Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists
Best known for his work with Jack White and Steppin’ In It, bassist and Michigan native Dominic John Davis boasts an eclectic array of musical influences. He shares those today with readers at Local Spins.
The final week of summer and arrival of Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize brought a blitz of concerts to West Michigan, including Pat Benatar, Andy Shauf, May Erlewine, Alex G, The Deep Stare, Lady Ace Boogie and more. Here are Local Spins recaps and photo galleries.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The co-leader of Benzing-Graves Collective drops his solo debut next week. He was featured this week for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Bradley Sinclair, Syd Burnham, Lady Ace Boogie, Phabies and more. Learn more about Benzing and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
Grand Rapids-area music fans embraced a mix of audience-engaging concerts, including a triumphant tour stop by O.A.R. at Meijer Gardens and the final Blues on the Grand show of the summer. Browse the photo galleries at Local Spins.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Four Nashville songwriters and Rockford’s Daniel Terry kicked off the inaugural two-day event Friday at Blythefield Country Club in Belmont. The recap, photos and video highlights at Local Spins.
The engaging singer-songwriter deftly managed an unexpected fan on stage during his set and a balance of new and old songs during Wednesday’s Meijer Gardens concert. The review, photos and set list at Local Spins.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Rachael Davis plays Grand Rapids on Thursday, but before that, she reveals the recordings that most influenced her career. Listen to tracks from the albums and see how you can win tickets to Davis’ Listening Room show.
Features · Upcoming shows · Videos
Longtime songwriter and financial advisor Daniel Terry spearheads this weekend’s songwriters-in-the-round performances and workshop at Blythfield Country Club. Get the back story and ticket details at Local Spins.
It comes straight from the musicians themselves: The sobering Labor Day assessment of where things stand for performers and songwriters after a cataclysmic, pandemic-impaired year. A must-read from Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
Frontman Caleb John Lawson revealed the backdrop for ‘A Different Gospel’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by August, Sterpher, Crooked Spires, The Shook, Steve Rivers, Alfie DaGreat, Feeding Grizzlies and much more. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight feature, plus this week’s radio show podcast.
The acclaimed songwriter unfurled the first major concert at DeVos Performance Hall since early 2020, a rescheduled show heavy on material from his band’s latest album. The review, photo gallery and set list at Local Spins.
Local Spins asked The Crane Wives’ Kate Pillsbury to provide her take on the much-respected singer-songwriter’s Monday concert at Meijer Gardens. Here is her review, with a photo gallery by Kendra Petersen-Kamp.
As August continues to heat up, Local Spins spotlights six new releases by West Michigan artists, from compelling Americana to lively indie-pop to reimagined punk. Check out the reviews, with audio samples from each album.
Albums that Changed the World · Playlists
Michigan native Luke Winslow-King plays Grand Rapids on Thursday and two northern Michigan music festivals this weekend. Today, he reveals the recordings that helped shape his own career. Listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins and see how you can win tickets to see his ‘Listening Lawn’ show at Studio Park this week.
Concert reviews · Features · Weekend Photo Gallery
For artists such as Joshua Davis and Troll for Trout, the return to stages in Grand Rapids this summer after more than 16 months of COVID silence has created a peculiar but welcome feeling. Get the back story of their experiences and recaps of their shows, along with photo galleries that also include images of Djangophonique at Grand Rapids Art Museum and Pink Martini with Grand Rapids Symphony at Meijer Gardens.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The 19-year-old Cedar Springs singer-songwriter was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Annagail, I Believe in Julio, Brother John & The Lonely Roads, Rick Chyme & Eli Kahn, Jack Droppers, Creature of One and more. Discover more about this emerging talent and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
As we move into the final week of July, Local Spins spotlights new releases from some familiar Michigan artists representing a wide swath of styles, from Seth Bernard to Lauren Pearson. Browse the reviews, listen to tracks from all of the albums at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The West Michigan band set to play its first show in 18 months and eyeing its first release since 2010 was featured for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by several Michigan artists. Learn more about Troll for Trout’s long-awaited new album and listen to the radio show podcast.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts
The frontman for Grand Rapids’ Deep Greens & Blues delved into his new solo material for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brett Mitchell, Brian Lybrandt, Desmond Jones, The Vermeers, i.am.james and others. Learn more about Atkinson’s music and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Weekend Photo Gallery
West Michigan’s 2021 Independence Day weekend proved to be far busier music-wise than the pandemic-impaired 2020, and Local Spins was there to capture the concert action in photos.
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.
