Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Musical Magnets: Tesla, Riley Green, Earthwork Music, Record Store Day & more (Photo Recaps)

• April 23, 2023

West Michigan’s mid-April blast ranged from jam-packed shows by national artists to showcases of regional favorites to the enduring pull of vinyl — all recapped in images and videos at Local Spins. Check out 10 galleries and three videos, including August Burns Red, Brie Stoner & Kate Pillsbury, B93’s Battle to the Bash, Record Store Day, The Claudettes, Flexadecibel and more.

Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Upcoming shows

Earthwork Music tour of Michigan to uncork ‘beautiful’ and ‘uniquely different’ showcases

• April 15, 2023

Kicking off next week, the 18-artist tour hits five Michigan cities, spotlighting Mitten State talent. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted music by Greta Van Fleet, Rahill, Rockit King, Adaboy, G-Hollow, The Wire Monkeys & more.

Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE

Celebrating Michigan’s emerging bands and solo artists: Local Spins on WYCE

• March 31, 2023

This week’s radio show toasts up-and-coming acts in several genres, many of them recent award winners. We also debut new tracks by a pair of established artists. Listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows

Reviews: May Erlewine, War & Treaty, Earth Radio, Eva Under Fire + More Michigan Albums

• March 30, 2023

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.

Breaking music news · Photos · Videos

Groovy, funky Short Panic wins The Stray’s 2023 Battle of the Bands

• March 26, 2023

The band formed by Grand Rapids Community College music students outpolled West Michigan’s Cordero and Pocket Watch during Saturday’s finals to take home the crown. The recap, photo gallery and some video highlights at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

‘Full of colors’: Josh Ritter set to deliver astronomical new songs to St. Cecilia

• March 1, 2023

The acclaimed singer-songwriter plays the Acoustic Cafe Folk Series in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The Local Spins interview, with a chance for readers to win tickets to the show. Plus, watch a Josh Ritter video previewing songs from his upcoming new album.

Festivals · Upcoming shows

Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival to unfurl this weekend with live music, guitar fanfare

• February 27, 2023

It’s been three years since the Kalamazoo Valley Museum has hosted the festival as an in-person event. Get the lowdown and the performance schedule at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Photos

Djangophonique, Nathan Walton, Major Murphy big winners at 2023 Jammie Awards

• February 24, 2023

West Michigan’s ‘biggest night of music’ packed The Intersection with performances by 19 acts on three stages, with the year’s best releases, artists and industry leaders honored by WYCE, Local Spins and Michigan Music Alliance. View a list of all the winners, get a recap of the evening’s festivities and browse a photo gallery at Local Spins.

Announcements · Emerging Artists to Watch · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins 2023 Emerging Artist of the Year: Americana’s Myron Elkins

• February 24, 2023

Raised in Allegan County, the country singer-turned-Americana-rock artist boasts a bright future, propelled by a new album on a Nashville record label. He’s the latest winner of the Local Spins award. Read more about Elkins, listen to a Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast and watch some of Elkins’ videos.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Concerts

Buddy Guy, Wood Bros., Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova to heat up Meijer Gardens concerts

• February 24, 2023

Today’s teaser announcement of three concerts in the 2023 amphitheater series covers folk, blues, rock and roots music, with the complete concert lineup being announced in April. Get the lowdown on the shows revealed thus far, along with music videos of the featured artists.

Features · Upcoming shows

The enduring legacy of WYCE’s Jammie Awards: How ‘shining a light on local artists’ all began

• February 22, 2023

As WYCE (88.1 FM) celebrates Friday’s return to The Intersection of the Jammie Awards honoring Michigan artists, an event co-founder and former station manager reminisces about the inaugural event. Plus, check out Friday’s stage schedule and a playlist of performers.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Toasting John Prine, HARDY, Big Gigantic, Jon Hayes, Great Lakes Brass: Concert Recaps

• February 19, 2023

Jam-packed concerts rolled out as the primary theme across West Michigan this week at venues in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. View the photos and videos; revel in the reviews at Local Spins.

