Mitten Music

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...

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 beachy twist, this episode is your new favorite soundtrack. Imagine a band from Michigan that channels the ocean’s vibe with just three guitars, keyboards, and pure improvisation. Ramble Tamble shares how a vintage baritone guitar, a stormy stor...

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 debut album Exit Seventh and crafting a fresh sound that mixes heavy riffs, dynamic jams, and raw creativity. Their journey from college talent shows to regional gigs proves that minimalism and fearless experimentation can create a signature s...

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. They share how Spotify determines if the music is an EP or Album. This leads to a conversati...

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. The Alluvion in Traverse City proves that a passionate, musician-led space can rapidly build a v...

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 turn every performance into an immersive spectacle. If you've ever wondered how a liquid light show can sync perfectly with psychedelic, doom, or surf rock, this episode uncovers the secrets behind live visual art that captivates audience...

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 juggling families, day jobs, and late‑night rehearsals. The band shares updates on their upcoming studio sessions, how they approach recording, and why some venues are getting harder to find — especially on Michigan’s west side. We also get...

Unlock the inspiring story of Wyandotte’s T he Odd Fellow Concert Lounge , where community, charity, and original music collide. When a small-town pub crawl raised over $1,600 for local nonprofits—and evolved into a hub for live, original acts—everything changed. Co-founders Brian Webb and Michael Balcom share their journey of transforming a historic building into a vibrant space that fuels local...

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 songwriting she’s carried with her, and the emotional weight of performing original music. She shares how a chance online‑dating encounter during COVID led to the song “Chocolate Covered Blueberries,” which in turn inspired her to finally...

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 show at The Oddfellow Concert Lounge . They share their journey from cover band, Groovin' Violation to 100% focus on original music. The cover band helped fund their start but now they are having a blast creating their own sound and don&#3...

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...

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations. We had an in-depth conversation with five graphic artists ( Carl Lundgren , Dennis Preston , Matthew Jacobson , Jonathan Doyle , and Jaylen Westbrook ) 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 litt...

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 Decoy , from Michigan at the GIG - Art of Michigan Music event. Casey and Earl got us up to speed on what the band has been doing since we last talked to them in 2024. Earl covered how he balances being a dad a rock band. They discussed the a...

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 got started in taking photos of live music. From the photo pit to gear to their memorable moments, they show us through their lens what it is like to be a photographer in the Michigan music scene and beyond. Brandon Nagy is a photographer a...

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations from the people making the Michigan music ecosystem thrive. GIG - Art of Michigan Music Event Founders Chuck and Brenda Marshall talk to us about how the origin of the event and the importance of highlighting these artists. Their own crafts of writing and photography lead us to conversations about their other adventures in music a...