The Irish singer-songwriter brought his “Wasteland, Baby!” tour to a sold-out 20 Monroe Live on Wednesday night, with New York’s Bailen getting things started. The review, photos at Local Spins.
The much-beloved organizer of Skitchin’ Fest and publisher of Skitchin’ Music Zine is preparing for the third incarnation of the Grand Rapids punk festival that takes place over two days this weekend at The Pyramid Scheme. Read the inspiring back story about Tyler Dykema and get details about this weekend’s festival at Local Spins. And see how you can win tickets to Skitchin’ Fest.
Breaking music news · Features · Venue Spotlight
After years of searching for a permanent space, the arts collective and all-ages venue has acquired and will renovate a building on Plainfield Avenue in the Creston Neighhborhood, launching a new era for The DAAC. Read more about the plans and future for this much-beloved collective.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The lineup for the August music festival on a Jackson County farm features a who’s who roster of regional favorites. Check out the full list of performers and other details about the 2019 event.
Backed by an orchestra featuring members of the Grand Rapids Symphony and other musicians, the iconic British band led by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey rocked a career-spanning set at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday. Read the review and browse the photo gallery at Local Spins.
A fixture on West Michigan’s music scene, Nicole LaRae has brought an impressive roster of national stars to Grand Rapids while bolstering local acts on stage and on radio. With The Pyramid Scheme celebrating its eighth anniversary this month, Local Spins profiles this champion of the musical arts.
Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Top 10 Lists
With the mammoth South by Southwest festival wrapping up in Texas over the weekend, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos looks back at event highlights — some with a Michigan flair.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Brother Elsey, Jordan Hamilton, Jack Droppers, Michigander, Stef Chura, Steppes and more closed out the Michigan House run in Texas with a diverse showcase Monday at an Austin nightclub. Get the recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
Local Spins’ intrepid SXSW correspondent Ricky Olmos recaps the opening salvo of Michigan bands at South by Southwest as 10 acts prepare for a big Michigan House showcase. Check out today’s recap and photos.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW
Heading on tour? Trying to survive SXSW? We asked Michigan musicians heading to Austin to list the tour necessities they won’t leave home without. Their answers are revealing and entertaining.
Saturday’s tour stop for an enthused 20 Monroe Live crowd showcased a high-energy set in which singer Jon Foreman cut his finger, something which didn’t slow him — or the band — down. Review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
The California indie-folk duo — backed by a three-piece band — regaled a near-capacity crowd with harmony-driven magic and their trademark sense of humor on Thursday in Grand Rapids. The review and photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With the California alt-rock band making a Grand Rapids tour stop Saturday, Local Spins chatted with bassist Tim Foreman about the group’s early days, its recent hiatus, the new studio album, the process of healing and connecting with fans. And check out the band’s video for “Native Tongue.”
The South Carolina alt-rock and Christian rock heroes brought their “Acoustic Live” tour to Grand Rapids on Saturday, delivering fan-pleasing renditions of songs new and old. Relive the evening in this Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In advance of the award-winning South Carolina rock band’s sold-out acoustic show at Fountain Street Church Saturday, lead singer Bear Rinehart chatted with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos about a wide — and fun — range of topics.
Artist Spotlights · Top 10 Lists
Local Spins continues its Top 10 countdown of the most-read stories of 2018, revisiting writer Ricky Olmos’ candid February interview with Flint Eastwood’s dynamic Jax Anderson. Check out the in-depth interview and listen to Flint Eastwood’s music.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Midnight Hour collective’s Pyramid Scheme tour stop was just part of this week’s eclectic image recap that includes Cody Jinks, Marcus King Band, Dacia Bridges Project, The Hill People, Weezil Malone & Horseshoes and Hand Grenades. Browse the images, watch the videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Day 2 of Kalamazoo’s Audiotree Music Festival drew even bigger crowds who cheered the likes of Grand Rapids’ Major Murphy plus Chicano Batman, Real Estate, Slow Mass, Blitzen Trapper, REZN, Lume and headliner Father John Misty. Read the Local Spins review, ogle the photo galleries from Sunday’s finale.
