Album Releases Archives

Category: Album Releases

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Greensky Bluegrass breathes ‘new life’ into classics with star-splashed ‘XXV’ album

October 31, 2025

Local Spins spotlights the Kalamazoo bluegrass heroes who celebrate their 25th anniversary with a new record and two hometown shows. Mike Devol from Greensky Bluegrass talks about the new record, Billy Strings and more. Plus, this week’s Michigan Music Showcase podcast with new tracks from Caitlin Cusack, Lady Ace Boogie, Jack Droppers, Izzy Reign and more.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Evidence Jazz embracing the ‘unexpected’ with all original material on new album

October 17, 2025

The Grand Rapids super-group led by Michael Doyle plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Sunday with a new album on the way. Plus, this week’s radio show podcast with fresh tracks by Michigan artists, including Greg Nagy, Steven Malcolm, Don Was, Luke Winslow-King, Greensky Bluegrass and more.

Album Releases · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows

Around the Horn: Billy Strings & Third Man, All Time Low’s silence, Traverse City’s fall flurry

October 16, 2025

Today’s music news box score: Billy Strings is releasing a Third Man Records compilation, All Time Low — with Michigan stops ahead — is battling some health issues, Traverse City boasts riveting fall concerts and West Michigan has several intriguing benefit shows on the horizon.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows

The J Hawkins Band: Traverse City’s gritty agent of ‘Southern rock soul with country fire’

October 14, 2025

The northern Michigan rock band releases its third album on Friday, performing at The Venue Event Center in Cadillac. Get the band’s back story and listen to its latest single at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Cameron Blake hosts ‘anti-AI’ listening event for new album tonight at Wealthy Theatre

October 2, 2025

The much-respected Grand Rapids singer-songwriter’s listening party for his new project, ‘Saffron,’ will also include a documentary screening, a Q&A session and short performances. The details and an interview with Blake at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Audio · Upcoming shows

Album Reviews: Mark Farner, Brie Stoner, Moon Orchids, Overly Polite Tornadoes & more

March 6, 2025

This March roundup of releases by Michigan artists also includes our takes on new albums by Jessica Wolfbird and Stephen Hooper. Plus, listen to tracks from each artist and see where some of them will be performing.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Crane Wives, Luke Winslow-King, Michigan Rattlers, Silver Creek Revival

October 10, 2024

As fall settles in, Local Spins turns its attention to new releases by Michigan artists. Check out reviews of six recordings, including The Brothers Crunch and Quilter, and listen to tracks from each release.

Album Releases · Features

Emerging Midwest Gold Records aims to give bands ‘college degree on a job resume’

December 4, 2023

Formed last summer by Andrew Teed and Ryne Clarke, the new West Michigan record label already has signed several bands to its roster. Learn more about this new label at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Videos

Chris DuPont returns to fray with a ‘darkly beautiful listen’: The Local Spins Q&A

November 29, 2023

The veteran Southeast Michigan singer-songwriter just released his latest EP, “Fragile Things,” and talks about his new music, books, religion and the ‘trip wires’ of relationships with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio

Seth Bernard undergoes painful upheaval, transformation amid release of ‘Unrest & Rest’

August 31, 2023

Stricken with back issues and Lyme disease, the northern Michigan artist remains upbeat about Labor Day release of his star-studded album. The back story, with an audio peek into the new collection.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows

Reviews: May Erlewine, War & Treaty, Earth Radio, Eva Under Fire + More Michigan Albums

March 30, 2023

New recordings by Y-Not, Rob Jordan, Pink Sky and John Lamb also pump up this late March round-up of reviews of fresh music by Michigan bands and solo artists. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Blue Pines tour state behind ‘harder-hitting’ songs on sophomore album

June 9, 2022

After debuting a new music video this spring, the Grand Rapids band officially releases its new album this week with a robust slate of summer shows ahead. The back story and video at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Features

May Erlewine, Crane Wives, Tannahill Weavers star in new CD aiding N. Michigan art center

September 8, 2021

The special collection of live Manitou Music Festival performances is a testament — and a tribute — to the talents of longtime Traverse City sound engineer Jack Conners, who has been battling cancer. Read more about Conners and the project at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Rockit King, Alfie DaGreat, Chris Cranick, Eli Kahn, Paulie Cohen & more

May 10, 2021

This early May roundup of new regional releases spotlights rock, hip hop, jazz, folk and more. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of music from all of the featured albums.

