Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Grand Haven sound engineer Bill Chrysler has toured the world with some of the biggest names in the business. Today, he reveals the albums that inspired him to pursue his music industry career.
Album reviews · Audio · Upcoming shows
Local Spins wraps up June with a look at six intriguing and diverse new releases by West Michigan artists. Plus, listen to tracks from all of the albums.
Artist Spotlights · Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
With release of the band’s third full-length album, “Dad Rock,” Droppers opens up about getting in trouble while growing up in Florida, being a new father and crafting a record during a pandemic. Learn more about the project, view the videos and browse a photo gallery from the band’s recent record-release show.
Announcements · Breaking music news
The three separate rosters of musicians, venues and recording studios list contact information to boost opportunities for bookings and collaboration. Get details at Local Spins, with links to sign up for these data bases.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Battling cancer, the Kalamazoo multi-instrumentalist responded with an epic project featured by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Seth Bernard, Tobin Sprout, Ernie Clark and more. Discover more about Paulie Cohen’s remarkable musical journey and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
With chart-topping success for music from Lord Huron’s latest album, frontman Ben Schneider today reveals the recordings that have inspired him the most, from hip hop to vintage country to “shining” art rock. View his picks and listen to tracks from the albums at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
With a brand new self-produced record, “Twelve Songs,” the guitarist sat down with Local Spins to talk recording, West Michigan’s inspiring music scene and the sad late-night food offerings in Grand Rapids. Plus, listen to tracks from the new album.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The West Michigan songsmith debuted tracks from his sophomore album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered songs by Patty PerShayla, Jack Droppers, Pack Sounds, The Lasso, Steve Leaf and more. Learn more about Haner’s project and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
As summer kicks into full gear, so do outdoor concerts hosted by communities across West Michigan. Learn more about the return of these shows and get the latest update to Local Spins’ comprehensive listings of music in the great outdoors.
This weekend’s debut of outdoor live music events in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo had music lovers basking not only in the sunshine and heat, but finally getting a taste of what the rest of summer 2021 has in store. The event recaps and photo galleries at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The new West Michigan super-group of multi-instrumentalists debuted two songs for Local Spins on WYCE, which also featured tracks by EPCYA, Sherdizzil, Laura Rain, The Accidentals, Ally Evenson, Lord Huron, ttypes, .Shi, Keeynote and more. Check out the profile of King Possum — who play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday night — and listen this week’s complete radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Audio · Videos
The resident at Assemble Sound in Detroit just dropped a live piano single, “Bite My Tongue,” while eyeing more releases and a fall U.S. tour with Motor City artist Chloe Moriondo. Learn more about Evenson and watch a new video in the second installment of a series partnering with Ypsilanti’s Grove Studios to showcase artists from the east side of the state.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
With the American music icon hitting a major milestone today, Local Spins asked West Michigan singer-songwriter and Dylan devotee Nicholas James Thomasma to offer up a playlist for the ages. Listen to the tracks and see why these songs are on his Top 10 list, plus watch a brand new video of Thomasma & his band covering a Dylan classic.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band premiered a new single for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by DJ Blaze, Medicinal Groove, Dawning, Emma A. Ward, WOOTS, Biomassive and more. Get an update on The Bootstrap Boys and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
More than 200 free concerts have been added to the lineups of Michigan communities hosting shows by local and regional artists. View all of the schedules at Local Spins.
Friday night’s inaugural show at the baseball stadium on Grand Rapids’ West Side drew more than 100 people who soaked up the live music and unique outdoor atmosphere. The concert roundup and photo gallery at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Emma Bieniewicz discussed her ‘art music’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Rockit King, Gasoline Gypsies, Olivia Dear, Stovepipe, The Soods & more. Learn more about Bieniewicz, view a music video and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Welcome to Grand Rapids’ newest outdoor “amphitheater,” namely the historic West Side baseball stadium that will host an outdoor concert Friday night. Get details at Local Spins and see what The Hacky Turtles have in store for fans in their first concert in nearly 18 months.
Album Releases · Album reviews · Audio
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.
Announcements · Breaking music news
With donations raised through its recent, live-streamed Spread the Music Festival, the Michigan Music Alliance will once again distribute grants to musicians in need. Learn more about the grant program with links to apply at Local Spins.
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.
Summer Concerts · Upcoming shows
More communities across West Michigan are re-entering the concert fray after a year that silenced live music due to COVID. View the schedules, from Monday night jazz at Walker’s Millennium Park Meadows to weekend rock and blues in several outdoor hot spots.
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.
Today’s guest column by Grand Rapids musician Julio Gomez tackles the thorny issue of live music in a pandemic — a dilemma that’s definitely split Michigan’s community of performers, fans and venues. Gomez strongly urges bands to consider alternatives to in-person shows until it’s truly safe.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The new album by the Grand Rapids songwriter who relocated from Nashville was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks from WOOTS, Jacob’s Brother, Vespre, Nathan Walton, Ohly and more. Learn more about this acclaimed artist and listen to this week’s full radio show.
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.
