Podcast Episodes
Matt McCalpin on The Alluvion, Music, Grooves, and the Mitten
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Discover how Matt McCalpin's journey from musician to operations manager at The Alluvion showcases the power of community-driven music venues. This episode explores the intersection of music, venue development, and supporting local artists in Traverse City, Michigan.
From Garage Bands to Gig Venues: The Boltcutters' Musical Journey
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Discover the story behind the band The Boltcutters—from simple Craigslist ads to live performances at the Park Theatre. Join us as we explore their creative process, lineup changes, and upcoming plans with their new EP.
Making Music Live and Embracing Creativity — An Inside Look with Marcus AK and Friends
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Join us as we dive into the journey of Marcus AK, singer-songwriter of Surreal Electronic Pop Rock, exploring how his solo project has evolved through live performances. We also discuss the importance of deadlines in creativity, the blend of electronic and acoustic styles, and the vibrant talent scene in West Michigan. Plus, insights from fellow musicians about the joy of collaboration, live shows, and staying inspired.
Lunchbox Rachel: What "Daylight Savings Time" Taught Us About Disrupting Status Quo in Music
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Explore the colorful world of Lunchbox Rachel, an indie rock artist with a genre-agnostic approach, blending storytelling lyrics with a playful themed aesthetic. This episode features their creative process, collaboration stories, and behind-the-scenes insights into their music projects.
Chelsea Whitaker: From Sneaking Cameras into Venues to Tour Bus Days: A Photographer’s Journey
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Join us as Chelsea Whitaker shares her multifaceted journey in the photography and music industry, from local concerts and headshots to stage production and event management. Discover how her experience and insights can inspire aspiring photographers, concert-goers, and event professionals.
Ironwood: Metal Meets Wood Celtic/American Music to the Battle of the Bands at The Stray
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In this lively episode, Mark and Anna from Ironwood take us inside their journey from separate musical worlds—metal and acoustic—to a powerful partnership shaped by their marriage and shared passion for authenticity. They explore how being a married couple makes rehearsals effortless, how their creative collaboration is fueled by nearly a decade of partnership, and why they intentionally keep the process fun over stressful. You’ll discover how their approach to songwriting, blending genres, and even improvising stage routines keeps their performances fresh, relatable, and full of energy.
Tiff Falls | Why Being a “Full-Time” Sound Engineer at One Venue Is a Game-Changer
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this episode, we sit down with Tiff Falls, a dedicated sound engineer and event manager at The Alluvion, to explore the nuances of live sound, event management, and the joy of working in the music industry. From her journey into sound engineering to her touring experiences and insights into creating the perfect live music environment, Tiff shares her passion and expertise.
How Art Arbor Turns Musicians' Confusions into Clear Strategies for Success
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Discover how Art Arbor empowers musicians and artists to navigate the complexities of the music industry. In this episode, Andrew Whitter discusses the importance of community, goal setting, and strategic planning for artists at every stage of their journey.
How the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years
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Join us as Nate Dorough, the full-time Director of Programming at The Pyramid Scheme, shares his insights into booking, promoting, and sustaining a beloved community venue. This episode explores the intricacies of booking tours, promoting shows organically, handling logistical challenges post-COVID, and maintaining the magic that keeps the venue thriving.
Behind the Sound Board with Berkeley Tistle
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We stepped away from the stage and behind the board this week at Gig: The Art of Michigan Music in Jackson, Michigan, to sit down with Berkley Tissel — a live sound engineer with nearly a decade of experience working across Michigan, from small local stages to the iconic Masonic Temple in Detroit and Royal Oak.
LIPSEY and Chima: Why Change Is the Key to Survival and Growth in Life and Music
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This episode dives into the journeys of two Kalamazoo-based artists, LIPSEY and Chinma, exploring how change, persistence, and collaboration shape their careers in music. Perfect for aspiring artists and anyone interested in the evolving music industry.
Riot Course: Guitar Music Done Right – Post-Grunge, Emo & Beyond
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We sat down with all four members of RiotCourse — Kate, Spencer, Mark, and Nathan — to talk about their brand new EP, recording at IO Studio in Detroit, playing in multiple bands, DIY venues, and what's coming next.
From Broken Windows to Milestone Moments: Inside Low Phase's Homemade Studio Journey
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this candid chat, Lpw Phase reveals how self-producing their latest album has unlocked rawer, heavier sounds—think shoegaze meets distorted guitars—without the studio constraints. You'll discover how a broken window led to an unforgettable story, the secret behind their color-changing cups, and practical insights into modern live performance strategies like integrating backing tracks and managing costs as an indie band.
From Tie-Dye Shirts to Stormy Gigs: Ramble Tamble Keeps Their Style Low-Key and Authentic
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Discover the unique sound of Ramble Tamble, a band from Marquette, Michigan, blending surf music, psychedelic vibes, and beach-inspired themes. In this episode, they share their origins, creative process, and the stories behind their live shows and recordings.
From College Talent Shows to Road Trips: The Rise of Zinc Vacuum
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In this episode, we sit down with the dynamic duo Zinc Vacuum, a Michigan-based two-piece rock band, to uncover their journey from college talent shows to recording albums and planning tours. Dive into their creative process, influences, and the unique aspects of being a two-member band in today's music landscape.
Pretty Sure: Trio of Friends Reignite Goober Punk Music Between Cincinnati to Grand Rapids
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Join Bryce and Kyle from Pretty Sure as they share candid stories about their journey in music, their upcoming tour, the nuances of releasing EPs versus albums, and their creative processes. This episode offers an authentic look into what it takes to grow in the indie scene while staying true to their art.
The Alluvion: The Secret Sauce Behind a Thriving Music Venue: Passion, Thoughtfulness, and Community
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Explore the story behind Traverse City's vibrant music scene through the lens of The Alluvion venue. This episode features insights from Matt McCalpin, the venue's operations and booking manager, and audio engineer Tiff Falls, as they discuss the venue’s inception, unique features, and upcoming events.
Super Nuclear - From Oil & Dye to Digital the Evolution of Live Visuals in Modern Music
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Discover the innovative work of Matthew Stafford, aka Supernuclear, who creates mesmerizing live visuals for music performances. This conversation explores his process, influences, and ambitions to shape a vibrant live music scene in Traverse City, Michigan.
What’s Next for Haskins? New Music, Live Shows & Detroit Stories
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Haskins returns to the show for the first time in two years to talk about new music, their plans for Volume Five, and what life looks like for an indie rock band juggling families, day jobs, and late‑night rehearsals. The band shares updates on their upcoming studio sessions and how they approach recording.
