This week, we asked Jammie Award winner and Local Spins’ Emerging Artist of the Year Jordan Hamilton to give us his top songs to get through the COVID-19 quarantine. An intriguing roster of tunes to be sure, from hip hop to jazz and more. Watch the videos, listen to the Kalamazoo cellist’s playlist on Spotify.
With Earth Day approaching, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla created a special soundtrack of songs to get us contemplating the state of our environment. Welcome to Tuesday’s Local Spins Playlist. Watch the videos, listen to the riveting songs at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Several weeks into this COVID-19 crisis, we need some tension-relieving music. And Michigan artists — new and old — supply the perfect soundtrack to lift our spirits, courtesy of this week’s Local Spins playlist. Check out the songs by the likes of Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, May Erlewine, Jack White, The Accidentals and The War & Treaty, and why they made our Tuesday list.
In Memoriam · Playlists · Videos
After a battle with COVID-19, folk and Americana icon John Prine passed away on Tuesday. This is Local Spins’ musical tribute to one of the country’s most influential artists. Listen to some of his most memorable songs; watch videos of his performances.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
This week’s Local Spins playlist inspired by the coronavirus crisis honors the brave doctors, nurses and health care workers who are helping heal the nation under dire circumstances — 16 songs featuring classics by Dr. Dre, Grace Potter, Bush, Jackson Browne, Michael Jackson, Foo Fighters, Motorhead and more. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
With folks self-quarantining and social-distancing — and virtually all live music entertainment shut down — Local Spins asked writer Troy Reimink to supply a stay-at-home soundtrack for the viral apocalypse. Watch the videos and listen to the Spotify playlist.
The Colorado bluegrass band with W. Michigan ties scrapped weekend Listening Room shows in Grand Rapids due to the COVID-19 crisis. But you can listen to songs they would have played live in this Local Spins playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Two dozen artists will rev up Friday’s Jammie Awards at The Intersection. Listen to them and learn more about these acts in Part II of Local Spins’ preview, which includes a full schedule of performances that you can save on your smartphone to take along for the big event.
Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
Two dozen artists will perform at the Jammie Awards on Feb. 14 at The Intersection. Listen to half of them and learn more about these acts — from JRob to Jack Droppers, Medicinal Groove to Michigander — in the first of two Jammies previews at Local Spins to help you get you ready for the big day.
The Big Game is tonight. But Local Spins unfolds another battle now: Which city boasts the best bands and songs from the rock ‘n’ roll era? Compare and listen to the Top 10 artists and their songs from San Francisco and K.C., and judge for yourself which city comes out on top.
Commentary · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
As the ever-woeful Detroit Lions get ready for their traditional Thanksgiving Day game, Local Spins recaps the sad history of the franchise with a rock ‘n’ roll playlist of reflective misery. The pre-game column, playlist and videos.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The young modern jazz band led by Dutcher Snedeker kicks off the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival in Grand Rapids Thursday, with a full-length album set for release in 2020. Get the back story on the band and a full weekend performance schedule for the Wine, Beer & Food Festival at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Once again, it’s time to fling open the coffin lid on another batch of haunting musical gems at Local Spins, from time-tested classics to brand new Michigan-bred thrillers, aka, the perfect Halloween soundtrack. Listen to the playlist, watch the videos, have your hair stand on end at Local Spins.
Commentary · Features · Playlists · Videos
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the release of The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” in the United Kingdom. And because The Beatles are one of the most covered bands of all time, Local Spins has compiled a playlist of the best covers of songs from this classic album, from Aerosmith and Joe Cocker to Elliott Smith and Florence + The Machine. Check out the videos and listen to the songs on Spotify.
Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Playlists
Wednesday’s thunderstorm knocked out critical equipment along with Friday’s upcoming edition of Local Spins on WYCE. So, you can listen to some of the songs from the show right here.
Hoxeyville Music Festival unfurls this weekend in northern Michigan with a who’s who lineup and lots of groovy activities. Local Spins and some festival performers preview the three-day affair. Check out the Hoxeyville schedule which you can save on your smartphone to take along and listen to a playlist of festival performers.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
“Rocket Man” and “Space Oddity” certainly are appropriate song selections to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the lunar landing. But there are also some hidden and unusual spacey gems in this Local Spins playlist.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Celebrate Independence Day with a Local Spins soundtrack for the holiday that’s all about freedom, in all its glory, with songs by everyone from Jimi Hendrix to Neil Young to Tom Petty to Beyonce.
