With the holidays fast approaching, Local Spins recaps several new releases by Michigan artists — not only to showcase their varied music but give you ideas for the music lovers on your shopping list.
New Michigan Releases: Caitlin Cusack, Spencer LaJoye, Billy King, Lafayette Gunter Jr. (Cusack Photo/Holly Holtzclaw)
As November winds down and the hustle and bustle of the holidays gears up, Local Spins today rounds up several recent releases by Michigan artists.
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Not only do readers get a chance to explore some of this diverse new music, but this recap might give them ideas for the music lovers on their holiday shopping lists.
Check out the reviews and tracks from these releases below. View previous Local Spins review of Michigan albums here.
Spencer LaJoye
“Gentle Songs”
What Stands Out: True to its title, this album is full of warmth, sweet anecdotes, and encouraging messages. With each of the 10 tracks clocking in at less than two minutes in length, West Michigan-bred Spencer LaJoye proves that not every idea needs to be manifested into what is traditionally considered a full-length song. These short-but-sweet songs produced and mixed by another Michigan tunesmith, Chris DuPont, feel like the songwriter’s equivalent to an author releasing a collection of short stories in the way that the work that is done and the ideas that are expressed are no less valuable than long-form projects. In fact, it’s a sign of a truly skilled songwriter when a 59-second track can tell a story and conjure up just as much emotion as a 3- to 5-minute one.
Digging Deeper: LaJoye is known for tackling some difficult and heavy topics, so it’s fun to hear them lean into humor, lightheartedness and simple, everyday moments of joy in these lyrics. The opening track, “the best you can,” carries an especially poignant message about giving oneself grace and not getting lost in insecurities. Another theme that runs throughout this project is finding joy in the mundane things. LaJoye turns grocery lists, crossword puzzles and tying their shoes into poetry by connecting those small moments to people they love and moments that are meaningful to them.
Perfect For: Anyone looking for a bit of warmth and positivity this winter season. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://www.spencerlajoye.com
Listen: “shoelaces”
Caitlin Cusack
“Live at the GRAM”
What Stands Out: At first glance, the covers included in this album’s tracklist are certainly intriguing, especially because they include well-loved classics by legendary artists such as Chicago and Elton John as well as a recent track by Michigan’s own Billy Strings. These selections become even more exciting after hearing Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Caitlin Cusack execute them in a way that brings out her own personal style, while also keeping the spirit of the original recording. Cusack’s vocal control and range really shine on Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and the jazzy, timeless sound of Cusack’s live band feels right at home on Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.” The live band for this set, originally performed for GRAM on the Green at the Grand Rapids Art Museum in July 2025, includes saxophonist Caleb Elzinga, drummer Scott Pellegrom, bassist Nathan Walker, guitarist Zachary Forsleff, and backing vocals from Molly Horton and Lauren Froman.
Digging Deeper: While the covers on this release are impressive and expertly chosen, the real heart of the album is in Cusack’s original songs. Several of these tracks carry the theme of letting the universe guide you and accepting that whatever is meant to be will be, even when it doesn’t feel right at first. Everything about this recording feels polished and precise, especially when it comes to Cusack’s piano skills. “Things Change,” which originally appeared on Cusack’s “Quiet My Mind” EP, is a moment on this project where things slow down a bit and Cusack’s signature piano-ballad style makes an appearance. Cusack’s previous releases prove that she is skilled in that realm, but “Live at the GRAM” showcases a confident step into a more upbeat, pop-oriented sound that brings her abilities to new heights.
Perfect For: Those looking for something upbeat and fun to dance along to. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://caitlincusackmusic.com
Upcoming Shows: Dec. 14 for Cusack’s “A Christmas Concert” at St. Peter Catholic Church in Douglas; Dec. 27 for Lowell Arts’ Sound Check with Clarke, Reed, and Meadows in Lowell
Listen: “Run To You”
Lafayette Gunter Jr.
“Working Man”
What Stands Out: Fans of the West Michigan jazz scene will know Lafayette Gunter Jr. for his kind demeanor, eagerness to jump on the bandstand, and stellar musicianship on the saxophone. With the release of his debut EP, “Working Man,” he’s primed to share his sound with the wider Michigan music community. The album includes three original numbers and two classics from the American jazz catalog that make for an enjoyable listen with a nice variety of styles throughout. The personnel involved in the studio process includes friends, mentors and staples of the music community.
Digging Deeper: This EP roll out as a great sample of the larger space Lafayette Gunter Jr. occupies with his personality on and off stage, combining an intuitive nature on multiple saxophones with the constant pursuit of knowledge from his peers and teachers around the scene. The title track, “Working Man,” kicks things off with a bossa nova and segues into “Born in Detroit,” a blues number reminiscent of tunes such as “Moanin” by Bobby Timmons (recorded by Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers). “Inside Outside” picks up the swing tempo and transitions nicely into “Invitation” by Bronislaw Kaper, with the record concluding on Hoagy Carmichael’s lush ballad, “Skylark.” The session band boasts performances by Steve Talaga on keys, Dale Bales III on bass (Candid Antics), Fredd Knapp and Evan Follmar on drums, and production from Tommy Schichtel at Grand Rapids’ Goon Lagoon, who helps highlight the subtleties and nuances of a live performance in a way that translates well to the final product.
Perfect For: A relaxed, social evening with your favorite beverage and the perfect chair to lounge, listen, and learn. – By Dutcher Snedeker
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kmari.gunter
Listen: “Inside Outside”
Billy King
“Chill”
What Stands Out: Much of “Chill” is characterized by Jackson County singer-songwriter Billy King’s catchy melodies and folk-rock elements, but King doesn’t shy away from introducing fresh, new elements to that formula. “Truth Lies” feels inspired by old-school country-blues and the track “Temple” even borrows some elements from funk and reggae. King’s warm acoustic guitar tone and Jordan Adema’s lively violin melodies drive most of the songs on “Chill,” making the album feel cohesive, but never motionless. Because of the timeless folk style, King’s rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice (It’s Alright)” fits right in sonically with his original tracks on this album that was recorded, mixed and mastered by Dave Roof, and featuring several seasoned Michigan musicians.
Digging Deeper: King’s lyrics tend to paint broad strokes, creating sentiments that resonate with a wide audience. King often speaks about the world, life, and society as a whole and, although his songs draw on his own life experiences, it’s hard not to find some of your own personal truth in the words as you listen. “Indoctrination” takes a stand on the importance of truth and facts in today’s political climate when so much of what we hear is not based on either of those things. And while King acknowledges that things can feel bleak sometimes, he counters that by asking “Whatcha gonna do with the time that you’re given?” The idea of slowing down and taking life one day at a time in this chaotic, fast-paced world shines through on several of these tracks and puts a hopeful spin on life.
Perfect For: Anyone looking for a “chill” record, but one that still has something to say. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://billykingdom.com/index.php/home
Upcoming Shows: Dec. 11-13 for the annual Ebird and Friends Holiday Show at The Ark in Ann Arbor
Listen: “Time Here”
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