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 have been proofing my next book ahead of its release (hopefully next month!) while also revising the finale of the series. In these anxious times, there’s a lot to be said for spending significant time in a fictional world. Band names help, too. A lot.

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.

Boy Heroine
As the author of a book titled Wizard Girl, I stand up and cheer for artists challenging gender-based limitations on roles.

Carrie Nation & the Speakeasy
I love a story of former antagonists collaborating.

Natural Ice Pirates
The unauthorized collection of icicles from other people’s eaves is a form of trespassing, I guess.

Secret Vegans
Oh, come on. How long could they keep from telling all about it?

summerray
As the seasons shift, I treasure every sunbeam.

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 below for future issues.