Audio · Whatever Happened To

Discovering What Happened to The Soil & The Sun: GR’s award-winning space-folk sensation

• February 13, 2023

Playing their final show in 2017, band members are now spread across the country, with the fronting duo Alex and Ashley McGrath performing and recording new music as Turtledoves. Get the back story and listen to a brand new Turtledoves single at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Let the battle begin: Year 2 of The Stray ‘Battle of the Bands’ rolls out in March

• February 9, 2023

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.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Summer Festival Lineups Revealed: Faster Horses, Upheaval, Movement, Hoxeyville

• January 28, 2023

In the midst of winter’s chilly bluster, Michigan music festivals are whetting fan appetites by announcing lineups or adding big names to their rosters. The round-up of some recent high-profile festival rosters with links to ticket sales at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Michigan super-trio Moss Manor’s lush, cosmic and adventurous musical puzzle

• January 27, 2023

Seth Bernard, Dan Rickabus and Michael Dause previewed their debut album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by Annie Capps, Y-Not, Overdrive Orchestra, Earth Radio, T.H.V., Loren Johnson and more. Explore the genesis of Moss Manor and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows

Album Reviews: Annie Capps, Rosewood 2055, Moon Orchids, Hominian & more

• January 26, 2023

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.

Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows

Perrin Ice Jam rolls out Saturday to heat up January with ‘all-star’ band lineup

• January 25, 2023

After the 2022 event was canceled, the outdoor mini-fest and 5K run aims to rock Comstock Park again while raising funds for Kids’ Food Basket. The lowdown, set times and an Ice Jam playslit at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

February’s WYCE Jammie Awards show reveals lineup, braces for ‘high-energy’ night

• January 23, 2023

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.

Albums that Changed the World · Audio

Charley Honey’s ‘Albums That Changed My World’: The Beatles, Kinks, Steve Miller Band

• January 17, 2023

As the band carrying his moniker prepares to play Rockford Brewing Co. on Thursday, Local Spins asked the Grand Rapids guitarist to reveal the recordings that influenced him most. Listen to tracks from all of the albums.

Audio · Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Local Spins Wednesdays return to SpeakEZ in February with rousing Michigan lineup

• January 11, 2023

After a hiatus of nearly three years due to COVID, the popular series will spotlight a wide spectrum of Michigan-based bands and solo artists twice a month. Check out the schedule, plus listen to music from some of the featured acts.

In Memoriam

Musicians, Calvin mourn media professor, disability advocate, songwriter Chris Smit

• January 9, 2023

The much-respected media communications professor, songwriter, disability advocate and frontman for West Michigan’s The New Midwest passed away last week after a long illness. Tributes have poured in from those who knew this ‘big personality’ with an indomitable spirit.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Domestic Problems, Rockford’s Got Talent, Luke Winslow-King amp it up: Photo recaps

• January 8, 2023

From crowd-pleasing shows by veteran Michigan artists to performances by up-and-coming young acts at a second-year talent competition, there was a lot to celebrate in early January. The photos, a video and more at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Vulfpeck, Citizen Keen, Weezil Malone, C.A.R.Ma Quartet and more

• January 4, 2023

Local Spins kicks off the year by spotlighting yet another flurry of new releases by Michigan artists, including projects by Dana Nyson and The Heiden Underground. Read the reviews, listen to the music.

Announcements · Local Spins on WYCE · Top 10 Lists

Brie Stoner, Debra Perry, Greensky Bluegrass boast the top Michigan songs of 2022

• December 30, 2022

Based on radio airplay at WYCE (88.1 FM), Local Spins reveals the Top 10 list of songs by Michigan artists that made the biggest impact on listeners and programmers in 2022. Listen to this week’s Local Spins on WYCE radio podcast and see how you can win tickets to see Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers at The Pyramid Scheme this weekend.

