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!
Happy New Year! All day today, I will be participating in the Antifascist Write-athon in support of the Antifa Lit Journal and the various not-for-profit groups it promotes. My first project of the day is this first Square Pig post of 2026! If you care to donate, you can find all the details HERE.
Meanwhile, I plan to celebrate band names all year long. 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.
Animal Talk
It’s not that hard to guess what animals are saying, but it would be fun to know for sure. Even more, to help them understand us. (This one is also special to me because decades ago, we adopted kittens from a rescue called Animal Talk. Those were good kitties.)
Bliss
We could all use a little of this in these troubled times. Could we start this year over and try again?
Maybe Evan
Or possibly Kyle?
Star Matriarch
Mom’s in the spotlight and ready to shine. Listen to her; she knows.
Strong Suit
That outfit you put on and suddenly, everything seems possible.
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 