Ross Boissoneau has covered the music and cultural scene in Northern Michigan for more than 25 years. He’s also written for national music magazines and for various publications in the Grand Rapids and Muskegon areas.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
This week’s edition of our popular series focuses on albums and artists that influenced the renowned Interlochen jazz musician and composer. Get his back story and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With his Tom Petty tribute show set to unfurl Wednesday at SpeakEZ Lounge, Local Spins asked guitarist-singer Jack Leaver to reveal the albums that inspired him. Learn more about Leaver; listen to his picks.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Well-known for his work with May Erlewine, The Verve Pipe, Joshua Davis, Jeff Daniels, Stevie Wonder, Millish and more, Phillips has released his first solo project. Get the back story; listen to the single.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
After playing a much-celebrated set at the WYCE Jammie Awards on Friday, Grand Rapids guitarist and songwriter Elijah Russ today reveals the recordings that have impacted him most.. Get his back story and listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With Earth Radio’s Justin Avdek playing with three different artists at Friday’s Jammie Awards, Local Spins asked the multi-instrumentalist to reveal albums that have impacted him most. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, Local Spins chats with band guitarist Trevor Lewington about the Celtic rock group’s ‘high-energy’ tour that boasts three Michigan stops this week. Learn more about this unique band and watch their videos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Amid Black History Month and with hip hop celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, Grand Rapids rapper, songwriter, producer and DJ Blaze Bryant reveals recordings that have impacted him most, along with a current favorite. Check out his picks and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With the 50th anniversary of hip hop commemorated later this year, Local Spins will occasionally ask Michigan artists to comment on the importance of the genre and albums that shaped them. Today, we feature Last Gasp Collective’s Jay Jackson. Explore his hip-hop journey and listen to tracks from all of these classic albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
As the band carrying his moniker prepares to play Rockford Brewing Co. on Thursday, Local Spins asked the Grand Rapids guitarist to reveal the recordings that influenced him most. Listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing the recordings that have impacted Michigan musicians the most continues with popular, award-winning singer-songwriter Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all of his picks.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing albums that have impacted Michigan musicians continues with Scott and Molly Schultz. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings, along with Molly’s new single and video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Michigan-born Sargon Isho and the renowned vocal group from Indiana University bring their 25th anniversary tour to DeVos Performance Hall this weekend. The interview and back story at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Local Spins chats with two legendary artists — Hall of Hall & Oates fame and Rundgren — as the icons prepare to play DeVos Performance Hall. Get the inside story on this unique tour in this exclusive Local Spins interview with both artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Lansing’s Heartsick has long electrified Michigan fans with its melodic hardcore. Today, singer Alfonso Civile reveals the recordings that have impacted him the most. Get his back story and listen to tracks from all of his picks at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Upcoming shows
The Serita’s Black Rose duo is the latest set of West Michigan artists to reveal the recordings that have most influenced them over the years. Listen to their picks at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The frontman for Michigan’s Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers boasts a fascinating set of musical influences and a surprising current favorite. Check out his picks and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With renowned jazz saxophonist Timothy McAllister joining GR Symphony this week, Local Spins asked the symphony president to reveal the music and artists who’ve impacted her most — including a band that’s driven by horns and saxophones.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
A member of The Concussions, The B-Sides and Zebra 3, Stanton is a West Michigan mainstay with a love for The Beatles and bands who produce short, catchy pop classics. View his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
After a COVID hiatus, the festival led by musician Alexander Zonjic pumps up Muskegon’s Heritage Landing Friday-Sunday with Maysa, Najee, Lin Roundtree and more. The lowdown and the full weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Summer Festivals
Beyond high-profile festivals this weekend such as Hoxeyville and Breakaway is northern Michigan’s LivelyLands, oozing ’boutique’ intimacy. Learn more about it and see which albums have most influenced founder Emily Lively.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The Upper Peninsula offers a remote but unique setting for a surprising variety of music festivals, worthy of a trip across the bridge. Here’s a look at this U.P. experience, with previews of upcoming events.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Hoxeyville Music Festival gets unleashed once again in the Manistee National Forest later this month. Today, festival founder Jake Robinson reveals the albums that have influenced him most. Learn more about the festival and listen to tracks from his favorite recordings.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today, Local Spins digs into the artists and music that have most influenced “Farmer” John Crissman, founder of southern Kent County’s Cowpie Music Festival, which returns this weekend. Learn the back story behind his picks and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss could be considered an uber-fan of music, often seen at area concerts and festivals. So, Local Spins asked her Honor to reveal her list of faves, including some local legends. Listen to the tracks and get the back story.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Summer Festivals
