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!

It’s May, even if it doesn’t feel like it! I’ve got some exciting stuff coming up this month, with the first announcement toward the end of this post. And once again, the band names do not disappoint.

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!

Common Law Cabin
If you live in it, it’s yours, but if you want to move out, you have to file for divorce.

Her Mountain Majesty
Prominent in my fantasy fiction is a majestic dormant volcano, Aku. The people living on her slopes regard her as their mother. If personified, she might dress in purple.

Shout Out Louds
Straightforward about the sound level, pluralized in the least grammatical but most likely place.

Sleepy Haunts
Could be dead bars; just as likely ghosts after a long night of banging and clanking.

Sweater Weather String Band
While we wait for this slow-starting spring, cozy duds get an extended season.

Shameless Self-promotion Department: I’m double-boosted and ready to dip a toe back into in-person events! On Saturday, May 21, I will be at the U. District Street Fair, one of the longest running festivals of its kind in the nation. I’ll be signing and selling books from the Author Event Network booth from noon to 3 pm. Come say hi and maybe pick up a book from me or my fellow authors!

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. 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.)