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 am quietly proud that a goofy band-name themed comment of mine (on a comment on a comment) on Bluesky got 55 likes this week. For me, that’s practically viral; wish I could get than on my book posts! Someone, please start a band called Obsequious Prawns.

Speaking of nonsense, if, in addition to band names, you are a fan of Finnegans Wake by James Joyce, join me this evening, Saturday, July 18, 5 p.m. (in person or online) for a live performance of Part II, Chapter 3 by my brother and band-mate, Neal Kosaly-Meyer.
In person at: Chapel Performance Space at the Good Shepherd Center
4649 Sunnyside Ave, Seattle
Livestream HERE
More info HERE

If 4.5 hours of Joyce is too much for you, you are still invited to enjoy these fine band names. 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.

The Besmirchers
I love this old-timey, high-end word for something grimy and grungy.

Cheap Glue
Here’s why everything is falling apart.

Dinosaur Pile-up
Not on the highway but maybe in the roadcut when it was built, predator and prey preserved in combat for all time by a well timed landslide.

Head Plague
Pestilence’s official job title.

Milk for the Angry
Hungry babies become irate when feedings are delayed. Probably true for many grownups, too.

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.)