdy weirdos enjoying and creating both the fiction and the music. Sometimes, it’s the same individuals. As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
The Dread Crew of Oddwood
(March 9, 2013) I love the old-fashioned usage of “dread” as an adjective for crew. It pairs well with the fantasy placename, Oddwood, and all those repeated Ds create a thumping alliteration.
Earth Control
(January 17, 2015) I like plays on words that sound similar but are spelled nothing alike. This also gives off a science-fictiony vibe, which has perennial appeal for me.
From the Future
(August 22, 2015) What kind of science fiction writer would I be if I let this one slip past? It’s reassuring to know that the future will include such funky grooves. Personally, I’m a time-traveler from the past, traveling by record at 33 1/3 rpm. This method is slow and turns your hair gray.
Future Rainbow Lazer
(May 19, 2012) The best hippie/sci-fi baby name ever.
Girls Love Rockets
(February 28, 2015) Well, this one always did. From about the age of six, I thought it was pretty strange to assume female people weren’t interested in space, space travel, science fiction, etc. Because who wouldn’t be?
Shameless Self-Promotion: Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3) is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookshop or the usual online outlets. Join me and The Neverending Bookshop on May 1 at 3 pm PDT for a live Zoom event featuring an interview, readings, audience Q&A, and more! RSVP here to receive the link.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is The Rage Brigade, a Facebook group for conversation about fantasy, science fiction, superheroes, and music (and the intersections thereof). If that sounds like fun, come join us here.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly author newsletter, The Storypunk Report, as well as news of what I’m writing and reading, upcoming events, and other goodies, including “Wizard in the Mosh Pit,” an exclusive short story just for subscribers. Click the link to check out the first ten issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Karen Eisenbrey 