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.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio · Playlists · Videos
Longtime Grand Rapids-area sound engineer/musician Kurt Ehinger is a mainstay when it comes to providing fans with stellar concert experiences. Today, he reveals the recordings that influenced him most, and you can listen to tracks from all of the featured albums.
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 · Audio · Videos
In a wide-ranging conversation, Mikeyy Austin expresses his love of black culture, Lansing, tacos and more. Learn more about this emerging hip hop artist and listen to his music in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight by writer Enrique Olmos.
Michigan’s charms are ‘all tied up inside’ Lord Huron frontman and Okemos native Ben Schneider. Read the Local Spins interview on the eve of the band’s fourth full-length release, plus view videos for Lord Huron’s most recent singles.
Features · Live-Stream Concerts · Videos
From hip hop’s Mikeyy Austin to rock’s Patty PerShayla, the Grand Rapids recording studio has helped fill the pandemic void of live music by providing constant, creatively produced live-stream shows and videos starring Michigan acts. Learn more about Dogtown, watch recent videos and browse a 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.
Concert reviews · Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Today’s Local Spins Rewind feature looks back to May 2019 when classic rock icons The Who opened their North American tour with help from Grand Rapids Symphony musicians. Fans are still arguing over this one. Revisit the review and an interview with The Who’s creative director, browse the photo galleries, video and set list.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids band and its new album were spotlighted by Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Earth Radio, Paulie Cohen, Brian Koenigsknecht, Sophia Carmen, Pink Sky, Mark Sander and more. Get to know Dance Contraption and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
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 · Audio · Videos
The Jackson band recently released a new album, “Sitting With the Unknown,” and continues to play shows and find inspiration in its hometown. Learn more about LVRS in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight and listen to music from the band’s latest album.
Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Playlists · Videos
A couple of years ago, Grand Rapids singer and multi-instrumentalist Patty PerShayla assembled a special soundtrack of songs for saving our environment. Listen up again on Earth Day. PerShayla plays a special Local Spins Fest edition of ‘Songtellers’ at Listening Room on May 17 with an all-star cast of West Michigan songwriters.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Band members opened up about their upcoming new album and their ‘present-day sound’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Chain of Lakes, Chuck Bob Carnes, Mechavillain, The Olllam, Chris Cranick, Brian Mulder, Jake Lindell, The Down & Goers and more. Podcast, video and story all part of today’s Artist Spotlight.
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 · 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.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Grand Rapids’ KJ reveals the story behind ‘Dynamics’ for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Annagail, Seth Bernard, Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions, The Aquaerials, Trevor Ohlsen, Eric Wagenmaker, Steve Leaf and more. Delve into The Good Time Family Band and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
Features · Local Spins Rewind · Videos
Exactly one year ago today, at the height of COVID angst, Local Spins published a roundup of virus-inspired songs and spoofs created by Michigan musicians, both funny and heartfelt. Revisit the fetching tunes and videos.
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.
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.
Announcements · Contests · Features · Videos
West Michigan’s Agri-Med & Local Spins announce a contest asking readers for their favorite pot-flavored tunes to be revealed in a playlist on April 20. Plus, we feature several local artists who’ve paid tribute to marijuana in song and video.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
After a mostly silent winter, two popular West Michigan bands revved up tunes new and old for live audiences in Grand Rapids and Holland on Friday. Find recaps of both shows in words and images at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids indie-rock band’s Jacob Bullard opened up about the new LP for Local Spins on WYCE, which debuted a dozen new tracks by Michigan artists. Get the back story on Major Murphy’s latest project, listen to the radio show podcast and watch a new band video at Local Spins.
In-Depth Report · Upcoming shows · Videos
The latest “Comeback Road” video focuses on The Pyramid Scheme, plus we update other outlets getting state grants and some places — including Grand Haven — where outdoor concerts are planned. And see how some venues and organizations plan to use state assistance to move forward.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
For this week’s playlist, Local Spins asked Michigan’s The Moxie Strings to unfurl a Top 10 playlist of Celtic tracks to serve as a St. Patrick’s Day soundtrack for Wednesday’s upcoming celebrations. The selections span the globe. Plus, see where some of those St. Paddy’s parties are taking place.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Grand Rapids R&B/pop artist who helped pay tribute to Aretha with a Michigan super-group this week shared her 2021 plans with Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted a host of new tracks by artists from across the Great Lakes State. The story, podcast and video.
The former member of the Grand Rapids band Leland Blue made the cut and selected judge Nick Jonas’ team during blind auditions Tuesday on the NBC singing competition. Read more about Sinclair at Local Spins.
