Shows / Mitten Music
Mitten Music
Discovering what goes into making the local music scene possible in the great state of Michigan. Episodes include interviews with local bands/artists, industry experts, venues, recording studios, and anything else that contributes to the success of music in the Mitten state. In addition, each episode will wrap up with a few songs from artists highlighted in our discussion.
Episodes
Mitten MusicRed Thyme: Why Red Hair, Dark Jams, and Sleep Deprivation Shaped This Band
Red Thyme does not just play bluegrass - they build worlds around it. This Grand Rapids five-piece turns a festival set into a story, a song list into a mood…
Mitten MusicFrom Basement Shows to the Big Stage - The Launch Pad Gap
The next big leap for artists, venues, and community organizers might not be another gig - it might be a smarter system. Martel Strickland and Kenneth Cortez…
Mitten MusicW. Zachary Taylor: Why Followers Matter Less Than Engagement in Music Today
Music industry veteran W. Zachary Taylor says the biggest shift in artist success isn’t just streaming, it’s what happens when followers stop mattering and…
Mitten MusicHow Rosie Cusack Built a Creative Career Without Picking One Lane
Rosie Cusack has built a creative career that spans music education, stage management, voice acting, and audiobook narration. At the Michigan Music Econ…
Mitten MusicWhy The Mannequins Prepare for Battle of the Bands by Watching Sports and Rocky
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…
Mitten MusicMichigan Music Initiative: Building a Stronger Michigan Music Community through Music Awards
Michigan music has a visibility problem, and this episode shows how one grassroots team is trying to fix it. Matthew Rose and Jessica are building the Michigan…
Mitten MusicKeala Venema and Jacki Daniels at the Michigan Music Econ Summit
Two Michigan artists walk into a room at the Michigan Music Econ Summit and spark an entertaining conversation about modern music careers, collaboration, and…
Mitten MusicMarley Kaye: Why the Best Shows Happen When Everyone Actually Listens
Marley Kaye is a sound engineer and musician who helps lead the live audio team at The Stray, one of the rare listening-room venues where every detail matters…
Mitten MusicHow One DIY Promoter Built Fuzz Fest With No Sign-Up Sheet
Chris Taylor has spent decades turning rock obsession into a living, breathing scene and Fuzz Fest is the proof. If you love DIY music, underground bands, or…
Mitten MusicHow The Rupple Brothers Turn Family Into Music
The Rupple Brothers brought a warm, family-driven energy to their conversation at The Stray during the Battle of the Bands finals, where they talked about the…
Mitten MusicFrom Hip Hop Church to 140 Million Streams: Steven Malcolm’s Rise
Steven Malcolm shows how he went from grinding after work in a Grand Rapids hip hop church to signing with Curb Records, earning 140M+ streams, and building…
Mitten MusicFicus: A Psychedelic Rock Band's Evolution
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…
Mitten MusicMatt McCalpin on The Alluvion, Music, Grooves, and the Mitten
Discover how a passionate musician turned operations leader is shaping the Michigan live music scene — and why venue staff might be the true unsung heroes of…
Mitten MusicFrom Garage Bands to Gig Venues: The Boltcutters' Musical Journey
Most garage bands dream of turning their passion into something more—and for Mike D and The Boltcutters, they are gaining momentum toward their next goal. From…
Mitten MusicMaking Music Live and Embracing Creativity — An Inside Look with Marcus AK and Friends
Most artists waffle about whether their live sound matches their recordings—Marcus AK took a different route. He’s proof that you don’t need a massive band or…
Mitten MusicChelsea Whitaker: From Sneaking Cameras into Venues to Tour Bus Days: A Photographer’s Journey
Most concert photos are missed opportunities—until Chelsea Whitaker reveals how she blends her DIY passion with professional finesse to make her images stand…
Mitten MusicLunchbox Rachel: What "Daylight Savings Time" Taught Us About Disrupting Status Quo in Music
Most musicians struggle to stay creatively inspired and true to themselves in a competitive industry — but Lunchbox Rachel and Alex Raeon are redefining what…
Mitten MusicIronwood: Metal Meets Wood Celtic/American Music to the Battle of the Bands at The Stray
Most duo bands thrive on synergy—until they reveal the secret that keeps their sound full, their performances fun, and their relationship stronger than ever…
Mitten MusicTiff Falls | Why Being a “Full-Time” Sound Engineer at One Venue Is a Game-Changer
