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!

After a warm and sunny solstice weekend, we’re having a late-arriving Juneuary, though at least it probably won’t rain on tomorrow’s Pride Parade. Meanwhile, I’m donating blood this afternoon, so here is a song about it that I wrote with a fictional character:

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 bottom to never miss a post.

600 Salad Bowls
The percussionist in me wants to be part of the event where they all get played at once.

Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys
This fine example of classic X and the Y naming structure nails a vintage vibe that perfectly matches their music style.

Black Pontiac
Music and driving go together like “rock” and “roll”. (My high school car was an old blue Pontiac, but that doesn’t rhyme.)

Panic Shack
If you’re not rich enough for a safe room, put a secure shed in the backyard. Even better if it doubles as a space for band practice.

Surf Hat
I’m a big hat fan, so I couldn’t skip this one. Fashionable sun protection on the beach.

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.)