Local Spins airs two live podcasts each week: Local Spins Live (12:06 p.m. Wednesdays on WJRW News Talk 1340) and Local Spins on WYCE (11 a.m. Fridays on 88.1 WYCE). The recorded shows are available here, as well as on iTunes.
Be part of the RSVP Music Chat! Leave your comments, thoughts, questions below and you might be on our next podcast!
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids super-group previewed its upcoming release on this week’s WYCE radio show, which also debuted music by Nathan Kalish, Lushh, The Plastic Bears, El Brandino, Urban Cowboy and more. Read the back story about the band, listen to the podcast, watch a video of Earth Radio’s in-studio performance.
Sustaining a career in music takes perseverance, hard work and talent, says Roger Brown, who’s managed a musical life for more than four decades. And don’t reject opportunities when they’re offered. It’s all part of the latest RSVP podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s edition of the radio show featured an in-studio session powered by a singer-guitarist with an illustrious past — collaborating with Ringo Starr, touring with Freddy Fender — plus new tracks by Suzies, Joel Mabus, Twin Flame, EPCYA and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the videos.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Podcasts
Local Spins’ February segment on Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” showcased fresh releases by Grand Rapids artists covering a broad range of styles. Check out the podcast, along with profiles of the featured artists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s edition of the radio show also featured music from Sleep Cheaters, LVRS, Jeremy Ensley, Lushh, Skyking, Ttypes and An Dro. Listen to the full podcast, watch the in-studio video of The Founding’s performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new debut album, the Grand Rapids band performed this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music from The War & Treaty, VAZUM and Skyking. Read the story, watch the video of Jack Droppers’ in-studio performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.
For Episode No. 11 of Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast, the duo welcomes River City Studios owner and engineer Roy Wallace to talk about how bands can better prepare for recording an album or EP, and what they often get wrong. Listen to this enlightening session from an expert audio engineer.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Releasing its first album in 12 years, the Latin-fueled Grand Rapids band performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Barn on Fire, Ian Link, The Aquaerials, Borns, EPCYA, Jack & the Bear and more. Listen to the full podcast, read the story, watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
One of Grand Rapids’ favorite rock bands performed new and old songs in-studio and chatted about getting more eclectic on their next studio album. Read the story, listen to the HopCat Presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios podcast, watch the video.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
This week’s episode of Local Spins on WYCE featured in-studio performances by Lynch and the Blue Water Ramblers, plus new music from Public Access, Darin Zarzecki, Seth Bernard, The Krelboynes, Max Morrison, Laura Rain, Spike the Media and Jeremy Porter & The Tucosrs (and check out a video, too).
For this January episode, Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast sat down with Intersection general manager Scott Hammontree to talk about booking, landing tours and how local bands get on concert bills. Listen to this fascinating conversation about what happens behind the scenes.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The West Michigan trio brought its electronic wizardry to this week’s radio show, which also boasted the debut of tracks by Shane Tripp, Peat in the Creel, Venson Dix and Bruce Matthews. Listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also featured songs by performers at the upcoming Jammie Awards.
The first Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast of 2018 tackles the intriguing popularity of tribute acts, along with looking back at 2017 and forward to 2018. Oh, and a bunch of other stuff in this episode. Listen to the podcast, leave a voice message for RSVP Music Chat.
Local Spins’ first segment of 2018 on the statewide radio show spotlighted Borns, Greta Van Fleet, The Accidentals, Billy Strings, The War & Treaty and Jake Kershaw, plus new releases from Grand Rapids’ Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, hi-ker and Cassidy Bisher. Listen to this week’s podcast and learn more about these rising acts.