Album Releases · Audio · Periscope · Videos

Local Spins Periscope: A first look at new music by The Avalanches and Kevin Morby

November 14, 2020

Today, Local Spins writers and ‘New Standards’ hosts Troy Reimink and Tricia Boot Woolfenden spotlight fresh national/international tracks that you might have otherwise missed. View their picks, listen to the songs, watch the videos.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Earth Radio, Dalmatian Stone, Bruce Madden, Sugartone Noise Co. and more

September 17, 2020

A busy year for new Michigan releases amid a pandemic gives music fans a lot to savor, including impressive albums by four Grand Rapids artists as well as northern Michigan’s Biomassive and the trio of Pico, Chown & Sears. Read the reviews, listen to music from each of the spotlighted artists.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos

Traverse City’s Biomassive set to release live album boasting its ‘finest sonic blend’ yet

July 30, 2020

Forced to shelve a new studio recording due to COVID-19, the West Michigan electronic rock band and festival favorite has instead leaned on its live-show prowess to satiate fans. Read more about the band, listen to a track from the new live album and watch a video of a recent live set at Third Coast Recording.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Videos

Spring Lake’s John Mulder becomes voice for hospice patients, workers with new album

May 21, 2020

Amid the current crisis, Mulder’s collaborative “The World Around the Bed” not only serves as an instrument of hope for hospice patients, but also those affected by COVID-19. Get the back story at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5

The Bootstrap Boys gallop to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for September

October 4, 2019

The latest chart of most-played local and regional albums on Grand Rapids’ WYCE-FM also featured the debut of a new album by hip hop’s Dante Cope. See the full chart, listen to music from the featured artists.

Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5

Pink Sky, The Go Rounds, Full Cord romp in Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart for August

September 6, 2019

A new slate of regional albums made a splash on WYCE-FM in August. Check out the full chart, listen to the featured artists and check out the roster of new local releases.

Album Releases · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Boy From School, Brother Adams, Jordan Hamilton

September 4, 2019

The latest releases from each of these West Michigan artists represents a significant step forward in their musical journeys. Listen to the September segment of Local Spins on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’ and check out full versions of songs from the featured albums.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Surf’s up with West Michigan’s Guitar UP! as band releases new ‘Western Pacific’ album

June 20, 2019

This quartet brings a Pacific Coast and Spaghetti Western vibe to its music, channeling Dick Dale, Link Wray and Agent 007 along the way. Get the back story, listen to their music at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Lushh, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish

June 4, 2019

Local Spins’ May segment for “Stateside” on Michigan Radio cranked things up with Michigan bands that are all making a splash in different ways. Listen to the podcast and check out full versions of songs by the featured artists.

Album Releases · Audio · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: The Go Rounds, Howlers, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions

May 8, 2019

Local Spins’ May segment for “Stateside” on Michigan Radio showcased three rock bands with impressive new albums who aim to make a splash in 2019. Listen to the podcast and full versions of the featured songs.

Album Releases · Audio

Michigan Album Reviews: Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, Aquaerials, Kaitlin Rose, North Carolines

April 26, 2019

This late April roundup features recent releases from artists in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Traverse City. Read the Local Spins reviews, listen to songs from the albums.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Sousaphone-powered Strapping Owls take flight with ‘Live Wire Soul’

February 13, 2019

Turning heads with their unique, bluesy sound that gives new meaning to ‘power trio,’ West Michigan’s The Strapping Owls launch an eight-state tour behind their new recording in Saugatuck on Friday. Learn more about this unique band and listen to their music at Local Spins.

