
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 had a successful book signing last weekend, as well as the cover reveal for my next book, A Quest for Hidden Things (Tales from Deep River Book 1). The book will release from Not A Pipe Publishing on April 29 and is on preorder now. I was sharing the cover everywhere last week, but in case you missed it, feast your eyes on this gorgeous thing!
I will be taking a break from blogging next week for Norwescon, so consider this your early Easter basket of band name treats. 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.
The Commute
One reason I retired, and mine wasn’t even that bad. A great example of a band name derived from a mundane aspect of modern life.
Gods Censored
Religious liberty is in danger when even deities have to watch what they say.
Model Shop
When I was 12, I built a miniature general store from a kit, which still hangs on my wall. My son visits the Warhammer Store every week to play games. This could be either of those.
Rosegarden Funeral Party
A sweetly scented, mournful celebration. Or depending on the figure at the center, maybe jubilant.
The Trouble Is You
Sometimes it’s the best policy to be honest about who is the real problem here.
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.)