Breaking music news · Features · Upcoming shows
Created in Grand Rapids, the radical new music platform that will start beta testing next month will allow users to zoom in to neighborhoods, even areas around venues, to pinpoint their musical vibe. Those spearheading the music discovery system say it will help showcase local artists and grow the music scene.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
The holiday week bloomed with shows of every ilk: from indie-folk’s The Lone Bellow to a star-heavy musical to a Maynard James Keenan homecoming to rap and blistering guitar rock. Check out all the Local Spins images and a video from singer-songwriter night at Richard App Gallery.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos · Podcasts
The fresh Grand Rapids rock trio revved up Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured an interview with Radi8er creators and new tracks by CrossBow, Lloyd Braun, The Zannies, Jake Down and more. Listen to the podcast, read the story.
Announcements · Features · Upcoming shows
In its third year, Walk the Beat is seeking 70 bands to play 35 venues and will host another song contest, with $12,500 in prizes for musicians at stake. Check out the back story about this unusual annual event and find links to sign up.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Local Spins on WYCE · Photos
Check out photos o Michigan bands in Austin, listen to a new track by Flint Eastwood and check out the Local Spins on WYCE podcast, all recorded at Michigan House during SXSW.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The “family reunion” Farm Block festival held in July in the far reaches of the U.P. boasts familiar Michigan acts and supports a good cause. Meanwhile, Cedar Springs Brewing will stage a one-day “beer tent” fest on April 2. Get details and the lineup for both in this Local Spins story.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
While thousands of Irish-for-the-day revelers continued to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Saturday, others rapped for a good cause. It was part of a busy week that also included shows by G. Love & Special Sauce, Jim Shaneberger, Parmalee, Nick Carter, Stylust Beats, Big Dudee Roo and a “Kalamazoo Strong” benefit — all captured in images at Local Spins.
Commentary · Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
It wasn’t all fun and games at Michigan House-Austin during the South by Southwest music festival this week. A panel of Texas and Michigan musicians also got serious in exploring way to improve their respective scenes. Check out the photos, videos and more.
Audio · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos
From Detroit to Grand Rapids and beyond, Michigan bands unleashed new music in special recording sessions at Michigan House-Austin during SXSW. Local Spins was there to capture the vibe. Listen to the tracks, experience Mitten music.
Concert reviews · Local Spins at SXSW · Photos · Videos
Making the 1,300-mile trip from Michigan doesn’t always pay off for a band seeking exposure at the Texas music mega-conference. Michigan House is a place they can make connections … and relax. (Story, photo gallery, videos)
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
National and local acts revved up fans in venues large and small this week, including performances by The Go Rounds, Rival Maps and others. Check out all the Local Spins images in these photo galleries from the live music week that was.
Features · Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
The Accidentals, Heaters, Flint Eastwood, Rick Chyme, LOUIS, The Outer Vibe and many more Michigan bands travel to Texas this week in hopes of making waves at the music industry’s biggest conference and festival. Check out who’s headed South and return to Local Spins throughout the week for SXSW updates.
Local Spins at SXSW · Upcoming shows
Check out the schedule of Michigan acts performing during South by Southwest, with many of them spending time at the Michigan House pop-up venue in Austin.
Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows
The sixth annual three-day festival at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids returns June 10-12 with a who’s who lineup of Michigan stars and a family-friendly vibe. Check out the full lineup of bands and solo artists that Buttermilk Jamboree has booked.
Photos · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s week of live music featured a rousing CD-release party, a rambunctious homecoming, an epic pop-meets-rock show and the fifth anniversary of a unique listening room. Check out all the photos and some video highlights.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
The Red Sea Pedestrians, Megan Dooley, Neil Jacobs, Dragon Wagon, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon, Bob Rowe, Fauxgrass and much more lit up downtown Kalamazoo for the day-long celebration. Read the festival recap and check out the photo gallery and video, which includes a mini-tour of the festival.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos
The band of siblings which plays Grand Rapids Wednesday boasts an eclectic approach. Watch the video and listen to the Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast which includes the premiere of new tracks by The Crane Wives, Devin & The Dead Frets, The Balsam Brothers, Dear Tracks, Paddy’s Cure, The Lippies and more
Announcements · Upcoming shows · Videos
On the same day he announced he’ll be releasing a new recording in April, the Traverse City singer-songwriter played during a Michigan appearance by the Democratic presidential candidate and called it an honor. Watch a sneak peek video of one of Davis’ new songs.
