Breaking music news · Concert reviews · Videos

First-ever online ‘Spread the Music’ fest raises more than $11,500 for Michigan musicians

• March 30, 2020

Viewers across the globe tuned in to the four-day live-streamed festival hosted by the Michigan Music Alliance with sets by 40 artists who broadcast from their own homes. The alliance kicks off a new online concert series tonight. See how many people watched the performances and get details about the Michigan Music Alliance’s fundraising efforts at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Videos

How ‘American Idol’ inspired a ‘cannon of a voice’: Nathan Walton reflects on Hollywood

• March 29, 2020

After multiple rounds of auditions, the Byron Center singer — “a guy with long hair that likes to belt” — went to Hollywood as a contestant on America’s most well-known music competition, and got a brief brush with the national TV spotlight before being sent home. The story of 27-year-old West Michigan singer-songwriter Nathan Walton’s journey through “American Idol.”

Announcements · Videos

Music amid the madness: Local Spins seeks Michigan artists’ songs inspired by COVID-19

• March 28, 2020

With Michiganders stuck at home, songwriters have the time and the perfect opportunity to comment on the coronavirus crisis musically. We want to hear those songs (and we’ve got a few more spoof videos here for inspiration). Local Spins plans to compile the best of these Michigan music videos, with one artist winning a special gift package.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Cole Hansen unfurling vision for long-awaited, uplifting Americana solo debut album

• March 27, 2020

This week’s Local Spins on WYCE spotlighted the Grand Rapids singer-songwriter and debuted new tracks by The Legal Immigrants, American Hotel System, Ohly, Martyr for Madison and more. Learn more about Hansen, watch a video of her performing a new song and listen to the full radio show podcast.

Features · Videos

Michigan musicians keep the faith with video entries in NPR’s 2020 Tiny Desk Contest

• March 25, 2020

It’s actually the perfect talent show contest for a coronavirus pandemic: Hundreds of bands from across the country are submitting videos from their own homes in NPR’s annual competition, with a big Great Lakes State contingent. View more than 30 video entries from Michigan bands and solo artists at Local Spins.

Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Battling COVID-19 with humor: The Top 10 coronavirus song parodies

• March 24, 2020

Due to the current crisis, musicians have a lot of time on their hands. And that means some of them have come up with hilarious takes on our response to the unprecedented situation and witty ways to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. And face it: We all need a chuckle right now.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos

‘A lot of me coming through’: Loren Johnson embraces fun hybrid of experiences on new EP

• March 20, 2020

The Grand Haven singer and guitarist was this week’s guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Public Access, Cole Hansen, Nicholas James Thomasma, Sugartone Noise Company, Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble, Sean Miller and more.

Breaking music news · Upcoming shows · Videos

Viral Virtual Venues: Michigan bands live-stream to connect with fans and get paid

• March 18, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic that’s canceled hundreds of concerts has sparked a flood of online shows by artists who play for at-home audiences. And Local Spins has started a new calendar listing to spotlight those shows. Get the lowdown on this growing trend and watch some recent live-streamed shows.

Audio · Playlists · Videos

The COVID-19 Playlist: Songs for the apocalypse

• March 17, 2020

With folks self-quarantining and social-distancing — and virtually all live music entertainment shut down — Local Spins asked writer Troy Reimink to supply a stay-at-home soundtrack for the viral apocalypse. Watch the videos and listen to the Spotify playlist.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Grand Rapids indie-rocker Seth Beck’s catchy, ‘unfiltered’ songs: Local Spins on WYCE

• March 14, 2020

Beck performed for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Loren Johnson, Odd Space, Greet Death, NOMAD, Vagabonds and Mannhattan. The story, in-studio video and radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Upcoming shows

Calvin’s first Local Showcase to star Last Gasp Collective, Fiona Dickinson, Mxrcus Alexis

• March 13, 2020

The inaugural May 8 event at Covenant Fine Arts Center comes after a committee of students pored through applications from 64 West Michigan bands. Get more details and watch videos by the featured performers at Local Spins.

Concert announcements · Summer Festivals

Funkadesi, Way Down Wanderers, Erin Zindle & Ragbirds headlining Buttermilk Jamboree

• March 12, 2020

The June festival with a “cooperative spirit” held at Circle Pines Center south of Grand Rapids also will feature May Erlewine, Last Gasp Collective, Nicholas James & The Bandwagon and a tribute to Dacia Bridges. See a roster of 2020 performers and watch videos featuring the headlining acts at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

From Kent County to Colorado, Trout Steak Revival continues to ascend bluegrass ranks

• March 11, 2020

Featuring two Kent County natives, the Colorado-based bluegrass band plays two straight ‘homecoming’ shows this weekend at Grand Rapids’ Listening Room. Read the Local Spins interview and watch videos of the band ahead of the weekend run.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram set to deliver ‘old soul’ blues with a twist in Grand Rapids

• March 10, 2020

The rising, 21-year-old, blues-rock guitar star plays The Pyramid Scheme tonight after earning universal accolades for his music. Read the Local Spins interview with Ingram and check out videos of his recent performances.

