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’ve been wearing flannel shirts for a week, and we turned the heat on yesterday, so it must really be fall. Maybe unrelated but maybe not, I finished proofing Promise Stones and Granny’s Bones (Tales from Deep River Book 3), a cozy fantasy adventure releasing in late October. Stay tuned for cover reveal and more details soon!

But I know we’re all really here for the band names, which once again did not disappoint. 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.

Aren’t We Amphibians
Frog and Toad questioning everything they thought they knew.

Born of Ghosts
In chapter 3 of the Gospel according to St. John, Jesus has a late-night conversation with Nicodemus about being born of the Spirit. This name sounds like an alternative translation that turns it spooky.

The Elephant Room
If you ignore an issue long enough, it will grow to take up all the space.

Lunar Pilots
This one appeals to me as a sci-fi reader and writer. The main character of my novel Ego & Endurance started her career just wanting to pilot any spaceship at all and ended up commanding the first crewed mission to the asteroid belt. She also loves the Moon. (If I’m counting correctly, this is the 54th moon-themed name to be featured.)

Particular Ferns
Not just any will do, only those ones over there.

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.