Once again, an anthology from Not A Pipe Publishing provides a diverse array of responses to the theme. This time, we see denial in all its forms.
Square Pig in a Round Hole-May 15, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #61
The celebration of fantasy and science-fiction themed band names continues! Two of them, originally featured 3 years apart, led me to reference the same science fiction project. Everything old is new again–I revived it last summer and it isn’t dead yet! As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
Slums of Utopia
(November 19, 2014) There’s a whole dystopian novel contained in these three words.
Stars at Your Feet
(February 8, 2014) A startling and striking image. On a personal note, I used this very phrasing in a science fiction story, in which a filmmaker on EVA is allowed to float away from the spaceship in order to get his shot.
Sunken Rocketship
(February 28, 2015) This seems somehow more disastrous than a regular sunken ship. A rocket has so much farther to sink.
Terraform
(January 8, 2011) It’s hard to pass up a good sci-fi connection. I think I’ve mentioned before that I came to rock music and science fiction at around the same time, and I’m still into both. This name particularly strikes me now because I’m writing a piece that involves terraforming and had to learn about it recently.
Trashcan Wizard
(March 3, 2012) I see Oscar the Grouch with a wand and a pointy hat.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first ten issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Square Pig in a Round Hole-May 8, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #60
Shameless Self-Promotion: Join me and The Neverending Bookshop this afternoon, May 8 at 3 pm PDT, for a live Zoom event for my most recent fantasy novel, Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3). Author LeeAnn McLennan will interview me about the history of the book and world-building, then I will read excerpts and take questions from the audience. I will sign books ordered from Neverending during the event! More info and Zoom link here.
Appropriately enough, I’m continuing a series of posts celebrating fantasy and science-fiction themed band names. As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
Problem with Dragons
(March 21, 2015) I love the offhand way this diminishes terrifying and destructive creatures to the level of rodents or a leaky roof. Even so, with this kind of infestation, you’d better hope your pest control outfit has a wizard on staff.
Robotic About Us
(August 31, 2013) I’m partial to science fiction imagery generally, and I’m considering writing a robot romance, so this speaks to me.
ScienceFiction
(April 21, 2018) Speaking of sci-fi vibes … Searching old posts revealed how often I’ve used the term (17) even when not referencing this specific band.
Secret Superpower
(April 21, 2018) The protagonist of my garage-rock fairy tale The Gospel According to St Rage develops superpowers, which she can’t keep secret from her bandmates, but “The first rule of superpowers is parents can’t know about superpowers.” They won’t find out till the sequel.
Sedna
(March 26, 2011) I have a character named Sedna in the backstory of a science fiction novel, so I had to include this one. For my own sci-fi reasons, I’d like to see them on a bill with Out Like Pluto; if Pluto is out, Sedna’s even further out.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first ten issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Square Pig in a Round Hole-May 1, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #59
I wasn’t kidding about how many sci-fi/fantasy themed band names I found! The celebration continues today and will go on for another 3 weeks. As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
Mind Beams
(March 24, 2018) I want this superpower: the ability to project my thoughts without having to find the right words.
Mythical Vigilante
(February 24, 2018) Who to call when you need to track down the villains of lore and legend.
Mythological Horses
(June 23, 2018) The hero’s horse rarely gets enough credit, even if it can fly. (This is the show I most wish I could get to. They’re on a bill with Square Pig faves Mud on My Bra and local legend Kurt Bloch is their guitarist!)
Old Man Wizard
(August 6, 2016) I’m also a fantasy writer, so always on the lookout for wizard references in the club listings. This one shines an impertinent spotlight on the high-fantasy trope of the silver-bearded sorcerer (you wouldn’t deprive an old man of his walking stick, would you?). For my part, I’m currently writing about a young girl wizard, just to begin evening things up. [Update: she now has a full trilogy. See below for details.]
The Outer Space Heaters
(March 24, 2012) I’ve always thought “space heater” was an awfully cool name for a pretty mundane object. Now I see why.
