Check out the latest visual treats from a diverse bunch of West Michigan bands, all of whom are firing up stages this summer from Grand Rapids to Traverse City to Los Angeles.
Vox Video: Vox Vidorra has released a locally produced video for its single, “We’re So Lonely.” (Photo/Anthony Norkus)
Once upon a time, MTV was the king of music videos. Now, YouTube, Vimeo and others rule the mobile-device-driven roost — which also gives regional and local acts a chance to express their music visually just as impressively as the big boys, often with stunning results.
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Here are just a few summer music video entries from a few familiar West Michigan bands, aka heat-wave eye candy. Together, these videos already boast thousands of views. Which one captures your fancy the most?
VOX VIDORRA, “We’re So Lonely” – Yes, this Grand Rapids indie-soul/rock band has made a splash with its debut studio album, “Promise Land.” The group fronted by singer Molly Bouwsma-Schultz has drawn huge audiences for its performances as of late and plays one of its biggest summer shows tonight (Tuesday) when it joins Skankadank for the Tuesday Evening Music Club series at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. (Skankadank plays at 7 p.m., Vox Vidorra at 8 p.m.) Until then, enjoy this Symmetry Films video directed by John Hanson (with DJ Viernes as director of photography) that was filmed in several Grand Rapids neighborhoods — Fulton Heights, East Hills, Heritage Hill, Eastown, the 6th Street Bridge and Creston.
AOK, “The Life” — Produced by Scopitone VidBox, the video for electronic rock duo AOK’s “The Life” tells an intriguing story with help from a host of talented Grand Rapids dancers, with part of it filmed at Wealthy Theatre. AOK, by the way, is in the midst of a busy week, performing last weekend at the Broomhead Art & Music Festival in northern Michigan. And tonight, AOK plays the kick-off party for the Traverse City Film Festival.
FAUXGRASS, “Riot in the Ranger” – This video features the first single from Grand Rapids progressive bluegrass band Fauxgrass’ upcoming new album. As mandolinist Jason Wheeler puts it, the band wanted to “create a work of art rather than a video of the band on stage.” The striking video was produced and directed by John Hanson and DJ Viernes (who also spearheaded the Vox Vidorra video above). Fauxgrass called the video shoot “a wonderful experience.” The band plays Founders Brewing Co. at 9:30 p.m. Saturday with opening act Big Slyde.
THE OUTER VIBE, “Glass” – The Outer Vibe is on the road again, heading west over the next month to play shows in North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Utah, California and Colorado as the rock/pop band promotes its latest album, “Full Circle.” But before they hit the road, the Grand Rapids band released a new video for the single, “Glass,” which was filmed at St. Cecilia Music Center and Terzes Studios in downtown Grand Rapids via two units, one directed by Tristan Barnard and Josh Sikkema, and the other directed by Jarrod Flood. Dancers Katelyn Torres and Charlie Clark, and singer Kristen Moss are also featured in the video.
SOUNDISRED,”Wipe Out, Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble” — Grand Haven drummer Kevin DePree, aka SoundIsRed, is nothing if not innovative as this entertaining street-drumming escapade proves. Indeed, the video earned more than 10,000 views on Facebook, and DePree is planning a follow-up during this week’s Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival that could be even more impressive, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out SoundIsRed.com for more.
Copyright 2015, Spins on Music LLC