Local Spins’ September roundup of recent releases hones in on War and Treaty’s “Healing Tide,” Seth Bernard’s final Eggtones installment, Red Legs sophomore effort, Pack Sounds debut LP and Chris Cranick’s latest work. Read the reviews, listen to the music.
Matt Johnson, one half of the popular indie-pop duo Matt and Kim, spoke recently to Local Spins about the band’s 14-year-long career, returning to the road after Kim’s onstage injury, and the ‘slow burn’ success of the song “Daylight.”
Gary Clark Jr.’s musical conversation proved to be a powerful, dynamic dialogue of groaning blues, searing rock ’n’ roll and riveting soul Monday night at 20 Monroe Live.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Attendees to the 45th Wheatland Music Festival filled the site outside Remus and found warmth amidst chilly temps as they celebrated one of Michigan’s finest festival traditions.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Tour Texts · Videos
Local Spins exchanged a series of fun, on-the-road texts with the Michigan indie-rock band as it prepares to play a Monday show at Calvin College with John Mark McMillan. It’s an entertaining, behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on tour.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
National stars may get top billing, but plenty of local favorites — from Nicholas James Thomasma to Steppin’ In It — aim to make Wheatland 2018 a festival to remember this weekend. See the schedule at Local Spins.
With a bevy of Michigan performers, last weekend’s Holler Fest in Jackson County powered up another musical showcase to remember and treasure. The Top 5 recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With new stages, enhancements and a robust lineup, the three-day ‘granddaddy’ festival on a cattle farm in southern Kent County this weekend shapes up as the best yet. Get the preview, full weekend schedule and forecast, plus a festival playlist at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
An odd, abrupt finish by Matt Berninger and The National wrapped up the spirited, eclectic Detroit festival in “an iconic place.” Check out Local Spins’ review and photo gallery of a second day that featured St. Vincent, Daniel Caesar, Portugal. The Man and Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The first day of the music festival in Detroit’s West Riverfront Park boasted summer sun, thousands of attendees and a diverse mix of acts, closing with the enigmatic and powerful Bon Iver. Check out the Day 1 recap, photos and video at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Now a proven festival attraction, Mo Pop is set to roll out Bon Iver, The National, St. Vincent and Michigan favorites like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Mo Pop takes over downtown Detroit this weekend. Preview some highlights and a festival soundtrack.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
May Erlewine, Appleseed Collective, Wire in the Wood, Jesse Ray & the Carolina Catfish, Barbarossa Brothers and many more regional favorites will play the Aug. 24-26 fest in Jackson County. Get the Holler Fest lowdown and scan the roster of 2018 festival acts at Local Spins.
With her new pop single, “Real Love,” directly addressing the trauma of being gay in the evangelical church, Local Spins revisits its candid February interview with Flint Eastwood’s Jax Anderson. And as a bonus, the “Local Spins Rewind” feature gives you a chance to listen to Flint Eastwood’s new song.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos plunged into the magical world of the music festival in Rothbury, caught up with the Michigan Rattlers at their Forest debut and got high, literally, in a hot-air balloon. Relive the weekend in words and photos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This year’s edition of the two-weekend music festival in Rothbury kicks off Thursday afternoon. Get a musical preview via two Local Spins’ playlists, check out valuable links and a map for your Electric Forest visit and find out why so many fans come back to this special place year after year.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
This weekend’s family-friendly festival at Circle Pines Center boasts more than three dozen mostly regional acts, including The Accidentals, Mustard Plug and Joshua Davis. Check out the schedule and save it on your smartphone; read more about Donna the Buffalo and Luke Winslow King; watch videos of some featured bands.
