Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
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
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
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.
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.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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 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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Audio
With impressive credentials acquired during stints in Nashville and L.A., Jones adores his northern Michigan homestead and the three albums that have inspired him. Listen to tracks from those recordings, a current favorites and songs by Jones himself.
The singer and guitarist who impressed judges on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ has big plans for the future — regardless of how far she might go in the televised competition. Learn more about this West Michigan artist and watch a video of her performance on ‘The Voice’ as well as her new music videos.
Many say the beloved Michigan-bred guitarist has changed their lives. Local Spins digs into unprecedented fan ardor for the superstar as his humongous Halloween homecoming approaches. Check out fan comments from across the country, hailing the bluegrass powerhouse.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Local Spins’ week-in-review concert photo roundup also features the big Bass Country Halloween show, Ernest, Bad Religion and The Stray’s ‘Night of Ambient Music.’
The new all-digital platform created by a veteran broadcaster strives to showcase ‘authentic’ Michigan-based Americana, roots rock, folk, blues and soul music.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The West Michigan band releases a new album next week, spotlighted at Local Spins, which also debuted music by Fake Baseball, EPCYA, Justin Avdek, Wills Piff & Samil, Toby Bresnahan and more.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Local Spins is back with another batch of reviews covering 2023 releases by regional artists, including Heart Dreams and After Ours. Check out the reviews, listen to selected tracks from the releases.
Local Spins Rewind · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a 2019 interview, Billy Strings candidly discussed struggles to maintain his mental health as a road warrior – a challenge for many artists. Revisit the story today at Local Spins. Oh, and check out a new Billy Strings board game.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Videos
The festival returns as a two-day event in January with an impressive lineup that includes Michigan Rattlers, Devon Gilfillian, Bailen, Darren Kiely, Steve Poltz and more. The details at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
The Holland-based band outpolled four other blues acts to advance to January’s competition in Memphis, with Peter Allen Jensen winning the solo challenge. Plus, check out photos from Saturday’s Kalamashoegazer fest at Bell’s and Conklin Ceili Band’s 25th Anniversary show.
The seemingly upbeat 82-year-old legend brought his “Rough and Rowdy Ways” tour to DeVos Performance Hall on Saturday, a show that was at once shadowy, unpredictable and characteristic of an evening with Dylan
Friday night’s tour stops rattled downtown Grand Rapids, from GLC Live at 20 Monroe to The Intersection. Browse the photos at Local Spins.
