The Ada composer turned an artist-in-residence project into a ‘beautiful’ song collection inspired by the island. Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the album and debuted new tracks by Gianna Stansell, Jeff Socia and more. Learn more about the project, listen to a couple of tracks and check out this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
In the National Spotlight: Sufjan Stevens & CARM, The War & Treaty, Greta Van Fleet
Today, Local Spins rounds up some Michigan-related music news that’s getting national attention, including a new collaboration starring Sufjan Stevens, a pair of big TV appearances for The War and Treaty, and a sneak peek into the upcoming studio album from Greta Van Fleet. Get the updates and watch the videos at Local Spins.
Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
Lady Ace Boogie’s live-stream birthday show to aid Grand Rapids homeless
Sunday’s online birthday benefit will feature West Michigan hip hop stars Orlando, Kyd Kane, JRob, Dayz, Callab and others, raising money for targeted aid to the homeless. Learn more at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Soundtrack: Bell’s Brewery Eccentric Cafe’s Top 10 performers playlist
The Kalamazoo brewery’s booking and marketing team reminisced about the most compelling performances by bands and solo artists pre-COVID at Bell’s, from May Erlewine and Joe Hertler to Kurt Vile and Trampled by Turtles. Check out the Top 10 playlist and videos.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Local Spins Rewind: Winter Wheat 2020 delivered folk, roots charm despite snowstorm
Held at The Intersection exactly one year ago today, the 11th annual benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization boasted more than a dozen performances on two stages in spite of wintry weather. Revisit the event in words, photos and video.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: Dan Rickabus of The Crane Wives
Local Spins continues its series showcasing recordings that most influenced the careers of Michigan musicians. Today, we get a peek into the records that shaped Crane Wives drummer Dan Rickabus.
Must-See Music Videos: A Bowie tribute, Les Creatif, M.I.C. Book, Jordan Ellis Mobley & more
Led by an ambitious tribute to David Bowie, Local Spins has culled some of the best music videos created by West Michigan artists over the past few months for this January roundup, including videos featuring Jordan VanHemert, Rick Chyme, Wuzee and others. Watch all of the videos and get the back story on Mike Dodge’s impressive video homage to Bowie.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Joshua Davis channels grief, quarantine into songs, live-streams, ‘positive directions’
The Traverse City singer-songwriter unfurled a touching new song for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Jordan Ellis Mobley, Laurel Premo, The Chinchillionaires and more. Catch up with Davis in this in-depth interview, watch a video of a recent live-stream performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
St. Cecilia launches new online folk-and-blues series, adds jazz piano live-streams
The historic Grand Rapids venue will ‘keep music alive’ in 2021 by hosting a wide array of virtual shows starring Ralston Bowles, Michael Crittenden, Roger MacNaughton, Rachael & Dominic Davis and many others. Check out the lineup of upcoming concerts at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
Album Reviews: Les Creatif, goredotcom, M.I.C. Book, Jude Lolley, Jordan VanHemert & more
The first regional albums roundup of 2020 spotlights artists from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Traverse City, and covers a broad spectrum of genres. Get the lowdown on these recordings and sample tracks from all of the releases.
Audio · Hot Top 5 · Playlists · Top 10 Lists
Jordan Hamilton clinches No. 1 regional song of 2020; May Erlewine tops December Hot Top 5
A soulful charm marked both releases in this year-end roundup of most-played Michigan songs and albums. The charts also salute popular recordings by The War & Treaty, Cole Hansen, Cameron Blake and Drinking Mercury, along with other West Michigan gems. Check out the charts, sample the music.