With The Who rocking Grand Rapids tonight, longtime Who fan and Local Spins contributor Charley Honey wasn’t fooling around when he assembled this hard-hitting playlist of classic faves. As he’ll attest, even in their 70s, “The Kids Are Alright.” Warm up for the show by listening to these classic tracks.
With Metallica returning to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Wednesday, Local Spins asked resident metal correspondent John Serba to create a career-spanning playlist “in the spirit of giddy, nostalgic anticipation” and to warm up fans for the big sold-out show. Enjoy.
Rock’s flamboyant blood-spitters make a ‘farewell’ tour stop at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Saturday. That means it’s time to unleash a John Serba playlist of KISS classics, the[…]
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The California folk duo brings a full band – and some beautiful, sad songs – to Grand Rapids’ St. Cecilia Music Center on Thursday. Read the Local Spins interview with band co-founder Joey Ryan, check out videos and listen to a Spotify playlist created by Ryan exclusively for Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows · Videos
With Michigan’s soulful roots phenomenon The War and Treaty playing Grand Rapids on Sunday, Local Spins asked Michael and Tanya Trotter to assemble Top 10 playlists of their favorite songs — lists which say a lot about their own music. Listen to the tracks and see why they’re special to this Albion couple.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Grand Rapids’ masked champions of surf rock, The Concussions, play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday. So, Local Spins asked The Concussions’ Dick Chiclet, aka Tommy Schichtel, for an off-the-beaten-path holiday playlist with a retro twist. Check out the videos and listen to some classic Christmas tunes you may have never heard before.
The legendary British singer-songwriter and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer hits Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Saturday, the perfect time to unleash this career-spanning soundtrack.
Guest Column · Playlists · Videos
Local Spins columnist and DJ Todd Ernst first met — and was transfixed by — Thievery Corporation more than two decades ago. With the band playing Grand Rapids this weekend, he retraces his journey as a Thievery Corporation fan.
Hard to believe, but there may be more duplicity and rancor today than there was during the 2016 presidential campaign. But we’ve got some new songs on a Top 10 Local Spins playlist to make you smile at the polls.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
It’s Halloween week, so who better than the death-metal, horror-movie honcho John Serba himself to round up a decad of creepy cool tunes for the ghoulish holiday. Watch the videos, listen to the playlist on Spotify.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
With Elton’s farewell tour stopping at Van Andel Arena Monday, Grand Rapids artist Mic Carlson, who’s seen the piano legend 30-plus times and featured him in countless paintings, lists his top EJ songs of all time. Listen to the songs on Spotify, watch the videos, check out a photo gallery of Carlson’s artwork.
Festivals · Photos · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
Audiotree gives regional acts such as Michigander, Lushh, Moss Jaw and Jake Simmons WIDR platform with a brand new second stage; brings top tier national talent to Kalamazoo this weekend. Check out the complete schedule, videos, a playlist and more.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This weekend’s season-ending celebration on Earthwork Farm outside Lake City will attract thousands, many of them musicians. Singer-songwriter Brian Koenigsknecht offers up his Top 5 reasons to attend. And listen to a Local Spins playlist of songs by festival performers.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With the Celtic festival unfurling this weekend in Muskegon, Diana Ladio of Michigan’s The Moxie Strings offers up the Top 5 reasons to attend plus a Top 10 playlist of songs by festival performers.
The Albion duo of Michael and Tanya Trotter — The War and Treaty — has impressed critics with its new album, which led the way on a chart that also featured four more new entries, including Peace to Mateo and Joshua Davis. Listen to tracks from all five releases.
Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
With piano rock legend Elton John kicking off a farewell tour that includes an October stop in Grand Rapids — and SpeakEZ hosting an Elton John tribute show — Local Spins picks 20 underplayed EJ gems. Listen to the playlist, watch the videos from a robust career.
