Local Spins Rewind · Playlists
This column ran prior to the 2021 Super Bowl, with the wretched tale of the Lions told in hit singles by last year’s halftime performer, The Weeknd. Come back next week when we’ll do the same for the 2022 roster of halftime stars.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
The Local Spins series continues today with a focus on recordings that most influenced the frontman for Grand Rapids indie-rock’s Major Murphy, from the Beatles to Breathe Owl Breathe to Here We Go Magic. Sample all of the albums, plus tracks from Major Murphy’s latest release.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today’s installment of this popular Local Spins series features albums that influenced and shaped mid-Michigan producer and musician Jake Rye, who’s spun the dials on some impressive projects. Listen to tracks from all of his picks.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The frontwoman for Detroit’s Laura Rain & The Caesars not surprisingly has been shaped by the music of classic R&B and funk artists. Listen to tracks from all of her picks at Local Spins.
The debut release from the Kalamazoo band fronted by Benje Daneman nudged out The Bootstrap Boys and Hacky Turtles to top all local and regional albums in airplay at WYCE-FM for December. Listen to tracks from all of the Hot Top 5 albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The first “Albums That Changed the World” feature for 2022 stars Full Cord bluegrass mandolinist Brian Oberlin, who reveals influences with an acoustic, bluegrass and classical bent. Check out his selections and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
For the second year in a row, humorous tunes about the pandemic — fueled by creative musicians — earned robust attention from readers. It’s No. 2 in our 2021 countdown and Local Spins’ No.1 story of all-time. View the videos, plus listen to “songs for the apocalypse,” a roster of COVID-inspired songs by Michigan musicians and a playlist tribute to health care workers.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Well-known West Michigan guitarist Mike Dodge is the focus of this week’s “Three Albums that Changed My World” feature, revealing some true, modern music classics. Check out his picks, listen to the music.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Some compelling albums across a wide spectrum have inspired Grand Rapids singer Hannah Rose Graves, who also reveals her current penchant for Nashville darling Margo Price. Listen to tracks from her picks, as well as songs by Graves herself.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Recordings by The Rolling Stones, Gillian Welch and Sonic Youth had a big impact on studio owner Ian Gorman, who also revealed his penchant for the latest album by West Michigan’s own Patty PerShayla. Check out his album picks, plus listen to a couple of tracks from the band in which he’s been a member for 15 years.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series focusing on records that most influenced Michigan musicians continues with Desmond Jones drummer/multi-instrumentalist John Nowak, who explores a diverse roster of artists. Get the back story, listen to the music — plus a couple of tracks from Desmond Jones, which plays a Thanksgiving Eve show in Grand Rapids..
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Today, Local Spins spotlights the albums that most influenced Earth Radio singer and keyboardist Hannah Laine. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus songs from a current favorite and the latest from Earth Radio.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series showcasing music that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with hip hop’s Rick Chyme. Check out his picks; listen to tracks from all of the records.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
On Saturday, Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cameron Blake plays a special show at Listening Room. Today, he shares the recordings that most influenced him. Plus, win tickets to see him live.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Exactly one year ago, Local Spins compiled a Top 10 list of its readers’ favorite terrifying tracks for a spine-tingling soundtrack. As a Halloween bonus, see what acts scare them the most.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
For this year’s creepy soundtrack, Local Spins asked dark folk/gothic Americana artist and Halloween lover Stovepipe Stover for his eeriest favorites, from Killer Klowns to a witch’s doo-wop ode to a local gem. Listen to the songs and watch the videos at Local Spins, if you dare.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
As head of a Grand Rapids rock band and concert booking guru for Calvin University, Jack Droppers has a unique impact on West Michigan’s music scene. And these are the albums that have impacted his life the most. Get the back story and listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Uncategorized · Upcoming shows
The acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist plays Grand Rapids’ Listening Room on Saturday as he returns to the road. The Local Spins interview, plus see how you can win tickets to the show.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Rapids musician Steve Leaf, who recently assumed sound engineering duties at Listening Room, today reveals the recordings that influenced him most. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
This week’s edition of “Albums That Changed the World” reveals the recordings that forever influenced young Michigan guitarist Jake Kershaw. Check out his picks and bend an ear to all of the recordings, along with a couple of Kershaw’s recent singles.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Best known for his work with Jack White and Steppin’ In It, bassist and Michigan native Dominic John Davis boasts an eclectic array of musical influences. He shares those today with readers at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Rachael Davis plays Grand Rapids on Thursday, but before that, she reveals the recordings that most influenced her career. Listen to tracks from the albums and see how you can win tickets to Davis’ Listening Room show.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Luke Winslow-King plays Grand Rapids on Thursday and two northern Michigan music festivals this weekend. Today, he reveals the recordings that helped shape his own career. Listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins and see how you can win tickets to see his ‘Listening Lawn’ show at Studio Park this week.
Albums that Changed the World · Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Michigan artist and former Guided by Voices member opens his Midwest tour Friday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room. The Local Spins interview, with his picks for songs and bands that influenced him most.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series focusing on recordings that most influenced Michigan artists continues with Grand Rapids studio owner Tommy Schichtel, who’s also frontman for The Concussions. View his list, listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla today reveals the albums that most influenced her, along with a current favorite on her playlist. Listen to tracks from all of the albums, plus a song from the new release by Patty PerShayla & The Mayhaps.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
Female artists, not surprisingly, have had a big impact on the music of country singer Kari Lynch. Today, she reveals the albums that influenced her most, along with a current favorite band on her playlist. Plus, listen to a track from her band’s latest release.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists · Videos
The frontman for West Michigan’s popular Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys reveals the rootsy, blue-collar gems that have influenced him the most, from Johnny Cash to Bruce Springsteen. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the artists.
