Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

In the Valley Below finds peace in Grand Rapids with ‘mind-blowing’ indie-rock: Local Spins Rewind

• February 28, 2018

On Thursday night, on Facebook pages for Local Spins, River City Studios and HopCat, fans can tune into a special live-streamed session of HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios, starring Grand Rapids’ In the Valley Below, which takes its talents to SXSW in Austin next month. As a preview for that in-studio performance at 7 p.m. Thursday, Local Spins revisits its 2017 feature on this nationally acclaimed band.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

From playing a sidewalk in September to the big stage at State Theatre, Delta Roots Blues keeps dreams alive

• February 27, 2018

Having the time of their lives: The 67-year-old Kalamazoo bluesmen will open for the Grammy Award-winning Robert Cray Wednesday night at State Theatre in Kalamazoo. Read the back story about how these veteran players landed the gig of a lifetime.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Earth Radio transmits organic, soulful, genre-bending grooves for debut album: Local Spins on WYCE

• February 24, 2018

The Grand Rapids super-group previewed its upcoming release on this week’s WYCE radio show, which also debuted music by Nathan Kalish, Lushh, The Plastic Bears, El Brandino, Urban Cowboy and more. Read the back story about the band, listen to the podcast, watch a video of Earth Radio’s in-studio performance.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Flint Eastwood reveals struggles of growing up gay in a religious environment, embracing her mom’s spirit and, yes, ditching the hat

• February 22, 2018

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.”

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Americana’s Roger Brown: West Michigan’s consummate career musician keeps the musical fires burning (Local Spins on WYCE)

• February 17, 2018

This week’s edition of the radio show featured an in-studio session powered by a singer-guitarist with an illustrious past — collaborating with Ringo Starr, touring with Freddy Fender — plus new tracks by Suzies, Joel Mabus, Twin Flame, EPCYA and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the videos.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Nashon Holloway finds direction, inspiration and ‘Chicago soul’ in the Windy City

• February 15, 2018

After making her home in Chicago the past year while exploring new musical connections, the singer and guitarist returns to Kalamazoo for a homecoming show at Bell’s Brewery on Saturday. Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey checks back in with the talented singer as she prepares for the next step in her career.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Public Access amps up ‘freeing,’ giant rock machine for sophomore release

• February 8, 2018

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.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Verve Pipe ‘more energized than ever before’ by touring, recording fresh material

• February 7, 2018

In a Local Spins interview, Brian Vander Ark, frontman for the Grand Rapids band, says he’s ’embraced the rock again’ as the group prepares for a homecoming show Saturday at 20 Monroe Live. Find out what the alt-rockers have been up to and watch a video of a song from The Verve Pipe’s latest album.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Podcasts

Local Spins on Michigan Radio: New music from Cabildo, Public Access, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions

• February 7, 2018

Local Spins’ February segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” showcased fresh releases by Grand Rapids artists covering a broad range of styles. Check out the podcast, along with profiles of the featured artists.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: The Founding takes Irish tradition up a notch, plus new tracks by Molly, El Brandino and more

• February 2, 2018

This week’s edition of the radio show also featured music from Sleep Cheaters, LVRS, Jeremy Ensley, Lushh, Skyking, Ttypes and An Dro. Listen to the full podcast, watch the in-studio video of The Founding’s performance.

Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Videos

Jake Kershaw: HopCat Presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios (Video)

• February 1, 2018

This week, Local Spins and River City Studios hosted their first-ever live-stream session, spotlighting acclaimed teenage blues guitarist Jake Kershaw and his band. Relive the performance via video and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Judy Collins follows ‘extraordinary year’ with Grand Rapids tour stop, pulling no punches politically or otherwise

• January 30, 2018

In a revealing interview with Local Spins, the legendary singer talks about her 59-year career, her love of performing and her dim view of the White House. Judy Collins plays a sold-out concert at St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ rock ’n’ roll of self-expression, love and living in ‘the tension of the world’

• January 26, 2018

With a new debut album, the Grand Rapids band performed this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music from The War & Treaty, VAZUM and Skyking. Read the story, watch the video of Jack Droppers’ in-studio performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos

From ambulances to stages: Signal Point rocks out … when not saving lives as paramedics

• January 24, 2018

The Grand Rapids rock band Signal Point boasts three paramedics and has featured various emergency responders over the years. Read the back story about this unusual band that’s often on-call after gigs.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Cabildo unleashes politically charged, fiery new album: Local Spins on WYCE (Story, podcast, video)

• January 19, 2018

Releasing its first album in 12 years, the Latin-fueled Grand Rapids band performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Barn on Fire, Ian Link, The Aquaerials, Borns, EPCYA, Jack & the Bear and more. Listen to the full podcast, read the story, watch the video.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

Grand Haven-bred Børns builds pop fervor for new album; thrilled to play first ‘hometown’ show in years

• January 19, 2018

The L.A.-based star and West Michigan native who plays a sold-out Grand Rapids concert next week talks to Local Spins about the ’70s influences on “Blue Madonna” and the excitement of being back home again. Revisit this hometown hero and watch videos of his latest singles.

Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos

The Legal Immigrants’ quest for rock ’n’ roll’s holy grail: Local Spins Live at River City Studios

• January 18, 2018

One of Grand Rapids’ favorite rock bands performed new and old songs in-studio and chatted about getting more eclectic on their next studio album. Read the story, listen to the HopCat Presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios podcast, watch the video.

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.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Alt-blues rock’s Big Head Todd stays relevant; ready to prove live show legacy in Kalamazoo: The Local Spins Q&A

• January 16, 2018

The Colorado band entering its fourth decade after releasing its 11th studio album plays State Theatre on Thursday, with Luther Dickinson opening. Check out the Local Spins interview with Big Head Todd frontman Todd Park Mohr.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Local Spins on WYCE: hi-ker harnesses IDM obsession for fetching new release

• January 6, 2018

The West Michigan trio brought its electronic wizardry to this week’s radio show, which also boasted the debut of tracks by Shane Tripp, Peat in the Creel, Venson Dix and Bruce Matthews. Listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also featured songs by performers at the upcoming Jammie Awards.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Greta Van Fleet: Rock ‘n’ roll heroes aim to ‘change the world for the better’ after year of explosive success

• December 28, 2017

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.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Guest Column · Kalamazoo

Dream Job: Lushh explores sleep through a live spectacle spanning multiple disciplines

• December 21, 2017

The genre-bending Kalamazoo band recently depicted sleep and dreams artistically — from the serene to the frenetic — in a unique concert that will be available on video. Read the back story about this unusual event at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Nordy embraces the beautiful, plus new tracks from Hannah Rose, The Howlers, Michigander

• December 16, 2017

This week’s episode of the radio show boasted an in-studio visit from Nordy, plus new holiday music from Peat in the Creel and River City Narrative, and much more. Listen to the full podcast, watch a video of Nordy’s on-air performance.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Sultry, haunting singer-songwriter Jetty Rae revels in Airstream road life, returns home to Michigan for holiday concerts

• December 15, 2017

Raised in Charlevoix, Jetty Rae brings her musical passion to northern Michigan this month and “sharing of struggles” with her fans. Read the back story about this unique, Michigan-bred artist, watch her videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

With ‘Fear Not,’ Cameron Blake boldly embraces ‘more energy, bigger instrumentation’: Local Spins on WYCE

• December 8, 2017

This week’s guest talks about his acclaimed new album and performs with his band on a show that also featured the debut of tracks by hi-ker, Dori, Andy Baker, Bruce Matthews, Charles the Osprey and Talismans. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos

Traverse City’s Soul Patch uncorks ‘conscious groove’ music with ‘love, positivity, laughter’

• December 5, 2017

The long-running northern Michigan band with a jam, funk, rock and bluegrass vibe makes its Local Spins Wednesdays debut this week at Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge. Get the back story on Soul Patch, listen to the band’s music, watch the videos.

Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Photos · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Local Spins’ No. 3 Story of the Year: Greta Van Fleet proves future of rock is in good hands

• November 30, 2017

The ‘Local Spins Rewind’ series continues with another one of the most-read Local Spins stories of 2017: A look at a young band from Frankenmuth that’s become Michigan’s hottest hard rock export. Revisit the concert review, photo gallery and video from September’s sold-out Grand Rapids show, and see what national media outlets are saying about this buzz band. Greta Van Fleet plays another sold-out show at The Intersection in late December.

Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Podcasts · Videos

‘I’ll never stop’: Billy Strings brandishes ceaseless bluegrass passion in Grand Rapids

• November 25, 2017

From swinging by Local Spins on WYCE to firing up a big crowd at The Intersection, the one-time heavy metal kid from Ionia proved his instrumental bluegrass prowess with help from ‘a killer band.’ Browse the photo galleries, watch the video of his in-studio interview and performance, and listen to the full radio podcast. And check out the bonus video from The Intersection show.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Yolonda Lavender strikes balance between roles as poet, artist and activist

• November 20, 2017

The singer’s third album, “Back 4 The 1st Time,” unfurls a positive message through R&B, poetry and hip hop. Read the back story about this compelling artist who’s also head of Kalamazoo’s Black Arts & Cultural Center and listen to her music.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Driven to write: Venson Dix ignites powerful, brash raps on social injustice, religion, family

• November 17, 2017

The Grand Rapids hip hop artist and saxophonist prefers to unleash his art — and leave his legacy — in the studio. It paid off with his compelling new album, “Montshon.” Read the back story about this fascinating, up-and-coming artist, watch a video, listen to his music.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Joshua Davis wraps up Michigan tour while promoting new album in ‘really big way’

• November 16, 2017

The Traverse City singer-songwriter and ‘Voice’ star has released the Steve Berlin-produced ‘The Way Back Home’ and will play The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids on Saturday. He appears for Local Spins on WYCE 88.1 FM at 11 a.m. Friday. Check out a review of his new album and listen to new songs.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo’s The Founding sheds Blarney Castle moniker to reflect ‘new style’ of Celtic music with release of first full-length album

• November 14, 2017

The young, award-winning, up-and-coming West Michigan band already has become a staple at top-tier Irish music festivals and has honed a unique sound for its Celtic-driven music. It plays a Grand Rapids CD-release show Thursday night. Learn more about The Founding and watch videos of its songs.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Brant Satala’s musical voyage continues, plus Sleepover, Nordlund, New Music Ensemble, Rick Chyme & Nixon

• November 11, 2017

This week’s episode featured Satala playing a new song in-studio, plus music from Benjaman James, Jukejoint Handmedowns, The Zannies, Last Gasp Collective, Magenta Flag and more. Watch the video, listen to the full podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

From Grand Rapids to Scotland: Singer-songwriter Rachel Zylstra’s adventure brings her back to West Michigan

• November 9, 2017

Now based in Edinburgh, the pop-pianist plays a homecoming show tonight (Thursday) at Ladies Literary Club, her first Grand Rapids show since 2012 and a chance for fans to hear songs from her most recent album. Read the back story, listen to Zylstra’s music at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Musical heroes: Forest Hills series spotlights Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz, Blind Boys, Tower of Power, Bruce Hornsby

• October 27, 2017

Irma Thomas, Preservation Hall Jazz Quintet and Blind Boys of Alabama kick off a series Monday that also features Tower of Power, Dublin Irish Dance and Bruce Hornsby. Check out the interviews with Preservation Hall’s Calvin Johnson Jr. and Tower of Power’s Emilio Castillo. Only at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Gifts or Creatures’ new Michigan-centric album hits on definite, historic tones of home

• October 20, 2017

With a new batch of lilting songs about the Great Lakes Basin, the indie-folk duo is set to perform in its new hometown of Kalamazoo and play Grand Rapids’ Lamp Light Music Festival in coming weeks. Discover the back story about this musical couple and watch a video of the first single from their new album.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Crafting songs with ‘big crowds in mind’: Michigander’s musical quest to conquer a national audience

• October 19, 2017

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.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos

The Hacky Turtles set up musical shop in Grand Rapids while spreading funky, folk-rock ‘message of positivity and joy’

• October 11, 2017

Relocating to West Michigan from Chicago, the Traverse City-bred band plays Founders Brewing on Thursday and Grand Armory Brewing on Oct. 20 while creating new songs for its sophomore album. Check out the Local Spins profile of this emerging band, along with video and audio samples of its unique music.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Joshua Davis set to tour, promote long-awaited new album ‘in a really big way’

• October 10, 2017

The Traverse City singer-songwriter and ‘Voice’ star has released the Steve Berlin-produced ‘The Way Back Home’ and will now play several Michigan dates, including Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The Local Spins interview and album review.

Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Michigan folk’s ‘Mother Lion’: May Erlewine releases tender, vulnerable new album with new band on the road

• October 4, 2017

The much-respected Earthwork Music artist is releasing her new recording exclusively for Michigan fans first, playing a series of album-release shows in Grand Rapids, Spring Lake, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and beyond. Get the back story behind this new project, check out a Local Spins review of the album, listen to the first single.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Pixies ‘gone to heaven’: Thirty years in, alt-rock heroes find ‘ultimate’ bliss on the road

• October 4, 2017

The influential rock band brings its North American tour to Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Saturday. The Local Spins interview with “frustratingly cool” guitarist Joey Santiago.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Vintage Gigs

Chain of Lakes flows beyond solo project for ‘sweetest evolution’ of indie-folk music

• September 29, 2017

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by Kyle Rasche and Dana Jackson of Chain of Lakes, plus the premiere of new tracks by Bigfoot Buffalo, Deerfield Run, Organissimo and Cameron Blake. Listen to the full podcast and watch the video.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer still soldiers on, plays Holland’s Park Theatre on Saturday

• September 28, 2017

The ELP and Asia drumming icon has carried on after the death of his rock bandmates, touring with a pair of virtuosic musicians and presenting the prog-rock music “in another way.” The Local Spins interview, with videos of Palmer performing live.

Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

With new ‘Don’t Box Me In’ album on the horizon, Lady Ace Boogie exudes positivity, vulnerability in studio and on stage

• September 26, 2017

Along with other regional stars, the fast-emerging Grand Rapids hip hop artist on Saturday plays both the Blue Bridge Music Fest and Ladyfest at the Lakeshore as she eyes release of her sophomore album. Read about her new project, watch the video for her new single and save full schedules for both festivals at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Jake Kershaw turns up the blues, Cruelworld makes its debut: Local Spins on WYCE (Podcast, video)

• September 23, 2017

The teen guitar sensation made an impressive in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which this week also premiered tracks by Cruelworld, The Autumnatic, Desmond Jones, Hominian, Jukejoint Handmedowns, Gifts or Creatures and more. Listen to the podcast and check out Cruelworld’s new video.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Deerfield Run proudly set to debut melting pot of bluesy, country-hued rock (Local Spins on WYCE)

• September 22, 2017

The Grand Rapids band rocked the studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new tracks by Cosmonaut, May Erlewine, Cosmic Knot, The B-Side Growlers and more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, podcast and video.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Bob Seger still inspires Heart’s Nancy Wilson as her new band joins the Michigan hero on tour

• September 17, 2017

On the cusp of Seger’s Grand Rapids tour stop, Wilson chats with Local Spins about dancing with Seger, her excitement about Roadcase Royale’s new album and the uncertain future of Heart. The Local Spins interview.

Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos

The ‘rowdy energy’ of Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish: Local Spins Live at River City Studios

• September 8, 2017

The rambunctious blues and rockabilly duo brings its fiery music to River City for a blistering in-studio session and interview. Get the back story about the band, listen to the podcast, watch the video and browse the photo gallery.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

A tale of two artists: Luke Winslow King comes home, Diff & Dudley thrilled to make debut

• September 6, 2017

Wheatland Music Festival’s 2017 lineup this weekend boasts national roots music stars and a strong Michigan contingent, too. Read profiles of two of them and peruse the festival schedule.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows · Videos

Paradise Outlaw rustles up Michigan-bred Southern rock with broad appeal

• September 6, 2017

The genre-straddling Grand Rapids band will kick off Saturday’s big anniversary party at Perrin Brewing after opening for country star Tucker Beathard the night before. Read more about the band, listen to the radio podcast and watch a video of the band playing the B93 Birthday Bash.