Concert announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
February’s biggest night for local music will also boast sets by popular acts such as May Erlewine, Organissimo, Hannah Rose & The GravesTones, Afro Zuma and many more. See the full roster of performers and listen to the most recent Local Spins on WYCE podcast featuring a bevy of Jammie nominees.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Lavengood and Rose performed on air, with Local Spins on WYCE also debuting new tracks by Dayz, John Proulx and more during this week’s show. Watch the videos, listen to the podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s episode of the radio show boasted an in-studio visit from Nordy, plus new holiday music from Peat in the Creel and River City Narrative, and much more. Listen to the full podcast, watch a video of Nordy’s on-air performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s guest talks about his acclaimed new album and performs with his band on a show that also featured the debut of tracks by hi-ker, Dori, Andy Baker, Bruce Matthews, Charles the Osprey and Talismans. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
For this month’s Michigan Radio segment on “Stateside,” Local Spins spotlights a few bubbling-below-the-surface West Michigan releases you might have overlooked: The Turnips, Cosmic Knot and The Zannies. Listen to the full statewide radio podcast.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
A legendary Grand Rapids blues band performed live in-studio and an emerging instrumental rock band previewed two new tracks on Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new music from The Outer Vibe, Bob Seger, The Fever Haze, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.
Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat · Videos
Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast sat down with Michigan-bred guitarist Billy Strings for a free-wheeling chat about small-town boredom, a’no rules’ attitude and bluegrass snootiness, pride in parents, exploring one’s full potential, rowdy concerts, love of life and riding the wave as long as you can. Listen to the full podcast, watch the video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Podcasts · Videos
From swinging by Local Spins on WYCE to firing up a big crowd at The Intersection, the one-time heavy metal kid from Ionia proved his instrumental bluegrass prowess with help from ‘a killer band.’ Browse the photo galleries, watch the video of his in-studio interview and performance, and listen to the full radio podcast. And check out the bonus video from The Intersection show.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Tuesday benefit for WGVU at SpeakEZ Lounge will feature performances by half-dozen solo artists, including Michael Riley, who was featured on this week’s Local Spins on WYCE. Get the lowdown and listen to the full radio podcast featuring new local and regional music and an in-studio performance by Billy Strings and his band.
Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast caught up with the Michigan-bred bassist in a Grand Rapids studio, and he opened up about doing ‘a lot of juggling’ to survive during a ‘weird time’ in the music biz. Listen to Episode 7 in the RSVP Music Chat series.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The northern Michigan singer-songwriter stopped by the day before his Grand Rapids album-release show. Listen to the full podcast, which also boasts tracks by The Founding, Michael Waite, Conklin Ceili Band, Steve Talaga and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s episode featured Satala playing a new song in-studio, plus music from Benjaman James, Jukejoint Handmedowns, The Zannies, Last Gasp Collective, Magenta Flag and more. Watch the video, listen to the full podcast.
Breaking music news · Festivals · Podcasts
November’s music news roundup: a call for bands to enter a Fretboard Fest play-in contest, a Grand Rapids record store move and this month’s Local Spins podcast on Michigan Radio showcasing new West Michigan releases. Get the lowdown and listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
In the sixth episode of Ralston and Sink’s Virtual Podcast, our intrepid music commentators delve into the scary world of mass mayhem that’s rocked major public concerts and festivals, plus event security in general. Listen to the full RSVP Music Chat podcast.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Grand Rapids electronic music duo Pink Sky previewed its Lamp Light Music Festival performance this weekend for Local Spins on WYCE, which also showcased songs from Rachel Zylstra, Bigfoot Buffalo, Great Black Night and FLUSHED. Listen to the full podcast.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
With guest host Nicholas James Thomasma on the mic, this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by roots rock’s Bigfoot Buffalo and tracks by a host of regional bands, including Josiah Zittel, Venson Dix, The Concussions, Ralston Bowles, The Bootstrap Boys, The Crane Wives, Fauxgrass and more.
The fifth episode of Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast takes a second crack at why some bands can’t seem to get traction. Take a listen to the podcast, then pipe in with your own take on the subject — or on any musical topic.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The 162nd episode of the show spotlighting local and regional acts also boasted music from Wicker Basket, Cosmic Knot, Jake Kershaw, Hannah Laine and Lindsay Lou & The Flatbellys. Listen to this week’s radio podcast.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Listen to three podcasts spotlighting regional music: The past two episodes of Local Spins on WYCE, plus Local Spins on Michigan Radio, highlighting May Erlewine, Desmond Jones, Valley Girl, Cameron Blake, Sojii, FlyLiteGemini, Joshua Davis, Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Slumlord Radio and more.
