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!
I’m posting this a day early because on Saturday, I will be participating in a 6-author book signing event in my hometown of Bickleton, WA. Not only that, but the cover reveal and preorder announcement for my next book, A Quest for Hidden Things, is happening tomorrow, too. The book will release from Not A Pipe Publishing on April 29. This story hasn’t left me alone in 25 years, so I’m tickled to stop writing it and start sharing it.
I won’t let a little thing like a cover reveal interfere with the celebration of band names, though. If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. And … hit the subscribe button at the lower right to never miss a post.
Beak>
I love to see a name that spotlights a single body part, maybe especially a non-human part. Bonus points for the stylized spelling that creates a little cartoon!
Charity Kiss
Is this a fundraising booth at the carnival, or a peck bestowed for free on the disappointed suitor?
Heart to Gold
The alchemy of love. Or the unfortunate ending for King Midas, in which he discovers no amount of riches can pump blood.
Nofux Gibbons
Calling it now: this is the 2025 champion DJ name. No notes.
Stray Rails
The railroad equivalent of ramps to nowhere.
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 monthly 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 subscribe to the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Karen Eisenbrey 