Podcast Episodes
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
How a Zombie Crawl and a Love for Music Built The Oddfellow Concert Lounge
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Join us as we dive into the vibrant music scene of Wyandotte, Michigan, through heartfelt conversations with the founders of the Odd Fellow Concert Lounge and Be Well My Friends nonprofit. Discover how this historic venue champions original music, community support, and artistic expression.
Songs in Boxes, Stories in Motion: The Journey of Lori & The Darlings
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Singer‑songwriter Lori Keisler of Lori & The Darlings shares how one unexpected song during COVID sparked the band’s creation. She talks about her lifelong songwriting, performing original music across Michigan, and the new album the band is preparing for next year. Recorded ahead of their final show of the year at the Oddfellow Concert Lounge.
Midnight Proof: From Cover Band, Groovin' Violation, to Rust Belt Americana Original Michigan Music
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In this episode, we enter the world of graphic design while we were onsite for the GIG - The Art of Michigan Music event in November 2025.
We spoke with Professor of Graphic Design at Jacks
Aspiring Graphic Designers - Degrees, Tools, A.I., & Advice
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
In this episode, we enter the world of graphic design while we were onsite for the GIG - The Art of Michigan Music event in November 2025.
We spoke with Professor of Graphic Design at Jackson College, Christie Hughes, and one of her student's Jaylen Westbrook. They discuss the curriculum, tools, and the approach to the associate degree at Jackson College.
Four professional graphic designers ( Carl Lundgren, Dennis Preston, Matthew Jacobson, Jonathan Doyle) from concert posters to corporate design interject their experiences, advice, and passion for design.
Of course, what would a conversation be today without the topic of artificial intelligence (A.I.). Listen to hear their thoughts and outlook on this new tool or curse to the craft depending on how you look at it.
Graphic Art in Music, Concert Posters, and a Dabble of Magic
We had an in depth conversation with five graphic artists that are involved in creating art for music at GIG - The Art of Michigan Music event in November of 2025. Most of the conversation focuses on concert posters but dabbles in a little magic, too. From 50+ year legends in the industry to an intern just getting started, there are plenty of stories and passion to go around. Listen to hear some great stories from the days of doing grueling letter to the advancements with Adobe Photoshop.
