Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Legal Immigrants raring to rock ‘monumental’ drive-in show with new lineup, new songs

• September 25, 2020

Set to play Belknap Park on Saturday, the GR rock band was showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The War and Treaty, Jack Droppers, Jake Allen, Julianne Ankley, John Davey, Laura Rain & The Caesars, Shawn Butzin and more. Get the update on The Legal Immigrants, watch a video of a new song and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming Album Releases · Videos

Michigan’s The War and Treaty create hopeful ‘Hearts Town’ as agent of change

• September 23, 2020

The Americana-propelled, Albion-bred and Nashville-based band releases a new Rounder Records album this week after a turbulent, pandemic-filled year that postponed a major tour with John Legend. The Local Spins interview with Michael Trotter, plus a video of their recent national network TV performance and a track from the new album.

Playlists · Venue Spotlight · Videos

Tuesday Playlist: Local Spins’ picks for top performers at 15 West Michigan concert venues

• September 22, 2020

In honor of this week’s #SaveMIStages campaign, Local Spins offers up tracks from the best past performances at 15 West Michigan concert venues which have been silenced due to COVID-19. See which artists were chosen, watch the videos and listen to the songs at Local Spins — then email lawmakers to show your support for these businesses.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Songwriter Sean Miller hails N. Michigan scene while unfurling new album, powerful singles

• September 19, 2020

The Petoskey-area artist who plays ‘Harvest at Home’ this weekend was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by Cameron Blake, Kingmaker, Madelyn Grant and more. Learn more about Miller and his various projects promoting northern Michigan artists, and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Summer Concerts · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Joe Hertler, Cabildo, GR Symphony, Desmond Jones and festivals aplenty: Photo Galleries

• September 13, 2020

Bands and fans had to dodge raindrops at times, but the the busiest live music week of the season had lots to offer, from Grand Rapids to the lakeshore. Ogle the images and photo recaps at Local Spins.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

The ‘Songs that Need to be Sung’ in 2020: The Top 10 Playlist from Seven Steps Up

• September 9, 2020

Seth Glier, Griffin House, May Erlewine, Michael McDermott and other past performers at the Spring Lake listening room populate this politically charged playlist from owners Michelle and Gary Hanks. Watch the videos, listen to the songs, learn more about the plight of the Spring Lake listening room.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

The Pub Life Soundtrack: A Top 10 ‘blow the doors off’ playlist by Rockford Brewing

• September 1, 2020

This week’s venue playlist comes courtesy of Brian Hoekstra and the folks at Rockford Brewing — a mix of gems from Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead to Weezer, Heaters and Afro Zuma. Listen to the music they brewed up, watch the videos.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Michigan Rattlers, Benzing-Graves Collective, Kevin Jones & more: Concert Photo Galleries

• August 30, 2020

Local Spins’ search for live music amid a pandemic took it to ‘new’ venues in Rockford and Paw Paw, plus some familiar concert spots in Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Browse the photo galleries in this exclusive show roundup at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Brian Vander Ark serenades sold-out crowd of Verve Pipe fans at Studio Park

• August 28, 2020

On another pleasant summer evening, The Verve Pipe frontman regaled fans Thursday with songs new and old as part of Listening Room’s ‘Listening Lawn’ series in downtown Grand Rapids. The review, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Dead Prez to Cabildo to Pinback to The Coup: The Pyramid Scheme’s Top 10 Memories Playlist

• August 25, 2020

As part of our series focused on West Michigan concert venues, Local Spins asked Pyramid Scheme co-owner Tami VandenBerg to compile a soundtrack of her favorite performers at the club. She came up with a diverse roster of robust acts. Check out the videos and Spotify playlist at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Lazy Genius, FlyLiteGemini, The Hacky Turtles, Kalamazoo Mall Market: Photo Galleries

• August 23, 2020

If nothing else, the COVID summer of 2020 has created opportunities for unique outdoor live music experiences. Today, Local Spins recaps a smattering of outdoor August concerts across West Michigan in images and videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Traverse City’s The Brothers Crunch weather COVID storm to release polished new album

• August 22, 2020

The northern Michigan rock band’s sophomore album was featured this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Lady Ace Boogie, The Legal Immigrants, May Erlewine and Jessica in the Rainbow. Learn more about the band, watch a video of a new track from their album and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Lady Ace Boogie bids adieu with triumphant, star-infused Grand Rapids show

• August 21, 2020

The Grand Rapids hip hop artist lit up the stage outside Studio Park on Thursday for her final concert on a resplendent August night, with Lokella and SuperDre also on board. The review of the sold-out show, plus a photo gallery and some video highlights at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Videos

