EXPLORING MICHIGAN’S MUSIC SCENE
Latest Episodes
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
Chris Taylor joins Jeff and Ryan to talk about Fuzz Fest, the long-running rock festival he started in Ann Arbor. He breaks down how the festival grew from 33 bands and two stages into a yearly rock gathering at the Blind Pig, with a focus on punk, psych, stoner rock, garage, and related sounds.
We also get into his bands, especially Mazinga and the revived Blue Snaggletooth, plus the handmade, old-school approach he uses to run the whole thing. Chris explains how he curates the lineup himself, manages stage changeovers, and even performs liquid light shows under the name Eternal Eyes.
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.
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
This episode features Grand Rapids native Steven Malcolm, a Christian hip hop artist who shares how he went from grinding at a hip hop church to signing with Curb Records and touring major arenas. He also breaks down the business lessons he learned the hard way, why his story is now driving his songwriting, and how he's expanding into mentorship, creative development, and promotion.
We discuss Steven's early path, what a hip hop church really is, and how an artist can grow from simply making music to building a sustainable career and brand.
Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.
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 with legendary venues like Pyramid Scheme, to planning a debut full-length album set for 2027.