Audio · Breaking music news · Features · Videos
The passionate and dynamic Women’s History Month tribute to icon Aretha Franklin features more than two dozen singers and musicians from across the state. Watch the video premiere and learn more about this collaborative project at Local Spins.
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.
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
Shifting from live shows to the studio due to COVID, the GR duo is releasing striking new singles, debuting two of them for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered fresh tracks by more than a half-dozen Michigan artists. Explore Pink Sky’s year in lockdown and listen to this week’s radio show podcast.
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.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
Boundary-pushing keyboard phenom Chick Corea was a music world giant and a jazz fusion pioneer who died of cancer last week at 79. West Michigan’s Dutcher Snedeker pays tribute to[…]
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.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Holland songwriter who fronts the Hundred Star Hotel opened up for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Public Access, The Band Mint, Steve Leaf, Breaker Brothers, I Believe in Julio, Chris DuPont, Medicinal Groove and others. Learn more about Harrell and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
It’s Feb. 2, which means it’s time to honor groundhogs, “underground” musical gems we’ve dug up and, of course, that classic Bill Murray movie that most of us have replayed again and again and again. Check out this unique soundtrack at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The talented Grandville High School teen was featured for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Neon Birdhouse, Chris Collins, Ardea, Lone Caravan, Wes Millhouse, Mike Ward, Flowers on the Grave and more. Learn more about the up-and-coming Gianna Stansell and listen to this week’s full radio show podcast.
Concert reviews · Photos · Videos
Ralston Bowles and Michael Crittenden kicked off St. Cecilia Music Center’s virtual folk-and-blues series on Thursday. Local Spins was there to capture the unusual vibe in an empty auditorium with two veteran West Michigan musicians.
Albums that Changed the World · Audio
Local Spins continues its series showcasing recordings that most influenced Michigan musicians. Today, we asked in-demand Rockford horn player Paul Keen — a veteran orchestra and big band musician — for his picks of albums that shaped his career.
Audio · Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Cedar Springs brewery that’s regularly hosted live music until COVID-19 shut things down offers up this week’s playlist, including many regional stars who’ve played the brewpub. ‘We’re missing everyone terribly,’ says owner David Ringler, who aims to restart entertainment as soon as possible.
Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Venue Spotlight
The legendary Division Avenue hot spot for teens which staged its last show in 2009 is under renovation by former operator Mark Leech. Learn more about this plan to fill a regional void in all-ages venues and watch some historical show footage at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Ada composer turned an artist-in-residence project into a ‘beautiful’ song collection inspired by the island. Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the album and debuted new tracks by Gianna Stansell, Jeff Socia and more. Learn more about the project, listen to a couple of tracks and check out this week’s full radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Today, Local Spins rounds up some Michigan-related music news that’s getting national attention, including a new collaboration starring Sufjan Stevens, a pair of big TV appearances for The War and Treaty, and a sneak peek into the upcoming studio album from Greta Van Fleet. Get the updates and watch the videos at Local Spins.
Playlists · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The Kalamazoo brewery’s booking and marketing team reminisced about the most compelling performances by bands and solo artists pre-COVID at Bell’s, from May Erlewine and Joe Hertler to Kurt Vile and Trampled by Turtles. Check out the Top 10 playlist and videos.
Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos
Held at The Intersection exactly one year ago today, the 11th annual benefit for the Wheatland Music Organization boasted more than a dozen performances on two stages in spite of wintry weather. Revisit the event in words, photos and video.
Led by an ambitious tribute to David Bowie, Local Spins has culled some of the best music videos created by West Michigan artists over the past few months for this January roundup, including videos featuring Jordan VanHemert, Rick Chyme, Wuzee and others. Watch all of the videos and get the back story on Mike Dodge’s impressive video homage to Bowie.
Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos
The Traverse City singer-songwriter unfurled a touching new song for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Pink Sky, Jordan Ellis Mobley, Laurel Premo, The Chinchillionaires and more. Catch up with Davis in this in-depth interview, watch a video of a recent live-stream performance and listen to this week’s radio show podcast at Local Spins.
Artist Spotlights · Features · Playlists · Videos
In an in-depth Local Spins interview, the Grammy-nominated bluegrass star talks about writing, staying safe in a pandemic and getting ready to hit ‘the ground like a fireball’ when touring resumes. Watch videos of some of his recent performances and check out a playlist of artists he’s currently digging.
Local Spins Rewind · Top 10 Lists · Videos
The coronavirus crisis has fueled the creativity of musicians who’ve turned to humor for survival in 2020. Local Spins’ March roundup of video parodies not only became the No. 1 most-read story of the year, but the most popular post in the website’s history. Revisit this roster of clever spoof tunes, including new COVID-inspired videos we’ve added to further tickle your funny bone.