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Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival 2020: ‘Very cool’ community event reveling in Michigan music

• March 8, 2020

The 15th annual edition of the Fretboard Festival brought a couple thousand people to Kalamazoo Valley Museum on Saturday for performances by 19 regional artists, plus workshops and instrument vendors. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights, exclusively at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

The pretty and punchy rock of The Blue Pines: Local Spins on WYCE band spotlight

• March 7, 2020

The Grand Rapids indie-rock band was this week’s in-studio guest for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Sweet Water Warblers, Stepladders, Political Lizard, Monte Pride, Cole Hansen and more. Learn more about The Blue Pines, watch their in-studio video and listen to the March 6 radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Distant Stars unleashing flamboyant, ‘funky, sexy strange rock ’n’ roll’ in Grand Rapids

• March 4, 2020

The northern Michigan glam-rock outfit will be strutting through two ‘raw, unpredictable’ GR shows this week. Learn more about the provocative music of Jakey Thomas & crew at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Accidentals calling on fans to choose tracks for band’s new studio album

• March 3, 2020

After being showcased Monday by Paste Magazine in New York City, the Traverse City alt-folk heroes hit the road for Leland, Kalamazoo and Fort Wayne this week with a chance for fans to get involved in their new recording. Get the details at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Videos

Led by ‘secret rock star,’ The Fabulous Vans eye release of debut album

• February 29, 2020

The Grand Rapids rock band fronted by an 18-year-old high school senior was featured during this week’s edition of Local Spins on WYCE and plays Tip Top Deluxe tonight. The story and in-studio video at Local Spins.

Breaking music news · Videos

Lowell musician Eric Soules passes away; tributes pour in for ‘badass’ bassist

• February 25, 2020

The well-known bassist and Lowell native who performed with Nathan Kalish, Al & The Black Cats and DangerVille passed away unexpectedly on Monday. Read more about Eric Soules at Local Spins. A memorial celebration will take place in Ionia on Friday.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

The Go Rounds entrance, engage, inspire and reinvent for cozy Grand Rapids crowd

• February 25, 2020

Making its debut at Listening Room for the Local Spins Michigan Mondays series, the Kalamazoo psych-pop/rock band fired up new tunes and old classics for an attentive, enthused crowd. The recap, photo gallery and video of The Go Rounds performing a new tune, only at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Aspen Jacobsen’s ‘old soul’ indie-folk with a ‘fresh outlook’: Local Spins on WYCE

• February 22, 2020

The 15-year-old Michigan singer with a big voice and a bright future played this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Lady & Gentleman, Pretoria, Singing Lungs, Dennie Middleton, Cameron Blake, Mark Harrell and Deerfield Run. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the full radio show podcast and learn more about the up-and-coming Jacobsen.

Concert reviews · Photos · Videos

WYCE Jammie Awards 2020 Revisited: Littered with talent, championing ‘really great music’

• February 15, 2020

Thousands filled The Intersection on Friday to celebrate the best regional music of the year with impressive performances on three stages. Browse highlights from the big night in words, photos and a star-studded video.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Local Spins on WYCE: Rachel Curtis in-studio, new music by Lybrandt, Mystic Dub, Sweet Water Warblers

• February 14, 2020

The Jammie Award-nominated Lansing singer-songwriter performed a couple of her singles for Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks and previewed performances at Friday night’s awards show. Check out the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Lumineers reflect on success, addiction, parenthood, sandwiches: The Local Spins Q&A

• February 9, 2020

With the Colorado band’s world tour stopping at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena on Tuesday, Local Spins writer Ricky Olmos chatted with Jeremiah Fraites about the group’s third full-length recording, “III,” and much more. And watch videos from the powerful new album.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Jack Droppers seeks regional acts for Calvin University’s first ‘Local Showcase’

• February 8, 2020

The singer-songwriter and new Calvin SAO director announced the call out for local bands during Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Political Lizard, Wuzee, Outer Vibe, Treeskin, The Ryne Experience, PHABIES, Overdrive Orchestra, Darcy Wilkin and more. Get details on Calvin’s showcase, listen to the radio show podcast, watch the in-studio video and browse a photo gallery from Jack Droppers & The Best Intentions’ Friday night concert at Listening Room.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

