This October round-up of new regional releases covers the musical gamut, from prog-rock to jam bands to indie-rock and more. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of the new music at Local Spins.
Crafting songs with ‘big crowds in mind’: Michigander’s musical quest to conquer a national audience
In an immersive interview, the unassuming Jason Singer talks candidly with Local Spins about his musical endeavors as Michigander while making the rounds to a few of his favorite Grand Rapids hangouts. Check out this week’s “good read” in this profile of a fast-emerging regional artist by Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos.
River City Studios celebrates 40th anniversary of recording Grand Rapids’ musical history
Owner Roy Wallace has continued the legacy of Michigan’s longest-running studio at a new location, with 2017’s diverse projects featuring UV Hippo, Lipstick Jodi, Moxie Strings, Watching for Foxes, Rockit King and more. Learn more about the studio and take a video tour.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Local Spins Guest Playlist: Michigan blues-guitar whiz kid Jake Kershaw’s Top 10
With Jake Kershaw hosting a Grand Rapids album-release show Thursday, Local Spins asked the 17-year-old musician to share his favorite, most influential tunes — from John Mayer to Cream to Tommy Castro. Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlist.
Steely Dan stays faithful to old classics, keeps Walter Becker’s legacy alive in Grand Rapids tour stop
Longtime fans got an impressive earful of jazz-rock faves from the Donald Fagen-led ensemble during Monday’s tour stop at Van Andel Arena. Check out the review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 16-22): O.A.R., 311, Steely Dan, Gavin DeGraw, Ghostface Killah, Jake Kershaw, Space Jesus, Kris Allen
Another week of eclectic music unfolds, from Surfer Blood to Kari Lynch, Mary Chapin Carpenter to CARE, Adam Rudolph to Chris Ayer, Bex Marshall to Lindsay Lou. Get the lowdown with The Big List and this week’s Under-the-Radar Picks, and see how you can win tickets to see 311 or blues-guitar phenom Jake Kershaw.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Mastodon, The War & Treaty, REZZ, Noah Gundersen: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
Rock ‘n’ roll, folk, gospel-fired and soulful Americana, EDM, you name it: West Michigan’s live music lineup was an impressive one this week. And the Local Spins photo galleries prove it. Browse the galleries, read a review of Noah Gundersen’s Grand Rapids concert at The Pyramid Scheme.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Local Spins on WYCE, Michigan Radio Podcasts: May Erlewine, Desmond Jones, Valley Girl, Sojii, FlyLiteGemini, Joshua Davis
Listen to three podcasts spotlighting regional music: The past two episodes of Local Spins on WYCE, plus Local Spins on Michigan Radio, highlighting May Erlewine, Desmond Jones, Valley Girl, Cameron Blake, Sojii, FlyLiteGemini, Joshua Davis, Ruth & Max Bloomquist, Slumlord Radio and more.
Obstacles to success as a band: Ego, lack of motivation, time pressure, apathy? RSVP Music Chat podcast
How about just trying to “be nice”? The fourth episode of Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast tackles reader comments on the attitudes and stumbling blocks that can thwart a band’s progress or success. Listen and then pipe in with your own take on the topic.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The Hacky Turtles set up musical shop in Grand Rapids while spreading funky, folk-rock ‘message of positivity and joy’
Relocating to West Michigan from Chicago, the Traverse City-bred band plays Founders Brewing on Thursday and Grand Armory Brewing on Oct. 20 while creating new songs for its sophomore album. Check out the Local Spins profile of this emerging band, along with video and audio samples of its unique music.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Joshua Davis set to tour, promote long-awaited new album ‘in a really big way’
The Traverse City singer-songwriter and ‘Voice’ star has released the Steve Berlin-produced ‘The Way Back Home’ and will now play several Michigan dates, including Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. The Local Spins interview and album review.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Oct. 9-15): Mastodon, Paula Cole, Dark Star Orchestra, Noah Gunderson, The Spill Canvas, Rick Chyme & After Ours, Valley Girl, Founders 20th Anniversary
Third Eye Blind, FlyLite Gemini, Jordan Dodson, The War & Treaty, Insane Theatre, The Adams Family, Yuri and more pump up the week. Plus, take advantage of two ticket giveaways: Mastodon and Paula Cole, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Week-in-Review Photos: The LACS, Hanson, Deerhoof, Blue October, Blind Pilot, Maren Morris, Desmond Jones, Mike Gordon
West Michigan’s live music week was surprisingly hectic for early October, from outdoor shows to indoor fireworks of the rock ‘n’ roll variety — much of it flaunted in Local Spins photos.
