Podcast Episodes
Michigan Music Initiative: Building a Stronger Michigan Music Community through Music Awards
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this episode, we delve into the heart of Michigan's music scene, exploring how artists can unite rather than compete. Matthew Rose shares his vision for fostering collaboration among musicians and reviving the spirit of Motown through the Michigan Music Awards.
Keala Venema and Jacki Daniels at the Michigan Music Econ Summit
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Two Michigan musicians sit down at the Michigan Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids to talk about performance, teaching, showcases, and the realities of building a music career. Jacki Daniels shares her path as a pop country singer-songwriter, while Keala Venema talks about fiddle playing, string band tradition, and her work as a music educator.
Marley Kaye: Why the Best Shows Happen When Everyone Actually Listens
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
This episode features sound engineer and musician Marley Kaye, who talks about building a music career that spans live audio, freelance work, guitar teaching, home recording, and her own projects. The conversation centers on what makes The Stray’s listening-room environment special, how Marley leads the sound team there, and why music still hits her emotionally every time she mixes.
How One DIY Promoter Built Fuzz Fest With No Sign-Up Sheet
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Chris Taylor joins Jeff and Ryan to talk about Fuzz Fest, the long-running rock festival he started in Ann Arbor. He breaks down how the festival grew from 33 bands and two stages into a yearly rock gathering at the Blind Pig, with a focus on punk, psych, stoner rock, garage, and related sounds.
We also get into his bands, especially Mazinga and the revived Blue Snaggletooth, plus the handmade, old-school approach he uses to run the whole thing. Chris explains how he curates the lineup himself, manages stage changeovers, and even performs liquid light shows under the name Eternal Eyes.
How The Rupple Brothers Turn Family Into Music
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
While at The Stray for the Battle of the Bands finals, we talked with Cole, Evan, and Mitch from the psychedelic folk band The Rupple Brothers. They talk about family, grief, intimacy in performance, and why their music lands best in rooms where they can really bring the volume down.
In this episode, the band shares how the project started through family ties, how Mitch joined through a chain of musician connections, and why they’re aiming to record new material soon after their last album in 2019. They also discuss their Handmade Music Festival and the kind of loose, jam-friendly energy they try to bring to every set.
From Hip Hop Church to 140 Million Streams: Steven Malcolm’s Rise
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
This episode features Grand Rapids native Steven Malcolm, a Christian hip hop artist who shares how he went from grinding at a hip hop church to signing with Curb Records and touring major arenas. He also breaks down the business lessons he learned the hard way, why his story is now driving his songwriting, and how he's expanding into mentorship, creative development, and promotion.
We discuss Steven's early path, what a hip hop church really is, and how an artist can grow from simply making music to building a sustainable career and brand.
Ficus: A Psychedelic Rock Band's Evolution
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Imagine a band so dedicated to pushing their creative limits that they embrace every talent within their circle—from synths and percussion to innovative video design. That’s the story of Ficus, whose recent lineup changes and fearless experimentation are redefining what it means to grow as a band. This episode gives you an insider look at their journey—from swapping instruments on stage, working with legendary venues like Pyramid Scheme, to planning a debut full-length album set for 2027.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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.
