Our mid-January roundup of new releases by Michigan artists features everything from the alternative, guitar-driven new collection from Adam Main to folk’s Mad Hat Mojo.

Mustard Plug: Delivering live-stage energy on a studio recording. (Photo/Eric Stoike)
Michigan bands and solo artists were busy at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, releasing new albums that span a variety of genres recorded at a variety of studios across the state.
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Here’s a sampling of several recordings, with more in the offing.
Check out the Local Spins reviews below, listen to tracks from each release and find more Michigan album reviews online here.
Mustard Plug
“Hey!”
What Stands Out: Ska-punk veterans Mustard Plug have returned with “Hey!,” an EP that further builds on the sessions from their 2023 release “Where Did All My Friends Go?” After over 30 years as a band, Mustard Plug continues to create driving music that resonates with listeners around the country. New tracks include “Hey!,” “Take Me With You,” “Not Breaking Down,” and “West Coast,” and are placed alongside two remixes for “Vampire” that are already gaining streaming traction, a remix of “Sunny” (or “Now or Never”), and a cover of “Waiting Room” by Fugazi. Fans can delight in that classic, legendary sound from Mustard Plug while celebrating the West Michigan group’s ability to continue forward with new music and memories on the road.
Digging Deeper: Grand Rapids has long seen the rise of Mustard Plug to national prominence, with a catalog that spans back to the early ’90s. Rather than resign themselves to the comforts of “legacy touring,” this band continues to strive for the same magic that galvanized this group to begin their journey in the music industry. The new songs radiate that nostalgic energy with modern production flair while the remixes help to bridge their multi-generational listening audience in a way that feels authentic even as they progress. Whether you’re looking to “skank” the hours away or inject some energizing tunes into your dreary winter week, Mustard Plug continues to be a group thousands seek out every year for how they reward both themselves and their fan base with every new release.
Perfect For: Anyone looking to experience Mustard Plug’s energetic live experience from the comforts of home while celebrating the continuing legacy of one of Grand Rapids’ finest. – By Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://mustardplug.com/
Upcoming Shows: Mustard Plug kicks off a U.S. tour Thursday (Jan. 16) and plays Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo on March 28 (with special guest Sierra Miffed)
Listen: “Take Me With You”
Nicholas James & The Bandwagon
“WiLD”
What Stands Out: During the summer of 2024, Nicholas James Thomasma celebrated a successful Kickstarter campaign for “WiLD,” a new album featuring his group, The Bandwagon. With new songs and an ever-expanded vision of what this project can do, these tunes were recorded and mixed at Second Story Sound by producer and Bandwagon guitarist, Greg Baxter, before being sent off to Ian Gorman for mastering at La Luna Recording & Sound. The album then officially released to the wider public in November 2024 and includes featured guest performances by Sav Madigan (Lainey Wilson, The Accidentals), Joe Hettinga (May Erlewine), Olivia Vargas & Marissa Peak (August), and Andy & Joe Wilson for horns.
Digging Deeper: “WiLD” is an appropriate name for this record, as it denotes both the wild nature of chasing your dreams as an artist with the disbelief that comes from reaching out for help and seeing it returned in ways you could only dream of when first starting out as a songwriter. While retaining the rootsy rock- and country-tinged vibe that Thomasma’s fans have long celebrated, each tune offers something for the avid Michigan music fan, whether it’s tender, acoustic-driven stories or an upbeat, disco-inspired funk tune getting you on your feet. Thomasma has been a fixture of the West Michigan music scene for years, and this latest iteration of The Bandwagon sounds stronger and more driven than ever.
Perfect For: Any music fan looking to hop on the VW bus with The Bandwagon and journey towards brighter days and happier times ahead. – By Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://nicholasjamesthomasma.com/
Upcoming Shows: 7 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 16) at Greyline Brewing in Grand Rapids for “Open Mic Thursday” (taking place every Thursday night); Jan. 24-26 at Songwriter Summit for Resilience at Circle Pines Center in Delton
Listen: “If I Had Known”
Tunde Olaniran
“Chaotic Good”
What Stands Out: Flint-based, multi-dimensional artist Tunde Olaniran’s
“Chaotic Good,” should satiate fans of this artist’s consistently well-crafted pop music experience. The record cements Olaniran’s ability to craft dynamic pop with expressive backing textures and fearless vocal delivery, while adding the anticipation of how these songs will translate into their stellar live experiences. Listeners can expect an unflinching good time listening to this record, between the production around the songwriting to the undeniable presence of Olaniran’s artistry from track to track.
Digging Deeper: Pop music can be a difficult space to navigate, as it is saturated with hundreds of artists trying to replicate another’s sound, success and songwriting skills to compete for such a narrow view of success among the superstars the world already celebrates. With Olaniran, there is a clear path forged through fierce originality that cuts through the noise. Recognized by The New York Times, NPR and Rolling Stone for past works, this release continues to magnify the celebration around Olaniran’s artistry. “Chaotic Good” perfectly encapsulates what Olaniran strives for: breaking the rules and challenging the status quo to encourage positive change through the lens of such creative, dance-inducing moments that cannot be contained to one art medium of expression.