Pixies ‘Gouge Away’ in stirring, magical fashion at long-awaited Grand Rapids show
Led by Black Francis, the Pixies’ tour stop at 20 Monroe Live on Saturday night was an epic, rapid-fire affair that didn’t disappoint exuberant devotees. The Local Spins review and photo gallery.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos
Mark Lavengood to leave Lindsay Lou & the Flatbellys; Lady Ace Boogie and JRob win Blue Bridge song contest
The bluegrass band will send Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood off with a Michigan tour that kicks off Oct. 20, while The Great Ones — hip hop’s Lady Ace Boogie and JRob — celebrate a $1,000 win during ArtPrize. Get the full story at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Videos
The Accidentals top Hot Top 5 for second straight month with Jake Kershaw and Billy Strings right behind
Call it the youth movement. Traverse City indie-folk faves The Accidentals once again hit No. 1 for regional airplay on WYCE, with teen guitarist Jake Kershaw and bluegrass phenom Billy Strings debuting in the Top 5. Check out videos, audio of the Top 5 artists, along with a listing of new local and regional releases.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Michigan folk’s ‘Mother Lion’: May Erlewine releases tender, vulnerable new album with new band on the road
The much-respected Earthwork Music artist is releasing her new recording exclusively for Michigan fans first, playing a series of album-release shows in Grand Rapids, Spring Lake, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and beyond. Get the back story behind this new project, check out a Local Spins review of the album, listen to the first single.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Pixies ‘gone to heaven’: Thirty years in, alt-rock heroes find ‘ultimate’ bliss on the road
The influential rock band brings its North American tour to Grand Rapids’ 20 Monroe Live on Saturday. The Local Spins interview with “frustratingly cool” guitarist Joey Santiago.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Tom Petty: Local Spins’ Top 10 Playlists of his best, most underrated songs
In the wake of Monday’s death of rock icon Tom Petty, Local Spins asked West Michigan musician Jack Leaver — who fronts a Petty tribute band — to list his top Petty tunes, with Local Spins publisher offering up his under-the-radar picks of Petty classics you might not know but should Watch the videos, listen to the Spotify playlists.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Big List (Oct. 2-8): The Lacs, Pixies, Pulaski Days, Matt Flinner Trio, Grand Armory Anniversary Party, Hanson, May Erlewine, Desmond Jones
Gojira helps get the week started and you can win tickets to the show from Local Spins. And there’s more on the docket: Mushroomhead, Tommy Castro, Mike Gordon, Cousin Avery, Cabildo, Lambo and the Red Flannel Festival. See all of this week’s live music picks on The Big List.
Modest Mouse makes long overdue return to Grand Rapids with locked-in, career-spanning gem
The groundbreaking indie-rock faves made their 20 Monroe Live debut for a sold-out crowd a memorable one, trotting out the unexpected and, eventually, their biggest hit. The Local Spins review by Troy Reimink, with a photo gallery by Anthony Norkus.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Musical craziness with EOTO, Wayland, Blue Bridge Fest, Lipstick Jodi, That 1 Guy, Two Door Cinema Club, Joe Bonamassa: Photo Galleries
Local Spins’ week-in-review photo galleries covered a lot of fan-frenzied ground inspired by national and local stars at venues indoors and outdoors, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo.
Sun shines on Blue Bridge Music Festival’s opening day in Grand Rapids
With performances by Yolonda Lavender, The Bootstrap Boys and Michigander, the second-year festival drew big throngs of ArtPrize visitors to the downtown pedestrian bridge over the Grand River. Check out the images.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Vintage Gigs
Chain of Lakes flows beyond solo project for ‘sweetest evolution’ of indie-folk music
This week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by Kyle Rasche and Dana Jackson of Chain of Lakes, plus the premiere of new tracks by Bigfoot Buffalo, Deerfield Run, Organissimo and Cameron Blake. Listen to the full podcast and watch the video.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Emerson, Lake & Palmer drummer Carl Palmer still soldiers on, plays Holland’s Park Theatre on Saturday
The ELP and Asia drumming icon has carried on after the death of his rock bandmates, touring with a pair of virtuosic musicians and presenting the prog-rock music “in another way.” The Local Spins interview, with videos of Palmer performing live.
