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!

It’s almost my birthday! If you want to make me super happy about pushing deeper into senior citizen territory, you could pick up one or more of my books. Several autographed copies are available at Ridgecrest Books, 512 NE 165th St, Shoreline, where it just happens they are having a sidewalk sale this weekend–25% off consigned books by local authors (I’m one), used books, kids’ books, and more. Or find me next Saturday, August 1 at Lake City Summer Fest, 10:30 am to 7 pm in the Author Event Network booth.

You can also celebrate band names with me, right 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.

Clambait
The most devastating insult in a coastal area.

Honestly No
Sincerely not interested even a little bit but thanks for asking.

No Leaders, Please!
Time to try a different system.

Phantom Eyes
A literally haunted gaze.

The Zack Static Sect
I appreciate the tongue-twister nature of this name, and the implication that it’s more than just a band; it’s a whole denomination.

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.)