After more than a year, the popular Traverse City folk-rock trio is back on the road and eyeing release of the much-anticipated ‘Vessel’ this fall. The Local Spins interview, with a Top 10 playlist of The Accidentals’ favorite current tracks and a photo gallery from their early July concert at Meijer Gardens.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Haven sound engineer Bill Chrysler has toured the world with some of the biggest names in the business. Today, he reveals the albums that inspired him to pursue his music industry career.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Playlists
In honor of today’s Juneteenth celebration, Local Spins Rewind revisits its compelling playlist from a panel of musicians who chose emerging black artists with great potential from the region who deserve a brighter spotlight. Check out the roster of artists and listen to their music at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With chart-topping success for music from Lord Huron’s latest album, frontman Ben Schneider today reveals the recordings that have inspired him the most, from hip hop to vintage country to “shining” art rock. View his picks and listen to tracks from the albums at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The ultra-collaborative, award-winning Kalamazoo musician has long been fascinated by the cello and orchestral music — and, yes, hip hop. Today, he reveals the albums that shaped his career.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Versatile Lansing keyboardist Jim Alfredson, a founding member of the jazz organ trio Organissimo, today reveals the albums that helped shape his career, along with some current favorites. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Longtime Grand Rapids-area sound engineer/musician Kurt Ehinger is a mainstay when it comes to providing fans with stellar concert experiences. Today, he reveals the recordings that influenced him most, and you can listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With the American music icon hitting a major milestone today, Local Spins asked West Michigan singer-songwriter and Dylan devotee Nicholas James Thomasma to offer up a playlist for the ages. Listen to the tracks and see why these songs are on his Top 10 list, plus watch a brand new video of Thomasma & his band covering a Dylan classic.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
As recognizable as any current West Michigan rapper, Jeff “JRob” Robinson today reveals the three albums that shaped his own music. Check out and listen to his his picks, along with an artist at the top of his current playlist and JRob’s latest single.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
He’s been the go-to guy on keyboards for Joshua Davis, Larry McCray, May Erlewine and many others for years. Today, Michigan’s Mike Lynch reveals the three albums that influenced and inspired him most. View the roster and listen to tracks from all of those career-shaping collections.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood is a smiling, omnipresent force in West Michigan’s music scene. Today, he reveals the three albums that most shaped his career — plus a couple of current faves from Argentina. View his list, listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
As jazz director at Blue Lake Public Radio, Lazaro Vega has become West Michigan’s voice of jazz — heard daily on the radio. Today, he reveals the albums that have inspired him the most.
Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
A couple of years ago, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla assembled a special soundtrack of songs for saving our environment. Listen up again on Earth Day. PerShayla plays a special Local Spins Fest edition of ‘Songtellers’ at Listening Room on May 17 with an all-star cast of West Michigan songwriters.
Audio · Features · Playlists · Videos
On what’s become an annual holiday for many, today’s special playlist from Agri-Med and Local Spins reveals the most popular cannabis-inspired tunes as chosen by readers in our 4/20 contest. Peruse the diverse 20+4 list and see which four readers won smoking-cool gift packs.
Albums that Changed the World · Features · Playlists
As a West Michigan music scene mainstay, Bimini Brother and solo artist Dennie Middleton gets around. Today, he reveals the albums that influenced his career the most, along with a current favorite. Listen to tracks from all of his selected albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
The esteemed Michigan singer and guitarist reveals the artists and albums which most shaped his musical passion and his career, along with a current favorite. Find out why they were so influential and listen to tracks from each recording at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting music that shaped the careers of West Michigan musicians continues with Grand Rapids’ Robin Connell who cites Mel Lewis, Chick Corea, Bill Evans and a current (and related) fave. Check out the picks and listen to tracks from each artist.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting recordings that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with Americana/outlaw country artist Nathan Kalish, whose inspirations vary widely. Listen to his picks, along with a track from his most recent album.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
For this week’s playlist, Local Spins asked Michigan’s The Moxie Strings to unfurl a Top 10 playlist of Celtic tracks to serve as a St. Patrick’s Day soundtrack for Wednesday’s upcoming celebrations. The selections span the globe. Plus, see where some of those St. Paddy’s parties are taking place.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
With his own new solo album on the way this spring, Michigan music ambassador Seth Bernard today reveals the three albums that most influenced his career, along with a current favorite. Listen to tracks from all of his selections (along with a standout Bernard song) as part of this week’s playlist.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Grand Rapids Symphony Associate Conductor John Varineau retires in May after three dozen years with the distinguished orchestra. Today, he reveals the albums that helped shape his career, from Stravinsky to CSNY. Check out the playlist, along with a track from Grand Rapids Symphony.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
The lead singer of the popular post-hardcore band from Grand Rapids reveals the recordings that most influenced his career, along with a current favorite on his playlist. Check out tracks from these artists in a special Spotify playlist, plus a song from La Dispute’s most recent album.
