It’s drippy and dark with anxiety-inducing news every day. We might have to look harder for the good, but it’s there in many small things, like birds outside my window and delightful band names. I’m going to keep donating blood and making music. In fact, I have an appointment this afternoon, a great excuse to share the song about it that I wrote with a fictional character:

If you are able, please buy these bands’ music and merch. And … hit the subscribe button at the lower right to never miss a post.

Eep-Oop
I always love band names based on sound effects, especially goofy sci-fi sound effects. Bring on our cute robot overlords!

Moon Walker
Could be an astronaut, could be an ’80s dancer, could even be someone who got their moon shoes to work without killing themself. (I can’t believe this product is still being sold.) (By my count, this is my 47th moon-themed pick.)

Open Veins
Not the recommended way to donate blood. “Where did you get this and why is it in a bucket?”

Semisoft
Along with our loud music, we could all use a nice little cheese plate about now.

Ten Stories Down
Down in the subbasement, editing tales for an anthology. Ten down, twenty to go.

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 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 archive and subscribe here for future issues. (Or just subscribe to the blog for your weekly dose of band names.)