Album Reviews: Derek Brown, Aquaerials, Odd Space, Ryne Experience, Danielle, Jessica

• August 20, 2020

Amid a flood of new regional releases, Local Spins delves into albums and EPs by an eclectic bunch of artists for this roundup of reviews. Find out more about the recordings and listen to tracks from each album.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Soaring up the AC charts: Grand Haven singer Jeff Lionheart shines on ‘City Lights’

• August 19, 2020

The West Michigan native who moved back home two years ago has scored nationwide success for the second time in five years, with proceeds from the new single going to a good cause. Get the back story and listen to the new single at Local Spins

Movie Reviews · Videos

Creem on Screen: A revealing look into the irreverent, wild Detroit-based rock magazine

• August 13, 2020

A new film — available for streaming online — explores the heyday of ‘America’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll Magazine’ and the colorful characters who created the popular, gritty publication. Local Spins asked a former Detroit News reporter who wrote about Creem in the mid-1970s for his take on the documentary.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

The 10 best rock ’n’ roll birthday tracks for August: The Tuesday Local Spins Playlist

• August 11, 2020

Mid-August marks birthdays for members of some iconic rock bands — from Jethro Tull to The Guess Who to Dire Straits and more. Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics celebrates with his Top 10 faves from these acts. Watch the videos, listen to the tracks on Spotify.

Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Cowpie Memories 2019: Cracker, fire dancers, late-night jams and ‘an escape from reality’

• August 9, 2020

The good-time vibe of last year’s festival may have made it the best in Cowpie history, thanks to The Bootstrap Boys, Fauxgrass, Mark Lavengood, Desmond Jones, Trifocal, Melophobix and more. COVID-19 wiped out the 2020 festival that would have taken place this weekend, but you can relive the highlights from last year’s celebration in words, photos and videos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Feted Michigan songwriter Andy Baker taps eclectic, heart-moving milieu for new album

• August 8, 2020

The Gobles-based artist who’s a finalist in two songwriting competitions was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Madelyn Grant, Brett Mitchell, Ghosts of Sunset and more. Learn more about Andy Baker, watch one of his music videos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Features · In Memoriam · Videos

The Great Daryl Nathan: In memory of a Grand Rapids public access TV sensation

• August 7, 2020

In the 1990s, Daryl Q. Nathan made a splash on GRTV unlike any other musician or performer before or since. Fans are paying homage to the unusual Grand Rapids singer who died last month at age 54. Read about Nathan and watch several of his classic videos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos

Teyland Avery’s ‘impactful’ hip hop and the unifying 616 Records label

• August 6, 2020

The Grand Rapids rapper, who combines traditional hip-hop with a new-school vibe, is working on a new EP while creating a collaborative team of local artists. Listen to his music, watch a music video and get his back story at Local Spins.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Meijer Gardens’ Top 10 ‘Songs from Summers Past’: The Local Spins Tuesday Playlist

• August 4, 2020

In what would have marked the halfway point in another robust amphitheater series except for COVID-19, Meijer Gardens’ John VanderHaagen offers up a Top 10 playlist of artists who’ve played the summer series — and one act he’d love to see there. Check out the list and listen to songs from each of the featured performers.

Features · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Local Spins’ Top Stories of the Year: COVID-19 song parodies and a playlist for the apocalypse

• August 2, 2020

It’s been a frightening, topsy-turvy year, with live music mostly shut down. But quarantined Local Spins readers embraced our inventive COVID playlists and videos in record fashion. Here are the two most-read posts of 2020.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

‘Healing Bridges’: Brian Koenigsknecht’s candid, poignant journey of grief through song

• August 1, 2020

The Kalamazoo singer-songwriter’s new album was featured for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Distant Stars, From Big Sur, Joel Comstock, The American Hotel System and more. Get Koenigsknecht’s back story and watch one of his music videos; listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

‘Listening Lawn’ brews up soul, funk and ‘Blues You Can Use’ for second downtown concert

• July 31, 2020

On a near-perfect July night, Asamu Johnson & The Associates of the Blues and Hannah Rose Graves regaled a happy crowd for a rare display of live music outside Grand Rapids’ Studio Park. Get the recap, photos and video highlights from Thursday’s show at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos

Traverse City’s Biomassive set to release live album boasting its ‘finest sonic blend’ yet

• July 30, 2020

Forced to shelve a new studio recording due to COVID-19, the West Michigan electronic rock band and festival favorite has instead leaned on its live-show prowess to satiate fans. Read more about the band, listen to a track from the new live album and watch a video of a recent live set at Third Coast Recording.

