Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
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.
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 Rewind · Playlists · Videos
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.
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.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
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.
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.
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.
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.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features
Today, Local Spins kicks off a new series from writer Ross Boissoneau exploring the recordings that have most influenced the careers and artistry of well-known Michigan musicians. We start with Brian Vander Ark. View his Top 3, with links to listen to the featured albums.
It’s been a grueling year for music-related businesses, including Local Spins. During Thanksgiving week, we’re especially grateful to our readers and those that continue to support what we do.
Today’s look back at November 2019 spotlights milestones for a pair of beloved West Michigan music icons, not to mention a St. Joseph musician’s ambitious, unique attempt to play 100 breweries in 100 days. Revisit these special moments via Local Spins Rewind.
Mid-November brings another review roundup of new releases by West Michigan artists covering a dizzying array of genres. Read the reviews, listen to tracks from each of the featured artists.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
For this week’s playlist, Local Spins asked Park Theatre to rustle up a roster of robust tracks that spotlight regional bands who’ve graced its stage along with some gems from internationally renowned artists.
Album Releases · Audio · Periscope · Videos
Today, Local Spins writers and ‘New Standards’ hosts Troy Reimink and Tricia Boot Woolfenden spotlight fresh national/international tracks that you might have otherwise missed. View their picks, listen to the songs, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos
A year ago this week, Local Spins published one of the most-read stories of the year — featuring emerging Michigan country artist Sadie Bass — and hailed the long-awaited, official opening of Listening Room. Check out reviews and photo galleries from those November 2019 events, plus several major West Michigan tour stops.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Holland singer-songwriter opens up about her ‘kinda dark’ album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Suzies, The Pistil Whips, Lucy Lowis and more. Learn more about Van Liere’s intriguing musical journey and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
The signature, heartfelt sophomore album from the Albion duo now based in Nashville soared to the top of the October chart which also saw the debut of new releases by Patty PerShayla and The Soods. Cameron Blake and Earth Radio returned to the chart for the second month in a row. Browse the chart and listen to tracks from each of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
Today, Local Spins debuts ‘Periscope,’ with Grand Rapids ‘New Standards’ hosts Troy Reimink and Tricia Woolfenden each picking a compelling new track by a national artist deserving the spotlight. Get into the know, listen to the new music to start your Sunday.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Frontman Jason Singer talked about his latest hit single for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Chris DuPont, Au Gres, Jack Droppers, Allison Van Liere, Laura Rain, The Marsupials and more. Learn more about Michigander’s new music and future plans, check out a live performance video of the new single, and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
This week, Local Spins spotlights six new releases by Michigan artists, from hip hop to roots rock to folk, and featuring a couple of collections perfect for haunting your neighbors on Halloween. Check out the reviews, listen to songs from each of the releases.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Although the weather is limiting outdoor performances these days, Local Spins has scared up a smattering of spine-tingling Halloween week shows and socially distanced costume parties to consider.
Local Spins today exclusively premieres a new music video from northern Michigan’s Jake Allen. Plus, check out new videos from other Michigan artists, including a May Erlewine song that got the attention of Bonnie Raitt and entries from Lady Ace Boogie, Cameron Blake, The Dave Marean Band and Brent Godfrey.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids singer-songwriter opens up about his dynamic, electric new project for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Callab, Brant Satala, May Erlewine, Young Ritual, Anonymous Phone Call, The Brothers Crunch, Justin “Stovepipe” Stover and other Michigan artists. Get the back story on Cameron Blake and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Today, Local Spins partners with a local filmmaking team to launch a new video series examining the plight of several West Michigan concert venues shut down by COVID-19. Watch the video showcasing The Pyramid Scheme exclusively at Local Spins.
New albums from River City Narrative and Anonymous Phone Call are also part of this week’s roundup of new Michigan releases. Check out the reviews and listen to music from each of this week’s featured artists.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Until COVID, Benton Harbor’s The Livery was a favored performance spot for many regional and national acts, reflected in the brewery’s Top 10 playlist of artists who’ve played its stage. And the venue has plans for upcoming ‘sound stage’ sessions amid the pandemic. Learn more about that and listen to the playlist at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows · Videos
A pair of milestone events top this week’s concert calendar roundup at Local Spins. Learn more about Callab’s new recording and see what else is cooking in the full roster of shows on the Big List.
Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
A West Michigan filmmaker is linking up with Local Spins to draw attention to the plight of some beloved live music hot spots amid a pandemic that’s upended the industry. Learn more about the project and watch the video trailer for the new series.