Album Releases

Local Spins wants your picks for the Top 5 albums or songs of 2018

December 18, 2018

Attention, Local Spins readers: Send us your choices for best albums or songs of the year, and we’ll publish the lists and enter your name in a drawing for a Local Spins gift package. And we’ve included a bunch of ‘best music’ lists from other media outlets to give you some ideas.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Moto, Sligh Talkbox, JetBeats, The Blue Pines, Benje Daneman, Joe Wilson

November 21, 2018

Local Spins’ second batch of November reviews of regional album releases covers a lot of musical territory from hip hop to hard rock to ’60s sizzle to boundary-pushing jazz. Get the lowdown on new Michigan releases and preview music from the recordings.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: Greta Van Fleet, Jake Simmons, Andrew Farmer, Lower Leisure Class

October 31, 2018

With Greta Van Fleet’s first full-length album soaring straight to No. 3 on the charts, Local Spins reviews — and defends — the release, plus takes a closer look at three other new regional recordings. Read the reviews, sample the new music.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows

Holland’s Marcel & Janelle set to release new EP during hopeful, ‘heartfelt’ show at Park Theatre

January 16, 2018

Recently relocating to West Michigan from Denver, the indie-soul duo has turned the pain of a losing a child into a healing, uplifting experience through music, while aiding charities along the way. Read more about this couple’s journey and listen to their music at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio’s ‘Stateside’: West Michigan’s Under-the-Radar Album Picks for 2017

December 6, 2017

For this month’s Michigan Radio segment on “Stateside,” Local Spins spotlights a few bubbling-below-the-surface West Michigan releases you might have overlooked: The Turnips, Cosmic Knot and The Zannies. Listen to the full statewide radio podcast.

Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos

The Accidentals top Hot Top 5 for second straight month with Jake Kershaw and Billy Strings right behind

October 5, 2017

Call it the youth movement. Traverse City indie-folk faves The Accidentals once again hit No. 1 for regional airplay on WYCE, with teen guitarist Jake Kershaw and bluegrass phenom Billy Strings debuting in the Top 5. Check out videos, audio of the Top 5 artists, along with a listing of new local and regional releases.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo’s Out of Favor Boys ‘turn corner’ in releasing new contemporary blues album

June 15, 2017

For this popular Southwest Michigan band “it kind of feels like the first album in a new chapter.” The group stages a CD-release show Friday at Old Dog Tavern. Read the back story about this group and watch a video of a performance.

Album Releases · Audio · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, The Verve Pipe, Organissimo, Afro Zuma, Jack and the Bear

March 31, 2017

With Joe Hertler and band unveiling an album today and kicking off a U.S. tour, Local Spins takes a gander at the new collection and fresh releases from other notable Michigan bands. Check out the reviews and listen to samples of the new music.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights

Seth Bernard keeps blazing new musical trails with unique collaborations, socially conscious songs: Local Spins Rewind

October 19, 2016

The Michigan singer-songwriter and Earthwork Music collective founder has had a whirlwind year after releasing his response to “a defining time for humanity.” With Bernard playing Grand Rapids Wednesday night, Local Spins Rewind revisits a feature that first ran earlier this year.

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Upcoming Shows Hosted by Local Spins

11am FRIDAY NOV. 21 – Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase on WYCE 88.1 FM: Luke Winslow-King

7:30 p.m. FRIDAY NOV. 21 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Laurel Canyon Night II: The Music of The Eagles, The Byrds and Crosby Stills Nash & Young

7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY DEC. 3 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Cold Leather Seats

11am FRIDAY DEC. 5 – Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase on WYCE 88.1 FM: Myron Elkins

7:30 p.m. FRIDAY DEC. 12 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Hot Girls, Wilson Ave
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Category: Album Releases

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JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST NOW

Upcoming Shows Hosted by Local Spins

11am FRIDAY NOV. 21 – Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase on WYCE 88.1 FM: Luke Winslow-King

7:30 p.m. FRIDAY NOV. 21 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Laurel Canyon Night II: The Music of The Eagles, The Byrds and Crosby Stills Nash & Young

7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY DEC. 3 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Cold Leather Seats

11am FRIDAY DEC. 5 – Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase on WYCE 88.1 FM: Myron Elkins

7:30 p.m. FRIDAY DEC. 12 – Local Spins at SpeakEZ Lounge: Hot Girls, Wilson Ave

Search localspins.com

Listen to Local Spins Live

Subscribe to Local Spins on YouTube

Follow Local Spins on Twitter

Like Local Spins on Facebook

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For the latest music news join our email list