Perfect For: Anyone looking for a strong personality to encourage positive change in your life while dancing through the chaos. – By Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://tundeolaniran.com/
Listen: “Doorway (ft. Yo Yo Ma)”
Third Coast Swing
“Stompin’ at Griswold”
What Stands Out: Third Coast Swing’s latest project, “Stompin’ at Griswold,” marks an exciting new chapter for northern Michigan’s Third Coast Swing. Known for their roots in the timeless music of Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club of Paris, the Ludington-based ensemble has taken a bold step forward by adding vocalist Ella Plummer to their lineup. This infusion of soulful, mid-century swing vocals into their repertoire elevates the band’s already rich sound, making the album a standout. Ella’s addition not only helps make these tunes a bit more accessible and relatable, but also brings an emotional depth that’s both nostalgic and fresh.
Digging Deeper: Beyond its standout features, “Stompin’ at Griswold” showcases Third Coast Swing’s evolving artistry and their willingness to experiment. The decision to move away from purely acoustic arrangements and incorporate electric guitars lends a contemporary edge to their sound while maintaining the essence of their gypsy jazz roots. Tracks like “There Will Never Be Another You” exemplify this blend, with inventive arrangements that feel both classic and refreshingly modern. The album is really more than just that; it’s a milestone for the ensemble. Whether you’re a fan of gypsy jazz, mid-century swing, or simply looking for music that radiates warmth and joy, this album is a must-listen.
Perfect For: A fun night in or setting the mood for a dinner party. – By Sean Miller
Website: https://www.thirdcoastswingband.com/
Upcoming Show: 8 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 16) at The Ark in Ann Arbor (Django Reinhardt Birthday); 6 p.m. Saturday at The Old Goat in Grand Rapids; Jan. 23 at GR Noir in Grand Rapids
Listen: “There Will Never Be Another You”
Adam Main
“Nights & Weekends”
What Stands Out: Adam Main is back to kick off 2025 with his recently released “jam-centric” collaborative album, “Nights & Weekends.” The record boasts a solid bedrock of Michigan musicians to explore sonic territories in stylized improvisational jams alongside different songs that linger in your ears as you flow between tracks. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Ian Gorman and Samuel Peters at La Luna Recording & Sound in Kalamazoo, the artists featured on this record (many of whom will be performing at album-release shows this month) include Anders Dahlberg (bass), Dave Tranquilla (drums), Carolyn Koebel (percussion), Patti Ann McNulty (vocal), Cori Somers (violin), Grace Theisen (harmony vocals), Bob Wallis (keyboards), and multi-instrumentalist Justin Wierenga.
Digging Deeper: In a time where artists are looking to cut costs in the studio and in their live-show experience, it is always welcome and refreshing to see an artist such as Grand Rapids guitarist Adam Main delight in collaborating with so many folks. The result is a listening experience that feels as cozy and comfortable as the recording conditions La Luna is known for providing. There are plenty of moments where Main gives not only space, but different moods and characters to each tune to amplify the voices of everyone in the room. This record rewards a deeper listen with some great gems, while offering a background ambiance that is sure to warm up your winter gatherings with every tune.
Perfect For: Music fans looking to curl up with a hot beverage and good stories flanked by expressive jam experiences that delight in classic rock, Americana and even some jazz. – By Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://linktr.ee/adammain
Upcoming Shows: Jan. 24 and 25 at The Clover Room in Kalamazoo
Listen: “Two Hearts Beat As One”
Mad Hat Mojo
“Brooklyn Daze”
What Stands Out: Consisting of eight expansive tracks written over a weekend escape together, Battle Creek folk trio Casey Ann, Jeff Sobell and Jeff Perry deliver an elegant and reflective package filled with rock frills and vocal power. The band suggests great food, laughter and liquor went into the development of the record, but the tracks are pensive, often suggesting heartache and longing. There are a few moments of levity, like the ambiguous storytelling on “Close Your Eyes” and the adoration of “Spending All My Time With You.” Multi-instrumentalists Sobell and Perry are happy to demonstrate their skills across a plethora of different keys and strings, but it should be a testament to Casey Ann’s voice that it shines as a highlight.
Digging Deeper: Casey Ann’s clear vocals sound like they fill up the room, yet they lilt over the various strings on each track, which include a banjo, and cutting electric guitars. Instruments are often given their own spot in the limelight, like the two solos on “Spending All My Time With You.” “Dependable Disaster” and the album closer, “Forgotten,” are ballads of scorned love, and they juxtapose the way memories can empower or destroy us. The finger-picking on “Carefree” is classic singer-songwriter, and the sway-your-head groove of “Past-Dawn” is almost reminiscent of a gulf tune. It could be seen as the cheeriest song, it extolls the virtues of drinking and smoking with your friends and the relief it provides, but some of the lines sound out of place with the rest of the record, like the chorus proclaiming “We all love it when we’re lit.”
Perfect For: Reflecting on lost love in a dim bar. – By Parker Learman-Blaauw
Website: https://madhatmojo.com/home
Listen: “Carefree”
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