The much-beloved Detroit icon died Thursday at age 76. Local Spins pays tribute to this influential soul superstar with a playlist of her enduring hits.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With new stages, enhancements and a robust lineup, the three-day ‘granddaddy’ festival on a cattle farm in southern Kent County this weekend shapes up as the best yet. Get the preview, full weekend schedule and forecast, plus a festival playlist at Local Spins.
The celebrated Grand Rapids film and music critic gets fans ready for Slayer’s farewell fusillade at Van Andel Arena on Tuesday with a scary-good soundtrack of metal mayhem, in vintage Serba fashion. Watch the videos, listen to the playlist on Spotify.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Now a proven festival attraction, Mo Pop is set to roll out Bon Iver, The National, St. Vincent and Michigan favorites like Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers. Mo Pop takes over downtown Detroit this weekend. Preview some highlights and a festival soundtrack.
There’s nothing like it anywhere. The Beaver Island Music Festival is a musical experience and escape unlike any other this summer. Get the lowdown — and a festival soundtrack — at Local Spins. Listen to the playlist of festival acts, get background on this unique Michigan celebration.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
This year’s edition of the two-weekend music festival in Rothbury kicks off Thursday afternoon. Get a musical preview via two Local Spins’ playlists, check out valuable links and a map for your Electric Forest visit and find out why so many fans come back to this special place year after year.
Concert announcements · Playlists · Summer Concerts
The Thursday night series on the Grand Rapids Art Museum terrace boasts seven weeks of performances by Michigan stars, including Yolonda Lavender, Organissimo, Fauxgrass, Earth Radio and others. See the full schedule at Local Spins and check out a Spotify playlist of songs from GRAM on the Green artists.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With Detroit native Jack White set for an epic sold-out Grand Rapids show Saturday at 20 Monroe Live, Local Spins asked photographer and fan Anna Sink to create a career-spanning playlist for West Michigan concertgoers. Check out the videos and the Spotify playlist of classic White tunes at Local Spins.
For this year’s Halloween roster of haunting songs, Local Spins turned to Tip Top Deluxe co-owner — and vintage horror devotee — Ted Smith to create a scary-soundtrack for the creepy holiday. Ogle the vidoes, listen to the playlist on Spotify.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With Jake Kershaw hosting a Grand Rapids album-release show Thursday, Local Spins asked the 17-year-old musician to share his favorite, most influential tunes — from John Mayer to Cream to Tommy Castro. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
In the wake of Monday’s death of rock icon Tom Petty, Local Spins asked West Michigan musician Jack Leaver — who fronts a Petty tribute band — to list his top Petty tunes, with Local Spins publisher offering up his under-the-radar picks of Petty classics you might not know but should Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlists.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With a brand new album, “Pluto,” heating things up, Joe Hertler of Michigan’s Rainbow Seekers rolls out his summer festival Top 10 playlist — the third Local Spins roster of songs aimed at getting fans ready for Electric Forest, which officially begins today in Rothbury. Hertler’s list of songs is appropriately “house and techno” in nature. Listen to the songs, watch the videos.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Top 10 Lists
One of Michigan’s hottest bands, Traverse City’s The Accidentals, rolls out the second of three Local Spins playlists aimed at warming fans up for Electric Forest, which kicks off Thursday in Rothbury. The band’s roster boasts lots of Michigan acts; watch the videos and check out the Spotify playlist.
Electric Forest performer Vox Vidorra of Grand Rapids chimes in with the first of three Local Spins playlists geared to get folks ready for the two-weekend music festival coming up in Rothbury, Michigan. From Kendrick Lamar to Nina Simone, listen to the songs and watch the videos; check out the full playlist on Spotify.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Upcoming shows
The Les Claypool-led Primus plays a sold-out Grand Rapids show on Saturday. Naturally, Local Spins writer and Primus buff Troy Reimink figured it was the perfect time to roll out his Primus Top 10. Check out the videos and Spotify playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-respected, Leland-based indie-rocker and painter has added Grand Rapids guitarist-producer Tommy Schichtel to his “very special” band, with two Michigan performances as part of a spring U.S. tour. Read about this much-respected Michigan artist, listen to Sprout’s music and check out his playlist of favorite songs.
