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!

The big news this week is that it is somehow the middle of August already, which means my “baby” is 30. How?! Also, after decades of hiking at Mount Rainier National Park, my spouse and I had our first bear sighting last Thursday. Actually, there were two of them, well fed and uninterested in us. We let them go about their business and finished our pleasant (if smoky) walk in the woods.

Meanwhile, band names! I kept getting excited about names it turned out I had already honored, but the listings came through with a good selection in the end. 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.

Big Smack
Enthusiastic smooch or slap, depending on which you deserve.

Casket Cassette
Bury me with my favorite mixtape.

Griefcat
When a beloved pet passes, it is important for the people and pets left behind to comfort each other. (I’m tickled to learn they write, among other things, comic romantasy songs.)

InnerState
Always on a road trip of the mind.

Sunday Wandering
We have spent many a Sunday afternoon exploring local parks and taking pictures of flowers, lichens, and mushrooms. It’s nice to just wander without too much of a plan.

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.