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 a little early because I will be out all day Saturday and half of Sunday selling signed copies of my books at the U District Street Fair! Find me in the Author Event Network booth on the Ave between 43rd and 45th. We’re hoping for better weather than last year! Rain or shine, this is always a fun event, so I hope you’ll come out and pick up a new book or three from me or another fine local author.

If you’re only here for the band names, I’ve got you covered. 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.

Abserdia
Where we’re all living now. Let’s work together to get out of this ridiculous timeline.

Coma Cinema
Out cold and dreaming the wildest scenarios. Maybe it will be less weird when we finally wake up.

Dazzling Killmen
The least stealthy assassins, blinding their victims with sequins and strobe lights.

The Faux Paws
It may have been a minor mistake to buy those furry slippers with claws, but probably not.

The Rodeo Coven
Are they casting spells on the horses and cattle or on the riders and ropers? Maybe everyone, to keep them safe from injury.

Two last things before you go:

1. 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.
2. 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.)