Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Room Full of Elephants has taken its roots-based rock music to the next level, with members pushing comfort levels to create “a new different sound.” The band makes its SpeakEZ Lounge debut in Grand Rapids on Wednesday. Get an inside look at this up-and-coming lakeshore act.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Michigan indie-rocker has tasted some success while experiencing the joy — and grueling trials — of his trade. His house show tour makes a Grand Rapids stop this week as he eyes returning to a Detroit studio to record a new album. Read the back story behind this engaging songwriter and musician.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new album, “Fall Away Blues,” the Kalamazoo musicians are touring the Midwest, stopping by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Public Access, Michael Robertson and more. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, videos and the full radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Oozing an alt-rock, pop and prog-rock sheen, Dause and his Band of Bros play SpeakEZ Lounge this week as the multi-instrumentalist promotes a new studio album. Read more about this talented musician and his hectic performing schedule with The Accidentals, as well as his own band.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows
The prolific indie-rock band releases the first of two 2016 EPs, plays Wheatland for the first time this weekend, embarks on a Western tour this fall and lays plans for another full-length album. Read the back story of The Go Rounds’ newest “psychedelia heavy” recording and check out the Local Spins review of the EP.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Members of the Grand Rapids band made their on-air debut this week on the show that also boasted new music by The Go Rounds, Luke Winslow King, Cousin Avery, Stepladders and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids band performs tonight at SpeakEZ Lounge to promote its upcoming EP due this fall. Boy From School released a single in July and plan to release another song in coming weeks. Read the story about this up-and-coming indie-pop/rock group by Local Spins writer Adrianna Walker.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The psychedelic Grand Rapids rock band pared back its sound during an in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by London & Rome, Eric Engblade, The Muteflutes and other West Michigan acts. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, read the story.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids uber-talented folk-rock band talks about songwriting, jelling as a band and feta dips – and rolls out new songs for a small studio audience. The band’s intimate performance and interview was captured via video and podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Along with fellow headliner Railroad Earth, Greensky Bluegrass will join more than 30 other acts at this weekend’s Hoxeyville music festival in Wellston in the Manistee National Forest. Check out the full lineup/performance schedule and listen to a new Greensky tune.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Led by Nick Stevenson, the new Grand Rapids band started recording a new EP this week and plays Cowpie Music Festival on Saturday. The band uncorked two songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by LVNMUZIQ, Antilogical, Fauxgrass, Plain Jane Glory and Jonny Carroll. Listen to the full podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-respected pianist and anti-bullying disciple based in Traverse City brings his jazz quartet featuring Don Julin to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge for the first time this week. Peruse the back story about this intriguing Michigan treasure and his remarkable musical journey.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Traverse City musician has hit the ground running and hasn’t missed a step since the popular bluegrass duo parted ways. On Wednesday, he’ll perform in Grand Rapids for the first time with a jazz quartet led by Jeff Haas. Learn more about this mandolin virtuoso in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids producer and multi-instrumentalist who hosts an album-release show Saturday performed during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music from The Legal Immigrants, Holloway, Melophobix, Silverstiles, Bradley Sinclair and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The award-winning singer and guitarist talked about songwriting and performed on the show, which also featured song debuts by Stepladders, Tony Gebhard, David Barrett, Matt Plessner and Kari Lynch. Listen to the entire podcast and check out the video of Hardin’s in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-rock project spearheaded by Bill Chesney, general manager for Earthwork Music, boasts an all-star cast of guests and ‘a beautiful balance’ of musical styles. Read the feature story about Earthwork’s “man behind the curtain,” listen to the radio podcast and watch his on-air performance of a new song with members of The Crane Wives.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Traverse City singer-songwriter Joshua Davis talks with Local Spins about staying and writing in Michigan, his thirst for knowledge and the hopeful “soul-soaked” songs on his new album and upcoming big shows this weekend in Williamsburg and Kalamazoo. Read the update, only at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids band with a twist on death rock and a Halloween album release date made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Coffin Problem, The Outer Vibe, The Change, The Alien Dogs, Elroy Meltzer and John Kite. Read the story about this singular band and listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts
Alto singer-songwriter Josh Rose is as committed to crafting compelling music worth listening to as any artist in West Michigan. He talked about that and teaching others that craft for this edition of Local Spins Live.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s in-studio radio guest performed two songs during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by I Believe in Julio, Norty, Watching for Foxes, May Erlewine and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of Plessner’s in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The West Michigan band fronted by Jack Leaver and Mitch Wood plays its only summer show tonight (Wednesday) at SpeakEZ Lounge, but the pair vows there will be more performances and another album to come. Read how this super-group was formed and listen to a track from the upcoming debut album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids band has honed its sound over the past two years and officially releases its new album on Saturday at Long Road Distillers. Read the story, listen to the podcast and check out a video of their in-studio radio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The longtime side project for members of Hey Marco!, Brett Mitchell & The Giant Ghost and Dave Kellan Band will unleash three performances this week, including a Wednesday show at SpeakEZ Lounge. Read more about these three lifelong musical pals from Midland.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Top 10 Lists
Beyond the familiar and popular regional artists who’ve already made a splash are a bevy of bands simmering under the radar as one of the ‘next big things.’ Here are a dozen to sample in words and song in the July edition of Local Spins “Acts to Watch.”
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor guitarist concedes national exposure on the NBC show was a ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile and album sales. He headlines the National Cherry Festival this weekend with more big Michigan concerts on tap. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight profile, listen to his music and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Upcoming shows
Led by singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recent Calvin College graduate James Li, the Grand Rapids alt-rock band fueled by folk’s narrative style releases a new EP at The DAAC on Thursday. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video from an in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter calls on an all-star band for the inspiring, inventive recording and for Sunday’s album-release show at Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre. He calls the project his response to “a defining time for humanity.” Read the story behind the recording, check out the album review and get details about his upcoming CD-release concerts.
Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The Grand Rapids soul-rock band kicks off the first-ever Sound of the City festival in Grand Rapids on Saturday, followed by regular touring across the Midwest. Read about Vox Vidorra’s growth as a popular West Michigan band and see Saturday’s full festival schedule of performances by regional acts.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids group fronted by singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma releases its sophomore album, ‘Tall Tall Tales,’ at Founders Brewing on Saturday. Explore the back story of the new recording, listen to the radio podcast and view the video of Thomasma’s performance inside his VW bus.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band is part of Friday night’s Local Spins Non-Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll Show at Tip Top Deluxe and previewed its new album with a performance for Local Spins on WYCE. The new album officially gets released July 9. Listen to the podcast, including the debut of new songs by Bello Spark, Barbarossa Brothers, Bennett, Bigfoot Buffalo and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Inspired by a breakup, the Grand Rapids artist’s impressive ‘Leaving on the Light’ is a full-band project that will be showcased Friday at The DAAC. Listen to the new album now in a Local Spins exclusive “first listen,” along with this week’s Local Spins Live radio podcast. And watch a video of his in-studio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
In an interview with Local Spins, guitarist-singer Susan Tedeschi talks about touring, musical chemistry and the band’s tendency to ‘mix it up’ on stage. The band returns to Meijer Gardens for a sold-out show on Friday.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Led by Diego Morales, the frontman for R&B’s The Soul Syndicate, the jazz trio serves as a side project and labor of love for a singer who grew up with The Rat Pack and other vintage vocalists. Read the back story about this emerging Michigan jazz outfit that plays SpeakEZ Lounge and Tip Top Deluxe this week.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-folk band returns home from a U.S. tour — after downsizing — and performs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Seth Bernard, The Preservers, Sligh, Kari Lynch and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids folk-rock band rocked Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new material from Red Sea Pedestrians, The Muteflutes, Dead Eye Zack, Matt Gabriel and more. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of The Crane Wives’ in-studio radio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The spring edition of HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios featured an up-and-coming West Michigan band with eclectic, diverse instrumentation and ever-changing rhythms. Check out the interview and performances by this unique ensemble in podcast, video and photos.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Local Spins Live
On his latest EP, “Fiction,” the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter aimed to “write something different” and he has plenty more compelling material where that came from. He’ll be sharing that music with lakeshore audiences in coming weeks. Read the Local Spins profile and check out his performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Commentary
For the second year in a row, a veteran Michigan musician has won over judges and fans on the NBC show. More important, Al-Saadi has shined a spotlight on the blues and on Mitten State talent. Read the Local Spins commentary and watch the videos of this week’s performances.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The performers became fast friends after battling each other in a hip hop competition. The duo is releasing its debut album, “The Great Ones,” on Saturday at Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids. Read the story and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast which also includes the premiere of tracks by Bangups, Heaters, Elroy Meltzer, Kari Lynch and more.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Summer Festivals
The emerging punk act will share stages with some “heavy hitters” on its current tour, with more big festival appearances and a special vinyl release on the docket for 2016. Read the story about this Grand Rapids band and check out its performance schedule.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
The popular Grand Rapids psychedelic garage rockers release a new album in August. Before that, they’ll headline Friday’s party, which includes release of Local Spinsation Ale and giveaways. Get details about Friday’s celebration and the band’s summer plans.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids electronic musician performed and discussed his growth as an artist as this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Michael Dause, The Soil & The Sun, Sligh and Silverstiles. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
With their new album, Channing Lee and Quinn Mathews have added a Great Lakes State perspective to their unique indie-folk — crowd-pleasing material that comes to life next week in concert at SpeakEZ Lounge in Grand Rapids. Read about this couple’s new studio project.
Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Features
Much like Joshua Davis in 2015, Laith Al-Saadi represents Michigan as the oldest remaining contestant in the NBC competition, impressing judges with his voice and guitar work. His bandmate back in Michigan says there’s no one quite like Al-Saadi and he knew he’d make it to the final rounds all along. Read the back story about this remarkable musician.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer Ryan Williams, the new Grand Rapids band rocked this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured the debut of tracks by Emma Loo, Graffiti, Darkly, The Eggtones and Downie. Listen to the podcast and check out a video of a song from the upcoming new album by The Change.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
With a new EP catching fire, the Grand Rapids band talked about its music for Local Spins Live, and performed on the air (and in a bank) as it prepares for Local Spins’ 4th anniversary show at Long Road Distillers on Saturday. Listen to the radio podcast and watch the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
The renowned Texas alt-country, roots rock and Americana artist plays Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center this week as he wraps up work on a studio album with R.E.M.’s Peter Buck. Read the Local Spins interview with this iconic singer-songwriter and listen to a playlist of Escovedo’s songs.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The Grand Rapids band working on its second EP performed during the Local Spins radio show, which also debuted tracks by Bill Ellingboe, Channing & Quinn, Watching for Foxes and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids’ The Outer Vibe talks about touring, new songs and getting a chance to regale hometown fans at a big weekend show at The Intersection being recorded for a live album. Listen to the podcast and check out the video of the band’s acoustic in-studio performance this week.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows
The fiery Michigan fiddler based in Traverse City is doing double-duty — balancing touring and performances with both bands. The Elders and Ladio play the Boat & Canoe Club in Grand Rapids on Saturday night. Read the story about this new Celtic music partnership.