How about just trying to “be nice”? The fourth episode of Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast tackles reader comments on the attitudes and stumbling blocks that can thwart a band’s progress or success. Listen and then pipe in with your own take on the topic.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Vintage Gigs
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by Kyle Rasche and Dana Jackson of Chain of Lakes, plus the premiere of new tracks by Bigfoot Buffalo, Deerfield Run, Organissimo and Cameron Blake. Listen to the full podcast and watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The teen guitar sensation made an impressive in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which this week also premiered tracks by Cruelworld, The Autumnatic, Desmond Jones, Hominian, Jukejoint Handmedowns, Gifts or Creatures and more. Listen to the podcast and check out Cruelworld’s new video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band rocked the studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new tracks by Cosmonaut, May Erlewine, Cosmic Knot, The B-Side Growlers and more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, podcast and video.
Commentary · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat
Take 3 of Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast burrows into the thorny thicket of musicians pontificating on politics via social media and in their music. Hear what our resident RSVP Music Chatters have to say on the subject and pipe in with your own comments.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s in-studio guest performed during the show, which also featured the on-air debut of songs by Wala Gum, Lipstick Jodi, Paradise Outlaw, The War Between and much more. Check out the back story of this emerging band and listen to the show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The rambunctious blues and rockabilly duo brings its fiery music to River City for a blistering in-studio session and interview. Get the back story about the band, listen to the podcast, watch the video and browse the photo gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The late August edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted Laine’s in-studio visit and regional music by The Hacky Turtles, Emma Loo, 78 Revolutions Per Minute, Rick Chyme & Nixon, Melophobix and more. Listen to the podcast and watch a video of Laine’s performance.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The emerging West Michigan singer-songwriter plays a CD-release show at Rockford Brewing on Thursday night. Peruse the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, listen to the podcast, watch the videos.
Billy Strings, Borns, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives and other Michigan acts have found a national spotlight in varying ways as of late. Musician Ralston Bowles and Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics debate the merits and pitfalls of ‘making it’ in music in the second episode of the RSVP Music Chat podcast.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
On the same day of its much-ballyhooed Sony Masterworks CD-release, the Traverse City trio lit up the Grand Rapids radio studio with new songs. Watch the video, read the story and listen to the radio podcast, which also features new local and regional music.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
With more than 30 performances over the weekend, Sparta’s Rogers Park in northern Kent County will immerse festivalgoers in all things Celtic in what shapes up as the biggest festival yet. See the full schedule.
Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
More than 20 bands and thousands of festival-goers will descend on Shagbark Farm in southern Kent County for an expanded three-day celebration of regional music. See the full weekend schedule and save it on your smartphone to take along.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Inspired to reunite so they could play next weekend’s Cowpie Music Festival, the popular, one-time Grand Rapids band is revving up its first Michigan shows in seven years. Check out the back story, watch the video, listen to the podcast, which also features new music from Michigan artists such as Nordy, Jake Kershaw, Lushh and more.
Starting today, listen to regular free-wheeling podcasts in which two veterans from different sides of West Michigan’s music scene — Ralston Bowles and John Sinkevics — chat about anything and everything music-related. The first episode of RSVP (aka, Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast) tackles the ticklish subject of concert etiquette. And sign up via iTunes and never miss an episode.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 150th episode of Local Spins on WYCE featured performances by a popular Grand Rapids songwriter and his band, and plenty of new music from Michigan-bred artists. Get the back story on John Sanger, watch the video of his band’s in-studio performance and listen to the radio podcast.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The July 21 episode of the Local Spins on WYCE radio show boasted two in-studio performances and lots of new tracks by Michigan artists. Listen to this week’s podcast and watch the videos.