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Port Huron, this week’s batch of album reviews covers a half-dozen new releases from Michigan artists covering a wide spectrum of genres. Learn more about these recordings and listen to tracks from each of the featured artists at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Outdoor shows are beginning to wane as West Michigan moves into mid-October, but live music continues to pop up in a few spots across the region. As always, get the lowdown on the Big List.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The West Michigan band’s groundbreaking “music with plants” premiered for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Crane Wives, The Soods, Deerfield Run, In the Valley Below, Eddie Codrington, Conrad Shock + The Noise, River City Narrative, The Be Colony and others. Learn more about “florganoleptic” music and watch videos of it in action, plus listen to this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Features · Music and Technology · On Campus
With the pandemic limiting live music opportunities, Worry Club and other emerging acts have turned to the Quadio app to connect with each other and up their social media reach. An in-depth report from Local Spins, with profiles and music showcasing four college artists from Michigan.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
A half-dozen new releases by Michigan artists — from Detroit’s The Messenger Birds to the U.P.’s John Davey — are showcased via reviews, audio samples and more at Local Spins. It’s an eclectic bunch of albums, from jazz to prog-pop to soulful Americana to vintage country.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Styx, Charlie Daniels, Greensky Bluegrass, Frankie Ballard, Goo Goo Dolls, Styx and more populate this week’s soundtrack courtesy of State Theatre. Check out the videos and listen to the Top 10 playlist on Spotify.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Belknap’s first-ever drive-in show on Friday impressed fans and bands alike with socially distanced fun and music that reverberated through the neighborhood just north of downtown Grand Rapids. The Local Spins review with photos and video highlights.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Set to play Belknap Park on Saturday, the GR rock band was showcased for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The War and Treaty, Jack Droppers, Jake Allen, Julianne Ankley, John Davey, Laura Rain & The Caesars, Shawn Butzin and more. Get the update on The Legal Immigrants, watch a video of a new song and listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming Album Releases · Videos
The Americana-propelled, Albion-bred and Nashville-based band releases a new Rounder Records album this week after a turbulent, pandemic-filled year that postponed a major tour with John Legend. The Local Spins interview with Michael Trotter, plus a video of their recent national network TV performance and a track from the new album.
Playlists · Venue Spotlight · Videos
In honor of this week’s #SaveMIStages campaign, Local Spins offers up tracks from the best past performances at 15 West Michigan concert venues which have been silenced due to COVID-19. See which artists were chosen, watch the videos and listen to the songs at Local Spins — then email lawmakers to show your support for these businesses.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The days of outdoor shows in Michigan are numbered, so the final week of September features some of the final concerts and festivals at various locations across the region. The lowdown, as always, on The Big List at Local Spins.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
A busy year for new Michigan releases amid a pandemic gives music fans a lot to savor, including impressive albums by four Grand Rapids artists as well as northern Michigan’s Biomassive and the trio of Pico, Chown & Sears. Read the reviews, listen to music from each of the spotlighted artists.
Live-Stream Concerts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
Starting Thursday, this weekend’s virtual, season-ending celebration will feature live-streamed sets, videos of past performances, workshops and more. Get details and a full schedule of online performances at Local Spins.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
Mid-September and the final week of summer offers intriguing live music options across West Michigan, from outdoor decks to drive-in shows. Make your plans with the show lowdown at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Seth Glier, Griffin House, May Erlewine, Michael McDermott and other past performers at the Spring Lake listening room populate this politically charged playlist from owners Michelle and Gary Hanks. Watch the videos, listen to the songs, learn more about the plight of the Spring Lake listening room.
Big List Concert Guide · Upcoming shows
The post-Labor Day week is chock full of live music options as outdoor and drive-in shows continue to rev up across West Michigan. See a full roster of shows at Local Spins.
This year’s Labor Day column on the plight of musicians comes amid what may be the worse year ever for live music due to COVID-19. See how bands are struggling to survive and how they view the future in this commentary.
Summer Concerts · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The summer has been mostly silent, but September fires up a bevy of unusual concerts across West Michigan – from drive-in shows to online festivals. See the roster of options at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows
After nearly calling it quits amid COVID, the Michigan band now gets re-energized with two saxophonists and an upcoming slate of live performances. The back story and this week’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast, with the on-air debut of new tracks by Michigan artists, including Brother Elsey, Rachel Brooke, Emma Bieniewicz and more.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
This week’s venue playlist comes courtesy of Brian Hoekstra and the folks at Rockford Brewing — a mix of gems from Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead to Weezer, Heaters and Afro Zuma. Listen to the music they brewed up, watch the videos.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
On another pleasant summer evening, The Verve Pipe frontman regaled fans Thursday with songs new and old as part of Listening Room’s ‘Listening Lawn’ series in downtown Grand Rapids. The review, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.
It’s another impressive batch of Michigan releases that pumps up this roundup of Local Spins reviews — from hip hop to rock to soul to Americana — with sample tracks from all of the albums.
