Local Spins traveled to The Big Easy to soak up its diverse musical vibe and touch base with a Michigander and multi-instrumentalist who’s immersed herself in New Orleans’ ‘astounding’ music scene. Get Natalie Mae’s back story, watch videos and browse a NOLA photo gallery.
Lindsey Stirling flies high in flashy, festive spectacle at Van Andel Arena
The mesmerizing violinist uncorked her holiday ‘Snow Waltz’ show for fans in Grand Rapids on Tuesday amid impressive dance routines and more. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
Electric Forest twist on 2024: Pretty Lights, Nelly Furtado, Umphrey’s McGee, Excision
Many fans are celebrating the lineup for the Michigan music festival taking place June 20-23 in Rothbury, with everything from Ludacris to Subtronics to Disco Biscuits to Black Tiger Sex Machine to Dumpstaphunk on the bill.
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions jump to No. 1 on Hot Top 5 Chart with latest release
The all-new Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for November also features new albums from Free Hat, Full Cord, Liz Townsend and Roosevelt Diggs. Listen to tracks from all the releases.
Meshuggah unfurls monolothic, oppressive and layered metal milieu in Grand Rapids tour stop
The Swedish ‘djent’ metal masters delivered “cold savagery balanced with brainy technicianship” at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Sunday. The Local Spins review by John Serba with photos by Anthony Norkus
Emerging Midwest Gold Records aims to give bands ‘college degree on a job resume’
Formed last summer by Andrew Teed and Ryne Clarke, the new West Michigan record label already has signed several bands to its roster. Learn more about this new label at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Michigan return of The War and Treaty, Over the Rhine: Two warm homecomings
Two bands made triumphant West Michigan appearances over the weekend, with Albion-bred heroes The War & Treaty playing Kalamazoo and the Over the Rhine duo returning yet again to Calvin University, plus Sullivan King playing two straight shows at The Intersection and Arkansauce playing Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. Get the recaps and browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
43 years on, 43 John Lennon songs that will live forever: The Local Spins Playlist
Dec. 8 marks 43 years since the world lost John Lennon of The Beatles to a brutal assassination. The world still reveres his music, still mourns his loss — with The Beatles even recently releasing one of his songs for the Fab Four’s final track. Listen to Local Spins’ Ultimate John Lennon Playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Vernon Potts taking psychedelic punk to new and ‘goofy,’ off-the-cuff, theatrical heights
The Lowell-based band which plays SpeakEZ Lounge next Wednesday was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several other Michigan artists. Learn more about Vernon Potts and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Calvin ‘house band’ Over the Rhine eager to return for acoustic Christmas show
The Ohio duo has long made Grand Rapids a regular tour stop and will bring their holiday concert — and lots of memories — to Calvin University’s Chapel on Saturday night. The Local Spins interview.
Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Videos
Chris DuPont returns to fray with a ‘darkly beautiful listen’: The Local Spins Q&A
The veteran Southeast Michigan singer-songwriter just released his latest EP, “Fragile Things,” and talks about his new music, books, religion and the ‘trip wires’ of relationships with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
U.P. Singer-Songwriter Michael Waite: Three Albums That Changed My World
The popular Local Spins series revealing the musical influences for Michigan musicians and producers continues with the picks of a Michigan tunesmith from the wilds of the Upper Peninsula. Check out his picks, listen to tracks from all of the albums — including a couple of songs from his most recent release.
Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Videos
Michigan’s Kylee Phillips turns pain into ‘redemptive’ cinematic pop on debut recording
Tthe emerging Southeast Michigan indie-pop artist — who recently played Muskegon’s Starlight Room with partner/singer-songwriter Chris DuPont — is promoting her new EP, “Long Time Coming.” The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Photo Recap: Pop Evil, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Desmond Jones, Myron Elkins, Full Cord
Beyond a flurry of football, the long Thanksgiving weekend cooked up a buffet of rock, hip hop, bluegrass, Americana and jam-band charm at venues from Grand Rapids to Holland to Kalamazoo.
Michigan songs versus Ohio songs: The Wolverine State is the clear winner
So a certain much-ballyhooed rivalry game closes out the regular Big 10 season today in Ann Arbor. Local Spins kicks it off with a pre-show battle of songs about Michigan and Ohio. View the musical skirmish and listen to the tracks.
Local Spins on WYCE: Full Cord, Lipstick Jodi, J. Rob and a bunch of No. 1 Hot Top 5 Chart tracks
The Thanksgiving Weekend edition of the radio show spotlighting Michigan music focused on some of the most popular releases of 2023, as well as debuting new tracks by regional bands. Listen to the radio show, check out some new Michigan releases.