Willowsong Music Festival prepares to play its first note Saturday north of Grand Rapids
The brand new music festival on a Sidney farm will features performances by a dozen regional acts, including Red Legs, Nicholas James Thomasma, Eric Engblade, Patty PerShayla, Deerfield Run, Stovepipe Stover and more. Learn the details about this inaugural event at Local Spins.
Gary Clark Jr. cranks up otherworldly musical magic, blues-drenched fire in Grand Rapids
In what was also a homecoming for West Michigan native and bassist Johnny Bradley, Clark electrified an appreciative crowd with his bluesy rock attack at 20 Monroe Live on Tuesday night. See what critic Ricky Olmos had to say in the Local Spins review, with photos by Anthony Norkus.
Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos
With new ‘Don’t Box Me In’ album on the horizon, Lady Ace Boogie exudes positivity, vulnerability in studio and on stage
Along with other regional stars, the fast-emerging Grand Rapids hip hop artist on Saturday plays both the Blue Bridge Music Fest and Ladyfest at the Lakeshore as she eyes release of her sophomore album. Read about her new project, watch the video for her new single and save full schedules for both festivals at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 25-Oct. 1): Gary Clark Jr., Modest Mouse, Blue Bridge Fest, Joe Bonamassa, ZZ Top, Carl Palmer, Antibalas, Gogol Bordello, Willowsong Fest, Ladyfest
Bonamassa, Maria Muldaur and William Elliott Whitmore get a week started that also boasts big shows by Wayland, Lipstick Jodi, Organissimo, Deerfield Run, Mustard Plug, Nick Fradiani and more. Get the full lowdown and Under-the-Radar Picks in the Local Spins Concert Guide.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Audiotree Music Fest sizzles in the heat, plus Com Truise, Scott Stapp, Drowning Pool, Highly Suspect, Weyes Blood (Local Spins Photo Galleries)
Audiotree Music Festival lit up the day and night in Kalamazoo, with national tour stops by hard-rocking stars in Grand Rapids and a harvest festival in Rockford. Browse all of the colorful, action-packed images at Local Spins.
Fleetwood Mac tribute with Grand Rapids Symphony a ‘tide-me-over’ for Mac fans
The Landslide tribute show as part of the GR Pops series kicked off Friday and continues Saturday and Sunday at DeVos Performance Hall. Get the recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Jake Kershaw turns up the blues, Cruelworld makes its debut: Local Spins on WYCE (Podcast, video)
The teen guitar sensation made an impressive in-studio visit for Local Spins on WYCE, which this week also premiered tracks by Cruelworld, The Autumnatic, Desmond Jones, Hominian, Jukejoint Handmedowns, Gifts or Creatures and more. Listen to the podcast and check out Cruelworld’s new video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Deerfield Run proudly set to debut melting pot of bluesy, country-hued rock (Local Spins on WYCE)
The Grand Rapids band rocked the studio for Local Spins on WYCE, which also boasted new tracks by Cosmonaut, May Erlewine, Cosmic Knot, The B-Side Growlers and more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight story, podcast and video.
Commentary · Podcasts · RSVP Music Chat
Politics and music: Strange bedfellows, risky business or compelling combo? (The RSVP Music Chat)
Take 3 of Ralston & Sink’s Virtual Podcast burrows into the thorny thicket of musicians pontificating on politics via social media and in their music. Hear what our resident RSVP Music Chatters have to say on the subject and pipe in with your own comments.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Earthwork Harvest Gathering 2017 Revisited: ‘Like coming home’ to musical jams, camaraderie, unrivaled vibe
Many will say there’s absolutely nothing like it. Anywhere. The summer-ending festival outside Lake City last weekend drew more than 2,500 people for innovative performances, upbeat fellowship and much more. Relive some highlights at Local Spins, along with an extensive photo gallery.
Bob Seger gets happily nostalgic, delivers loads of ‘Old Time Rock & Roll’ for grateful Grand Rapids fans
If the Detroit rocker really is ready to ‘Turn the Page’ on his career, he left West Michigan devotees on Tuesday with an upbeat, heyday-spanning memory of a lifetime. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Breaking music news · Features
Rolling Stone hails Michigan’s The War & Treaty among ‘best things’ at Nashville’s AmericanaFest
The national music publication praised the Albion husband-and-wife duo for a ‘tense and hypnotic’ performance during the showcase festival and conference. Read more about it and the band’s reaction at Local Spins.