Stovepipe @ The Musicians’ Soundboard: Why we must start paying for recorded music again
After a brutal, COVID-impaired 2020, music fans need to step up if regional artists are to survive. In this guest column, Grand Rapids musician Justin ‘Stovepipe’ Stover explains why buying music, not just streaming for free, is imperative.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Playlists · Videos
Billy Strings recharges during COVID with fishing, live-streams & ‘a bunch’ of new music
In an in-depth Local Spins interview, the Grammy-nominated bluegrass star talks about writing, staying safe in a pandemic and getting ready to hit ‘the ground like a fireball’ when touring resumes. Watch videos of some of his recent performances and check out a playlist of artists he’s currently digging.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE: Gazing back at 2020 Michigan music, looking forward to 2021
The New Year’s Day edition of Local Spins on WYCE not only debuted new tracks by more than a half-dozen Michigan artists, but revisited some of the best music from special guests on the show in 2020. Listen to the full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Festivals · Summer Festivals
Michigan music festival organizers hopeful, wary, uncertain for 2021 return
After a year in which nearly every Michigan music festival was canceled, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to cast doubt on 2021 events — even though more than 40 festivals currently are scheduled to take place. Get an update on what some festivals are planning, along with a link to Local Spins’ Michigan Music Festivals Guide for 2021.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best COVID song parodies of the 2020 pandemic: Local Spins’ No. 1 Story of the Year
The coronavirus crisis has fueled the creativity of musicians who’ve turned to humor for survival in 2020. Local Spins’ March roundup of video parodies not only became the No. 1 most-read story of the year, but the most popular post in the website’s history. Revisit this roster of clever spoof tunes, including new COVID-inspired videos we’ve added to further tickle your funny bone.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
Top Local Spins Stories of 2020: The COVID-19 ‘songs for the apocalypse’ playlist
The No. 2 story of the year was produced in quarantine by Local Spins writer Troy Reimink, who concocted a mid-March, elbow bump-worthy soundtrack for the viral apocalypse. Check out this uber-popular post and listen to the COVID-inspired tracks he assembled.
Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Best Music of 2020: The Local Spins Musicians’ and Readers’ Picks
Part II of Local Spins’ spotlight on the year’s best releases — from Lianne La Havas to Fontaines D.C. to Tame Impala to Fiona Apple to Earth Radio — focuses on music selected by West Michigan musicians and Local Spins readers. Check out their picks; listen to the songs.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Top 12 Stories Countdown · Videos
Top 2020 Stories (No. 3): The Rolling Stones’ 12 most underrated songs … in lieu of a U.S. tour
The Stones were set to mount a 2020 U.S. tour until COVID-19 upended things. To make up for it, Local Spins in June fired up a dozen of the iconic band’s under-appreciated classics for a special playlist that was shared by readers across the globe. Check out the roster of songs and listen to the tracks.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tuesday Playlist: The Founders Brewing Top 10 artists who’ve played the GR taproom
For the final Tuesday Playlist of 2020, Local Spins asked the folks at Founders Brewing Co. to compile a Top 10 list of favorite performers. It’s a wide-ranging and impressive roster of artists from near and far.
In Memoriam · Local Spins Rewind
Top Stories of 2020 (No. 4): Tributes pour in for late Lowell musician Eric Soules
The well-loved bassist and Lowell native who performed with Nathan Kalish, Al & The Black Cats and DangerVille passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 24. Friends and fellow musicians were heartbroken. Revisit their tributes in this Local Spins Rewind feature from February.
Concert announcements · Local Spins Rewind · Summer Concerts
Top Stories of 2020 (No. 5): WLAV’s plan to bring Blues on the Mall back to downtown GR
The COVID crisis eventually scuttled the shows, but when 97LAV announced in late February its plans for returning that mid-week blues series to Rosa Parks Circle, lots of folks were interested — making it one of the top music stories of the year at Local Spins.
Best Music of 2020: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks
The raging COVID-19 pandemic didn’t stem the 2020 tide of new music — some inspired by the crisis as well as other events in a tumultuous year. Local Spins writers reveal their faves from a most unusual year.