Audio · Best Music of the Year · Videos

Best Music of 2022: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks for albums, songs, concerts of the year

• December 22, 2022

Amid another turbulent and hectic year, recorded and live music made a huge comeback. Today, Local Spins writers reveal their picks for the best of both in 2022. Check out the robust roster of notable releases and concerts and listen to select tracks in this special feature being published today in lieu of our usual Thursday ‘Amplified’ newsletter.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The Accidentals’ Sav Buist on winning national songwriting contest: ‘Completely mind-blowing’

• December 9, 2022

The grand prize winner of the USA Songwriting Competition tells her back story for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by The Gasoline Gypsies, Matt Lenny, Silver Creek Revival, Missing Days and more. Learn more about Sav Buist and The Accidentals, and listen to her winning song and this week’s radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Photos · Videos

Lansing indie-folk act The Dangling Participles dive deep for ‘One More Drop’ release

• December 3, 2022

The band officially released its new studio album Friday night with a performance at Lansing’s UrbanBeat. Get the back story on the quartet, view a music video and browse photos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Southwest Michigan’s Daisybox purges pain with vulnerable, ‘melancholy pop-rock’

• December 2, 2022

Songwriter Taylor Hottenstein basks in the Artist Spotlight and is this week’s special guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuts tracks by Moss Manor, Dangling Participles, Sebastian & The Mood, The Shouting Bones, Josh Rose and more. Learn more about Daisybox and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Petoskey duo The Shouting Bones unleashing its ‘indie-rock mutt’ vibe

• November 30, 2022

Melding varied rock styles, the husband-and-wife team released its debut album earlier this year, inspired in part by their northern Michigan surroundings. The back story and video at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Greensky Bluegrass rocks in ‘badass’ fashion + Desmond Jones, Wayland, Peekaboo & more

• November 27, 2022

The liveliest Thanksgiving weekend for live music in three years delivered everything from country to rock to electronic music to jamgrass for West Michigan fans — from a packed house at Rockford Brewing to two straight nights of a bluegrass homecoming in Kalamazoo. The photos at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Austin Benzing, Cole Hansen, Bruce Madden, Conklin Ceili Band and more

• November 22, 2022

This pre-Thanksgiving round-up of new releases by West Michigan artists also features Lisa Can’t Sing and The Good Old Days. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Photos

Mat Kearney delivers engaging tales, genre-mixing charm in return to Grand Rapids

• November 19, 2022

Playing a sold-out show Friday at St. Cecilia Music Center, the revered singer-songwriter played 20 of his fan-pleasing songs over 100-plus minutes. The review and photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Jinjer, Bright Eyes, Malaa, Tyler Booth, Mersiv & more rev it up, mix it up: Photo Galleries

• November 14, 2022

House and bass music stars, rousing prog-metal bands, country crooners, indie-folksters and more delivered an eclectic week of live music to remember across West Michigan. Browse the photos from eight concerts at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Brother Elsey ‘blows away expectations’ with rock-hued Americana, tour, growing fan base

• November 11, 2022

After relocating from Grand Rapids to Nashville, the band plays two big homecoming shows this fall. Local Spins on WYCE also debuted tracks by Molly, Austin Benzing, Dede & The Dreamers and more. Read more about Brother Elsey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Album reviews · Audio

Album Reviews: Nathan Walton, Eliza Thorp, Dreas, Aspen Jacobsen, Ethereal, Mercury Salad

• November 7, 2022

The early November round-up of Michigan releases not only covers a wide swath of genres, but artists from Grand Rapids to the Detroit area to Petoskey. Listen to tracks from all of the recordings.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts

Martyr for Madison takes ‘raw and honest’ tack on new emo/post-hardcore EP

• October 28, 2022

The Grand Rapids band with an EP on the way debuted the title track for Local Spins on WYCE, which also aired new music by Overdrive Orchestra, Aspen Jacobsen, Dreas, Cole Hansen and more. Get the back story on Martyr for Madison and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Concert reviews · Photos

Kurt Vile closes Bell’s Beer Garden with indie-rock faves, plus Dopapod in Grand Rapids

• October 24, 2022

West Michigan’s weekend of live music wrapped up with the final salvo in an outdoor concert series in Kalamazoo and some light-festooned jams in Grand Rapids. Browse the photos at Local Spins.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

The Head & The Heart, Priscilla Block, May Erlewine, GR Symphony, Pink Sky: Photo Recap

• October 23, 2022

Orchestral power, indie-folk charm, country crooning, alluring electronic music, rock and pop zest and mummified funk: All on display this past week and recapped at Local Spins in resplendent images and words.

