KDL Vibes streaming service invites West Michigan bands to submit music
For the third time, the special Kent District Library streaming platform will accept music submissions from local and regional artists. The lowdown at Local Spins.
Tagged: hip-hop
Concert announcements · Summer Concerts · Videos
Indigo Girls, Fastball, Soccer Mommy, Soul Rebels to heat up GR’s Listening Lawn series
Staged at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids, the eight-show outdoor series kicks off with Tank & The Bangas on July 12 and also features local faves The Crane Wives and The Verve Pipe. Get the full schedule at Local Spins.
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Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Granger Smith ‘retirement’ show, Tunde’s spectacle, Rittz, Prof and more (Photos)
Various musical milestones marked concerts at several West Michigan venues over the weekend, recapped in photos at Local Spins. Check out images of Granger Smith, Tunde Olaniran, The Bootstrap Boys, The Arcadian Wild, Rittz, Prof and more.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Reviews: May Erlewine, War & Treaty, Earth Radio, Eva Under Fire + More Michigan Albums
New recordings by Y-Not, Rob Jordan, Pink Sky and John Lamb also pump up this late March round-up of reviews of fresh music by Michigan bands and solo artists. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Features · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Pop Evil’s super-fan vibe, plus J.I.D & Smino, Kane Brown, Earth Radio & more: Photos
Talk about a robust week of live music in West Michigan: With an early start to the weekend, it was all about the fans at shows packing venues big and small across West Michigan, including album-release concerts by Michigan artists. The recaps and photos from 10 shows at Local Spins.
Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Michigan bands set to strut their stuff at Austin’s mammoth SXSW 2023
With a fundraising show this week in Ferndale to help cover their expenses, more than two dozen Mitten State acts are gearing up to play the much-ballyhooed SXSW. See which Michigan acts are on their way to Austin next week and learn more about the showcases they’ll play.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Y-Not answers the musical question with boundary-pushing funk and alt-rock
The Grand Rapids band releasing a new album tonight was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Jack Droppers, The Accidentals, Oxford Fields, Sage Castleberry and more. Learn more about Y-Not and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
TobyMac poised for GR tour stop while healing from tragedy, teeming with hope
The multi-Grammy-winning Christian music artist plays Van Andel Arena on Sunday with Grand Rapids’ own hip-hop artist George Moss joining him on stage. The back story at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE Jammie Awards 2023 Highlights: Love, incredible Michigan music, ‘unreal energy’
West Michigan music lovers gathered in huge numbers at The Intersection on Friday night for the 23rd edition of the Jammie Awards, with 19 acts firing up three stages. Photos, video highlights and more at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Bassist Justin Avdek’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Opeth, D’Angelo and Rage
With Earth Radio’s Justin Avdek playing with three different artists at Friday’s Jammie Awards, Local Spins asked the multi-instrumentalist to reveal albums that have impacted him most. Check out his picks and listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
DJ Blaze 589’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: Biggie Smalls, Jay-Z, Raekwon
Amid Black History Month and with hip hop celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, Grand Rapids rapper, songwriter, producer and DJ Blaze Bryant reveals recordings that have impacted him most, along with a current favorite. Check out his picks and listen to the music at Local Spins.
Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
From BLKBOK to Badfish to Ficus and more: The beat goes on (Concert Photo Recap)
This weekend recap of West Michigan’s live music ranges from the neoclassical zest of Detroit’s BLKBOK to the enduring fan favorites of Sublime and some psych-rock fervor — all covered in images at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
Let the battle begin: Year 2 of The Stray ‘Battle of the Bands’ rolls out in March
Fifteen West Michigan acts representing a cross-section of styles will compete on March Saturdays with the finals on March 25. Tickets are on sale now; view the lineup.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The neo-classical, hip hop-inspired ‘emotional journey’ of Detroit’s BLKBOK
The wildly creative keyboardist who turns classical music on its ear plays Grand Rapids’ Midtown Thursday. Learn more about this Michigan phenom and watch a video at Local Spins.
Audio · Emerging Artists to Watch · Hot Top 5
GR chill-hop sensation Pablo Eskobear soars to No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
With a wildly diverse musical background, the Grand Rapids producer and drummer has made waves with his infectious tracks. See what else made the Hot Top 5 Chart for January, with four new local/regional entries. Plus, listen to songs from all of the releases.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Hip Hop at 50: Producer Jay Jackson reveals his ‘Albums that Changed the World’
With the 50th anniversary of hip hop commemorated later this year, Local Spins will occasionally ask Michigan artists to comment on the importance of the genre and albums that shaped them. Today, we feature Last Gasp Collective’s Jay Jackson. Explore his hip-hop journey and listen to tracks from all of these classic albums at Local Spins.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Annie Capps, Rosewood 2055, Moon Orchids, Hominian & more
Another January round-up of fresh releases by artists from across the Great Lakes State also includes our takes on new offerings from Flint’s Heat Above and Detroit’s Superego. Check out our takes on these releases and listen to tracks from all of the recordings.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
February’s WYCE Jammie Awards show reveals lineup, braces for ‘high-energy’ night
More than 20 regional acts will perform during the Feb. 24 celebration at The Intersection, described as the ‘premier music event of the season.’ View the lineup and get reactions from some performers, plus a link to the list of award nominees and the public vote for album and artist of the year.