Thanksgiving 2023: Michigan musicians offer gratitude for a supportive music scene
A couple of years removed from the worst of the devastating COVID crisis, Local Spins asked Michigan musicians what they’re most thankful for as 2023 draws to a close. See what they have to say.
Jonas Brothers take fans on seamless journey from Disney Channel days to mature pop
The trio of brothers brought their tour Tuesday to a jam-packed Van Andel Arena, creating a nearly three-hour career retrospective. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Roosevelt Diggs, J.Rob, Peekaboo, Izubel, Jon Hayes, Liz Townsend
As Thanksgiving approaches, Local Spins unfurls its takes on a half-dozen new releases by artists from across Michigan, covering Americana, hip hop, folk, jazz and electronic music. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Carly Pearce, Founders’ KBS Anniversary, Kait Rose’s Fleetwood Mac Tribute & more: Photos
The weekend produced some fascinating performances from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, including metal band If He Dies He Dies’ reunion show at The Pyramid Scheme and Mariachi Herencia De Mexico at Kalamazoo State Theatre. Browse all the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Best rock intro, guitar riff, new Michigan artist, favorite drummer: Local Spins Readers’ Picks
In 2023, Local Spins asked readers a ‘Question of the Week’ about favorites in a lot of categories. Here are the top questions and responses. Plus, we’ve got fresh year-end queries that could score you a gift.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Photos · Special Offers
2024 Local Spins Calendars: Michigan bands in dazzling concert photos, music festival dates
They’ve arrived — just in time for holiday shopping and for music lovers to embrace Michigan bands while tracking 2024 music festival dates. Get the lowdown and order info on the most eye-catching Local Spins Calendars yet.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Moxie Strings’ final soiree and Michigan song debuts: Local Spins on WYCE
We recap the string duo’s Grand Rapids kickoff to its lineup of farewell shows, plus premiere new music by several other Michigan artists, from LVRS to John Sanger to Big Fun. The story, video, photo gallery and Local Spins on WYCE radio show podcast.
Skillet, Vanderpump Rules’ Tom Sandoval, Jerry Douglas, EPCYA light up GR (Photos)
Early-week concerts drew varying crowds at several different venues — Van Andel Arena, The Intersection, St. Cecilia Music Center, The Pyramid Scheme, Midtown — with widely varying musical approaches. Browse the photo galleries and get the concert recaps at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: Fake Baseball, Low Phase, Whorled, The Erly, American Hotel System
From rock and soul to world music and “Traditional Songs & Ballads of the Irish Diaspora” courtesy of Nick Veine and Ben Traverse, this mid-November round-up covers plenty of musical territory. Check out the reviews, listen to the music.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Ever-raucous, loud If He Dies He Dies reuniting in ‘beautiful,’ tragically optimistic fashion
For the first time in more than 13 years, the award-winning metal band will unleash its aggressive, raw and melodic assault at The Pyramid Scheme this weekend. How it all fell apart and how it all came back together. The back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Award-winning Dobro star Jerry Douglas stays at forefront of emerging bluegrass scene
The acclaimed musician who plays St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday has partnered with the likes of Billy Strings, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emmanuel and more as the leading player of his “ilk.” Learn more about Douglas and his upcoming concert in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Moxie Strings closing 17-year run as high-energy string duo with Michigan shows
Diana Ladio and Alison Lynn say they’re ending their successful stint on “a complete high note,” playing for longtime Michigan fans in four cities. Get the back story on this talented duo, with details about their upcoming shows.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Young the Giant’s musical tightrope, plus Dylan Scott, Mammoth WVH, Eric Gales and more
Our concert photo round-up for the week kicks off with Saturday’s benefit show starring Young the Giant at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, plus Valerie June, Papadosio, Apashe, Honey Revenge and more. Browse more than a half-dozen photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch
‘A real gift for songcraft’: 16-year-old singer-songwriter Izubel steps out with new album
The Rockford teen has started to turn heads, packing Grand Rapids’ Midtown recently to celebrate release of her new album, “Genuine.” The Local Spins Artist Spotlight, plus listen to a track from the new album.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings, Greta Van Fleet, The War & Treaty land major Grammy Award nominations
Michigan-bred heroes are making a splash yet again, with Billy Strings nominated for three awards, The War and Treaty for two, and Greta Van Fleet for best rock album. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE
Local Legend Recording’s ‘nimble’ approach to creating ‘something unique and beautiful’
Josh Kaufman has steered Local Legend’s work with a growing number of high-profile regional acts, from Hannah Rose Graves to Nathan Walton and many more. Learn more about the studio in this Local Spins profile and Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also debuts tracks by Megan Dooley, PARALLELZ, Free Hat, Chris DuPont and more.