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…
Mitten MusicHow Art Arbor Turns Musicians' Confusions into Clear Strategies for Success
Unlock the secret to turning your artistic passion into a sustainable business — without drowning in tech jargon or financial stress. If you’re an artist…
Mitten MusicHow the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years
Most venues kill their best moments by overcomplicating booking and promotion — Nate Dorough of The Pyramid Scheme reveals exactly how they keep crowds sold…
Mitten MusicBehind the Sound Board with Berkeley Tistle
Episode: Interview with Berkeley Tistle Audio Engineer | Recorded at Gig: The Art of Michigan Music – Jackson, MI We stepped away from the stage and behind the…
Mitten MusicLIPSEY and Chima: Why Change Is the Key to Survival and Growth in Life and Music
Most emerging artists face a relentless struggle to turn their passion into a livelihood—until they discover the secret ingredient that transforms adversity…
Mitten MusicRiot Course: Guitar Music Done Right – Post-Grunge, Emo & Beyond
In this episode we sit down with the four members of Riot Course — Kate Emrich, Spencer Haithcock, Mark Losey, and Nathan Vogt — for a wide-ranging…
Mitten MusicFrom Broken Windows to Milestone Moments: Inside Low Phase's Homemade Studio Journey
Most bands settle for sounding like everyone else — this band’s evolution might change your entire view of live music. Caleb, John, and Miles from Low Phase…
Mitten MusicFrom Tie-Dye Shirts to Stormy Gigs: Ramble Tamble Keeps Their Style Low-Key and Authentic
Ramble Tamble’s surf-rock dream pours out in a wild, energetic live set—without surfboards or studio perfection. If you love raw, spontaneous music with a…
Mitten MusicFrom College Talent Shows to Road Trips: The Rise of Zinc Vacuum
Most bands get stuck in the same old formulas. Zinc Vacuum, a two-piece psych-rock band from Michigan, shook up the scene in just two years—releasing their…
Mitten MusicPretty Sure: Trio of Friends Reignite Goober Punk Music Between Cincinnati to Grand Rapids
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…
Mitten MusicThe Alluvion: The Secret Sauce Behind a Thriving Music Venue: Passion, Thoughtfulness, and Community
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…
Mitten MusicSuper Nuclear - From Oil & Dye to Digital the Evolution of Live Visuals in Modern Music
Most live visuals feel canned. Not this—Matthew Stafford, aka Super Nuclear, reveals how he creates mesmerizing, ever-changing light shows in real time that…
- Mitten Music
What’s Next for Haskins? New Music, Live Shows & Detroit Stories
Haskins returns to the show for the first time in two years to talk about new music, their plans for Volume V, and what life looks like for an indie rock band…
Mitten MusicHow a Zombie Crawl and a Love for Music Built The Oddfellow Concert Lounge
Unlock the inspiring story of Wyandotte’s The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge, where community, charity, and original music collide. When a small-town pub crawl…
Mitten MusicSongs in Boxes, Stories in Motion: The Journey of Lori & The Darlings
Singer‑songwriter Lori Keisler of Lori & The Darlings joins us for a heartfelt conversation about the unexpected spark that launched her band, the decades of…
Mitten MusicMidnight Proof: From Cover Band, Groovin' Violation, to Rust Belt Americana Original Michigan Music
In this episode, we had the opportunity to chat with three members (Rob, Mike, and Steve) from the Rust Belt Americana band, Midnight Proof, prior to their…
Mitten MusicAspiring Graphic Designers - Degrees, Tools, A.I., & Advice from Professor, Student, & Professionals
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 -…
Mitten MusicGraphic Art in Music, Concert Posters, and a Dabble of Magic
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations. We had an in-depth conversation with five graphic artists (Carl Lundgren, Dennis Preston…
Mitten MusicBand Life Unfiltered: Carbon Decoy on Hangs, Venues, and What's Next
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations. In this episode, we caught up with American garage psych, stoner, acid rock band, Carbon…
Mitten MusicBrandon Nagy, Isabel Dowell, Nathan Purchase, and Terry Moore on Music Photography in Michigan
In this episode, we talked with four music photographers at GIG - Art of Michigan Music Event. Each of these individuals gave us a different angle on how they…
Mitten MusicGIG Founders, Chuck and Brenda Marshall, Are Highlighting Art, Photography, and More in Michigan Music
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations from the people making the Michigan music ecosystem thrive.GIG - Art of Michigan Music…
