Local Spins’ annual Labor Day column targeting hurdles still faced by working musicians in 2022 focuses on sobering results of a new Michigan Music Alliance survey. Peruse this year’s report and read comments from Michigan musicians.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Local Spins’ Looking for the Perfect Beat columnist Todd Ernst gives West Michigan fans a sneak preview of The Windy City’s second annual massive celebration of electronic music starring Fatboy Slim, Carl Craig & more. View the schedule and tips for attending ARC Music Festival.
Looking for the Perfect Beat · Summer Festivals · Videos
West Michigan DJ, Local Spins columnist and electronic music guru Todd Ernst previews this weekend’s mega-fest in GR’s Belknap Park — his artists to watch, tips for a better experience and the inside dope. Plus, view the weekend schedule and check out videos from headlining artists.
Super Bowl weekend once again delivers a Local Spins playlist for the ages: A roundup of songs by this year’s halftime performers that tells the tragic tale of the Motor City’s last-place Lions. Hey, things can only get better from here, right?
Commentary · Local Spins Rewind
Thanksgiving 2021 arrives this coming week after another turbulent year. But there’s plenty to be thankful for, so Local Spins Rewind revisits messages of gratitude from West Michigan musicians.
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.
