Local Spins rolls out eight new Michigan-bred music videos for those trying to stay entertained during a pandemic that’s quarantined many and gotten us antsy for fresh material — plus another COVID-19 parody.
It’s no surprise that screen time, Internet surfing and live-stream viewing have skyrocketed amid this stay-at-home environment.
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It’s also no surprise that some Michigan musicians and bands with unexpected time on their hands have been busy rolling out videos to accompany new music.
So, this week, Local Spins fires up its “Super 8” — new videos by a broad range of regional artists, plus another COVID-19 parody courtesy of the always-imaginative Brandino Extravaganza from Grand Rapids.
Desmond Jones, “Major Burbank”
Recorded at Plymouth Rocks Recording Co. in Plymouth, Mich., this song by Isaac Berkowitz is a tribute of sorts to “The Truman Show.” Nick Small served as director and head videographer.
The Accidentals, “This Love” (Kim Richey cover)
The Traverse City alt-folk heroes have been posting regular video covers of songs by other artists (including a tribute to John Prine with “Angel from Montgomery” last month).
Martyr for Madison, “A Better Place”
This is the first single from the Grand Rapids emo/post-hardcore band’s upcoming new EP, “Nearsighted,” being released on May 8, when the band will also release a new video for the song, “Myopic” (with more video releases to come).
Myron Elkins, “Lesley”
So this is also the NPR Tiny Desk Contest entry from 19-year-old Otsego vintage country artist Myron Elkins, who leads Myron Elkins & The Dying Breed.
The Celeste Allison Trio, “Heaven’s Perfume”
This is the title track from the Kalamazoo jazzy folk-pop band’s new EP. And tune in to Local Spins on WYCE on May 8 when Celeste Allison will be the special guest.
Kate Hinote Trio, “Make Me Stop”
Local Spins has been following Detroit-area artist Kate Hinote for years, including her work with the indie-psych-goth-garage band Blueflowers. This newly formed trio with David Johnson and Matthew Parmenter has recorded a new album that will be released later this year.
Often Home, “My Heart”
This is also a Tiny Desk contest entry, courtesy of the Grand Rapids band Often Home. You can check out more Michigan-bred NPR Tiny Desk Contest entries at Local Spins here.
The Brandino Extravaganza, “One Day”
OK, we couldn’t resist posting another coronavirus parody video from Brandino Proch, aka Grand Rapids’ Brandino Extravaganza. This one reworks a classic by Big D & The Kids Table. But if you haven’t yet seen his attention-getting, Local Spins-inspired, it’s-gone-viral “This is Quarantine” — a brilliant take on “This is Halloween” — you can check that out here.
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