Mitten Music

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, and even a late-afternoon gig into a chance to make the crowd laugh, think, and maybe tear up a little. At Handmade Festival in Chesaning, MI, the band shares how Red Thyme came together from a sleep-deprived music camp jam, why their name h...

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 reveal how they are working in West Michigan to build a launchpad that helps creators move from basement shows to real stages, while using AI to organize opportunities, training, and community impact. Martel Strickland, founder of DJFest.app...

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 engagement becomes everything. If you care about building a real music career in the age of AI, this conversation will change how you think about fan bases, visibility, and what actually drives revenue. Taylor brings decades of experience acr...

Rosie Cusack has built a creative career that spans music education, stage management, voice acting, and audiobook narration. At the Michigan Music Econ Summit , she talks about leaving the classroom, finding new opportunities, and staying connected to music through collaboration. Rosie shares what stage management at Saint Cecilia Music Center involves, how COVID changed music education, and how...

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. Grant, Luke, and Carter from The Mannequins join the conversatio...

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 Music Awards to replace competition with collaboration, spotlight homegrown talent, and keep the state’s best artists from getting overlooked. They share how the idea started in a living-room conversation, why the Michigan scene needed a cu...

Two Michigan artists walk into a room at the Michigan Music Econ Summit and spark an entertaining conversation about modern music careers, collaboration, and finding your place in the scene. Multi-instrumentalist Keala Venema and pop country singer-songwriter Jacki Daniels share stories that are funny, revealing, and useful for anyone building a career in music. Jacki talks about her journey from...

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. She also records at home, collaborates with her dad on bigger production work, teaches guitar, and performs her own music as marsfade and with The Temperances . We break down how she went from house shows and “worst garbage gear” to becomin...

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 the kind of festival where the lineup is curated by taste instead of algorithms, this conversation is your backstage pass. Chris joins Jeff and Ryan to break down how Fuzz Fest grew from a 33-band, two-stage experiment into a beloved annual r...

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 roots of their psychedelic folk sound and why intimate performances matter so much to them. The band described their music as a way to share songs, spread good vibes, and make audiences feel like part of the family by the end of the night. T...

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 a career without losing sight of the business. He breaks down the lessons he learned the hard way about artist contracts, publishing, ⁠SoundExchange⁠ , and why hiring your own attorney can change everything. If you’re an artist, songwriter...

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...

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 your favorite songs. When Matt McCalpin moved back to Traverse City, he saw a missing piece in the local music puzzle: a venue that truly supports artists and community alike. Fast forward to today, he’s not only running operations at The All...

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 starting out as a Craigslist project to packing their storage unit with all sorts of influences—from thrash metal to fuzzy garage rock—they’re proof that dedication and a little creative chaos can lead to something special. This episode rev...

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 endless backing tracks to deliver a compelling, authentic performance. Instead, a creative mindset, strategic deadlines, and a passion for experimentation can transform solo projects into electrifying live acts. In this episode, Marcus shar...

Most concert photos are missed opportunities—until Chelsea Whitaker reveals how she blends her DIY passion with professional finesse to make her images stand out. Since the age of eight, Chelsea’s been behind the camera, and her journey from point-and-shoot days to becoming a staple in West Michigan’s live music scene is nothing short of inspiring. Her story is a masterclass in turning a hobby int...

Most musicians struggle to stay creatively inspired and true to themselves in a competitive industry — but Lunchbox Rachel and Alex Raeon are redefining what it means to make authentic, genre-agnostic music on their own terms. In this episode, we go behind the scenes with Rachel and Alex from Lunchbox Rachel, a band that’s as eclectic as their lunchbox-themed branding. You’ll discover how their pl...

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. Ironwood, a married folk duo influenced by Celtic and Americana sounds, shares how their bond, shared creativity, and even their foot-stomping stage presence make them a one-of-a-kind act—and why their dynamic is a blueprint for success in bo...

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. Key Topics: Tiff's...

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 feeling overwhelmed by the business side of your craft, this episode is your must-listen. Discover how a community-driven approach and clear goal-setting can bridge the gap between creativity and commerce, opening doors you didn’t know existed. A...

Most venues kill their best moments by overcomplicating booking and promotion — Nate Dorough of The Pyramid Scheme reveals exactly how they keep crowds sold out and the community thriving, even in the toughest times. Imagine booking 250+ shows annually and managing an ecosystem where every detail, from artist research to innovative front bar events, plays a critical role in creating unforgettable...

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 sound board at GIG: The Art of Michigan Music in Jackson, Michigan, to sit down with Berkeley Tistle — a live sound engineer with nearly a decade of experience working across Michigan, from small local stages to the iconic Masonic Temple in...

Most emerging artists face a relentless struggle to turn their passion into a livelihood—until they discover the secret ingredient that transforms adversity into advantage. LIPSEY and Chinma reveal the raw truth about balancing artistry with real-world pressures, from hitting creative deadlines for the first time to navigating the hustle of building momentum in a saturated industry. In this episod...

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 conversation about the band's evolution, their newly released EP, and the tight-knit DIY community that holds it all together. Riot Course is a Southeast Michigan band rooted primarily in Ypsilanti, with Nathan repping Toledo, Ohio. Kate and Spence...

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 pull back the curtain on their journey from teenage bandmates to pioneers in DIY recording, fighting against industry norms, and redefining what intimacy on stage really means. In this candid chat, they reveal how self-producing their latest a...