Album reviews · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
The War & Treaty’s debut EP topped July’s Hot Top 5 for WYCE airplay, with Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus’ solo CD right behind. Check out a review of that album and other new Michigan releases.
The Michigan native continues to turn heads nationally as he prepares to release a full-length debut album in September. Read more about Billy Strings and listen to a track from his upcoming new recording.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Kalamazoo
The band with roots at Western Michigan University revels in ‘creative freedom’ as it churns out distinctive jazz fusion and soul. Read the Local Spins review of the “Nebulushh” EP, listen to tracks by the up-and-coming band.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
opping the early August batch of new releases is the Sony Music Masterworks debut for a popular Traverse City trio, plus fresh recordings from an eclectic bunch of West Michigan artists. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of the new music.
Audio · Breaking music news · Hot Top 5 · Videos
The Grand Rapids bluegrass musician’s latest solo album soared to WYCE’s top spot, with the Jim Shaneberger Band appearing on the chart for the third month in a row. Listen to music from all five artists who made May’s Hot Top 5 and check out the list of new local releases.
Audio · Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
The festival’s opening night at Camp Blodgett along the lakeshore between Grand Haven and Holland boasted sets by The Waverlys and Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, plus the usual VW bus-inspired camaraderie. Check out the photo gallery and audio clips from this kickoff to Memorial Day weekend.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE
Much-respected jazz advocate and Grand Rapids pianist Robin Connell is a self-described ‘workhorse’ who will be honored at a May 15 banquet. Learn more about this devoted musician and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast featuring performances with Connell and singer Kathy Lamar.
Audio · Guest Column · Videos
In this Local Spins guest column, Grand Rapids writer and musician Charley Honey revisits the life-changing experience of ‘Sgt. Pepper.’ Check out his take on the album five decades on, listen to the album and find links to other stories about the iconic recording.
Album Releases · Audio · Videos
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.
Announcements · Audio · Breaking music news · Local Spins at SXSW
To mark their return to South by Southwest, Traverse City’s The Accidentals released the first single from their upcoming new album today. And five other Michigan acts headed for a Michigan House-Austin showcase have recorded fresh songs for SXSW and ArtPrize. All six premiere here at Local Spins. Listen to the songs, read the back story.
Audio · Features · Kalamazoo · Music on Campus · Videos
Western Michigan University’s renowned jazz studies program has added another feather to its cap: Double bass instructor Tom Knific is lauded by Musical America as one of the top 30 innovative music professionals of the year.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows · Videos
The award-winning Michigan country artist with Texas roots continues to build his fan base with shows across the state, including several in the Grand Rapids area. Read more about Drew Hale and listen to his music in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Comprised of five emerging Grand Rapids EDM artists, “Samsara” released its debut mixtape ahead of a showcase at The Pyramid Scheme on Feb. 16. Read the back story of this new collective and listen to the mixtape.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
With deep roots in West Michigan, Midnight Pilot band members are finding key connections in ‘the center of the music universe’ as they create some engaging indie-rock/Americana music. Read the story, listen to the new EP, watch a video.
Audio · Breaking music news · Videos
In a Local Spins exclusive, Grand Rapids jam band Desmond Jones has produced and released its first music video. And listen to the new single from blues guitarist Jim Shaneberger and his band, who crank out a real gem from a CD slated for release in February.
Audio · Features · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
The Outer Vibe releases a new EP this week at a Grand Rapids homecoming show. The band reflects on its recent move to Nashville where the rock/pop band stands out from the country pack. Learn about the band’s experiences in Nashville thus far and listen to a new single.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
Frontman Gunnar Nyblad promises ‘more goosebumps’ for West Michigan country fans with this week’s homecoming and CD-release shows. Read the story and album review, and listen to a new song by Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys as they strive to become a ‘Great American Band.’
Earthwork Music’s Seth Bernard and The Go Rounds’ Mike Savina recorded the lengthy track in October, with proceeds from digital sales donated to support the cause in North Dakota. Listen to the song and purchase it for download. And get details about two fund-raising shows by Desmond Jones and Mystic Dub.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins Live · Videos
Rev up December in style — and get a headstart on your Christmas CD shopping — with this Local Spins round-up of local and regional releases, which also spotlights new CDs from Murder Party, Bet on Rats and Cousin Avery, along with audio samples from the bands.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Audio
With her new EP and Michigan tour, the singer-songwriter wants to create a welcoming community during the holidays for those facing “loss or struggles in their lives.” Read the story about this unique recording project and check out the Local Spins review.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
his November round-up of new local and regional releases covers the retro-rock of The Concussions and The JetBeats, plus fresh music from Diff & Dudley, Plain Jane Glory and Four Lincolns. Check out the reviews and listen to some samples of music from the new albums.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
New Music Wednesday at Local Spins ranged from The JetBeats’ radio appearance for Local Spins Live to release of Rick Chyme & Nixon’s politically charged new track to The Accidentals unfurling a gorgeous and touching Beatles cover (and video) with help from The Decemberists’ Jenny Conlee. Some of it was inspired by reaction to Tuesday’s election, all of it is eclectically impressive … only at Local Spins.
Announcements · Audio · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
After six years and two recordings, Grand Rapids pop-punk band Maybe Next Time plans to take an “indefinite hiatus” as life pulls the group in “different directions.” The band plays its final show Saturday in Holland.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE
The Mainstays’ sophomore album, “Another Way,” reflects three years of growth as a band. The popular funksters host CD-release shows this weekend in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Read more about the group’s journey.