Grand Rapids tattooist and songwriter Alex Brooke opens up about her own ink, about tattooing musicians ‘who always look cool’ and about how clients can best prepare for the process. Plus, some Michigan musicians share their tats in words and photos. Get the back story in this special Sunday feature by Enrique Olmos, with a photo gallery by Anna Sink.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids rock group frontman divulged details about an upcoming solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Megan Dooley, LVRS, Cal in Red, Upon Wings and more. Get Chris Cranick’s back story and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Jason Singer’s latest pop collection, “Everything Will Be Ok Eventually,” wasted little time getting attention and airplay at WYCE, along with several other new releases from Michigan artists — The Whiskey Charmers, Emma Bieniewicz, The Wild Honey Collective and Big House Blues Band. Listen to tracks from each album.
Concert reviews · Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Photos
The second-year, five-day virtual festival hosted by Michigan Music Alliance drew thousands of viewers and $10,00-plus in donations to aid Michigan musicians. Peruse festival highlights and ogle photos at Local Spins.
This late March roundup of West Michigan releases ranges from rock and hip hop to synth-pop and folk. Check out the Local Spins reviews and listen to tracks from each featured artist.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Traverse City songwriter plays Spread the Music Festival today and was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Medicinal Groove, Laine Rex, Snacks & Five, Amy Love, KJ & The Good Time Family Band, Shady Groves & more. Learn more about Butzin and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Live-Stream Concerts
The opening-day salvo of Michigan artists performing for the live-streamed Spread the Music Festival attracted thousands of viewers for compelling sets. Check out some first-day highlights and photos, along with picks for other must-see acts at the festival which runs through Sunday.
Festivals · Live-Stream Concerts · Upcoming shows
The virtual festival hosted by Michigan Music Alliance raises funds for musicians in need, providing a lifeline for the state’s music scene. Watch a video about the event, browse the full entertainment schedule and find links to donate at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features · Playlists
The Local Spins series highlighting recordings that influenced Michigan-bred musicians continues with Americana/outlaw country artist Nathan Kalish, whose inspirations vary widely. Listen to his picks, along with a track from his most recent album.
Concert announcements · Festivals
For the second year, the late March online festival raising money for the Michigan Artist Relief Fund will feature performances from across the Great Lakes State. This year’s event will feature more than 200 artists. Get details and see who else is in the initial lineup.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Hudsonville-area singer-songwriter opens up about his new album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Nordy, DAYZ, The Great United, Dance Contraption, Chain of Lakes, Steve Leaf, Ben Traverse & Michael Dause and more.
After a year-long pandemic that nearly eliminated all live music, Local Spins asked its most experienced reviewers to recount their strangest concert escapades. We start with Tricia Boot Woolfenden — and she has plenty of wild and wacky tales to share.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Local Spins premieres new Walton tracks from ‘The Remedy’ along with the video for his new single. Plus, check out song debuts from other Michigan acts in the Local Spins on WYCE podcast. Learn more about Walton, his band and the new album; listen to this week’s radio show.
Album reviews · Audio · Videos
This late February roundup of releases by Michigan artists has something for a myriad of musical tastes: rock, jazz, folk, electronic music and pop. Read the reviews, listen to tracks from each album.
In this week’s guest column giving a voice to Michigan musicians, singer-songwriter Nicholas James Thomasma hails the advantages folk musicians have during a COVID lockdown — and the importance of staying active and educated. He performs online tonight.
Features · Venue Spotlight · Videos
Better than “sitting in my bedroom with an iPhone.” Local Spins today presents two interview and performance videos probing the unique advantages of live-stream concerts broadcast from a bona fide stage as gauged by musicians Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden, and St. Cecilia’s Cathy Holbrook. “It’s an actual venue,” Crittenden said of playing St. Cecilia even without an in-person audience.
Concert reviews · Features · Photos
After a year of COVID, the Portage brewery’s second anniversary party boasted performances by Lexi Adams, St. Joe Jack and more — with limited capacity, regular sanitization and new brews. Check out the recap and photos at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Features
Hailing from Kalamazoo, the nationally renowned Greensky Bluegrass has helped alter the face of the genre. Today, mandolinist Paul Hoffman divulges the three albums that altered and shaped his own career. Listen to tracks from these albums, plus a song from a current fave.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Thousands filled The Intersection on Valentine’s Day 2020 to celebrate the best regional music of the year with impressive performances on three stages. With this year’s edition of the Jammie Awards indefinitely postponed due to COVID, browse highlights from last year’s big night in words, photos and video.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The veteran guitarist-singer offered the back story to his first solo album for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Major Murphy, Loren Johnson, Full Cord, Dawning, Jeff Troutman, JP Houston, Jobbaloon, Madelyn Grant and The Soods. Learn more about Socia and his album’s all-star cast, plus listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows
Due to COVID, dozens of performers and thousands of fans won’t gather for the annual WYCE event that would have taken place Friday at The Intersection. But a revised Jammies is still possible. Get the lowdown at Local Spins.
If not for COVID, Grand Rapids radio station WYCE, Michigan artists and their fans would be getting ready for the Jammie Awards this week at The Intersection. Instead, let’s revisit last year’s big winners, with updates on what they’ve been up to — along with new music from some of them.