Breaking music news · Features · Videos
A haunting music video earns a Duluth fiddler the top prize in the NPR Music contest that drew 6,100 entries, including dozens submitted by West Michigan artists. Read the story and check out the winning video.
Features · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
Gary and Michelle Hanks’ Pin Drop Concerts series has showcased more than 200 artists in the Seven Steps Up listening room since 2011, with plenty more to come. They say it’s been an addictive adventure. Read the story behind this unique Spring Lake venue and learn more about the fifth anniversary show on Friday.
Audio · Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
The early March music news roundup takes a look at frontman R.J. Nordlund’s departure from an emerging West Michigan rock band and a first-ever U.S. tour for a youthful Grand Rapids pop and hip hop artist. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
The free weekend Fretboard Festival at Kalamazoo Valley Museum kicks off Friday night with The Crane Wives, followed by a full Saturday of workshops and more than a dozen performances, including sets by Red Sea Pedestrians, Neil Jacobs, Dragon Wagon, Fauxgrass, Joel Mabus and a host of other Michigan acts. Check out the full schedule.
Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery
The week that was had it all: Country from Kacey Musgraves in Kalamazoo, electronic jam-band fun from Lotus in Grand Rapids, an instrumental rock debut, hip hop meshed with indie-folk, and a giant outdoor festival of beer. It was all captured in images at Local Spins, with video highlights from Saturday’s Rick Chyme and The Accidentals show at Founders Brewing.
Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
For Episode No. 77 of Local Spins on WYCE, members of Michigan super-group Public Access chatted about their new album and tour, plus new tracks from Alexander Lynch, The Lippies, Stovepipe Stover and plenty more. Listen to the full radio podcast.
Album reviews · Upcoming shows
The February roundup of new local and regional albums boasts a resplendent mix, including punk, experimental rock, jazz, folk, rock, pop, Celtic music and more. Check out the reviews and listen to samples of the artists’ music.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements
Thirteen years in, Hoxeyville continues to stay “fresh” with regional and national roots music talent playing in the Manistee National Forest, with artists ranging from Luke Winslow King to The Accidentals to The Go Rounds on the bill for this August festival. Weekend passes are on sale now.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows
Steve Leaf, Seth Bernard and two members of The Crane Wives’ will be joined by Alex Atkin and other guests to debut the melodic, experimental project on a tour of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Traverse City and Lansing. Read the back story about this unusual collaboration.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Hip hop, country, folk, pop, rock and jazz: West Michigan’s week of live music targeted aficionados of diverse acts and didn’t disappoint, from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Lil Wayne even visited a local skate park. Check out the photo galleries, only at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
WYCE’s Jammie Awards show was a love-in: a one-night music fest at The Intersection in Grand Rapids with more than two dozen memorable sets, coveted awards, a capacity crowd and camaraderie galore. Local Spins’ extended coverage continues: Watch exclusive video highlights, ogle another colorful photo gallery and check out Local Spins’ picks for the night’s best performances.
Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos
Showcasing the diversity of West Michigan’s talent, WYCE’s annual awards show boasted a capacity crowd, more than two dozen dynamic performances and a host of happy prize winners. Check out the complete winners’ list and a photo gallery from Friday night’s revelry.
Check out tonight’s performance schedule, scan a list of ‘acts to watch’ and listen to the podcast of today’s Local Spins on WYCE radio show with The Soul Syndicate as part of this special Jammie Awards preview. (Podcast, video, story and downloadable schedule)
Artist Spotlights · Live at River City · Local Spins Live · Podcasts · Videos
Frontman Kyle Brown chats about the evolution of Bigfoot Buffalo’s distinctive jam-band vibe, with the group performing fresh as well as familiar tunes in this exclusive studio session hosted by Local Spins. The band performs twice this weekend in Grand Rapids.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
After ‘a great run’ of 15 years, the popular West Michigan acoustic cover band will play its farewell show Saturday night at One Trick Pony in downtown Grand Rapids. Read the back story and watch a video at Local Spins.
Announcements · Upcoming shows
The amphitheater this week revealed four shows for its 2016 lineup, with remaining concerts to be announced in mid-April. Tickets go on sale to Meijer Gardens members on April 30. Check out details and dates in this Local Spins story.