Album Reviews: Sufjan Stevens, Black Milk, Wills Piff & Samil, Free Hat and more
This November round-up features new releases by several acclaimed Michigan artists, from Feeding Grizzlies to Kitten & The Tonics, covering diverse music hatched in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Allegan and beyond. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the featured releases.
NEEDTOBREATHE rides high in ‘paradise’ created by energetic fans at Van Andel Arena
The pop-rock stars returned to Grand Rapids on Tuesday, touring behind their new album, “Caves,” and regaled 6,000 or so fans with an impressive spectacle. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows · Videos
Producer, global star Cristoph storms Detroit & North America with O2C nightclub tour
In a revealing interview with Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst, the U.K. DJ talks about his music, his blue-collar ethos and his upcoming Friday tour stop in Michigan.
Lindsay Lou tops Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart, heads out on tour with Greensky Bluegrass
Lindsay Lou just released a No.1 album that features a collaboration with Billy Strings and heads out on tour this week with Greensky Bluegrass. And with several ‘ties,’ the latest Hot Top 5 chart actually features seven fresh releases by Michigan-bred artists, from indie-rock to world music to singer-songwriter charm.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Level Up, Kait Rose, Y-Not, Jeff Haas Trio, Simply in Time & more: Concert Photo Recap
From Traverse City to Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, the first musical blast of November featured everything from jazz to EDM to singer-songwriter magic. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
NEEDTOBREATHE benefiting from Taylor Swift ‘master class’ in touring production
After touring with Taylor Swift more than a decade ago, the South Carolina rock band brings its “Caves” world tour to Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. The Local Spins interview.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Billy Strings Super-Fandom: Embracing the magic, the inspiration, the community
The bluegrass guitarist’s fans traveled from across the country to catch his wild Grand Rapids concert this week. Local Spins on WYCE spotlights their ardor, Billy’s music + tracks from other Michigan acts. Get the back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Guitarist, venue operations director Matt McCalpin: Albums That Changed My World
The Traverse City musician (Medicinal Groove) and manager of The Alluvion reveals the recordings that have shaped his own career. Listen to tracks from all of his selections at Local Spins.
Billy Strings unleashes rock ’n’ bluegrass ‘destruction’ at jam-packed Van Andel Arena
The wrestling-themed Halloween homecoming spectacle for the Michigan-bred bluegrass guitarist was a star-studded, five-hour, epic ‘rumblemania’ event. Review, photos, set list.
Features · Traverse City · Upcoming shows
Traverse City emerging as a hotbed for jazz, fueled by a musician-rich scene
When the city’s new listening room The Alluvion hosts its jazz night on Thursday, fans will be treated to a world-class performance, something that’s become a regular event in the region. Learn more in this special Local Spins feature.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Billy Strings hitting the books, pumped up for ‘rumblemania’ in GR: The Local Spins interview
In a revealing chat with Local Spins, Ionia County’s favorite bluegrass son talks about touring, his adoring fans, taking classical music lessons and loving Halloween.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Switchfoot, Lyle Lovett, Roosevelt Diggs, Fake Baseball, Creepy Cheapy: Photo Recap
From inviting mid-week gems to Halloween-haunted weekend revelry, the final full week of October brimmed with celebratory concerts and album-release shows across the state. Browse the photo galleries exclusively at Local Spins.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Mandolinist Don Julin: Ushering ‘guitar-slinger kid’ Billy Strings toward future success
Seven years after the bluegrass guitarist parted ways with Julin, the Traverse City musician still marvels at Billy’s talent and says he deserves all of his fame. Plus, see what other musicians say about Billy.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
Growing Up Billy Strings: ‘Boomer,’ metal mayhem, mastering the guitar at a young age
In an interview with his mom, Deb Apostol, Local Spins digs into the Ionia County-bred bluegrass guitarist’s childhood, teen rock years and his rise to super stardom.
Billy Strings Economy: Loving herd of artisans, vendors follow bluegrass guitarist on tour
From pins and posters to vintage clothing and a snazzy board game, home-grown entrepreneurs have built a marketplace community that will fire up for Tuesday’s big arena concert. Learn more at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions set to drop ‘really huge and epic’ new album
Droppers talks about ‘Scooter’ and the rock band’s many changes for Local Spins, which also debuted some Halloween tracks and new music from Izubel, Feeding Grizzlies, Nick Veine & Ben Traverse, Overdrive Orchestra and others.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Ultimate Billy Strings Playlist: Devoted fans and ‘Billy Goats’ pick their Top 10 faves
Local Spins asked Billy Strings fans to choose their favorite songs. We took the Top 10 picks and turned it into a classic playlist of modern bluegrass prowess. Listen to the tracks and see who won our Billy Strings gift packs.