Top 10 Lists · Videos

Local Spins’ Top 10 Videos of the Month: Callab, Barrel Bones, Glen Danles, August and more

• July 29, 2020

Check out this robust bunch of genre-spanning music videos by Michigan artists — plus a video plea to support bills that would help rescue concert venues ravaged by COVID-19.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Top 10 Songs for Drinking Days Gone By: Local Spins’ Tuesday Playlist

• July 28, 2020

This week’s guest contributor, Calin Skidmore of Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge, tapped a keg filled with drinking songs that fondly recall pre-pandemic days of sharing good times with friends. Watch the videos, listen to the tracks on Spotify.

Concert reviews · Photos · Upcoming shows · Videos

Driveway, Drive-In and Secret Serenades: The new normal for live music amid COVID-19

• July 22, 2020

Tuesday’s kickoff to a driveway concert series is just one way West Michigan has returned to live music, with shows unfurling at parks, parking lots and farms. Check out photos and a recap of Tuesday’s concert, and see what other outdoor shows are on the horizon at Local Spins.

Features · Playlists · Videos

Billy Strings makes national network TV debut, urges fan support for concert venues

• July 21, 2020

Asking viewers to support the National Independent Venue Association in its plea to Congress for help amid the pandemic, Michigan’s favorite bluegrass son and his band performed Monday for “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Watch videos from the performances at Local Spins and listen to this week’s Top 10 playlist: The Best of Billy Strings.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

May Erlewine sifts jazzy, soulful, ‘feel-based’ groove with Vulfpeck’s Woody Goss

• July 17, 2020

Michigan’s songbird shared thoughts on her fun new studio album and finding peace in a pandemic while debuting a new single for Local Spins on WYCE. The show also showcased new music from Earth Radio, xRBG, Shadow Forest, Barrel Bones, Tom Hymn and more. Learn more about Erlewine’s new album project and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins Rewind: The War and Treaty’s fiery, pulse-pounding West Michigan debut

• July 14, 2020

In mid-July 2017, a little-known, soulful group from Albion stuffed its gear into a radio studio for Local Spins on WYCE and blew everyone away. Not surprisingly, they’ve since soared to prominence and become national stars. Relive their debut via words, video and radio show podcast. Plus check out the Tuesday Local Spins Playlist of Top 10 War and Treaty songs.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Rocking 300: Six years of Michigan music spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE

• July 10, 2020

One of the first acts to appear on the broadcast, Channing & Quinn, helped commemorate the milestone 300th edition of the radio show, which also looked back at regional music from 2014 and debuted tracks by May Erlewine, Laddermatch, Ttypes + PAWL, Amy Love and more. Check out the interview with Channing & Quinn, watch a video of their performances and listen to the special anniversary show.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Peace & Love: Ringo Starr’s Top 10 Best Songs to Celebrate his 80th Birthday

• July 7, 2020

Today’s special edition of the Local Spins Tuesday Playlist pays tribute to the irrepressible Beatles drummer with a classic soundtrack of his solo work and some Fab Four gems worth revisiting. Get details about these songs and listen to the full playlist on Spotify.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The ‘heartland rock roots’ of singer-songwriter Steve Rivers’ ‘American Side Hustle’

• July 5, 2020

The Grand Haven-area country artist was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Public Access, BoneHawk, Woody Mac and more. Learn more about Rivers, watch a video of his performance for the show and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Tuesday Playlist: Dutcher Snedeker’s ‘Songs of Our Time: Summer Groove’

• June 30, 2020

The keyboardist for West Michigan’s Earth Radio and frontman for Blushing Monk unfurls a Top 10 soundtrack featuring Khruangbin, Anderson .Paak, Cory Henry, Brother Gabe and other timely, ‘feel-good grooves’ — some inspired by recent events. Check out his picks, watch the videos and listen to the full playlist on Spotify.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Five Strand Fusion, Bri Baron Band rock the lot in area’s first drive-in concert

• June 28, 2020

It may have ranked as one of “the weirdest concerts ever,” but in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saturday’s first foray into drive-in performances got high marks from those who attended the Grand Haven show. Get the recap, photos and video at Local Spins.

Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos

Electric Forest Revisited: The Top 10 best things about 2019’s festival in Rothbury

• June 27, 2020

The 10th Electric Forest isn’t happening this weekend due to COVID-19, so Local Spins has 10 great memories — in words, photos and video — from last year’s festival in Rothbury to satiate the Forest Family. Relive the moments.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Seth Bernard gets ‘cozy’ with self-produced solo album focused on healing and justice

• June 26, 2020

The northern Michigan musician and activist opened up about his DIY project and more for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Molly, Callab, August, Birdie Country, The Bronk Bros., Jake Kershaw, The American Hotel System and other Michigan artists. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, watch a video Bernard’s performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Audio · Playlists · Videos

Tuesday Playlist: The Rolling Stones’ Top 12 Most Underrated Songs of All-Time

• June 23, 2020

The Rolling Stones were supposed to be in the middle of a 2020 U.S. tour right now, until COVID-19 upended things. To make up for it, Local Spins has assembled some of the iconic band’s most under-appreciated classics for this week’s playlist. Watch the videos, listen to the playlist on Spotify.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Tip Top Deluxe restarts live band shows with small crowd, enthusiastic King Biscuit Trio

• June 20, 2020

Friday’s blues performance by the King Biscuit Trio drew a modest but ardent audience to the Grand Rapids bar, with Delilah DeWylde playing Tip Top’s anniversary show tonight. Browse the photo gallery and check out video highlights from the show at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Darcy Wilkin relishes finally getting her Americana gems ‘out into the world’

• June 19, 2020

The longtime member of The Corn Fed Girls talked about her solo debut for Local Spins on WYCE and performed a couple of new songs for the radio show, which also premiered tracks by Seth Bernard, .shi (John Conrad Schaak), Glen Danles, Aaron James Wright, Brian Lybrandt, Barrel Bones and other Michigan artists. Learn more about Wilkin and listen to the radio show podcast.

Commentary · Features · Videos

Adapting to chaos: Playing, singing and rehearsing music together amid COVID-19

• June 18, 2020

As leader of Grand Rapids’ Vintage Parlor Orchestra, Thomas Pike faces unique challenges in gathering his large ensemble for practices and performances while following new social-distancing rules. He explores the issues facing music groups in this Local Spins essay and provides some guidance in how bands can make it work.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Tuesday Playlist: Graham Parsons’ songs of ‘power and truth in the face of injustice’

• June 16, 2020

The frontman for Kalamazoo’s The Go Rounds rolls out a compelling — and fun — soundtrack for our times featuring D’Angelo, Sly & The Family Stone, Fiona Apple, Last Gasp Collective, Run the Jewels, Emily King and more. Find out why these are his Top 10 tracks and listen to them all at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

West Michigan’s Drinking Mercury: Unfurling indie-rock magic inspired by The Beatles

• June 13, 2020

The Ionia-bred group showcased its music during this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music from The War & Treaty, Bedroom Ceilings and more. Learn more about Drinking Mercury, watch a video of a band performance and listen to the full radio show at Local Spins.

Videos

Videos of the Week: Sligh Talkbox, Desmond Jones, Dean Madonia, GR Symphony, more

• June 10, 2020

This video roundup also features northern Michigan students performing an Andy Grammer classic and a peek at the first live concert in the Grand Rapids area in three months. Watch the videos, along with background information about the projects.

Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Tuesday Playlist: Nick Moran heats up with Gorillaz, Run the Jewels, BØRNS, Elohim

• June 9, 2020

With summer temps rising, this week’s Local Spins soundtrack brings a heat wave of diverse tracks courtesy of writer, musician and music maven Nick Moran of GVSU. Check out the videos and listen to the full playlist on Spotify.

Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Videos

Grand Rapids’ first live music show since March draws outdoor crowd to The Score

• June 9, 2020

The Iron Town duo played outdoors Monday in the sunshine to a nearly full patio of diners and drinkers who seemed unfazed by COVID-19 concerns. Remarked one patron: “It’s time to get back to life.” The story, video and photos at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Features · Videos

The case against concerts now amid COVID-19: High-risk singing, tight spaces, unavoidable contact

• June 5, 2020

Kent County Administrative Health Officer Adam London cautions venues, performers and fans that the reopening of bars and restaurants comes with rigid rules and risks of spreading COVID-19, especially when it comes to live music at this critical juncture. The Local Spins interview with some advice for fans, performers and businesses.

Features · Videos

Videos of the Week: Elevator a GoGo’s The Young Fables; VPO’s garage symphony

• June 3, 2020

The second video in the Elevator a GoGo series features a Nashville Americana act. And Grand Rapids’ Vintage Parlor Orchestra used a garage as the setting for a unique performance video during the stay-at-home pandemic. Watch both distinctive videos at Local Spins.