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 this a day early because 1) I will be out most of Saturday; and 2) this gives me a chance to share where I will be, in case you want to go. I will be joining my Author Event Network pals this weekend for the West Seattle Summer Fest, historically my best bookselling event for the entire time I’ve been doing this. I will be there Friday 1-8 pm and Saturday 10 am-3 pm. Fill out your summer reading list with books by local authors! More info HERE.

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.

Electric Head
I wonder if it processes more quickly than my old hand-cranked variety.

Meteor Dreams
Some fantasies come in fast and hot but burn up before they can land.

Miles to Nowhere
Even farther out than where I grew up, which is pretty far.

Poisonjams
What to make after you’ve picked those unidentified berries that grow around your spooky cottage in the woods.

Sugar Hiccup
A spoonful of sugar is sometimes prescribed as a hiccup cure, but what if it makes them worse? At least they’ll be sweet.

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.)