About Local Spins

On the Air: John Sinkevics during Local Spins on WYCE.

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 on WYCE 88.1 FM.

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 finished third in Revue Magazine’s 2016 “Best of the West” readers’ poll for favorite radio personality.

But 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.

As part of its goal to spotlight local talent, Local Spins has been the longtime host of a regional weekly concert series at SpeakEZ Lounge that showcases up-and-coming and veteran acts from across the region. Although the series is on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Local Spins Wednesdays will return later in 2022 in the intimate confines of this downtown restaurant, bar and music venue.

Local Spins recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with Local Spins Fest, the culmination of a week-long commemoration of the publication’s decade-long commitment to Michigan’s music scene. Read more about that here.

John with Michelle McCormick, Ed Buchanan and Tony Gates on WLAV-FM. (Photo/Anna Sinkevics)

Local Spins posts reviews and in-depth features focusing attention on a host of important and eclectic Grand Rapids area bands and solo artists. Annual Local Spin of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year awards have honored some of the region’s most talented acts, including Vox Vidorra, Conrad Shock + The Noise, Jake Kershaw, The Soil & The Sun, Dave Hardin, Drew Nelson, Ralston Bowles, Bless You Boys, The Crane Wives, The Fuzzrites, Simien the Whale and Ultraviolet Hippopotamus.

As a result of all these efforts, Local Spins has become the fastest-growing music website in West Michigan, with a growing audience of devoted readers.

Stories and features focusing on West Michigan’s music scene also can be found regularly in The Holland Sentinel and Traverse City Record-Eagle.

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 Spins on Music: Copyright 2012-2022 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!)