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!
Here at Square Pig HQ, we have been looking forward to an empty nest for at least 6 years. We got a taste when one of the young people went away to college and the nest was only half full, but that kid returned just in time for a global pandemic to put the brakes on any plans for launch. Now suddenly the other one has bought a condo! We are helping with the move today. The nest will go back to only half full, but we hope a precedent has been set.
Meanwhile, the listings were, as ever, loaded with great band names. 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.
Eve’s Black Heart
The dark place in the garden where secret things grow. (They’re playing on May 18 with past honorees Mourning Watch and Evelyn’s Casket. I will be selling books at the U District Street Fair all day, so I might not be blogging but didn’t want to miss the chance to include such an evocative name.)
Galacticnorcinerator
Great sci-fi technobabble for a death ray or other weapon of mass destruction. I have a soft spot for names that are a little too long and hard to say.
Race to the Light
… but if it’s red, be sure to stop!
Soft Blue Shimmer
The light we rest in rather than racing to. Serene and soothing.
Test Frenzy
This reminds me of a college roommate studying for finals, books and papers arrayed around her on the floor. But maybe we’re trying out a frenzy before buying, to make sure it’s right for us.
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 