The multi-lingual Grand Rapids singer-songwriter topped the June chart of regional releases earning the most radio airplay at WYCE-FM. View the entire chart, listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Extraordinary Meaningful: Brie Stoner says community support has been vital. (Photo/Logan Zillmer)
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Brie Stoner readily concedes she wasn’t sure how listeners might react to her songs that weave French and Spanish — along with English — into their fetching indie dream-rock milieu.
“The response so far has assured me that after what we’ve lived through, people are hungry for the wanderlust of travel and are open being whisked away to new places nd that includes their openness to new music with blended influences and languages,” suggests the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter, who grew up in Spain.
“I’m truly humbled by the warmth and welcome I’ve received and sincerely in awe of the incredible community of musical talent and support here. I feel wildly honored and grateful to be part of this community.”
Stoner’s approach has resonated with fans and radio programmers: The collection of her most recent singles soared to the top of the Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart for June, representing the local or regional release receiving the most radio airplay at Grand Rapids’ WYCE (88.1 FM).
Stoner jumped from No. 3 in May to the top slot in June, followed by indie-rock’s Phabies with “Fire Seeds” at No. 2, blues-rocker Jake Kershaw’s self-titled album at No. 3, electronic duo Pink Sky’s “Total Devotion” at No. 4 and the return of Americana/alt-country’s Michigan Rattlers’ “That Kind of Life” at No. 5.
WYCE Music Director Shane German noted that there were “lots of boosts” for artists performing at the Jammie Awards in late June.
“I am so deeply honored by this,” Stoner says. “In times like these where algorithms have hijacked our industry into the machinery of playlists and sound bite success, it is extraordinarily meaningful to me as a maker and artist to have my city and community behind me.
“When real human radio programmers and independent publications support their artists, we have a chance to make meaningful art and cultivate the kind of communities that value it. What is occurring here is incredibly special and mirrors the trajectory of now established music-scene cities like Austin. Grand Rapids is bursting with talent, possibility and on the verge of something really exciting, and I’m honored to be a small part of that.”
Stoner said the live audience response to “more uptempo rock tunes” has influenced her choice of the next single she plans to release this fall. “I think fans are ready for a little more edge in this moment of cultural upheaval and I’m ready to reflect that in my upcoming releases,” she says.
THE LOCAL SPINS HOT TOP 5: June 2022
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