Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With the Colorado band’s world tour stopping at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos chatted with Jeremiah Fraites about the group’s third full-length recording, “III,” and much more. And watch videos from the powerful new album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The singer-songwriter and new Calvin SAO director announced the call out for local bands during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Political Lizard, Wuzee, Outer Vibe, Treeskin, The Ryne Experience, PHABIES, Overdrive Orchestra, Darcy Wilkin and more. Get details on Calvin’s showcase, listen to the radio show podcast, watch the in-studio video and browse a photo gallery from Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ Friday night concert at Listening Room.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Performing in breweries and non-traditional venues, the unusual West Michigan chamber orchestra is on a mission to reinvent the classical music concert experience. The back story at Local Spins, with videos. The Vintage Parlor Orchestra plays Listening Room in Grand Rapids on Sunday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 19-year-old and his band (who play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday) made their debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Mannhattan, Ernie Clark, Gasoline Gypsies and more. Learn more about this emerginc act, watch the in-studio video and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos
Hundreds of revelers and runners gathered outside the Comstock Park brewery Saturday for sets by The Crane Wives, Hacky Turtles, Melophobix and Crosscut Kings. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Based in Grass Lake, Mich., the Australian native and his band fired up Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The War & Treaty, Nicholas James Thomasma, Slumlord Radio, ttypes, Biiko, James Lewis, Drinking Mercury and more. Learn more about Harper, watch the in-studio video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The band led by a Reed City-area singer-guitarist just released its debut album and stopped by Local Spins on WYCE on Friday, which also debuted new music by Cousin Avery, Max Lockwood, Leland Blue, Pack Sounds and more. Listen to this week’s podcast, watch the in-studio video and read the back story about Clark and company.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
The emerging Plymouth-based band is one of only two Michigan acts on this year’s impressive Folk Festival bill. Discover more about the quartet in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight, listen to the band’s music and watch videos of Cold Tone Harvest performances.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Held at The Intersection, the 11th annual benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization boasted more than a dozen performances on two stages in defiance of Saturday’s nasty weather. Browse the photo gallery, watch the video, read the recap at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Friday night’s competition at Kalamazoo Valley Museum drew a packed house for sets by six Michigan acts seeking a performance slot in the March festival. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
“Let’s boogie!” The Jan. 25 outdoor event that benefits Kids’ Food Basket comes as folk-rock’s The Crane Wives continue to work on a new studio recording. The festival will also feature sets by The Hacky Turtles, Melophobix and Crosscut Kings. Check out the schedule and details at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Beyond the lavish parties ushering in the New Year, there were some intimate shows starring beloved regional artists to get the first weekend of 2020 started on the right foot. Browse the photos and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Heading to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge later this month, the GR band this week played Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The Hacky Turtles, Overdrive Orchestra, Via Mardot, The Autumnatic, Birdie Country and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
The band which plays The Pyramid Scheme Friday night plans to follow up its high-energy 2019 EP with a full-length album later this year. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight on Birdie Country, with videos.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
As the year draws to a close, Local Spins asked some West Michigan musicians and readers to make their picks for the best albums and songs of 2019 — a diverse roster covering rock, hip hop, jazz, R&B, folk and more. And listen to music from all of the featured artists.
Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
The ‘top secret’ September project that had 15 vocalists gathering to record the Fleetwood Mac song at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven was one of Local Spins’ most-read stories of 2019. Get the back story on this special project and watch the video at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Even country star Brantley Gilbert calls her a ‘badass’ singer. Local Spins’ spotlight on the mid-Michigan favorite with a bright future proved to be among the most-read stories of the year. Revisit the story, photo galleries and videos at Local Spins.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins’ countdown of the year’s top music stories continues with a behind-the-scenes look into The Who’s elaborate Van Andel Arena show in May, thanks to lighting designer and creative director Tom Kenny who also expressed love for “the local orchestra.” Get insights into the show in this Local Spins Rewind feature, with a link to the full review of the GR concert.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Kalamazoo-based rock band plays its final show of 2019 at The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday night, as it eyes a new studio album in 2020 and continues to take devoted fans on a psychedelically powerful pop-rock journey. The Local Spins interview, plus videos.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Elijah Russ performed for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Myron Elkins, Drinking Mercury, Feeding Grizzlies, The First Coalition, ADABOY and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast and read the back story on this Grand Haven-bred musician who plays two concerts Friday night.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
A mind-bending year of music gave Local Spins writers plenty of fodder for “best of” lists, including Lizzo, Bon Iver, The Raconteurs, Orville Peck, Black Pumas, Lana Del Rey, Sleep and more. Peruse the extensive and eclectic picks, listen to some of 2019’s most memorable tracks at Local Spins, and submit your own favorites for a chance to win a Local Spins gift package.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Today, Local Spins starts its year-end countdown of the Top 10 most-read stories of the year, starting with a tribute to a Grand Rapids rock icon who passed away in late 2018. The story, photos and video for the No. 10 entry of the year.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
A week that launched with The Gasoline Gypsies’ first-ever acoustic show also featured Sum 41, Sullivan King, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Whitey Morgan, the “Christmas at Critter’s” benefit, May Erlewine & The Motivations and more. Relive the action in photos and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band debuted new songs in an in-studio performance for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by American Hotel System, Lybrandt, Rob Mickey, The Disruption and more. Get the back story on this new West Michigan group, watch the video, listen to the radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The cutting-edge lit up this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brother Elsey, Fast Hands Band, Lynn & the Moonshine Runners, Porter Kenyon, a new ‘Christmas at Critter’s’ classic and much more. Get the After Ours back story, watch videos of the band and listen to this week’s complete radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
After ‘an eventful year,’ the Port Huron-bred, Detroit-based rock and roots band plays Local Spins’ new Michigan Mondays series in Grand Rapids next week, with new music set for release by the group in 2020. Learn more about the band, get details about Monday’s show and watch a video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins Artist Spotlight showcases the “character stories” of the Rockford singer-songwriter. Plus, Local Spins on WYCE debuted new tracks by Stevie Reidz, Fukushima Daisies, Medicinal Groove, Last Gasp Collective and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The former finalist on “The Voice” plays two intimate Grand Rapids shows at Listening Room on Friday night. Check out the Local Spins interview with Laith Al-Saadi.
