Podcast Episodes
Ficus
In this engaging conversation, the members of Ficus discuss their new album 'Pollinator' and their journey as a band. They discuss the dynamics within the band, the importance of communication, and their aspirations for the future in the music industry.
They share insights on the evolution of house shows, the importance of collaboration, and their plans for future musical directions, including covers and improvisation. The discussion highlights the band's commitment to creativity and connection within the music scene.
Sounds of the Zoo - The Bronson Park Interviews
We had the opportunity to be at Bronson Park in Kalamazoo the entire day on Saturday of Sounds of the Zoo festival back in September. We were able to talk with the following during the events.
Derek Ketchum from Local Spins
We had a blast getting to know these wonderful people a little bit in a short time. Take a listen to get a quick glimpse into who they are and how they are impacting the music scene in Michigan.
Sounds of the Zoo - The Clover Room Interviews
We had the pleasure to be onsite for the kickoff of Sounds of the Zoo festival at The Clover Room this year. After their singer in the round performance together, we sat down in separate and condensed interviews with three female singer songwriters, Kanin Wren, Darcey Wilkin, and Sammie Hershock.
We had a blast getting to know these wonderful musicians a little bit in a short time. Take a listen to get a quick glimpse into who they are and the music they are creating from different parts of the state.
The Cosmoknights
Wow, where do we start? Many firsts in this episode, new cameras added to the mix, our first live performance(s) in the serial killer studio, our first interview with intergalactic outlaws, and our first time listening to a brand new and unreleased track (at the time of this recording) during the episode!
This is a conversation not to be missed as we interviewed two fifths of The Cosmoknights! But got to enjoy the full band playing 3 songs for us live as well as debuted their latest single, High Class.
Electric Moon Studios
We talk with Ryan Jamgotch founder of Electric Moon Studios in Grand Rapids, MI. The conversation covers his journey from internship at Planet Sunday Studios to owner of Electric Moon Studios. Ryan shares stories of some of the work he has done with various artists. We cover the New Moon Songwriting Challenge that he and Elle Lively put together. Of course, we talk about some of Ryan's recording gear.
Carbon Decoy
Holy smokes folks...we had a blast talking with the guys from Detroit band, Carbon Decoy!
We learned so much from these guys, like what inspires them in their music creation process, or why a marching band bass drums makes a difference, and even why Earl likes to meet his audience eye to eye.
There's a lot of great artists from all around Michigan, Detroit, and all over the place, but these guys take Ryan's cake for sure!
Live Stream!
LIVE STREAM episode! We discuss our experiences with live shows and festivals this summer, including recent concerts they attended and upcoming events like Sounds of the Zoo. While battling streaming gremlins, we give live feedback that provides a joke or two!
We also mention recent interviews and are yet to be released, and reflect on the evolution of the podcast and its focus on promoting Michigan music.
We also contemplate the difference between AliExpress and Alibaba..
The Ultraviolets
Ryan and Jeff talk with the Grand Rapids punk band, The Ultraviolets. We touch on their debut EP, Radiation, and their plan for another EP in 2025. The band talks to us about their gear, favorite places to play, the multiple iterations of the band, and how Reddy Kilowatt inspired one of their early logo designs.
Adaboy!
Ryan and Jeff talk with Bay City band, Adaboy!. The band has gone through many iterations since Mike, their lead vocalist and guitarist, started this project almost 14 years ago. Each member has overcome some sort of addiction and now they are creating positive music that "excludes excellence" and aligns with the band's Mission Statement. We cover the connections they have made in Nashville for production and recording. The band is taking its years of experience and musical influences to create songs that are "irresistible" for all.
Mid-Year Live Chat
Ryan and Jeff did a livestream chat near the end of June. They talk about Ryan's recent involvement with Sonic Coast, upcoming festivals, AI, and of course new music from several Michigan artists.
The Stray Cafe
Hunter from The Stray Cafe joined us for some awesome conversation about what The Stray is all about, where it got it’s name from, and how the idea for creating The Stray was brought to light. We also get a behind the scenes look into the challenges of starting a new business during COVID times.
In The Valley Below
We have another two timer on the Mitten Music podcast! In The Valley Below joined us once again! We have two new singles from their forthcoming album, The Black Moon! Brushfire and I Could Lose You, find them on their YouTube channel. We also got to talk about playing w/The Smashing Pumpkins at The World Is A Vampire Tour and their The Black Moon tour kicking off in July 2024!
DogTown Studio
DogTown Studio’s co-founder Robby Fischer joined us for awesome conversation. He gave us the history of DogTown Studio and why they are niche in what and how they record artists. Check out their YouTube page with tons of videos on the work they’ve done! While you’re at it, check out their cool Instagram page as well!
Laddermatch
While their bio on some socials list them as “loud, abrasive, violent.” we found that Laddermatch was all that and so much more! We recently caught up with Laddermatch to talk about the obvious, wrestling. We did also talk about their song writing process, how they’ve grown as a band and individuals, as well as their latest video, Drive
Lucius Fox
We had the pleasure of talking with Jeremy and Paul from Lucius Fox! These guys were awesome. We've seen them in concert and they ROCK!
We got to learn about their history as friends and being in a band, along with where they get their creative energy from, and where you can catch them live!
Do you think they sound more Math rock or Post-rock? Those are some questions we get into!
Black Note Graffiti
We had a great conversation with Kris, Ricardo, and Gabby from the progressive/alt rock band, Black Note Graffiti.
The band talks about how their band has changed and progressed over a decade and what is in store for them this year. We hit on a quick segment into the late John Sinclair in regard to origins of Hash Bash as well as some festivals, Havoc Fest and Oscoda Rock Fest.
There are some excellent stories in this episode that you just cannot miss.
OCD/C
We had an awesome conversation with Kalamazoo's own OCD/C! A clever name for a great group of guys that exclusively play Bon Scott era AC/DC tunes. Sit back, relax, and learn about your new favorite Michigan rockers!
Learn more about OCD/C via their SOCIALS - also check out the Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association as well as their socials.
Sonic Coast
We met with Brian Maloney to learn about his new streaming music platform, Sonic Coast. A mix of national and local Michigan music playing together on an app 24/7. He is all about playing good music instead of fitting into a specific genre.
He talks about his 40+ year history in radio across the country and how Michigan has always been home to him. We discuss the curation process and the excitement this platform is gaining with local artists.
Listen and watch our great conversation with Brian to learn more about Sonic Coast and how he is blown away by the talent across the state that is unique when compared to the nation.
Kalamazoo State Theatre
Harry from the Kalamazoo State Theatre walks us through the history of this iconic venue in Kalamazoo. We learn of his story working at the Theatre two different times.
We talk about the some of the great artists that have graced the stage. Discuss ticket sales and working with brokers.
He hits on how important it is to build up the local music scene and how he and the venue are helping out in that area. Harry brings a lot of enthusiasm in this discussion about music.
WYCE 88.1 FM
We had the opportunity to step into the WYCE (88.1 FM) radio studio in Grand Rapids. Music & Program Director, Chris Cranick, and two-time Station Manager, Phil Tower, sat down to give us a detailed background on this terrestrial radio station.
We learned about the origin, how music can be added to their extensive library, the live curation that occurs with their volunteer DJs, and of course the Jammies.
It was a lot of fun recording in their studio.