Local Spins on Michigan Radio: Mitten State musicians make statement in 2020
Michigan Radio’s “Stateside” tapped Local Spins publisher John Sinkevics for a recap of Michigan music amid a year short on live music but filled with compelling releases by Michigan artists. Listen to the podcast.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Venue Spotlight
Top Stories of 2020 (No. 6): Pinnacle Center unveils The Underpass outdoor music venue
Amid a pandemic that upended the Hudsonville event center, owner Bill Worst debuted a new venture in September with drinks, food and music. The story and photos caught the attention of Local Spins readers.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
From pandemic pain to Christmas charisma: Local Spins on WYCE’s year-in-review
The Christmas Day edition of Local Spins on WYCE kicked off with new holiday tracks and fresh music by Michigan artists, then revisited the best of 2020’s guests on the radio show. Listen to the podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Top 2020 Stories (No. 7): Michiganders create ‘music amid the madness’ with COVID spoofs
In late March, Local Spins put out a call to Michigan musicians to submit songs and videos inspired by the COVID crisis. They responded with humor and with poignancy — and readers loved it all. Watch the videos in this Local Spins Rewind feature that earned lots of attention last spring.
Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
Top Stories of 2020 (No. 8): A ‘healing hands’ musical tribute to COVID health care workers
This playlist from April honors the brave doctors, nurses and health care workers who have helped heal the nation. From Michael Jackson to Van Morrison to May Erlewine, revisit this Christmas Eve tribute as part of our countdown of 2020’s most-read stories.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
Grand Rapids’ Rick Beerhorst finds inspiration, romance, art, new musical project in Paris
The West Michigan visual artist and musician moved to France in early 2020 and has embraced the vibrant city. Learn more about his relocation and his upcoming Americana/punk album; listen to a new track from the forthcoming release.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Christmas Week Playlist: Van Andel Arena’s Top 10 artists to rev up the holidays
As Christmas approaches, the folks at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena assembled this holiday-hued soundtrack featuring some of the top artists who’ve played the venue or are slated to play it in 2021. Get into the spirit of things with this Top 10 playlist.
Breaking music news · Venue Spotlight
Concert venues ‘beyond happy and excited’ about state and federal COVID aid
With both Congress and Michigan’s Legislature this week passing relief packages containing funds for shuttered venues, the future for these businesses looks a tad brighter. Get details at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Videos
‘Three Albums that Changed My World’: David Kirchgessner of Mustard Plug
Local Spins continues its series showcasing recordings that most influenced the careers and artistry of Michigan musicians. Today, the spotlight falls on the trio of artists who influenced David Kirchgessner of the Grand Rapids ska band Mustard Plug. Listen to tracks from each album and find out who’s at the top of Kirchgessner’s current playlist.
Christmas Memories: West Michigan musicians reveal their favorite childhood gifts
For many, the instruments and musical presents they found under the tree as kids changed their lives and shaped their careers. Plus, see their Christmas 2020 wishes for the world after a very tough year.
Concert venue financial aid included in COVID-relief bill passed by Michigan Senate
The package includes $3.5 million in grants for concert venues, much less than what the Michigan Independent Venue & Promoter Association was seeking. But “it’s a start,” according to one group member. The state House will take up the bill on Monday.
Top Stories of 2020 (No. 9): Kevin Matthews launches ‘Elevator a Go Go’ music video series
In April, the well-known radio personality kicked off a partnership with Big Event Studios to showcase regional and national stars in a unique way, using a rustic Grand Rapids freight elevator as a backdrop. Learn more about this project and watch a brand new video starring Nathan Walton as part of today’s Local Spins Rewind feature.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
Jack Droppers weathers both sides of pandemic angst with flurry of new songs
The rock band frontman and Calvin University concert booker shares his 2020 experiences for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Gasoline Gypsies, Joose the Conqueror, Jude Lolley and more. Catch up with Droppers and his band, watch a music video for one of their latest singles, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
On ‘Comeback Road’: Seven Steps Up listening room credits community for surviving 2020
Video No. 5 in the series focused on the plight of Michigan’s closed concert venues showcases Gary and Michelle Hanks’ labor of musical love in Spring Lake. Get the back story and watch the latest ‘Comeback Road’ video at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Features
May Erlewine discovers pandemic creativity, joys of fashion, authenticity of swearing
After releasing a brand new holiday EP, the beloved northern Michigan songbird opens up about musical life during the pandemic in this relaxed, revealing interview with Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos. Plus, listen to two classic tracks from her new recording.