Vintage Parlor Orchestra ‘melting faces’ of Grand Rapids audiences with classical music

• February 4, 2020

Performing in breweries and non-traditional venues, the unusual West Michigan chamber orchestra is on a mission to reinvent the classical music concert experience. The back story at Local Spins, with videos. The Vintage Parlor Orchestra plays Listening Room in Grand Rapids on Sunday.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Myron Elkins & The Dying Breed: Embracing Johnny Cash with a voice born to sing country

• February 1, 2020

The 19-year-old and his band (who play Tip Top Deluxe on Saturday) made their debut for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered new tracks by Mannhattan, Ernie Clark, Gasoline Gypsies and more. Learn more about this emerginc act, watch the in-studio video and listen to this week’s radio show at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins Rewind · Podcasts

Brother Adams finding its stride by getting ‘more eclectic, rock-hued and psychedelic’

• January 29, 2020

Learn more about the Holland folk-punk trio and watch its new videos in this Local Spins Rewind feature.

Concert reviews · Festivals · Photos · Videos

Perrin Ice Jam fires up flurry of fun, ‘festive and wonderful’ winter music

• January 26, 2020

Hundreds of revelers and runners gathered outside the Comstock Park brewery Saturday for sets by The Crane Wives, Hacky Turtles, Melophobix and Crosscut Kings. The recap, photo gallery and video highlights at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

The Marsupials set to bring ‘fun ride’ of rock, funk and blues to Grand Rapids

• January 19, 2020

The Harbor Springs trio fires up SpeakEZ Lounge and more this week as it gears up to release a new album in 2020. Learn more about The Marsupials in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight and listen to their music.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Michigan’s ‘hillbilly Ramones’: Ernie Clark & The Magnificent Bastards’ rock w/ country soul

• January 17, 2020

The band led by a Reed City-area singer-guitarist just released its debut album and stopped by Local Spins on WYCE on Friday, which also debuted new music by Cousin Avery, Max Lockwood, Leland Blue, Pack Sounds and more. Listen to this week’s podcast, watch the in-studio video and read the back story about Clark and company.

Artist Spotlights · Festivals · Upcoming shows · Videos

Cold Tone Harvest’s blossoming Americana journey, from coffee shops to A2 Folk Fest

• January 14, 2020

The emerging Plymouth-based band is one of only two Michigan acts on this year’s impressive Folk Festival bill. Discover more about the quartet in this Local Spins Artist Spotlight, listen to the band’s music and watch videos of Cold Tone Harvest performances.

Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

Overdrive Orchestra, May Erlewine, Robin Connell ring in 2020: Photos, videos

• January 6, 2020

Beyond the lavish parties ushering in the New Year, there were some intimate shows starring beloved regional artists to get the first weekend of 2020 started on the right foot. Browse the photos and videos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Memphis-bound, Tomas Esparza Blues Band churns out Chicago blues with a Mexican flair

• January 4, 2020

Heading to Memphis to compete in the International Blues Challenge later this month, the GR band this week played Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by The Hacky Turtles, Overdrive Orchestra, Via Mardot, The Autumnatic, Birdie Country and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the full radio show podcast at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Birdie Country exudes ‘slightly charming,’ punk-hued chill rock

• January 3, 2020

The band which plays The Pyramid Scheme Friday night plans to follow up its high-energy 2019 EP with a full-length album later this year. The Local Spins Artist Spotlight on Birdie Country, with videos.

Concert reviews · Photos

New Year’s Eve: Billy Strings’ sizzling psych-bluegrass, Pop Evil, Manic Focus, parties galore

• January 2, 2020

West Michigan ushered in 2020 with the bluegrass brilliance of Billy Strings, an outdoor Pop Evil party, Manic Focus, 20 Monroe Live’s Resolution Ball, Kalamazoo’s New Year’s Fest and more captured in photos and videos at Local Spins, with a full review of Billy Strings’ homecoming show.

Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Best Music of 2019: The Local Spins Musicians’ and Readers’ Picks

• December 31, 2019

As the year draws to a close, Local Spins asked some West Michigan musicians and readers to make their picks for the best albums and songs of 2019 — a diverse roster covering rock, hip hop, jazz, R&B, folk and more. And listen to music from all of the featured artists.

Artist Spotlights · Features · Upcoming shows

Billy Strings, The Accidentals cope with anxiety, stardom, grueling rigors of the road

• December 30, 2019

Maintaining mental health and dealing with “a lot of pressure” represent real challenges for touring musicians, especially road warriors such as The Accidentals and Billy Strings, who plays a sold-out New Year’s Eve show in Grand Rapids. In Part II of its interview with Billy Strings, Local Spins delves into the issues that have become a growing concern for many bands.