Album Reviews: DJ Blaze 589, Dede & The Dreamers, The Fever Haze and more
Our second January roundup of new albums and EPs by Michigan artists ranges from hip hop to jazzy indie-folk to rock, including Kings of Strings, Nathan K. and Big B & The Actual Proof. Listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Audio · Features · Hot Top 5 · Videos
Last Gasp Collective closes 2022 with hip-hop flair at No. 1 on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart
The soulful, Kalamazoo hip-hop ensemble soared to the top of the December chart, with several new Michigan entries right behind. See which albums made the latest Hot Top 5 Chart and listen to tracks from all of the releases at Local Spins.
Album Reviews: The Concussions, Bronze Nazareth, Nathan Walton, Crazy Chestur, more
With Christmas just ahead, we review six new Michigan releases you might want to add to your shopping list, including fresh collections from Silver Creek Revival and The Dangling Participles. Delve into the recordings and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Concert Photo Recap: Sullivan King, Apollo Brown, Gunnar, Jake Simmons, ArtHop & more
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, December rolled in with a musical wallop — from national touring acts to local stars playing a smattering of venues. View the photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Molly + Scott Schultz: ‘Albums That Changed Our World,’ Marvin Gaye to Radiohead
Today, the popular Local Spins series revealing albums that have impacted Michigan musicians continues with Scott and Molly Schultz. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings, along with Molly’s new single and video.
Grand Rapids Concert Photo Recaps: Tech N9ne, Cooper Alan, Blunts & Blondes
Local Spins presents bonus coverage of recent Grand Rapids concerts — hip hop, country, dubstep — from a mid-October flurry of tour stops.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Album Reviews: Last Gasp Collective, B-Sides, Rachel Curtis, FlyLiteGemini, Keith Hall, more
This early October round-up of releases by Michigan artists features new collections covering rock, pop, hip hop, jazz and Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cameron Blake’s return to the violin. Check out the reviews and listen to tracks from all of the releases.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Kalamazoo’s Sounds of the Zoo wraps up amid sunshine and ‘sense of community’
From Spanish-infused rock to soul to folk to hip hop, the inaugural music festival reveled in good weather and an upbeat vibe. The recap and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos
Funk, hip hop, rock light fuse for first-ever Sounds of the Zoo festival in Kalamazoo
The Mainstays, DC, DJ Boogie and The Incantations made it a manic Monday at Bell’s Brewery, kicking off the inaugural Sounds of the Zoo with an eclectic blast. View the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Eastown Streetfair, Mountain Goats, Wayland, Dayseeker, Mega Ran rally fans: Photo Recaps
September hasn’t seen any slowdown in concert fervor across West Michigan as Local Spins’ weekend photo galleries prove. Revisit the live music action in words and resplendent images.
Inaugural ‘Sounds of the Zoo’ festival raring to make Kalamazoo a music mecca
The brainchild of Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert, the week-long affair at several venues in downtown Kalamazoo will boast vastly diverse performances and a collaborative vibe. Learn more about this first-year event, view the full schedule and listen to a playlist of performers.
Biggest Eastown Street Fair in six years rolls out Saturday: Schedule & Local Spins playlist
More than 20 bands playing three different stages highlight the Grand Rapids Eastown community’s upcoming weekend celebration, which will also feature vendors, food trucks, beer. art and the WYCE CD & Record Sale. View the performance schedule, listen to a playlist of performers and get the complete Eastown Streetfair lowdown at Local Spins.
Pitbull brings ‘Party of a Lifetime’ to Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena: Photo Gallery
The Miami rapper, singer and pop artist Pitbull delivered a dance-happy set on Tuesday night, along with Australian hip-hop artist Iggy Azalea. Browse the action-packed photos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Summer Festivals · Weekend Photo Gallery
Breakaway resumes after evacuation, plus Vince Gill, Pedro’s Pig Roast, Pigeons & more
Hit-and-miss weather over the weekend impacted some live music but other concerts — indoors and out — revved up West Michigan, including Devil Wears Prada, Lucius Fox, Vince Gill, Fest of All and more. Photos.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hispanic Festival, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lady Ace Boogie heat up musical diversity
High heat and humidity didn’t hamper a flurry of live music in the great outdoors, from Latin rock on Calder Plaza to hip hop at Cowpie to the choral allure of an iconic South African group and a five-year anniversary for Bass Country. Videos and photos at Local Spins.
Michigan summer’s Top 10 music videos: SoFaygo, Phabies, The Accidentals, Michigander
For your viewing pleasure, Local Spins has assembled some of the most captivating new music videos by Michigan-bred artists covering everything from hip hop to indie-rock to pop and more. Plus, see where some of these artists will be performing in coming weeks.