Album reviews · RSVP Music Chat · Videos
RSVP Music Chat sat down with Michigander for an in-depth and upbeat conversation about his music, his touring, his quest as a career artist, his favorite coffee and why it isn’t “Michiganian” or “Dad Jokes.” Listen to the podcast, read a review of Michigander’s new EP.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Local Spins sat down with the eclectic Grand Rapids band, which just released a new single, has an album in the works and is playing a series of May shows, including the Local Spins Wednesdays series at SpeakEZ Lounge tonight (Wednesday). Check out the Q&A with The Hacky Turtles and listen to the single, “Grace.”
Michigan native Ben Schneider and his band created trippy soundscapes during Friday’s sold-out show at Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live — a concert marred briefly by an altercation between some fans that was quickly taken care of by security. Get the recap in the Local Spins review and browse the photo gallery.
The North Carolina electro-pop duo’s return to Grand Rapids was full of catchy material that inspired the young capacity crowd to heat up the dance floor. Relive the evening of music in the Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Commentary · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos ventured into the giant South by Southwest fest for the first time this year. Here are his highlights, plus images by photographer Anna Sink of some of her favorite SXSW sets.
Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Mark Lavengood, Seth Bernard, Lady Ace Boogie, Alexander Lynch, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, Major Murphy and more are embracing SXSW 2018, enamored of Austin’s rousing environment, its tacos and all the musical action. Discover their impressions of the gargantuan festival and conference, ogle the photos, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Wrapping things up with a music showcase boasting sets by 10 Michigan artists tonight, Michigan House has once again showcased the Great Lakes State in Austin in a variety ways over the past few days. Check out the recap and images from Texas at Local Spins.
Festivals · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Dozens of Michigan acts – from The Accidentals to Seth Bernard to Tunde Olaniran to Oliver Houston – are headed to Texas to strut their stuff, with Michigan House set to showcase Great Lakes State music, expertise and more. Read about the impact they’re hoping to make and see a list of bands who will be performing in Austin next week.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
In a far-reaching interview with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos, Jax Anderson of pop’s Flint Eastwood opens up about her past, her love of Detroit and her mission to do “as much good as possible” with her emerging stardom. Her tour with PVRIS stops in Grand Rapids this weekend. Check out the video for her single, “Monster.”
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan House once again aims to offer ‘breath of fresh air’ and ‘authentic’ Mitten State vibe amid the craziness of world’s largest music festival and conference in Austin next month. Get the lowdown on the 2018 events and lineup at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The West Michigan super-group plans an ambitious ‘immersive experience’ for its release show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre on Saturday. Learn the back story of this unusual project and read the Local Spins review of the new album.
Features · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
It’s been a whirlwind year for the engaging and soulful Americana duo with more thrills to come: They’ll make their debut at the Ann Arbor Folk Festival, Bonnaroo and more in 2018. Learn more about that and their work in Nashville in this exclusive Local Spins interview.
In a Local Spins interview, the modern-day rock stars talk about life on the road, their classic influences and a year of sold-out shows stretching across the country. Get the back the story behind this young, international phenomenon and watch new Greta Van Fleet videos leading up to their big show at The Intersection on Saturday night.
The unique Grand Rapids house concert festival will showcase 29 acts over three days in three Eastown neighborhood homes, spotlighting emerging and well-known acts from across the region. Get the lowdown on this weekend’s festival and a schedule at Local Spins.
In an immersive interview, the unassuming Jason Singer talks candidly with Local Spins about his musical endeavors as Michigander while making the rounds to a few of his favorite Grand Rapids hangouts. Check out this week’s “good read” in this profile of a fast-emerging regional artist by Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos.
The brand new music festival on a Sidney farm will features performances by a dozen regional acts, including Red Legs, Nicholas James Thomasma, Eric Engblade, Patty PerShayla, Deerfield Run, Stovepipe Stover and more. Learn the details about this inaugural event at Local Spins.
