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!

Spring! Sure, the weather is unsettled and the cherry blossoms are late, but it’s light out at dinnertime. Also, I’ll have a big book announcement soon, and I’m another week closer to retirement from my day job. Life is pretty good and band names make it better.

If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. And … hit the follow button at the lower right to never miss a post!

Casio Ghost
The electronic keyboard in the attic that plays itself in the night.

The Long Goodbyes
Awkward, drawn-out leave-takings? Or the poignant farewell when someone is taken from you bit by bit?

Mightmare
Was that dream scary, or wasn’t it? Might have been, but I don’t remember.

Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs
OK, how could I not? Always ready to support my fellow pigs, which are known to be smart and inherently funny. On counting up the number of swine in this sounder, I am tickled to note that I have previously honored exactly seven pig-themed bands. (You can read about the others in one place in this retrospective post from March 2021.)

Trouble and the Makers
Classic X and the Y naming structure plus the clever split of an idiom promises a rowdy good time that surely means no harm. Right?

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–next one releases in April. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)