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 and The Stranger nightlife listings for abundant source material!

There were so many good band names in the listings, I found more than I could use–most on only one night! As long as this keeps up, I’ll be here sharing the goodies every week.

As ever, and especially if you’re going out to shows again, wash your hands, wear your mask awhile longer even if you don’t have to, get your vaccine and booster if you haven’t already, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch to encourage them as we look forward to less interesting times. And … hit the follow button at the lower right to never miss a post!

Ashes Fallen
Grimly poetic–the residue the fire cannot consume.

Ghosthand
Shivery touch to remind you, you’re never alone in the dark.

The Muddy Souls
Are you even living if your shoes and spirit stay clean? Should be on a bill with …

Sacred Janitor
Cleaning up the holy dust tracked in on our muddy souls.

Supernowhere
Though Seattle can’t really claim to be nowhere anymore, we hold onto our loser pride.

Two last things before you go:

1. I run 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. The next issue comes out in April! Click the link to check out the archive and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)