Mitten MusicThat is a Wrap 2025 | Michigan Music Recap
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations about the Michigan music scene. In this episode, Jeff and Ryan recap their year of the…
Mitten MusicEmpress Eyes: Dream Pop with Fairy Wings and Some Witchy Stuff
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations. This episode features a relaxed interview with dream pop musician, Empress Eyes. We had…
Mitten MusicKen Freestone and Dave Purnell Bring You Ukulele, Guitar, AV and more
In our episode today, we talk with good friends Ken Freestone (UKEn) and David Purnell from West Michigan. Ken began playing ukulele at the age of 61. He has…
Mitten MusicSounds of the Zoo Mix Tape of Short Interviews
In this episode, we explore the vibrant music scene at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival, featuring interviews with two bands and one photographer, including…
Mitten MusicBasic Comfort
We had the opportunity to talk with Kalamazoo's alternative pop band Basic Comfort at the Sounds of the Zoo festival. The band has been playing music for over…
Mitten MusicOverdrive Orchestra - Progedelic Rock
Listen to our raw, live interview with Overdrive Orchestra at Bells Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo! The members of Overdrive Orchestra discuss their latest album…
Mitten MusicErin Monroe and Celestina y Los Sanchez: Two Talented Female Vocalists, Two Different Styles
This episode consists of two interviews with women vocalists, Erin Monroe and Celestina Robles from Celestina y Los Sanchez, that we came across while at the…
Mitten MusicCatch and Play Songs with Chris Simpson
In this episode, Chris Simpson, founder of Catch and Play Songs, discusses his journey from musician to music marketing expert. He shares insights on the…
Mitten MusicPretoria: An Indie Rock Journey from Michigan Roots to Chicago Beats
In this episode, dive into the story of Pretoria, the indie rock band that began in Michigan and is now gigging in Chicago. Discover why the band chose to…
Mitten MusicPleTHorA: Comedy Rock Band Mixing Medieval Themes & Superheroes
In this episode, the comedy rock band PleTHorA shares their unique journey, blending medieval themes with modern superhero culture. They discuss their origins…
Mitten MusicJon Hayes: Crafting Soundscapes and Stories
Jon Hayes, a talented singer-songwriter from Michigan, shares his musical journey, influences, and the evolution of his career. From his early days of learning…
Mitten MusicCabildo: Latin Alternative Rock That Creates Community Connections
In this global conversation, Cabildo discusses their unique blend of Latin alternative rock, their musical journey, and the importance of live performances…
Mitten MusicRebekah Jon: Inside Her Journey – Loss, Growth & Musical Connection
In this engaging conversation, Rebekah Jon shares her journey as a musician, discussing the personal experiences that shape her music, her creative process…
Mitten MusicSpencer LaJoye: Creating Queer Indie Folk Music For Everyone
Join us for a heartfelt conversation with Spencer LaJoye, a queer indie folk singer-songwriter with roots in Hastings, Michigan. Spencer shares their journey…
Mitten MusicJacob Betts' Journey of Overcoming a Traumatic Brain Injury
Jacob Betts, The American Hotel System, shares his profound journey following a traumatic brain injury during college, detailing how it transformed his life…
Mitten MusicThe Stratton Setlist – Interview with Music Blogger Lori Stratton
In this conversation, Lori Stratton discusses her journey in the music scene, the inception of her blog 'The Stratton Setlist', and her passion for promoting…
Mitten MusicMeet Ralph and Deb, the Super Fans of West Michigan
We had the opportunity to interview passionate music fans Ralph and Deb, who share their experiences and insights about the local music scene in West Michigan…
Mitten MusicDrummer, Zach Dubay
#ZachDubay #CandidAntics #Walk the Beat #Nashville #musicscene #drummer #liveperformance #musicalinfluences #practice Drummer Zach Dubay shares his journey…
Mitten MusicEcon Summit Interviews - Jeeto and Michael Byrd
While we were at Michigan Music Alliance's Music Econ Summit earlier this year, we had the opportunity to interview singer songwriter, Jeeto, and author and…
Mitten MusicWidetrack
We talked with the band Widetrack consisting of father Ron and son Zach, about the evolution of their band and the creative process behind their recent album…
Mitten MusicThe Livery
In this conversation, Simon Rusk, the owner and head brewer of The Livery Brewery, shares insights into the history of the venue, its unique space, and the…