Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie folk-rock ensemble talks about its growth as a band and performs in-studio for the latest edition of HopCat presents Local Spins Live. Check out the story, listen to the podcast and watch the video from this intimate interview and concert.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids-area artist who first made a splash as an animator has reinvented himself as a uniquely entertaining songwriter embarking on a bold new adventure. He plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday night.
In recent months, some of West Michigan’s most promising bands have turned their songs into visually fetching videos. Here are nine to ogle, courtesy of Local Spins, from rock to hip hop to harmony-hued folk.
Audio · Breaking music news · Videos
Billy Strings says he eats, sleeps and breathes bluegrass music. Well, the Michigan-bred bluegrass whiz who moved from Traverse City to Nashville late last year continues to turn heads with his guitar prowess, and has now earned an industry Momentum Award. Read the story and listen to a new song from his recent solo EP.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The first volley of the three-day festival was an impressive one, with more than two dozen performances and an unparalleled musical spirit. Check out the story, video highlights and photo gallery. Check out the recap, video highlights and photo gallery from the opening salvo of this beloved northern Michigan music festival.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
With a new album, “Fall Away Blues,” the Kalamazoo musicians are touring the Midwest, stopping by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Public Access, Michael Robertson and more. Check out the Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, videos and the full radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Oozing an alt-rock, pop and prog-rock sheen, Dause and his Band of Bros play SpeakEZ Lounge this week as the multi-instrumentalist promotes a new studio album. Read more about this talented musician and his hectic performing schedule with The Accidentals, as well as his own band.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts · Videos
Ralston Bowles orchestrated a rousing Grand Rapids variety show of talent for the summer-ending show, including Maurice Townsend, Channing & Quinn, Eric Engblade and more. Peruse the recap and photo gallery from Tuesday night’s show.
Summer Festivals · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
This week was all over the board for West Michigan’s music scene — from hip hop and pop at WSNX’s Party in the Park to a Prince tribute to a bevy of Saturday festivals in Grand Rapids to symphony musicians playing a free show in Kalamazoo. Check out the images and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The psychedelic Grand Rapids rock band pared back its sound during an in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by London & Rome, Eric Engblade, The Muteflutes and other West Michigan acts. Listen to the podcast, watch the video, read the story.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids uber-talented folk-rock band talks about songwriting, jelling as a band and feta dips – and rolls out new songs for a small studio audience. The band’s intimate performance and interview was captured via video and podcast.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
From folk to country to metal and more, this August round-up of new releases by Michigan artists covers the gamut. Check out reviews of the recordings, audio samples and see where you can catch these performers live.
Michigan’s most famous island offers more than fudge, horses and a rich history. Summertime and early fall boast a hotbed of live music with a unique milieu, some of it after-hours. Local Spins takes a gander at Mackinac music in words, pictures and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Despite early afternoon rain that wiped out some performances, dozens of regional acts played dozens of Grand Haven venues as fans strolled the streets and voted for their favorites. And a raffle raised upwards of $40,000 to support musical ventures for those in need. Check out the story, photo gallery and video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The much-respected pianist and anti-bullying disciple based in Traverse City brings his jazz quartet featuring Don Julin to Grand Rapids’ SpeakEZ Lounge for the first time this week. Peruse the back story about this intriguing Michigan treasure and his remarkable musical journey.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Traverse City musician has hit the ground running and hasn’t missed a step since the popular bluegrass duo parted ways. On Wednesday, he’ll perform in Grand Rapids for the first time with a jazz quartet led by Jeff Haas. Learn more about this mandolin virtuoso in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
To rev up August, Local Spins writer Matt Marn went heavy on Mitten artists — from The Accidentals to Channing & Quinn to Hannah Rose Graves — in between tracks from Trombone Shorty, Sturgill Simpson and James Vincent Morrow. Check out the videos and Spotify playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-rock project spearheaded by Bill Chesney, general manager for Earthwork Music, boasts an all-star cast of guests and ‘a beautiful balance’ of musical styles. Read the feature story about Earthwork’s “man behind the curtain,” listen to the radio podcast and watch his on-air performance of a new song with members of The Crane Wives.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
A hot week got hotter with JR JR playing Kalamazoo for the first time, Coffin Problem’s album debut, South Haven’s inaugural Rhythm on the River, northern MIchigan’s Dunesville and sizzling shows by Warren G, SuperDre, Lyle Lovett, The Outer Vibe, Bootstrap Boys, Josh Rose and The Piano Cottage Rocks. Ogle the resplendent photo galleries from a week of sultry musical magic.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
Andrew Tkaczyk met up with his bandmates at an Ohio awards show this week as he continues with difficult but remarkable progress at Grand Rapids’ Mary Free Bed from amputation and other injuries. Perhaps more amazing, the band hopes to return to the stage for the 2017 Vans Warped Tour. Read the update; watch videos of the band accepting its award and Tkaczyk getting behind a drum kit.
