This early May roundup of new regional releases spotlights rock, hip hop, jazz, folk and more. Check out the reviews, listen to samples of music from all of the featured albums.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Mark “Huggy Bear” Lavengood is a smiling, omnipresent force in West Michigan’s music scene. Today, he reveals the three albums that most shaped his career — plus a couple of current faves from Argentina. View his list, listen to tracks from all of the artists.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Kalamazoo songwriter Even ‘WOOTS’ Wouters was the featured guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted music by Desmond Jones, The Accidentals, Martyr for Madison, Birdie Country and Rachel Curtis. Find out more about WOOTS and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Start your Sunday with a refreshing look into six new releases by West Michigan artists, ranging from instrumental virtuosity to rock ‘n’ roll passion. Chain of Lakes and Shane Tripp are among the featured releases. Plus, listen to selected tracks from all of the albums.
Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
A year ago, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla assembled a special soundtrack of songs to get us contemplating the state of our environment and how we can save it. Revisit those classic songs today, then roll up your sleeves and get to work helping Mother Earth.
Audio · Features · Playlists · Videos
On what’s become an annual holiday for many, today’s special playlist from Agri-Med and Local Spins reveals the most popular cannabis-inspired tunes as chosen by readers in our 4/20 contest. Peruse the diverse 20+4 list and see which four readers won smoking-cool gift packs.
Two much-hyped new releases by Michigan rock heavyweights — a veteran shock-rocker from the Motor City and a band of young Frankenmuth upstarts — offer up a mixed bag for fans and detractors. Check out the Local Spins reviews; listen to tracks from both releases.
In-Depth Report · Photos · Weekend Photo Gallery
Amid capacity restrictions and limited ticket sales, bands and solo artists must adjust to an altered financial landscape as live music returns. Local Spins presents an in-depth report on the impact the pandemic has had on musicians’ livelihood.
Five years ago, long before COVID, mid-April rocked West Michigan as musicians and fans packed record shops, Wealthy Theatre, Pyramid Scheme, Intersection and Billy’s Lounge. Revisit the special weekend in words and photos in this Local Spins Rewind feature.
Breaking music news · Concert announcements · Summer Festivals
The brand new, two-day festival hosted by Dobro whiz Mark Lavengood will limit capacity and feature sets by ‘a stronghold of West Michigan greats’ playing on a site with plenty of space for social distancing. Get details, ticket information and the full lineup at Local Spins.
New albums from KJ & The Good Time Family Band and Amy Love fill out this mid-April roundup of releases by Michigan artists. Check out the reviews from Local Spins writers, listen to tracks from each recording.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos
In a Local Spins interview, the West Michigan singer and musician says he’s ‘super stoked’ about his experience on the nationally televised NBC show, with a standing ovation on tap for his next appearance. Learn more about Sinclair and watch the ‘sneak peek’ video from tonight’s Battle Rounds here.