Features · Local Spins on WYCE · Upcoming shows · Videos
Industry honchos descended on the Grammy Awards in L.A. this week, but the really big show for West Michigan music takes place Friday at The Intersection in Grand Rapids. And it’s no contest which is better. Check out the full schedule and a list of ‘acts to watch’ at the 2016 Jammies hosted by WYCE.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Go back stage with The Legal Immigrants, Jesse Ray & The Carolina Catfish and Brother Adams as they played a West Michigan mini-tour. Plus, bluesman Bobby Rush & Joe Louis Walker, EDM’s Black Tiger Sex Machine, Lowdown Brass Band, Marianas Trench, Hollywood Makeout and more heat up this week’s Local Spins photo galleries.
Announcements · Breaking music news · Videos
Local Spins’ February music news update reveals a star-studded lineup for the upcoming Jake’s Music Festival at Wealthy Theatre, new life for what was once McFadden’s Restaurant in downtown Grand Rapids and another robust Feedback benefit planned for Founders Brewing this spring.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 75th edition of Local Spins on WYCE featured an in-studio performance by The Bootstrap Boys, tracks from a host of Jammie Award nominees and new music from Rip VanRipper and Reviving the Era. Listen to the radio podcast and check out an exclusive performance of a new, unreleased song by The Bootstrap Boys.
Breaking music news · Features
With nearly 70 Michigan and national acts — Taking Back Sunday to Fine Fine Titans — on board, the Flint musician who launched the digital project aims to raise money to help affected children with ‘diversity and dynamics.’ Read about the “shock and anger” that rallied bands to the cause and how you can purchase the recording.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
Once a member of Kalamazoo’s Funktion, Elk Rapids musician Jeremy Reisig spent years and thousands of dollars to perfect his one-man band act, Brotha James, and audiences love it. He plays SpeakEZ Lounge on Wednesday. Read the story about his journey and watch a video that displays his live-looping technique.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Grand Haven, February’s first week delivered diverse performances, including shows from Joshua Davis, The Accidentals, Black Jake, The Bangups, Watching for Foxes, Roosevelt Diggs and a superstar tribute to David Bowie. Check out the photos at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The new Grand Rapids duo of Elroy Meltzer is readying release of its debut album and ramping up its gigging schedule for 2016. Check out the interview and performance, plus listen to tracks by a host of West Michigan artists, from Drew Nelson and Joshua Davis to Boy From School and Big Boss Blues.
For more than three years in the heart of downtown Holland, Our Brewing has offered up 20 taps, a “bring your own food” vibe and a cozy performance spot for live weekly music. Check out the latest in the Local Spins series on unique West Michigan music venues and take a video mini-tour of the brewpub.
Getting folks “watching and talking about new music.” That’s the goal of Michigan artists — from Valentiger to The Bootstrap Boys to the Appleseed Collective — who’ve submitted video entries into this year’s Tiny Desk Concert contest sponsored by NPR. Read the back story and check out the video entries here.
Announcements · Breaking music news
Hundreds of bands, dance groups and other performers fill stages downtown every year at Festival. But the application deadline is fast approaching. Get details here, with a link to the online application form.
West Michigan faves Borns, The Accidentals and Pop Evil have boosted their exposure with songs used in current television commercials. In the New Millennium, placements in commercials, movies and TV shows are a growing and ever more important part of a musician’s arsenal. Read the story behind this trend and check out the commercials.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
From country to heavy metal to folk, venues were brimming to capacity to close out January with tour stops by Kip Moore, Lamb of God, Oh Hellos and Umphrey’s McGee, not to mention rousing shows by local stars, too. The action, of course, was captured in Local Spins images. Read the show recaps, check out the photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
This week’s Local Spins on WYCE in-studio guests gave things some punk wallop in Studio X, plus new tracks from Public Access, Dede & The Dreamers, Miriam Pico, Blue Water Ramblers and much more. Read the story, listen to the radio podcast, check out the exclusive video of I Believe in Julio’s on-air performance.
Album reviews · Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
With its sophomore album being unveiled Thursday at Founders Brewing, the alt-country-styled Grand Rapids band has enhanced its sound with a drummer, diverse songs and a harmony-driven vibe. Learn about the band’s journey, listen to the radio podcast and watch the video of a new song.
Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos
The Ann Arbor-based band with Traverse City roots plays Rockford Brewing this week after releasing an album that was recorded in basements, garages and bedrooms across Michigan. Read the feature story and check out Dede and The Dreamers’ distinctive music.