Shameless Self-Promotion: Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3) is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookshop or the usual online outlets. Join me and The Neverending Bookshop next Saturday, May 8 at 3 pm PDT for a live Zoom event featuring an interview, readings, audience Q&A, and more! RSVP here to receive the link.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first ten issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Square Pig in a Round Hole-April 24, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #58
It’s Independent Bookstore Day! Seattle-area participants who purchase 10 books from 10 stores over the next 10 days will receive a limited-edition tote bag to carry all those books in. Find details here. I love indie bookshops and (hint, hint) my 5 books would get you halfway there!
Seems like an appropriate day to continue with more Science Fiction/Fantasy-themed band names. As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch (and a book or 10) while we wait for a better day.
Glitter Wizard
Wizard Boots
(June 23, 2012) When I saw these two, I hoped I’d get to do a whole fantasy-themed post, but it didn’t pan out. [Until now. –ed.] So here they are as a pair, making me wish for a pair of glittery wizard boots.
The Hex Dispensers
(February 28, 2015) It’s very convenient: just lift the head and a curse pellet comes out.
Isthmusia
(October 17, 2015) Take a word that’s awkward to sound out and transform it with two letters into a fantasy realm.
Man or Astro-Man?
(May 18, 2013) Anything that can simultaneously bring to mind space travel, Ed Wood and Nietzsche gets my vote.
Shameless Self-Promotion: Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3) is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookshop or the usual online outlets. Join me and The Neverending Bookshop on Saturday, May 1 at 3 pm PDT for a live Zoom event featuring an interview, readings, audience Q&A, and more! RSVP here to receive the link.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first ten issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Review: Once Upon a Fang in the West
Rye whiskey, wry humor, and abundant gore—hold onto your ten-gallon hat for this thrilling, bloody ride!
Square Pig in a Round Hole-April 17, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #57
I don’t know why I was ever surprised to find such a vast number of Science Fiction/Fantasy-themed band names. It’s the same kind of nerdy weirdos enjoying and creating both the fiction and the music. Sometimes, it’s the same individuals. As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
The Dread Crew of Oddwood
(March 9, 2013) I love the old-fashioned usage of “dread” as an adjective for crew. It pairs well with the fantasy placename, Oddwood, and all those repeated Ds create a thumping alliteration.
Earth Control
(January 17, 2015) I like plays on words that sound similar but are spelled nothing alike. This also gives off a science-fictiony vibe, which has perennial appeal for me.
From the Future
(August 22, 2015) What kind of science fiction writer would I be if I let this one slip past? It’s reassuring to know that the future will include such funky grooves. Personally, I’m a time-traveler from the past, traveling by record at 33 1/3 rpm. This method is slow and turns your hair gray.
Future Rainbow Lazer
(May 19, 2012) The best hippie/sci-fi baby name ever.
Girls Love Rockets
(February 28, 2015) Well, this one always did. From about the age of six, I thought it was pretty strange to assume female people weren’t interested in space, space travel, science fiction, etc. Because who wouldn’t be?
Shameless Self-Promotion: Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3) is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookshop or the usual online outlets. Join me and The Neverending Bookshop on May 1 at 3 pm PDT for a live Zoom event featuring an interview, readings, audience Q&A, and more! RSVP here to receive the link.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first ten issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Square Pig in a Round Hole-April 10, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #56
At the intersection of my musical and literary interests is a nigh-bottomless well of Science Fiction/Fantasy-themed band names. (Try not to fall in.) I will be drawing from it for weeks! As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, get your vaccine, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
Aruvius Thud
(May 18, 2013) I just love the way this sounds, like the name of a backwoods wizard.
Blame the Wizards
(April 23, 2016) Maybe that’s the explanation for the awfulness so far this year: a wizard did a spell, taking Prince and Bowie, but leaving Trump and Cruz. Damn wizards. [Update: we had no idea. Someone needs to have a word with those wizards.]
Chrononauts
(February 11, 2012) And as a science fiction writer, how could I not laud these sailors of the timestream?
Class M Planets
(June 30, 2018) I’m always pleased to find a nerdy sci-fi reference in the club listings. For those not in the know, we live on one.
