Breaking music news · Commentary
The Ionia County native is changing the face of bluegrass and bringing mainstream attention to an important American genre. A Local Spins commentary.
It comes straight from the musicians themselves: The sobering Labor Day assessment of where things stand for performers and songwriters after a cataclysmic, pandemic-impaired year. A must-read from Local Spins.
Commentary · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins’ authority on electronic music, DJ Todd Ernst, chimes in about this year’s lineup for Belknap Park’s Breakaway Music Festival, which gets unleashed Friday and Saturday in Grand Rapids. Check out his take, listen to a Breakaway playlist and browse the weekend schedule at Local Spins.
Behind the glamour: In today’s essay, musician and Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos reveals his struggles with mental health and explores this important, oft-neglected subject with other musicians and experts in the field. Plus, find links to mental health resources.
Today’s guest column by Grand Rapids musician Julio Gomez tackles the thorny issue of live music in a pandemic — a dilemma that’s definitely split Michigan’s community of performers, fans and venues. Gomez strongly urges bands to consider alternatives to in-person shows until it’s truly safe.
The series revealing the oddest, most miserable or embarrassing concert experiences in our music critics’ past brings us to Troy Reimink’s recollections of Pearl Jam, Built To Spill, Phil Collins and a band he still knows absolutely nothing about.
Breaking music news · Commentary
In March 2020, COVID shut down live music across Michigan. A year later, there’s hope for a slow return with more than 100 venues finally set to receive state aid within the next 30 days and industry experts saying some summer amphitheater concerts are possible.
The Super Bowl’s halftime star boasts a soundtrack of hits that’s not only perfect for the Big Game but one that tells the wretched tale of longstanding Lion woes. A special Sunday column and Weeknd playlist for long-suffering fans of a certain Detroit team.
Commentary · Guest Column · Videos
The latest in a series of guest columns by West Michigan musicians has award-winning Grand Rapids musician Patty PerShayla ruminating on the benefits of working in isolation during a pandemic — and how it taught her how to write again.
Commentary · Playlists · Videos
The world lost John Lennon of the Beatles to a brutal, stunning assassination on Dec. 8, 1980. He was just 40 years old. But 40 years later, the universe still reveres his music, still mourns the loss of this rock icon. Local Spins got some help from local musicians in assembling a Top 40 playlist for the ages.
Thanksgiving 2020 arrives today after a turbulent, scary and musically silent year unlike any other. But the region’s music community remains upbeat and thankful. See why these artists are so thankful and read their comments at Local Spins.
It’s been a grueling year for music-related businesses, including Local Spins. During Thanksgiving week, we’re especially grateful to our readers and those that continue to support what we do.
