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!

Mr. Square Pig and I are taking a long weekend away to celebrate our fortieth (40th!) wedding anniversary. How is this possible? We were babies, I tell you. But even this momentous occasion cannot be allowed to interfere with the ongoing celebration of 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.

Drop the Star
…and bring on the understudy. A new star is born; the circle of life.

The Fourth Wall
Raises the question: a band on stage is expected to directly address the audience, so does the fourth wall even exist in music? Not the way it does in theater or fiction, anyway.

Love Spells
Magic and love are both mysterious and powerful. Can one cause the other? I got a whole book out of that premise; watch for Deep River Secrets (Tales from Deep River Book 4) in 2027.

The Pets
The nation’s animal companions are working overtime providing emotional support in these uneasy times. Give them all an extra treat and a scritch from me.

Visitor Coach
Could be the opposing team’s leader, but I like to think this is a mentor for being a good guest.

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.