Commentary · Photos · Summer Festivals
Three days at the wondrous and sprawling festival in Rothbury can feel like a year anywhere else. Local Spins writer Ryan Boldrey immersed himself in Electric Forest for the first time and found surprises throughout, as well as a supportive, caring ‘Forest Family’ that extends to a drug-free faction of the community. Check out his column, browse the photo gallery.
Audio · Commentary · RSVP Music Chat · Upcoming shows
The first RSVP Music Chat podcast of 2019 reviews the history of a long-running benefit for charity which rocks Founders again on Sunday and explores the reasons why musicians feel so compelled to donate time for worthy causes. Browse a list of all the bands that have played a quarter-century of Feedback benefits and listen to a previously unreleased, live Honeytones performance from the first event in 1994.
Commentary · Photos · Videos
Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s biggest album, Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics took a nostalgic journey to Liverpool and London to evaluate The Beatles’ place in history. Check out this special column, photo gallery and videos.
This annual Local Spins Labor Day column spotlights the financial quandary of working musicians, many of whom work long hours, often for little pay. And it’s spiced up with new comments from many of them. Be part of the discussion.
Commentary · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos ventured into the giant South by Southwest fest for the first time this year. Here are his highlights, plus images by photographer Anna Sink of some of her favorite SXSW sets.
Breaking music news · Commentary
The longtime operator of Blue Suede Shows passed away from liver cancer earlier this week, sparking a flood of memories from those who knew him as a mover and shaker in the music scene. Read what some of them had to say.
Tonight (Saturday), Grand Rapids’ Lady Ace Boogie hosts an impressive lineup of West Michigan’s hip hop talent. Local Spins columnist Ryan Nehring reflects on the return of hip hop to Billy’s and what it means for purveyors of this genre to have a mid-size venue for their art.
Breaking music news · Commentary
Facebook has made changes that could affect how often you’re alerted to the marvelous music news that Local Spins works hard to provide. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss a beat.
Commentary · Looking for the Perfect Beat · Upcoming shows
Legendary DJ Mark Farina plays a much-buzzed-about show Saturday at Founders Brewing in Grand Rapids. He recently shared insights into his musical history — which began in Chicago — with Local Spins columnist Todd Ernst. Read the interview, listen to his music as part of the first Local Spins “Looking for the Perfect Beat” feature.
Audio · Commentary · Features · Kalamazoo
In his Local Spins debut, writer Ryan Nehring pays tribute to Kalamazoo performer, singer, MC and host of the “PUT UP or SHUT UP” open-mic night who passed away unexpectedly last month. Read about this influential West Michigan artist in Ryan’s poignant column.
For the third year, Local Spins calendars are spotlighting emerging Michigan acts with a national buzz in its calendars, not to mention Michigan music festivals. Get the lowdown on these unique Michigan-made artifacts and order yours by Tuesday to ensure delivery by Christmas.
Breaking music news · Commentary
It was no contest. This year’s Jammie Award ballot is proof of Michigan’s burgeoning, impressive talent. Check out the local nominees for best new artist of the year and links to news about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees.