Dragontail Peak
(June 29, 2013) This one hits my fantasy reader and writer spot. While you’re worrying about the dragon’s mouth, the tail will come around and take you out from behind.
Shameless Self-Promotion: Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3) is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookshop or the usual online outlets. Join me and The Neverending Bookshop on May 1 at 3 pm PDT for a live Zoom event featuring readings, Q&A, and more! RSVP here to receive the link.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first ten issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Square Pig in a Round Hole-April 3, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #55
This weekend, I’m attending the (all-online) Norwescon science fiction and fantasy convention. In honor of that, I have gathered a huge collection of SFF-themed band names–so huge that we’ll be doing this for the next two months. As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
Amish Robots
(May 27, 2018) My first thought was hand-operated automatons, but maybe this is what happens when AI is advanced enough to choose a simpler life.
Ancient Warlocks
(February 5, 2011) This appeals to my fantasy-novel side. Music and fiction are the closest to magic we can get: something out of nothing. It also evokes Spinal Tap and their tiny Stonehenge, and that makes me smile.
Android Hero
Captured! by Robots
Warning: Danger
(May 21, 2011) Danger, Will Robinson! These three bands are on one bill. I love it when they match! Thanks to R2-D2, I’ve loved robots since 1977. My current sci-fi project includes an endearing band of doo-wop singing bots. This was an easy pick.
Shameless Self-Promotion: Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3) is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookshop or the usual online outlets. Join me and The Neverending Bookshop on May 1 at 3 pm PDT for a live Zoom event featuring readings, Q&A, and more! RSVP here to receive the link.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first nine issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Square Pig in a Round Hole-March 27, 2021
Naming a band is an act of concentrated creative expression. Square Pig in a Round Hole exists to reward 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 Seattle Times nightlife listings for abundant source material!
(Until live music returns, I am curating retrospective posts from past material. Dates indicate when the band was originally featured.)
SQUARE PIG IN A ROUND HOLE PANDEMIC EDITION #54
Mars is the only planet we know of that is entirely populated by robots. Outside of fiction, I think we’re probably better off keeping it that way; people make a mess. Happily, I did not run out of Mars-themed band names last week. In fact, there are enough for a couple of bonus names! As ever, wash your hands, wear your mask, and if you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch while we wait for a better day.
Long Day on Mars
(February 10, 2018) Sometimes I suspect bands of picking a name just to get my attention. Did they know I have an unpublished SF novel on my hard drive that includes a chapter about 3 space travelers on Mars, trying to get from their crashed shuttle to the base 90 km away before their oxygen runs out? It takes them more than one long day.
Mars Red Sky
Oceans of Mars
(March 24, 2012) It’s Mars, OK? My imagination has spent a lot of time there lately. According to this picture, I even played a show there (possibly on the bed of a former ocean, under a red sky):
Martian Cult
(April 21, 2018) As a writer of speculative fiction, I’m always partial to a band name with a sci-fi vibe. Is this Earthlings following a charismatic leader from Mars, or Martians following an Earthling?
Mouse on Mars
(February 16, 2013) My instant reaction was memory of the Fun Forest, which I consider a good thing. In my mind, this name melds the roller coaster Mad Mouse with another ride called Flight to Mars. So, Seattle nostalgia plus my usual Mars-mania — an easy pick.
Stranger on Mars
(March 15, 2014) I imagine it will be a long time before this is not true, by definition, of anyone who gets there. But it can also be read as a comparative: “This music is strange enough on Earth, but it’s ever stranger on Mars.” [Sadly, this band no longer has an online presence. –ed.]
Uncommon Men from Mars
(April 20, 2013) Well, they would be. Mars needs women …?
Shameless Self-Promotion: Death’s Midwife (Daughter of Magic Book 3) is now available for purchase from your favorite independent bookshop or the usual online outlets. Join me and The Neverending Bookshop on May 1 at 3 pm PDT for a live Zoom event featuring readings, Q&A, and more! RSVP here to receive the link.
Two last things before you go:
- My new thing in 2021 is 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.
- I share highlights from this blog in my quarterly 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 first nine issues and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just follow the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)
Karen Eisenbrey 