Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The return of Junior Valentine with Hank Mowery, plus Lockwood, Justin Wierenga

• December 8, 2018

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE boasted a visit from two Grand Rapids blues icons who performed in-studio, plus track debuts from several Michigan artists, including Lockwood, Justin Wierenga, Dalmatian Stone, Float Here Forever, Frankie & Myrrh and North Country Rounders. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, learn more about Junior Valentine and Hank Mowery.

Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos

Michigan’s Greta Van Fleet snags four Grammy Award nominations

• December 7, 2018

The quick-rising young rockers from Frankenmuth who cut their teeth at places like The Intersection in Grand Rapids will join big stars in bids for best new artist, rock song, rock performance and rock album. Get details at Local Spins and see what The Intersection thinks of the band’s meteoric rise.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Surf-rocking into Christmas: The Local Spins holiday playlist by Tommy Schichtel

• December 6, 2018

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Videos

The ‘wide open’ rock and ‘soul-searching bluesy jazz’ of Nathan Walton: Local Spins Rewind

• December 5, 2018

The Nathan Walton Band plays SpeakEZ Lounge tonight. Last July, the Byron Center native and singer-songwriter uncorked live renditions of songs from his impressive debut EP for Local Spins on WYCE. Check out this Local Spins Rewind feature on an up-and-coming new West Michigan talent.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kaitlin Rose set for ‘next level’ by recording new album live Saturday in Kalamazoo

• December 2, 2018

Limited tickets remain to see the singer-songwriter put together her sixth full-length recording in front of a live audience at Overneath Collective. Read the back story about this special Kalamazoo project.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Michigan’s Escaping Pavement gives bluegrass and Americana spin to tales from the road

• December 1, 2018

The Ferndale band which plays Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up on Saturday night showed off its harmonies during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by McWeakerton, The Ryne Experience, Blueflowers and more. Watch a video of Escaping Pavement’s in-studio performance, listen to the radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Marcus King brings globally acclaimed, soulful, guitar-driven fire to Grand Rapids

• November 29, 2018

The Marcus King Band plays Elevation inside The Intersection on Friday as the group continues to grow its fan base and impress critics with its frontman’s eye-popping musicianship. Read the Local Spins interview, check out videos and songs from his new album.

Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Brian Vander Ark awards ‘spectacular’ 15-year-old freshman grand prize in song contest

• November 28, 2018

The same week that 20 Monroe Live announced The Verve Pipe would play its big 2nd birthday party, Vander Ark presented a $1,000 prize to teen singer Gianna Stansell after a year-long competition. Learn more about this talented young West Michigan singer and watch the video of her winning performance.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The Gasoline Gypsies set for ‘next-step stuff’ with heavier, genre-transcending rock

• November 27, 2018

Touring behind a new EP, the rootsy Michigan band revved up the latest edition of Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The JetBeats, Coldville, Political Lizard and more. Watch a video of The Gasoline Gypsies, read their back story and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos

The War and Treaty added to St. Cecilia folk series; The Lone Bellow plays Thursday

• November 26, 2018

One of Michigan’s hottest folk-hued bands, Albion’s gospel-fired The War and Treaty, will play the Acoustic Cafe folk series on Feb. 24, with The Lone Bellow pumping up the series this week. Get background and ticket information at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

Bluegrass Bonanza: Greensky Bluegrass, Billy Strings uncork W. Michigan ‘guitar-mageddon’

• November 24, 2018

Bluegrass phenom Billy Strings fired up The Intersection in Grand Rapids on Friday, the same night that Greensky Bluegrass wowed fans at Kalamazoo’s State Theatre. Both do it all again Saturday night. Check out a recap of both shows, along with photos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Photos · Videos

The exuberant bluegrass brilliance of Billy Strings: Local Spins Rewind (Video, photos)

• November 23, 2018

With Michigan bluegrass guitar hero Billy Strings and band playing two straight ‘homecoming’ shows at The Intersection this weekend, Local Spins revisits August’s rousing performance at River City Studios.  […]

Videos

Michigan Video Roundup: Red Legs, Jen Sygit, Dave Palmer, The Accidentals, Seth Bernard, Joshua Powell, Lower Leisure Class

• November 13, 2018

This mid-November roundup of regional music videos boasts lots of poignant imagery and messages — and some head-turning music. Check out more than a half-dozen new videos at Local Spins.

Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos

The War and Treaty electrifies Grand Rapids on Veterans Day: Local Spins Live at River City

• November 12, 2018

The fast-rising band led by Albion’s Michael and Tanya Trotter stopped by River City Studios for a scintillating Sunday session, 10 days before they open for Bob Seger at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids. Watch the video of their inspiring in-studio performance, read the story, browse the photo gallery.

Features · Movie Reviews · Videos

‘Bohemian Rhapsody’: A thin, cliche, corny representation of Freddie Mercury and Queen

• November 11, 2018

The band’s irrepressible, bombastic legacy gets short shrift treatment in this much-ballyhooed biopic, says movie critic John Serba, who wishes the film would have done more than stoke nostalgia. Check out the review and the official movie trailer.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Roosevelt Diggs takes ‘huge step forward’ with vibrant and lush new Americana album

• November 9, 2018

The West Michigan Americana/bluegrass/folk-rock band unfurled live versions of new songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Guero Brown, Valley Girl, Thunderwude and more. Listen to the podcast, watch the video.

Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kalamashoegazer drawing bands, fans from across country for shoegaze, dream pop thrills

• November 8, 2018

The 12th edition of the festival will light up Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo on Saturday with an eight-band lineup that includes Ringo Deathstarr and Springhouse with Jack Rabid. Get the lowdown on this unusual one-day festival and see the full schedule at Local Spins.

Guest Column · Playlists · Videos

Looking For the Perfect Beat: Downtempo, dub and much more with Thievery Corporation

• November 6, 2018

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.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Concert Week in Review: MewithoutYou, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Nobody’s Girl, Gov’t Mule, Joe Hertler, Jake Simmons, Black Jake

• November 5, 2018

Blues, rock, folk, Americana, funk, pop, ‘crabgrass’ and more: Local Spins’ week-in-review photo galleries cover the gamut of live music from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Spring Lake. And you’ll only find these images at Local Spins.

Commentary · Photos · Videos

Tracing The Beatles’ road to ‘The White Album’ as greatest rock group of all time

• November 4, 2018

Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s biggest album, Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics took a nostalgic journey to Liverpool and London to evaluate The Beatles’ place in history. Check out this special column, photo gallery and videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Brother Elsey never holds back, shines as band of brothers with Americana-fueled rock

• November 3, 2018

After relocating from Detroit to Grand Rapids, this band of brothers released a new single the same day Brother Elsey made its debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Saltbreaker, Jake Simmons, Alyssa Wettlaufer and more. Listen to the podcast, watch Brother Elsey’s official new video.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Sarah Lee Guthrie moves from punk to inspiring folk, revels in tour with dad Arlo

• November 2, 2018

As part of the 50th anniversary tour behind Arlo Guthrie’s “Alice’s Restaurant” which hits Kalamazoo State Theatre tonight, Sarah Lee Guthrie is performing and enjoying her family time on the road. The Local Spins interview.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Earthwork Music collective tour of Michigan underscores stars, collaboration, community

• November 1, 2018

Seth Bernard, Mark Lavengood, Dede Alder, Nicholas James Thomasma and more than a dozen other artists play five cities in six days next week, including Grand Rapids’ Wealthy Theatre, Spring Lake’s Seven Steps Up. Get the lowdown on this unusual tour at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Kenny Wayne Shepherd: Uncompromising blues-rock laid down with heart

• November 1, 2018

The guitarist who’s set to release a ‘more rocking’ new album brings his tour to State Theatre in Kalamazoo on Saturday, with Michigan’s own guitar sensation, Jake Kershaw, opening. Check out the Local Spins interview with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, along with recent videos of Shepherd and Kershaw.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: Greta Van Fleet, Jake Simmons, Andrew Farmer, Lower Leisure Class

• October 31, 2018

With Greta Van Fleet’s first full-length album soaring straight to No. 3 on the charts, Local Spins reviews — and defends — the release, plus takes a closer look at three other new regional recordings. Read the reviews, sample the new music.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Upcoming shows · Videos

Arlo Guthrie still gets everything he wants with ‘Alice’s Restaurant’

• October 30, 2018

The iconic folk singer will bring his 50th anniversary “Alice’s Restaurant Tour” to Kalamazoo’s State Theatre on Friday. Arlo Guthrie chatted with Local Spins about the song, his tour and the state of folk music in the New Millennium — and in an age of divisiveness.

Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos

The Ultimate Halloween Playlist: John Serba’s dark, deathly and droll rock dirges

• October 29, 2018

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.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts amp up ‘big, loud rock’ on new album: Local Spins on WYCE

• October 27, 2018

The frontman of the Kalamazoo rock band unleashed two new songs in-studio for the radio show, which also aired new tracks by Conrad Shock, The Legal Immigrants, Frederic & Ronza, The American Hotel System, Clyde Park Avenue, Mannhattan and more. Read the back story of Jake Simmons & The Little Ghosts, watch a video of Simmons’ in-studio performance and listen to the entire radio show podcast.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos

Ann Arbor Folk Festival to star Brandi Carlile, Rufus Wainwright, I’m With Her

• October 26, 2018

Michigan-bred favorites The RFD Boys and Michigan Rattlers are also on the bill announced this week for the January festival that will also feature the likes of Pokey LaFarge and Sam Lewis. Get the full lineup and ticket details at Local Spins.

Features · Photos · Videos

Camaraderie, late-night showcases launch Folk Alliance conference in Grand Rapids

• October 26, 2018

The gathering of musicians and industry representatives from across the Midwest started Thursday with a night of singing, jamming and networking. Check out the photo gallery, video highlights and a recap of opening day at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Live at River City · Videos

The Accidentals take a stand, issue ‘call to action’ with new single: Local Spins Live

• October 25, 2018

The Traverse City alt-folk trio unleashed ‘Heavy Flag’ and five other new songs during a live-stream session at Grand Rapids’ River City Studios Thursday, as they prepare to join a ‘get out the vote’ tour. Get the back story, watch the in-studio set at Local Spins.

Features · Upcoming shows · Videos

Getting down on the FARM: Folk Alliance conference set to strum up Grand Rapids

• October 24, 2018

It’s a coups for Grand Rapids and its growing music scene. Anchored here through 2020, this week’s Folk Alliance Region Midwest gathering boasts showcases by dozens of bands, workshops, panel discussions and more. Get the lowdown and a schedule of official showcases at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Kalamazoo · Videos

Kalamazoo’s Ashley Daneman zeroes in on domestic violence, healing for new release

• October 23, 2018

The acclaimed West Michigan jazz-folk artist took a ‘no-holds-barred’ approach on ‘People are Fragile.’ Ashley Daneman will preview the powerful album with her band Thursday at Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe. Get the back story and watch her videos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Keith Urban makes it look easy in GR, plus Clutch, Dave Bruzza, AOK, Insiders, Big Something

• October 21, 2018

The country superstar’s crowd-pleasing show at Van Andel Arena was part of a music week that also featured the likes of Clutch, Dave Bruzza, Insiders, Big Something and much more. The images and recaps at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Traverse City’s Joe Wilson takes Dobro to next level with trio project, as in-demand sideman

• October 19, 2018

The northern Michigan musician known as Dobro Joe made his most recent album a showcase for ‘elite instrumentalism in acoustic music.’ It’s why Joe Wilson has worked with a host of other Michigan acts. Read about this respected musician and watch videos of his performances.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Michigan song debuts: AOK, Vulfpeck, Sligh Talkbox, Pretoria, John Hartel, Free Hat

• October 14, 2018

This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE not only kicked off the radio station’s Fall Fund Drive, but was chock full of new music from a diverse blend of Michigan artists. Listen to the full podcast, check out the Vulfpeck video that’s generating a huge buzz.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Thomas Rhett, Buddy Guy, Paper Diamond, Lil Xan, The Verve Pipe, Public Access, Luke Winslow-King bring October joy: Photos

• October 8, 2018

The weekend brought country, rock, blues, hip hop, alt-rock, electronic music and more to West Michigan, captured as usual in Local Spins photo galleries and videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Luke Winslow-King comes ‘full circle’ with bluesy, rootsy rock: Local Spins on WYCE

• October 5, 2018

With a Grand Rapids tour stop at Wealthy Theatre tonight, the guitarist performed in-studio on this week’s radio show, which also debuted new tracks by several Michigan artists, including The Blueflowers, Lexi Schaub, Charlie Walmsley, Carrie McFerrin and more.

Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Autumn Serenade: Glow in the Park, Blue Bridge, Willowsong, Harvest Fest galleries

• September 30, 2018

Festival season didn’t slow down for fall as Local Spins’ weekend photo galleries prove, along with some fun indoor shows like Blue October, Butch Walker, Margaret Glaspy and Mustard Plug. Recap another active week in music. Browse the images, watch the videos exclusively at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos

Ford Turrell’s journey from Nashville song ‘factory’ to potent West Michigan wordsmith

• September 29, 2018

The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter talked about his first album in 11 years – a poignant gem – during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted songs by Big Dudee Roo, The Soods and more. Listen to the podcast, watch a video of Turrell’s in-studio performance.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos

Matt Gabriel debuts road-inspired, ‘wide open’ and rootsy new album: Local Spins on WYCE

• September 22, 2018

The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter kicked off a Midwest tour this week by playing new songs on the radio show, which also premiered tracks by Often Home, Moss Jaw, Shortly and much more. Watch the video of Matt Gabriel’s in-studio performance and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Album reviews · Videos

Michigan Album Reviews: War and Treaty, Seth Bernard, Red Legs, Pack Sounds, Chris Cranick

• September 21, 2018

Local Spins’ September roundup of recent releases hones in on War and Treaty’s “Healing Tide,” Seth Bernard’s final Eggtones installment, Red Legs sophomore effort, Pack Sounds debut LP and Chris Cranick’s latest work. Read the reviews, listen to the music.

Festivals · Photos · Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos

Father John Misty, Local Natives and more to flood Arcadia Creek with sound and soul

• September 20, 2018

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.

Features · Photos · Videos

Sound guru Bill Chrysler’s Third Coast Recording set to ‘put Michigan on musical map’

• September 13, 2018

After extensive construction, the world-class Grand Haven recording studio is impressing those who bring projects through its doors. Get the back story on Third Coast Recording, browse a Local Spins photo gallery and take a video tour of the facility operated by Chrysler and Joe Sturgill.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Tour Texts · Videos

Tour Texts with Mike Mains & The Branches: Dream gig, underrated veggies, road necessities

• September 9, 2018

Local Spins exchanged a series of fun, on-the-road texts with the Michigan indie-rock band as it prepares to play a Monday show at Calvin College with John Mark McMillan. It’s an entertaining, behind-the-scenes glimpse into life on tour.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Jen Sygit finds ‘rebirth’ with vibrant new solo album: Local Spins on WYCE

• September 8, 2018

The Lansing singer-songwriter turns from ‘sideman’ to star with songs from ‘It’s About Time’ during this week’s radio show, which also featured the premiere of tracks by Red Legs, Lushh and Jacob Simons, plus the Hot Top 5 countdown. Listen to the podcast, watch the in-studio video.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Week-in-Review Photo Galleries: T.I. at Party in the Park, Lyle Lovett, Foxing, Kississippi

• September 2, 2018

The week started with another sold-out Lyle Lovett concert at Meijer Gardens, with plenty of fan-pleasing shows to follow in the warm-up to Labor Day. Browse the photos, videos at Local Spins.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The Crane Wives speak out musically: Local Spins on WYCE (Story, podcast, video)

• September 1, 2018

The Grand Rapids folk-rock band unfurled two new songs on the radio show, which also aired new tracks by Pretoria, The Blue Pines, SearchParty and The War & Treaty. Listen to the radio podcast, watch the in-studio video.

Playlists · Upcoming shows · Videos

Elton John: Local Spins’ Ultimate Deep Cuts Playlist

• August 29, 2018

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.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

O.A.R., Hop Along, Maddie Jackson, The Accidentals: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries

• August 27, 2018

The West Michigan week in live music ended Sunday with another sold-out O.A.R. show at Meijer Gardens, but there were local showcases, a Doors tribute and more, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Browse the images at Local Spins.