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 Stranger’s Everout nightlife listings for abundant source material!
April may be fickle and cruel, but my neighborhood sure smells good! Everything is blooming except the sturdy volunteer maple that planted itself 30+ years ago. So it may be dead, but we never expected to have a tree at all. Meanwhile, band names are blossoming all over!
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.
Mister Ink and the Straight Razor Syndicate
Classic X and the Y naming structure, with a mysterious, sinister vibe. Made more mysterious by the utter lack of online presence.
MoistCleanAir
April in Seattle. Rain has washed the pollen down, nothing is on fire yet, and the air smells like flowers and growth.
Ooga
Caveman or old-timey car horn? Either way, I like a good sound effect name. Belongs on a bill with past honoree Gahooga, just for fun.
Soft Self Portraits
Are we filtering what we present to the world, or what we show ourselves? But dealing gently is a good idea all around.
Thought Process
Each of us has our own way. Whenever I try to trace how I came to a particular idea, I am amazed it works at all.
Two last things before you go:
- 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.
- 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.)
Karen Eisenbrey 