Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

At Handmade Festival in Michigan, Brian Long (bass) and Pat (drums) of Detroit-based band Chirp talk about their blend of progressive rock, funk, and jazz, and why no two live sets are quite the same. They also explain how songs move from Jay’s initial ideas to the stage, how that live experience shaped their recent album, Torque, and what it takes to keep touring while working full time.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

At Handmade Festival in Michigan, Grand Rapids band Red Thyme talks about blending traditional bluegrass with indie folk and rock, and how a late-night jam helped bring the group together. Hals, Jerry, Austin, Tyler, and Jeff also share how they shape festival setlists, pursue other musical projects, and prepare for a theatrical folk revue.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

This episode was recorded at the Michigan Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids and features Martel Strickland, founder of DJ Fest.app, and Kenneth Cortez, vice president of the Film and Media Alliance of West Michigan. The conversation focuses on building real opportunities for artists in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, especially the gap between small shows and larger stages.

We discuss how both guests are creating systems, events, and community infrastructure that help artists grow, get organized, and move from grassroots performances to the next level.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

W. Zachary Taylor joins us with a long career spanning music production, publishing, retail, and higher education. He now chairs entertainment and music business programs at Full Sail University, and he brings a practical perspective on how artists build careers in a shifting industry.

The discussion covers artist development, the changing meaning of fan engagement, and how AI is reshaping both opportunity and competition for musicians.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations.

At the Michigan Music Econ Summit in Grand Rapids, we talk with Rosie Cusack about the many lanes she works in across music and audio. Rosie shares how she moved from teaching music in GRPS to stage managing at Saint Cecilia Music Center, performing as a voice actor, and building audiobook work through direct connections with authors.