Concert announcements · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts
Ann Arbor Folk Festival goes virtual with Robert Earl Keen, Accidentals, War and Treaty
The beloved festival will still take place in late January, but performances by artists will be live-streamed for ticket buyers, with The RFD Boys and Accidentals playing their sets on The Ark stage. Get details and the full performance lineup at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Michigan Music’s Hot Top 10 for 2020: The Year-Ending Local Spins Playlist
Today, we spotlight the local and regional albums that most dominated the Local Spins Hot Top 5 charts at WYCE-FM during the year of the pandemic, from Medicinal Groove to The War and Treaty, with plenty of gems in between. See which Michigan artists made a splash and listen to tracks from all of the recordings as part of this week’s playlist.
Album Reviews: Brother Wolf, Elijah Russ, Tom Hymn, Sean Stynes, Wicker Basket and more
This mid-December roundup of new releases by West Michigan artists ranges from the soothing to the rousing, from the dreamy to the thought-provoking, and from the heart-pounding to the unique collaboration of Oxford Fields. Get the back story on these releases and listen to selected tracks at Local Spins.
Periscope: Music you didn’t know you needed to hear by The Mountain Goats, Lost Horizons
Today, Local Spins writers and ‘New Standards’ hosts Tricia Boot Woolfenden and Troy Reimink give readers a sneak peek into new national/international tracks worth giving a listen. Get their take on the latest from The Mountain Goats and Lost Horizons; listen to the tracks.
Festivals · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Top Stories of 2020 (No. 10): Spread the Music Fest goes online to showcase, assist musicians
Hosted by Michigan Music Alliance, the star-studded live-streamed festival in March raised $11,500 in donations for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund to assist musicians hurt by the COVID-19 crisis. Revisit the story in words and videos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The American Hotel System touts community, sociopolitical vibe while releasing new live EP
Frontman Jacob Betts opened up about the Grand Rapids rock band for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted fresh tracks by May Erlewine, Steve Leaf, Pink Sky and more. Get the back story about The American Hotel System, watch a video from Dogtown Studio and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Top 10 Most Wretched Christmas Songs Ever: The Local Spins Readers’ Poll
It’s not a playlist you’ll want to put on repeat. A Paul McCartney dud tops the list of rotten holiday fare after we asked readers for their most hated seasonal tunes and they responded in droves. Check out the full list of “cringe-inducing, inane and repetitive” songs that drive many up the wall every year.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Spoken word star Kyd Kane taps ‘internal peace’ as Grand Rapids’ new poet laureate
Ericka “Kyd Kane” Thompson will succeed Marcel “Fable the Poet” Price in the three-year role — the first black woman and first gay/lesbian person to hold that title. Learn more in this in-depth profile of a dynamic performer by writer Nick Moran at Local Spins.
Commentary · Playlists · Videos
40 years later, 40 John Lennon songs that will live forever: The Local Spins Playlist
The world lost John Lennon of the Beatles to a brutal, stunning assassination on Dec. 8, 1980. He was just 40 years old. But 40 years later, the universe still reveres his music, still mourns the loss of this rock icon. Local Spins got some help from local musicians in assembling a Top 40 playlist for the ages.
Album Reviews: Rick Chyme, Heavy Color, Lucy Lowis, Brandino Extravaganza, Marsupials, Jess
Welcome to a pre-Christmas flurry of new releases by Michigan artists, from instrumental flair to hip hop to rock to funk to singer-songwriter charm. Check out today’s reviews and listen to tracks from each album.
The Michigan Music Lovers’ 2020 Christmas Gift Guide
From headphones to vinyl to T-shirts to calendars, Local Spins presents its first Christmas Gift Guide: ideas for the music lover on your list that are focused on local products supporting Michigan’s music scene or representing unique gifts recommended by local experts.
Listen to Local Spins Live