Audiotree Festival ready to rock Kalamazoo with boost from West Michigan bands
Headliners SuperDuperKyle, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizzard, Lizzo and Twin Peaks will be joined by local acts hi-ker and Less is More, plus other national touring acts. See and save the full weekend schedule.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 18-24): Bob Seger, Scott Stapp, Steve Earle, The Birthday Massacre, Com Truise, Audiotree Music Fest, El Ten Eleven
Iconic singer Gordon Lightfoot gets the week started, with LZ Michigan/Freedom Cruise, Rockford Harvest Festival, Luke Winslow King, Jessica Hernandez, Weyes Blood, a Fleetwood Mac tribute and more on tap. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Pegi Young at the Tip Top or Scott Stapp at 20 Monroe Live (part of the Make America Rock Again tour).
Concert reviews · Kalamazoo · Weekend Photo Gallery
Of Montreal, The Verve Pipe, The Go Rounds, Nick Moss, Mid-Life Crisis wrap up summer with a bang: Week-in-Review Photo Galleries
The last blast of summer (officially) arrived in many musical forms and in a slew of different venues across West Michigan. And Local Spins has the photos to prove it.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Bob Seger still inspires Heart’s Nancy Wilson as her new band joins the Michigan hero on tour
On the cusp of Seger’s Grand Rapids tour stop, Wilson chats with Local Spins about dancing with Seger, her excitement about Roadcase Royale’s new album and the uncertain future of Heart. The Local Spins interview.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals · Videos
Earthwork Harvest Gathering off to ‘amazing’ sun-splashed start outside Lake City
More than 2,500 attendees reveled Friday in dozens of performances by Michigan stars on opening day of this weekend festival on Earthwork Farm. Watch the video highlights and check out the photos, only at Local Spins.
Features · Kalamazoo · Photos · Videos
Kalamazoo’s The Walnut House: The Go Rounds’ Graham Parsons creates space for creative collaboration
The well-known Kalamazoo musician heads a fund-raising effort to expand the homey space for area and visiting musicians alike, a way to keep music and the arts alive. Explore the back story, watch a video and browse a Walnut House photo gallery.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Greta Van Fleet proves in Grand Rapids show that the future of rock ‘n’ roll is in good hands
The hard rock band from Frankenmuth — Michigan’s hottest new rock export these days — fired up a sold-out Stache inside The Intersection on Thursday. Read the review, browse the photos, watch the videos.
Kalamazoo’s Harry Fest 25: Celebrating life through music in grass-roots fashion
Giving and putting others first: That’s the focal point of this annual benefit concert that takes place at Old Dog Tavern in Kalamazoo on Saturday night. See the full lineup and schedule at Local Spins.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Earthwork Harvest Gathering to unfurl 125 musical acts, rejuvenating experience in ‘big family reunion’
This weekend’s summer-ending festival outside Lake City shapes up as the biggest, most heartwarming assemblage of musicians yet. Get the lowdown on the three-day Harvest Gathering with a full list of performers.
Commentary · Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Festivals
Wheatland Music Festival 2017 Revisited: Rocking sets, an electric, unforgettable atmosphere and ‘a lot of love’
The 44th annual celebration of folk and roots music outside Remus last weekend was another camaraderie-filled, upbeat festival for the ages. Soak up the recap and photo gallery — only at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The Big List (Sept. 11-17): Of Montreal, Thomas Rhett, Harvest Gathering, Fallasburg Festival, Funtcase, The Verve Pipe, Greta Van Fleet, Alabama, Michigan Irish Music Fest
The last big festival week of the summer also boasts tour stops by State Champs, San Fermin, P.O.S, Apocalypta, Elliott Brood, Marisela, Ben Sollee, some riveting local shows, the Cottage Bar Chili Cook-Off and the Knickerbocker’s first anniversary. See all the featured live music listings, plus the Under-the-Radar Picks. Plus, see how you can win tickets to see Nick Moss.
Queens of the Stone Age swagger like best rock ‘n’ roll band on the planet
Touring behind the album, “Villains,” the California rockers delivered wall-to-wall crowd-pleasers at a sold-out 20 Monroe Live in Grand Rapids on Sunday. The action was captured in a Local Spins review and photo gallery.
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