About Local Spins

Keeping the spotlight on talented West Michigan bands and the burgeoning regional concert scene: That was John Sinkevics’ mission for years as lead music critic and entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press.

Since 2012, he’s continued that mission as editor and publisher of the Local Spins website, with news updates on Grand Rapids-area musical happenings, concert listings, guest columns, photo galleries, videos, podcasts, concert, festival and album reviews, playlists and weekly features on different artists — many of whom appear on radio via Local Spins on WYCE at 11 a.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Sundays on WYCE 88.1 FM.

A version of the hour-long program that showcases music by Michigan artists also airs at 7 p.m. Saturdays on Interlochen Public Radio, with these stations: 91.5 FM Traverse City, 90.1 FM Harbor Springs/Petoskey and 89.7 FM Manistee/Ludington.

Editor, Publisher, Festival-Attender: John Sinkevics

His work has been acknowledged by musicians, music lovers and radio listeners: Not only was the Grand Haven native honored by WYCE with a Legacy Award for his support of the music community, but he hosts a much-revered weekly concert series featuring Michigan acts at SpeakEZ Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids — part of Local Spins’ goal to spotlight local talent, from veteran artists to up-and-coming bands. (Although on hiatus in 2025, Local Spins Fest also has celebrated the publication’s anniversary in May, with a celebration featuring high-profile Michigan bands performing at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids and elsewhere.)

The website also depends on a dedicated, talented staff of freelance writers and photographers who tirelessly provide coverage of bands, solo artists, concerts, festivals and more across West Michigan.

Local Spins posts reviews and in-depth features focusing attention on a host of important and eclectic Grand Rapids area bands and solo artists, regularly honoring some of the region’s best: The Crane Wives, The Soil and The Sun, Jordan Hamilton, Vox Vidorra, Conrad Shock + The Noise, Jake Kershaw, Dave Hardin, Drew Nelson, Ralston Bowles, Bless You Boys, The Fuzzrites, Simien the Whale, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Kanin Wren, Myron Elkins and more.

As a result of all these efforts, Local Spins has become the fastest-growing music website in West Michigan and the No. 1-rated music publication with a growing audience of devoted readers.

Stories and features focusing on West Michigan’s music scene also can be found regularly in the Traverse City Record-Eagle and the Ottawa News Network.

ARE YOU A BAND OR SOLO ARTIST WHO WANTS TO SHARE NEW MUSIC OR TOUR INFO WITH LOCAL SPINS? Email john@localspins.com.

ARE YOU A VENUE, PROMOTER OR BAND WHO WANTS TO ADVERTISE AT LOCAL SPINS AND HIT A TARGETED AUDIENCE OF MUSIC LOVERS? Email john@localspins.com for incredibly reasonable ad rates.

ARE YOU A VENUE, PROMOTER OR BAND WHO WANTS TO ADD A SHOW LISTING TO LOCAL SPINS’ CONCERT CALENDAR? Email juliel100@protonmail.com or visit “Concert Listings” at the top of the Local Spins website and click on the + sign in the red circle at the top right of listings.

TESTIMONIALS

“I know I speak for the whole Michigan musical community when I say we feel deeply cared for by the work that Local Spins has set out to do – the high degree of journalistic integrity and the genuine enthusiasm that everyone brings to the table. We feel we are being lifted up by a community of music lovers. Local Spins has helped our musical family learn more about each other, bring more artists into the fold, widen the circle (while) weaving a lot of magic here in Michigan.” – Seth Bernard

“We are so grateful (for) all that you’ve done for us as a band when we were in Michigan. We remember people telling us that we’ve gotta get Local Spins to pay attention to us. Keep on spinning Local Spins!” – The War and Treaty

“Everybody here at Walk the Beat loves what Local Spins does for musical artists in Michigan. Quick tip for all you newbie players: Stick close to Local Spins. They’re going to treat you right.” – Dave Palmer of Walk the Beat

“One of our favorite publications ever. They’ve really meant so much to us over the years, from the time we were 15 and 16 to now. They’ve supported us every step along the way, along with supporting countless other musicians. Thanks for keeping the industry alive.” – The Accidentals

“We’re so grateful for everything John of Local Spins has done for this community – just being a pillar and telling the story of this whole scene for so many years. We’re so honored by his work.” – The Crane Wives

“Thanks for all you do for local music. Thanks for supporting us.” – Rachel Davis and May Erlewine of Sweet Water Warblers

All material at Local Spins: Copyright 2012-2025 by John Sinkevics and Spins on Music LLC. (Not to be reused without permission … but we’re likely to give it to help spread the word!)