For the third year in a row, a new album featuring singer May Erlewine has jumped to the top of the Local Spins Hot Top 5 chart at WYCE-FM, with Borr McFerrin and Jack Droppers making their first appearance. Check out the chart, listen to songs and watch videos from all of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids songwriter played Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Political Lizard, Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth, One Blown Speaker, Hannah Rose Graves, Asamu Johnson and more. Listen to the radio show podcast and check out the in-studio video at Local Spins.
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.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Sav and Katie of The Accidentals, Megan Slankard and Stephie James delivered a moving, personal and intimate “Time Out” showcase of their music on a night that also featured the official release of a new Michigan-focused double-album for a good cause. Relive the evening in this Local Spins review, with photos and video.
Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
The double-album with 30-plus tracks by Mitten State artists raises funds for the Bowles family. It gets released Monday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room when members of The Accidentals and two other songwriters play a new Local Spins concert series. Listen to songs from the album, get details about this special Michigan-centric project at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Brent Shirey of Valentiger unfurled new songs on-air for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Catfish & The Man, Aspen Jacobsen, Edison Kitt, Jack Droppers and more. Peruse the story, podcast and video at Local Spins.
Watch the inventive video exclusively at Local Spins — the latest from Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions. And learn more about Droppers’ upcoming new role as director of Calvin University’s Student Activities Office, which oversees the university’s concert series and other programs.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The St. Joseph multi-instrumentalist is more than halfway through his challenging beer tour. He’s playing Rockford Brewing tonight. Learn the back story about St. Joe Jack’s wild tour and watch a video from one of his recent performances.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The hometown boy with roots in Ionia and Traverse City can’t wait to play a sold-out New Year’s Eve show at The Intersection in Grand Rapids after a “crazy,” award-winning, chart-topping year. Part 1 of a revealing, on-the-road Local Spins interview with William Apostol, aka Billy Strings.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From mid-week shows featuring Blues Traveler, Lettuce, Kittel & Co. and Free Hat to Saturday night reveling by Yelawolf, Donna the Buffalo and Cameron Blake, it was a jam-packed, November blast of music. Browse the images at Local Spins, including The Legal Immigrants’ ‘bon voyage’ show at The Pyramid Scheme and Subtronics’ sold-out dance party at The Intersection.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Detroit-area roots/folk/Americana band made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Blueflowers, Porter Kenyon, Jeff Karoub, Drinkard Sisters and more. Listen to the radio show podcast, watch the in-studio video, get the back story on Remnose at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Grammy-nominated band of virtuosos made a tour stop Wednesday at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room, impressing a small but approving crowd. They play Petoskey, Interlochen and Ann Arbor next. Peruse the review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids singer and musician released her new EP on Friday, previewing songs for the radio show which also debuted music by Overdrive Orchestra, Pretoria and more. The story, the podcast and video at Local Spins.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Holland area group’s new album showcases obscure Michigan folk gems, with another record on the way. Check out their live performance for Local Spins on WYCE, plus hear on-air song debuts from more than a half-dozen regional artists, including ttypes, Sadie Bass, Neon Birdhouse, The Soods and more.
Formed by Grand Haven’s David Palmer, Five Strand Fusion recently selected Ada’s Skylar Mayton as its lead vocalist via an ‘American Idol’-styled audition. Get the back story on this emerging young band, which hopes to play its first concert next year.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor band released a full-length studio debut album earlier this year and plays a Halloween night show at Grand Rapids’ Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill. Revisit our April interview with this talented bunch and watch videos of the band.
Fans voted Bass and her band onto next week’s star-studded cruise, with more national bookings and a new EP on the horizon. Get the back story on this engaging country singer, peruse photo galleries from recent West Michigan concerts and watch videos of her songs at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Videos
The day after folk icon Judy Collins regaled a capacity crowd, St. Cecilia announced the addition of two Grammy-winning artists to its Acoustic Cafe series, joining Chris Thile, Infamous Stringdusters and Rosanne Cash. See the full lineup, check out videos of featured artists and peruse a photo gallery from Judy Collins’ Sunday night concert at St. Cecilia.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Fall brings with it some frightfully good new regional music, including the latest from Michigan-bred bluegrass hero Billy Strings, a popular hip hop collective, fetching fiddle music and scary-cool Halloween gems. Check out the reviews, sample the new music at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
A near-capacity crowd packed the cozy downtown venue Wednesday, with fans praising the acoustics and atmosphere. Check out the story and review of the new venue, along with a photo gallery and video at Local Spins.