Northern Michigan’s Dunesville Music Festival unfurls this weekend in Interlochen, so Local Spins asked the event’s co-director to reveal three albums that have impacted her most, along with a current favorite. Listen to tracks from all of the albums and find links for the festival lineup and details.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Blissfest rolls out again in northern Michigan this weekend — for the first time since 2019 — so Local Spins asked the event’s executive director to reveal the albums that have most influenced her over the years. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With Buttermilk Jamboree set to fire up Circle Pine Center for the first time since 2019, Local Spins asked the festival’s director to reveal the recordings that have influenced her life the most. View her picks, listen to the music.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With summer festival season heating up, Local Spins asked DJ and electronic music authority Todd Ernst to reveal the albums have had a major impact on his own career. Plus, check out his current favorites and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Set to play a Local Spins hip-hop showcase on Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids-bred rapper Wuzee today reveals the albums and artists that helped shape his own music. Learn more about Wuzee; listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Being featured Saturday as part of Local Spins Fest in downtown Grand Rapids, the leader of the Latin alt-rock band today reveals his picks for albums and artists that have most influenced him. Listen to tracks from the albums as well as music by Cabildo.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Highly regarded Michigan guitarist Larry McCray plays Listening Room in Grand Rapids tonight as he tours behind his latest studio album. Today, he reveals the albums that shaped his own music. Check out tracks from the recordings, along with songs from his latest release.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The iconic guitarist returns to GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Wednesday, happy to be back on the road with his band after pandemic delays. The Steve Hackett interview at Local Spins with details about this week’s tour stop and a recent concert video.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With the Grand Rapids rock band set to play Local Spins’ 10th anniversary celebration in May, Legal Immigrants frontman Joe Bockheim today reveals the albums that most influenced him. Listen to tracks from all of his picks, plus a couple of tracks from The Legal Immigrants.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting recordings that most influenced Michigan artists continues with a look at albums that shaped DJ SuperDre of Grand Rapids. Listen to tracks from all of her picks.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Michigan harmonica legend Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth has long graced stages with his instrumental prowess. Today, he reveals the albums that forever altered his life. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Today, the leader of Hank Mowery & The Hawktones reveals the albums that have shaped his own music and his love of top-drawer songwriting, along with a current favorite legend who has him mesmerized. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
This week’s installment of ‘albums that changed the world’ for Michigan musicians spotlights the recordings that have most influenced in-demand percussionist Michael Shimmin. Listen to tracks from his picks and learn more about this Michigan musician.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
This week, Local Spins asked Grand Rapids saxophone icon John Gist to reveal the recordings that most influenced him as a musician, starting with the legendary Stanley Turrentine. Check out his picks, plus a current favorite that’s a ’60s classic.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting music that most influenced Michigan musicians continues with Michigander frontman Jason Singer revealing his picks — plus a couple of current faves he “can’t stop” playing and a pair of Michigander tracks.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With a new record on the way, ‘Michigan Songbird’ May Erlewine plays St. Cecilia Music Center in Grand Rapids on Feb. 17. Today, she reveals that albums that have influenced her the most. Bend an ear to the recordings, along with songs from Erlewine herself.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
The Local Spins series continues today with a focus on recordings that most influenced the frontman for Grand Rapids indie-rock’s Major Murphy, from the Beatles to Breathe Owl Breathe to Here We Go Magic. Sample all of the albums, plus tracks from Major Murphy’s latest release.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today’s installment of this popular Local Spins series features albums that influenced and shaped mid-Michigan producer and musician Jake Rye, who’s spun the dials on some impressive projects. Listen to tracks from all of his picks.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The frontwoman for Detroit’s Laura Rain & The Caesars not surprisingly has been shaped by the music of classic R&B and funk artists. Listen to tracks from all of her picks at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The first “Albums That Changed the World” feature for 2022 stars Full Cord bluegrass mandolinist Brian Oberlin, who reveals influences with an acoustic, bluegrass and classical bent. Check out his selections and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Well-known West Michigan guitarist Mike Dodge is the focus of this week’s “Three Albums that Changed My World” feature, revealing some true, modern music classics. Check out his picks, listen to the music.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Some compelling albums across a wide spectrum have inspired Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves, who also reveals her current penchant for Nashville darling Margo Price. Listen to tracks from her picks, as well as songs by Graves herself.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Recordings by The Rolling Stones, Gillian Welch and Sonic Youth had a big impact on studio owner Ian Gorman, who also revealed his penchant for the latest album by West Michigan’s own Patty PerShayla. Check out his album picks, plus listen to a couple of tracks from the band in which he’s been a member for 15 years.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series focusing on records that most influenced Michigan musicians continues with Desmond Jones drummer/multi-instrumentalist John Nowak, who explores a diverse roster of artists. Get the back story, listen to the music — plus a couple of tracks from Desmond Jones, which plays a Thanksgiving Eve show in Grand Rapids..
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today, Local Spins spotlights the albums that most influenced Earth Radio singer and keyboardist Hannah Laine. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus songs from a current favorite and the latest from Earth Radio.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series showcasing music that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with hip hop’s Rick Chyme. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the records.