Albums that Changed the World · Podcasts
Songs inspiring Michigan musicians: The WYCE edition of ‘Albums That Changed the World’
This week’s special edition of the radio show focuses on Michigan music with a twist: We play tracks from albums that a dozen local and regional artists say have influenced them the most, from Kanye West to The Beatles. Get the back story and listen to the full radio show podcast.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Smiling Acres Music Festival poised for musical fireworks over Fourth of July weekend
The second-year festival fires up again in the Trufant area on Friday with more than 30 acts slated to perform over the holiday weekend. Get the lowdown, schedule and more at Local Spins.
WYCE Jammie Awards show unfurls multi-genre celebration for the ages at Intersection
Saturday’s long-awaited gala paying tribute to Michigan’s music scene boasted more than 20 performances on several stages, along with an outdoor pre-party. The recap in words and photos at Local Spins
Previewing the 2022 Jammies Spectacle: The Local Spins on WYCE podcast
Listen to the June 24 edition of the show, devoted to spotlighting artists set to perform during Saturday’s Jammie Awards at The Intersection.
WYCE Jammie Awards 2022: Multiple voices, inclusive representation, musical collaboration
After COVID delays, West Michigan’s biggest night for music returns Saturday with a full day celebrating regional music. Local Spins checked in with WYCE Music Director Shane German ahead of the very big day, plus get the full performance schedule.
Playlists · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Buttermilk Jamboree ready to churn once again: The Schedule & The Local Spins Playlist
On hiatus since 2019 due to COVID, the popular, family-friendly festival south of GR hosts 40-plus regional acts on four stages over the weekend. Get the schedule and preview the music with a Local Spins Playlist.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
GR’s Bridge Blast draws thousands for beer fest, plus Brie Stoner, Hazy Past (Photos, videos)
The weekend was full of surprises, including a giant turnout for City Built Brewing’s Bridge Blast on the 6th Street Bridge with performances by J.Rob, Biomassive and more, plus a Start of Summer tribute to David Bowie, the return of Brie Stoner and eclectic shows in Kalamazoo. Browse the photo galleries, watch the videos at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Summer Concerts
Elijah Russ Collective, Jordan Hamilton deliver vibrant kickoff to Tuesday Evening Music Club
The first concert in Meijer Gardens’ largest ever Tuesday Evening Music Club series unfurled under cloudless skies for a big crowd on Tuesday. The recap and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Playlists · Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
Merry Michigan Melodies: The Tuesday Evening Music Club Playlist at Local Spins
The biggest Tuesday Evening Music Club series in Meijer Gardens history kicks off tonight with Jordan Hamilton and Elijah Russ. Today, Local Spins spotlights tracks by Michigan artists playing the 13-week series.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
That Beatles Thing unleashes rooftop concert spectacle + an unparalleled hip-hop showcase
Thursday’s installment of Local Spins’ week-long anniversary bash boasted an unprecedented Beatles tribute on a rooftop in downtown Grand Rapids and a three-act hip-hop affair at The Pyramid Scheme. The recaps, photo galleries and a video at Local Spins.
Concert announcements · Upcoming shows
WYCE poised to roll out all-star Michigan lineup for rescheduled Jammie Awards in June
Michigan Rattlers, Molly, The Hacky Turtles, The Accidentals, Lazy Genius, Lipstick Jodi, Aramis 616, Major Murphy, Callab & more to rock Intersection. View the full roster of performers at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Upcoming shows
‘Albums That Changed My World’: Wuzee hails Dead Prez, Madvillain, Bronze Nazareth
Set to play a Local Spins hip-hop showcase on Thursday at The Pyramid Scheme, Grand Rapids-bred rapper Wuzee today reveals the albums and artists that helped shape his own music. Learn more about Wuzee; listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Future soul’s Earth Radio hones dynamic, genre-melding tales of ‘sonic ingenuity’
The Grand Rapids band with a hectic 2022 ahead chatted about its unique approach for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Melissa Dylan, Wild Honey Collective, Ben Traverse and more. Learn more about Earth Radio and where it will be performing, watch a band video and listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins
Audio · Features · Upcoming shows
Grand Rapids HipHop Coalition: Preserving hip-hop culture while educating local youth
As a local advocacy group, the coalition continues to promote artists while providing instruction on the genre through songwriting classes and more as it prepares for Hip-Hop Appreciation Week later this month. Read more about this group and Local Spins’ 10 anniversary hip-hop showcase at The Pyramid Scheme.
Album Reviews: Carrie McFerrin, Jesse Ray, DJ Blaze 589, Elijah Russ, Laura Rain, Jeff Socia
Local Spins closes out April with another round-up of new releases by Michigan artists — ranging folk to hip hop to soul to robust rock. Listen to tracks from all of the albums and see where some of these artists will be performing in coming weeks.
Concert announcements · Summer Festivals · Videos
The Chainsmokers, Two Friends, Jai Wolf, Yung Gravy, DJ Snake to star at GR’s Breakaway Fest
Returning to Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park Aug. 19-20, the 2022 edition of Breakaway leans toward electronic music phenoms along with rappers such as Yung Gravy and Gashi and emerging pop artists. View the lineup and watch videos of selected artists at Local Spins.
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