Old-school meets new-school with this roster of summertime tunes compiled by Local Spins writer Adrianna Walker, from an NRBQ classic to brand new tracks by Whitney and Twin Peaks, plus gems by The Go Rounds, Ryan Adams, Mac DeMarco, Rilo Kiley and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s in-studio radio guest performed two songs during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by I Believe in Julio, Norty, Watching for Foxes, May Erlewine and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of Plessner’s in-studio performance.
Album reviews · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The first batch of mid-year reviews of new local and regional recordings also spotlights Emma Loo, Glass-House, Trash Hounds and Eric Engblade. Check out the reviews and listen to samples from the new albums.
The Instagram campaign by musicians Rusty and Kelsy Vining attracted hundreds of followers by the time they attended a Simon concert in Detroit, just prior to his retirement announcement. Explore the back story behind this remarkable project and check out a video featuring the couple’s snippets of Simon songs.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor guitarist concedes national exposure on the NBC show was a ‘wonderful thing’ that boosted his profile and album sales. He headlines the National Cherry Festival this weekend with more big Michigan concerts on tap. Read the Local Spins Artist Spotlight profile, listen to his music and check out his upcoming performance schedule.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The Grand River Water Festival on Sunday wrapped up an impressive week of live music that also featured album-release shows, the debut of a new local music festival, a West Michigan tour stop by Yonder Mountain String Band, the kickoff to the Celadon concert series and a birthday bash at The Pyramid Scheme. Ogle the updated Local Spins Weekend Photo Galleries as part of our weekly concert recap.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
As this year’s Electric Forest enters its third day in the woods and fields of Rothbury, Local Spins takes a look at the cycle of festival hoopla — from morning yoga and lounging in the sunshine to grooving in Sherwood Forest at midnight. Check out the day-and-night video and photo gallery by Ricky Olmos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
More than 40,000 festival-goers packed Double JJ Resort in Rothbury for the opening salvo of the hippie-driven, four-day affair. Read the first-day recap, browse the resplendent photo gallery and watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids group fronted by singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma releases its sophomore album, ‘Tall Tall Tales,’ at Founders Brewing on Saturday. Explore the back story of the new recording, listen to the radio podcast and view the video of Thomasma’s performance inside his VW bus.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Attendance was down a bit, but the music was as hot as the weather with The Go Rounds and FBC All-Stars representing Michigan during the ninth annual day-long street party that also featured People’s Blues of Richmond, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, The Main Squeeze and Dos Santos: Anti-Beat Orquesta. Check out the story, photo gallery and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band is part of Friday night’s Local Spins Non-Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll Show at Tip Top Deluxe and previewed its new album with a performance for Local Spins on WYCE. The new album officially gets released July 9. Listen to the podcast, including the debut of new songs by Bello Spark, Barbarossa Brothers, Bennett, Bigfoot Buffalo and more.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Inspired by a breakup, the Grand Rapids artist’s impressive ‘Leaving on the Light’ is a full-band project that will be showcased Friday at The DAAC. Listen to the new album now in a Local Spins exclusive “first listen,” along with this week’s Local Spins Live radio podcast. And watch a video of his in-studio performance.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
The sixth annual festival in a remote area of Barry County reveled Friday in rousing regional music and a family-friendly atmosphere with much more to come. Read the roundup, scan the photo gallery and watch some video highlights from opening day.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-folk band returns home from a U.S. tour — after downsizing — and performs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new music by Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Seth Bernard, The Preservers, Sligh, Kari Lynch and more. Read the story, listen to the podcast, watch the video.