Audio · Local Spins Rewind · Videos

Top Stories of 2019 (No. 3): Female W. Michigan super-group’s ‘amazing’ cover of ‘The Chain’

• December 30, 2019

The ‘top secret’ September project that had 15 vocalists gathering to record the Fleetwood Mac song at Third Coast Recording in Grand Haven was one of Local Spins’ most-read stories of 2019. Get the back story on this special project and watch the video at Local Spins.

Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos

Top Stories of 2019 (No. 4): Rising Michigan country star Sadie Bass makes splash

• December 29, 2019

Even country star Brantley Gilbert calls her a ‘badass’ singer. Local Spins’ spotlight on the mid-Michigan favorite with a bright future proved to be among the most-read stories of the year. Revisit the story, photo galleries and videos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Go Rounds: ‘Still real,’ still experimenting, still taking risks and still having ‘child-like fun’

• December 28, 2019

The Kalamazoo-based rock band plays its final show of 2019 at The Pyramid Scheme on Saturday night, as it eyes a new studio album in 2020 and continues to take devoted fans on a psychedelically powerful pop-rock journey. The Local Spins interview, plus videos.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Grand Rapids’ Elijah Russ Collective fuses genres for fetching ‘heavy soul rock’

• December 27, 2019

Elijah Russ performed for this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted new tracks by Myron Elkins, Drinking Mercury, Feeding Grizzlies, The First Coalition, ADABOY and more. Watch the in-studio video, listen to the radio show podcast and read the back story on this Grand Haven-bred musician who plays two concerts Friday night.

Features · Top 10 Lists · Videos

Best Music of 2019: The Local Spins Critics’ Picks

• December 26, 2019

A mind-bending year of music gave Local Spins writers plenty of fodder for “best of” lists, including Lizzo, Bon Iver, The Raconteurs, Orville Peck, Black Pumas, Lana Del Rey, Sleep and more. Peruse the extensive and eclectic picks, listen to some of 2019’s most memorable tracks at Local Spins, and submit your own favorites for a chance to win a Local Spins gift package.

Local Spins Rewind · Photos · Videos

Top Stories of 2019 (No. 10): Hal Beveridge memorial rocks jam-packed Eastern Avenue Hall

• December 23, 2019

Today, Local Spins starts its year-end countdown of the Top 10 most-read stories of the year, starting with a tribute to a Grand Rapids rock icon who passed away in late 2018. The story, photos and video for the No. 10 entry of the year.

Concert reviews · Videos · Weekend Photo Gallery

December Delights: West Michigan concert photo and video roundup

• December 22, 2019

A week that launched with The Gasoline Gypsies’ first-ever acoustic show also featured Sum 41, Sullivan King, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Whitey Morgan, the “Christmas at Critter’s” benefit, May Erlewine & The Motivations and more. Relive the action in photos and videos at Local Spins.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

Stone Soup & The Broken Teeth: Collaborative spices for a robust musical meal

• December 20, 2019

The Grand Rapids band debuted new songs in an in-studio performance for Local Spins on WYCE, which also premiered tracks by American Hotel System, Lybrandt, Rob Mickey, The Disruption and more. Get the back story on this new West Michigan group, watch the video, listen to the radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Local Spins on WYCE · Podcasts · Videos

‘Dabbling in both worlds’: After Ours’ alt-jazz straddles electronic jams and tradition

• December 14, 2019

The cutting-edge lit up this week’s Local Spins on WYCE, which also debuted tracks by Brother Elsey, Fast Hands Band, Lynn & the Moonshine Runners, Porter Kenyon, a new ‘Christmas at Critter’s’ classic and much more. Get the After Ours back story, watch videos of the band and listen to this week’s complete radio show podcast.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows

Breakfast with Brother Elsey: Reveling in W. Michigan’s scene, building fans for ‘long run’

• December 13, 2019

The Grand Rapids band plans an energetic ‘wave of emotion’ at Saturday’s Pyramid Scheme show. The in-depth and revealing Local Spins interview with lead songwriter Brady Stablein, with an exclusive performance video.

Artist Spotlights · Upcoming shows · Videos

The Gasoline Gypsies firing up first all-acoustic show for Listening Room debut on Monday

• December 12, 2019

After ‘an eventful year,’ the Port Huron-bred, Detroit-based rock and roots band plays Local Spins’ new Michigan Mondays series in Grand Rapids next week, with new music set for release by the group in 2020. Learn more about the band, get details about Monday’s show and watch a video at Local Spins.