Podcast Episodes
Red Thyme: Why Red Hair, Dark Jams, and Sleep Deprivation Shaped This Band
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
At Handmade Festival in Michigan, Grand Rapids band Red Thyme talks about blending traditional bluegrass with indie folk and rock, and how a late-night jam helped bring the group together. Hals, Jerry, Austin, Tyler, and Jeff also share how they shape festival setlists, pursue other musical projects, and prepare for a theatrical folk revue.
Why The Mannequins Prepare for Battle of the Bands by Watching Sports and Rocky
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Most bands try to look cool. The Mannequins show up in full gym-bro uniforms, laugh their way into a Battle of the Bands final, and still make a serious case for why live music should feel unpredictable, communal, and alive. If you care about new rock bands, West Michigan music, or the weird magic of a great set, this one is for you.
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 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.
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.
