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 spring! Even if it snows again (it won’t; I forbid it), we’re not going back to winter. The band-name bush is in full bloom.
If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. Also, check out the Battle of the Bands my pal Chantel is doing at The Swamp, picking new competitors each week from Square Pig. And … hit the subscribe button at the lower right to never miss a post.
Antisummer
Not against the warm season, but its opposite, AKA winter. Which we are done with for another year, thank you very much.
Green Jelly
Envious of the jam.
Moontype
I have always loved the Moon. Does that mean I have a type? (For those keeping track, this is the first moon-themed name featured in 2026 and 51st all time.)
Mr. Vale’s Math Class
The teacher steps out for a minute and when he comes back, the kids have formed a band. (In reality, Mr. Vale and friends are actual teachers themselves!)
Pretty Bitter
You don’t have to be sweet to be beautiful. Also, those vowels look different but sound the same.
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 