Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Since 2010, Square Pig in a Round Hole has been rewarding 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!

I came through Friday the 13th unscathed and hope you did, too! For those following the saga of the cozy fantasy story I finished and submitted right at the deadline last Saturday, I received the most encouraging rejection a few days later. They liked my writing and encouraged me to submit again sometime. Yay!

Meanwhile, my luck in the band-name arena continues to be stellar. If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch to encourage them as we perhaps move into less interesting times. And … hit the follow button at the lower right to never miss a post!

Art Gecko
Posters and prints of stylized lizards dressed in 1920s high fashion? Or maybe the collection of graphic tees my kid wore in 2nd grade, his gecko phase.

Man on TV
So generic, yet it still seems special to appear on the small screen, like the rest of us should pay attention.

Moon Letters
I assume in the not-too-distant future, people on Earth will receive texts and emails from people on the Moon. But how cool would it be to receive an actual letter, written on paper that had been to the Moon? (By my count, this is the 34th Moon-themed band name to be featured on this blog.)

Mud Junket
Could be a tour of all the best mud puddles, popular with dogs and small children. Or a way to make an unappetizing-sounding dessert even more so.

Pacific Witch
Casting anti-war spells from the Left Coast.

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. A new issue just published! (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)