Festivals · Playlists · Upcoming shows

Social House set to debut ‘October on Ottawa’ with The Verve Pipe, Kari Lynch, Melophobix

• October 10, 2022

The all-day festival in downtown Grand Rapids will also feature Blue Jay Bridge, Vinylicious and DJ Jay Vee, performing under a mammoth tent. View the full schedule.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The Hacky Turtles tackle mental health with catchy, funky and hopeful new singles

• October 7, 2022

After a busy summer, the Grand Rapids band is hunkering down to promote two new songs and prepare for a 2023 record. The Artist Spotlight feature and this week’s Local Spins on WYCE podcast, which also featured Lighting Matches and debuted new tracks by Michigan artists.

Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows

Album Reviews: Last Gasp Collective, B-Sides, Rachel Curtis, FlyLiteGemini, Keith Hall, more

• October 6, 2022

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.

Artist Spotlights · Audio · Hot Top 5 · Upcoming shows

The Blue Pines, Ficus join Djangophique, Rachel Curtis, Samil on Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart

• October 4, 2022

The Grand Rapids rock bands made their Local Spins Hot Top 5 Chart debut in September with new studio rrecordings. Check out the chart, listen to tracks from all of the releases.

Artist Spotlights · Breaking music news · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Michigander’s Jason Singer breaks leg, delays EP and tour, but still kicks up big pop buzz

• September 30, 2022

The anthemic pop band frontman reveals details about his latest calamity while debuting a new track for Local Spins on WYCE, which also showcased fresh music by several other Michigan artists. Get the back story, watch Michigander’s new music videos and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.

Concert reviews · Photos

Bad Bad Hats create quirky, relatable charm at Grand Rapids tour stop

• September 28, 2022

Nashville’s Wildermiss and Grand Rapids’ Phabies joined the indie pop-rock band for Tuesday’s concert at Calvin University. The review and photo gallery at Local Spins.

Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows

Album Reviews: Lokella, The Accidentals, Djangophonique, Desmond Jones and more

• September 26, 2022

After an insanely busy summer, Local Spins is back with a batch of reviews of 2022 releases by Michigan artists, from dark rock to folk to Gypsy swing to jam-band glory, plus a look at projects by Wild Honey Collective and Jeremy Ensley. Learn more about these diverse recordings and listen to tracks from each release.

Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery

Bleachers, Perrin Bash, Ballpark Jam, Ghost-Note, BBI, Edison Jazz Fest rev it up: Recaps

• September 18, 2022

A spectacular September weekend covered a lot of bases outdoors and in: indie-rock, country, funk, jazz, psych-rock and more. Get the recaps in words and photos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Emerging Artists to Watch · Upcoming shows

Community-driven Ugly Flannel churning out ‘superman ice cream’ of its favorite genres

• September 7, 2022

With an eclectic sound, DIY roots and a new album on the way after signing with a Detroit record label, the Grand Rapids indie emo-punk band plays Wealthy Annex on Saturday. Learn more about this emerging outfit and watch one of their videos.

Artist Spotlights · Summer Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Acclaimed avant-pop artist Helado Negro excited to play ‘magical’ Traverse City

• September 1, 2022

The boundary-pushing, ‘groove-heavy,’ bilingual artist from Asheville, N.C., headlines the inaugural All Call Music Festival taking place in Traverse City on Sunday. The Local Spins interview, plus Helado Negro’s latest music videos.

Photos · Summer Festivals

‘Doesn’t get any better’: Forest Trail Music Festival 2022 revisited in words and photos

• August 29, 2022

Last weekend’s cozy music festival in Free Soil left attendees raving about the regional bands and solo artists, as well as the atmosphere of the third-year event. The recap at Local Spins.