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!

A little late to the blog today–we took the HumBuggy on a drive in the drizzle for a family visit on lovely Whidbey Island. But band names wait for no blogger, so now I’m home and getting this batch out as quick as I can!

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!

Bad Day Rodeo
Sometimes you stay on the bronc or bull. Sometimes the animals win.

The Desolate Coast
I could believe this as a genuine place name. When explorers lose heart, they take it out on innocent geographical features. Deception Pass, Cape Disappointment, Useless Bay …

Playtonics
The ideal, but more fun. Or maybe one of those non-romantic relationships, but with benefits? And a musical pun to top things off.

Sapphire City
The goal destination of a fantasy quest or sci-fi heist story. Also works in a Western. Maybe noir, too?

Thief Motif
What an anthology of crime stories has.

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.)