Podcast Episodes
WYCE 88.1 FM
We had the opportunity to step into the WYCE (88.1 FM) radio studio in Grand Rapids. Music & Program Director, Chris Cranick, and two-time Station Manager, Phil Tower, sat down to give us a detailed background on this terrestrial radio station.
We learned about the origin, how music can be added to their extensive library, the live curation that occurs with their volunteer DJs, and of course the Jammies.
It was a lot of fun recording in their studio.
Big B And The Actual Proof
We met Brian on the East side when we did our weekend of interviews. He’s been leading the charge on his band Big B And The Actual Proof. Check out his website for current shows, merch and more info!
If you think you might be interested in learning about a Buddhist Noir Multi-Media Artist - check out this interview with Big B himself! We show you the Actual Proof!
20 Front Street
Kevin walks us through the history of how 20 Front Street became a small intimate music venue in Lake Orion. We talk about the intention into the design, the green room, and some of the artists that have played here.
Listen to catch a glimpse into what a close personal music experience could look like for you in the future. We record or video live at the venue to give you a glimpse into the venue, too.
That Is A Wrap 2023
In this final episode of the year, Ryan and Jeff wrap up the year with a quick review, individual Spotify Wrapped results, and pay per stream across platforms. One of those streaming services will be the new home for Mitten Music playlists.
Haskins
We sat down with the band Haskins in their practice space in Plymouth on the day of their vinyl release party for their fourth album, Everywhere I've Ever Been.
We found out what inspired the Americana-Indie rock band's name, their writing process, and influences. This five-piece band sets aside time each week to get together outside of their busy family lives.
Dad's that are still rockin' and enjoying their time together. Dad Rock that has a great sound!!
Ava Swiss
Listen to our conversation with Ava Swiss, America's Got Talent (AGT) 2022 semi-finalist. We hear about her journey which started after she sang her version of "Rise Up" in her hometown of Oxford, MI, after a tragic school shooting. Her emotional performance for her classmates and a town in mourning at a vigil was seen my many across the state, country, and world.
AGT scouts, realizing her talent, reached out with an invitation to perform on the show. That led to her a semi-finals appearance and performances in Las Vegas with AGT Superstars.
We also touch on her debut EP, "What is Real Love?", that was released earlier this year along with some other ambitions she is exploring.
Listen in to our conversation that was recorded at 20 Front Street in Lake Orion, MI.
Travels East
We travel to the east side of Michigan for a weekend full of new interviews…and some awesome music by Isaac Ryder and Haskins!
Core Values and Family from The American Hotel System
The American Hotel System is a rock band from Grand Rapids, Michigan that aims to provoke the mind
through heartfelt lyrics and intentional musicality. The band has opened for Bon Jovi on their 2022 tour
and their music has been featured in Relix Magazine, BuzzMusic, CLOUT, and LEVELUP. They are two
time Music Prize finalists and Grand Champions of Music Prize 2022.
Spooky Intro… Music, Venue Names, and Steaks
Ryan kicks off the Halloween season with a spooky intro. Jeff talks about his time at Sounds of the Zoo while Ryan talks about the upcoming Odd Space and Tess Clark show at Speciation Cellars.
We talk about new music by Pink Sky, Feeding Grizzlies, and Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish.
Our discussion about names for venues spills into names of ships. We find a little time to touch on the Sphere in Las Vegas and cooking up steaks.
Don't miss the shout out at the end for the Hudsonville Marching Band.
The American Hotel System
The American Hotel System is a rock band from Grand Rapids, Michigan that aims to provoke the mind
through heartfelt lyrics and intentional musicality. The band has opened for Bon Jovi on their 2022 tour
and their music has been featured in Relix Magazine, BuzzMusic, CLOUT, and LEVELUP. They are two
time Music Prize finalists and Grand Champions of Music Prize 2022.
Sounds of the Zoo
We had the pleasure of talking with Jennifer Hudson-Prenkert about the upcoming weeklong festival in Kalamazoo, Sounds of the Zoo.
She walks us through how this vision of "Creating Change Through Music" came to be and how she is putting it into action.
In only the second year, she has an exciting lineup of 52 diverse artists, across 8 venues packed into 7 days, all for free.
We hope her passion gets you excited to get down to the Zoo at the end of September.
Another Music Chat!
Two dads, just talkin’ music. Fall is approaching, festivals are winding down, but there’s still plenty of music to talk about in Michigan! We’ve had a pretty busy summer, but Jeff and Ryan find time to chat about Patty PerShayla, Pink Sky, The Jeff’s, Scuter + Chirp, some of the last festivals this summer, and what else we’ve done this summer.
Album Reviews: Derek Randall + Sponge
We have another new school/old school album review for ya! First up we chat about Derek Randall’s latest album “How We Get Down,” and then offer up Sponge’s 1994 debut album “Rotting Piñata.”
More Festivals and New Music!
All sorts of music news in this episode! Ryan reviews a trip to The Deck in Muskegon. Grand Rapids approves a new amphitheater downtown. Several bands have new songs out, including Old Mountain Acid Test, The Gasoline Gypsies, Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish, Pink Sky, and Patty PerShayla.
We also chat about July and August's music festivals in Michigan.
Mr Denton on Doomsday
We finally got Lansing natives, Mr Denton on Doomsday, in the studio to talk, laugh, cry, and love. Just kidding, we didn't laugh at all. Sludge Pop? Maybe not, but that's what Ryan described them as.
We did learn about their struggles and how Brian and Evin found out they were cousins (luckily not the kissing kind) as well as the new music they are currently working on! This band has really experienced a lot in their time together and we are extremely excited to hear what the next album will sound like!
Check ‘em out August 5th at Mac’s Bar in Lansing to celebrate their 20 years of making music!
Album Reviews: Finality + Domestic Problems
Welcome to the Mitten Music!!! We found an awesome new album by the band Finality, titled Technocracy, to take a spin and review/explain what it sounds like. We also hark back to the 90's with Domestic Problem's album Play, which is one of Jeff's favorites! Good times were had by all!!
Music Festival Season
Let's talk Michigan music festivals! It's that time of year when all the summer music festivals are scattered across many Michigander's calendars. We bring up some of the lesser known festivals as well as some of the reoccurring staples. Some hightlight shout outs - Local Spins Fest - Big Ticket Festival - Fresh Water Music Festival - Jackson Blues Festival - Festival of the Arts - Nor-east’r Music & Art Festival - Hippie Fest - Electric Forest - Alpena Blues Festival - B93 Birthday Bash - Summerfest - Sol of the Lost Tamarack
Nicholas James Thomasma
Nicholas James Thomasma was our latest guest we had in the studio! This Michigan music aficionado told us about all the projects and businesses he's a part of, including being the Secretary of the Michigan Music Alliance, running the Songteller's at MidTown concert series, and a long time member of Earthwork Music collective! Special shout outs in this episode to Creston Brewery, Founder's Brewery, Sarena Rae, Seth Bernard, Deerfield Run and of course John Sinkevics at Local Spins! If we learned nothing from Nicholas, we learned that doing what you love isn't work and to always tip the band!!
Album Reviews: May Erlewine and The Verve Pipe
Another album review for a new one as well as another throwback! We talk about May Erlewine’s latest album titled “The Real Thing.” For our throwback album we choose The Verve Pipe’s “Villains.” We had a blast talking about both Michigan artist’s albums!
