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!
If you’re feeling blue about the weather or the Mariners, may I suggest a sweet, cozy romantasy set in late fall/early winter? Deep River Rising (Tales from Deep River Book 2) will be available November 11 and can be preordered now. Details HERE.
Meanwhile, unlike the Mariners, the band names never let us down. 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 Belly Cats
When a cat shows you its belly, do you sense a trap and steer clear, or do you risk it all to get in there and ruffle or even nuzzle the floof?
Black Moon Spider
This one has all the spooky season vibes. As if that weren’t enough, it is the 50th moon-themed band name to be featured!
Gina Birch & the Unreasonables
This example of classic X and the Y naming structure has me imagining what rehearsal (or performance?) experience led to this band name. The right group of people can make good music even if no one takes direction.
New Confusion
When your “leaders” are a bunch of corrupt incompetents, every day is another opportunity to go, “Wait. What?!”
Somehow We’re Fine
I mean, we’re not, yet I have to admire the baffled optimism. It ain’t over yet, as long as we keep standing up.
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 
omg! thanks for the shoutout ❤ I’m happy to our band going down in band-name history ;P
-Riley, somehow we’re fine
LikeLike