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 #58

It’s Independent Bookstore Day! Seattle-area participants who purchase 10 books from 10 stores over the next 10 days will receive a limited-edition tote bag to carry all those books in. Find details here. I love indie bookshops and (hint, hint) my 5 books would get you halfway there!

Seems like an appropriate day to continue with more Science Fiction/Fantasy-themed band names. As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch (and a book or 10) while we wait for a better day.

Glitter Wizard
Wizard Boots
(June 23, 2012) When I saw these two, I hoped I’d get to do a whole fantasy-themed post, but it didn’t pan out. [Until now. –ed.] So here they are as a pair, making me wish for a pair of glittery wizard boots.

The Hex Dispensers
(February 28, 2015) It’s very convenient: just lift the head and a curse pellet comes out.

Isthmusia
(October 17, 2015) Take a word that’s awkward to sound out and transform it with two letters into a fantasy realm.

Man or Astro-Man?
(May 18, 2013) Anything that can simultaneously bring to mind space travel, Ed Wood and Nietzsche gets my vote.

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 Saturday, 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.)