Like Ministry (and Alice Cooper), Grand Rapids musician Brian Haik really wishes every day was Halloween, so he concocted his own roster of rock-oriented, fun Top 10 faves for the Local Spins Halloween guest playlist. Listen to the songs, check out the videos while you’re getting your monster gear and werewolf garb ready.
There’s no party like a Murder Party Halloween party. And this Grand Rapids rock band’s frontman has come up with a menacingly maniacal Top 10 party soundtrack that even boasts a local flavor.
Audio · Breaking music news · Videos
Billy Strings says he eats, sleeps and breathes bluegrass music. Well, the Michigan-bred bluegrass whiz who moved from Traverse City to Nashville late last year continues to turn heads with his guitar prowess, and has now earned an industry Momentum Award. Read the story and listen to a new song from his recent solo EP.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
From folk to country to metal and more, this August round-up of new releases by Michigan artists covers the gamut. Check out reviews of the recordings, audio samples and see where you can catch these performers live.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
This August batch of album reviews covers an eclectic mix of genres, including releases from Jeremy Ensley, Bill Ellingboe, KidsonFire and The Preservers. Check out these new releases by regional artists, with audio samples to boot.
The second Local Spins batch of mid-year album reviews also takes a gander at new releases by The Ragbirds, Graffiti, Tiles and Christopher Sloan, with audio samples to boot.
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.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The first batch of mid-year reviews of new local and regional recordings also spotlights Emma Loo, Glass-House, Trash Hounds and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews and listen to samples from the new albums.
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.
Audio · Features · Local Spins Exclusives
Grand Rapids soul-rock band Vox Vidorra will release a limited-edition 7-inch EP on Record Store Day. Get a sneak-peek listen to one of the tracks only at Local Spins.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos
Check out photos o Michigan bands in Austin, listen to a new track by Flint Eastwood and check out the Local Spins on WYCE podcast, all recorded at Michigan House during SXSW.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
From Detroit to Grand Rapids and beyond, Michigan bands unleashed new music in special recording sessions at Michigan House-Austin during SXSW. Local Spins was there to capture the vibe. Listen to the tracks, experience Mitten music.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
With a new EP set for release later this year, Traverse City’s The Accidentals stopped by Michigan House-Austin during South by Southwest this week to record a new song, the day before playing an official SXSW showcase for a rapt crowd. Listen to it here.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The uber-talented 19-year-old musician and singer currently is studying Down Under but plans more live performances, a music video and a full-length album after she returns to West Michigan later this year. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature on this up-and-coming Grand Haven singer-songwriter, listen to her music and watch a video of her performing.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The band of siblings which plays Grand Rapids Wednesday boasts an eclectic approach. Watch the video and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast which includes the premiere of new tracks by The Crane Wives, Devin & The Dead Frets, The Balsam Brothers, Dear Tracks, Paddy’s Cure, The Lippies and more
Audio · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The early March music news roundup takes a look at frontman R.J. Nordlund’s departure from an emerging West Michigan rock band and a first-ever U.S. tour for a youthful Grand Rapids pop and hip hop artist. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
The third installation of Local Spins’ late-year roundup of new local and regional releases also includes a new single from Steve Rivers and a Christmas EP by The Crane Wives. Check out the reviews and listen to the music.
With the holidays approaching, Local Spins rolls out Phase One of its year-end roundup of albums released by regional acts, featuring some intriguing projects from An Dro, Megan Dooley, The Bootstrap Boys and more. Check out the reviews, with audio samples to boot.
Audio · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The extraordinary, unique event returns to Eastown with 33 diverse performances, plus classes and workshops, all unfolding in three homes. Get the lowdown here and check out Local Spins’ “five acts to catch” at Lamp Light 2015.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Commentary
Beyond the well-known breakout artists already stepping out nationally are a host of emerging, under-the-radar West Michigan bands and solo acts. Here’s 15 of them to check out in words and music, from Hollywood Makeout to hi-ker to J. Rob to Shane Tripp to Cardboard Swords to Brother Adams.
Audio · Breaking music news · Features
With the band’s new single hitting download and streaming services today, the Grand Rapids alt-rockers don’t intend to release a new CD after all, but will ‘put out songs as we write them.’ Read the story and listen to The Verve Pipe’s new song, “If I Could Make You Feel.”
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Upcoming shows
After returning from Scotland, the couple takes its folk/bluegrass duo project on the road, with plenty more Flatbellys travels on the horizon. Read the back story about Time & Luck and learn what’s next for The Flatbellys.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Playing Rockford Brewing tonight (Friday) with his band, the drummer and guitarist continues to churn out catchy pop-rock. Watch a video of a new song and listen to the radio podcast of Local Spins on WYCE No. 40 with the debut of new tracks by Peat in the Creel, Bong Mountain, Rochelle & The Spoilers and more.
May’s batch of Local Spins album reviews covers the gamut from soul to folk, a round-up that also includes new releases from Plain Jane Glory, Watching for Foxes and Complicated Animals. Check out the reviews, with links to audio samples and upcoming gig schedules for the featured bands.
Audio · Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The March 6 edition of Local Spins on WYCE (Show No. 28) heralds the debut of Nordlund, a new country project led by RJ Nordlund, plus a bevy of regional music gems. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of the in-studio performance of a brand new Nordlund song.
Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Check out the full podcast of the 24th edition of Local Spins on WYCE with an in-studio performance by Blake and song debuts by an eclectic array of West Michigan bands and solo artists.