The latest in Local Spins’ series of summery soundtracks boasts tracks by Alabama Shakes, Kali Uchis, Blood Orange, Frankie Cosmos and Jonti, who’s seen in a pink furry suit strolling through a dreamy video. Check out all the intriguing picks, along with a Spotify version of the playlist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids folk-rock band rocked Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new material from Red Sea Pedestrians, The Muteflutes, Dead Eye Zack, Matt Gabriel and more. Read the feature story, listen to the podcast and check out the video of The Crane Wives’ in-studio radio performance.
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Podcasts · Videos
The spring edition of HopCat presents Local Spins Live at River City Studios featured an up-and-coming West Michigan band with eclectic, diverse instrumentation and ever-changing rhythms. Check out the interview and performances by this unique ensemble in podcast, video and photos.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows · Videos
After three years, the Traverse City trio finally releases a new studio recording this week. Like the musicians themselves, it’s buoyant and fresh – and will likely earn them even more acclaim. Read the Local Spins review and sample some of the music in new videos from The Accidentals.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
Grand Rapids’ progressive bluegrass band Fauxgrass unveiled a new original and a new cover in the studio for Local Spins, which also debuted new music by The Accidentals and other Michigan artists. Listen to the podcast, watch the video of an in-studio performance.
Seeking the perfect tracks for kiddie-pool beer, hippie camping, crashing weddings, fireworks, power tools, age-inappropriate partners and buying rounds? Well, this Local Spins pundit has you covered. Check out Troy Reimink’s Top 10 songs for the season in words, video and Spotify glory.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The performers became fast friends after battling each other in a hip hop competition. The duo is releasing its debut album, “The Great Ones,” on Saturday at Long Road Distillers in Grand Rapids. Read the story and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE podcast which also includes the premiere of tracks by Bangups, Heaters, Elroy Meltzer, Kari Lynch and more.
Longtime Local Spins contributor, reviewer and WYCE ‘New Standards’ co-host Tricia Woolfenden offers up Joy Formidable, INXS, Santigold, Youth Lagoon, Tunde Olaniran and more to heat up the spring. Check out this eclectic roster and videos, along with a Spotify version of the playlist.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The bassist and guitarist for Grand Rapids’ Heaters and frequent contributor to Local Spins gets psychedelic, heavy, pop-hued, garagey, surfy and nostalgic with his roster of tunes for spring and summer jamming. See what he’s listening to and check out the Spotify playlist, too.
Artist Spotlights · Podcasts · Upcoming shows · Videos
With a new EP catching fire, the Grand Rapids band talked about its music for Local Spins Live, and performed on the air (and in a bank) as it prepares for Local Spins’ 4th anniversary show at Long Road Distillers on Saturday. Listen to the radio podcast and watch the videos.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
From Bob Marley to Macklemore to Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos fashions a playlist to get folks dreaming of summer and sunny skies. Watch the videos, listen to the full Spotify playlist.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The young Traverse City indie-folk trio continues to make waves, earning widespread attention for its latest, ultra-catchy single as it eyes release of a new EP in June. Read the back story, watch the video and download the song for free.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s edition of Local Spins Live featured the Grand Rapids vintage rock band performing a couple of Stones classics on the air as it prepares for a Saturday extravaganza. Listen to the podcast from the Local Spins Live radio show and watch the video of the band’s in-studio performance.
Announcements · Local Spins Exclusives · Upcoming shows · Videos
May’s Local Spins Month celebration boasts special parties and swag at Rockford Brewing, Long Road Distillers and SpeakEZ Lounge, plus a first-ever Muskegon event. Read the story to see how you can enter to win Local Spins anniversary gift packages with swag, concert tickets and more.
The Motor City rockers have been taking their blue-collar mentality on the road, pumping up fans in Grand Rapids and beyond with snarling guitars and passionate vocals. Read the feature on this emerging hard rock band and check out the video for Wilson’s latest single.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
On Saturday, Vertigo Music, Dodds Record Shop, Corner Record Shop, Green Light Music and more across West Michigan will celebrate their independence like never before. Find out why this is such a big day for music lovers and check out the live music schedules.
