Mitten Music

Mitten Music

Discovering what goes into making the local music scene possible in the great state of Michigan. Episodes include interviews with local bands/artists, industry experts, venues, recording studios, and anything else that contributes to the success of music in the Mitten state. In addition, each episode will wrap up with a few songs from artists highlighted in our discussion.

  1. How the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years

    1d ago

    How the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years

    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 nights — all while adapting to post-pandemic challenges. Nate shares insider tactics for leveraging analytics, harnessing community loyalty, and building a venue culture where bands like Failure, Melvins, and Jeff Rosenstock feel at home. You’ll discover how data-driven research helps booking decisions, why organic promotion still rules, and the importance of authenticity in today’s live music scene. We break down the behind-the-scenes magic of tour routing, hold challenges, and the art of making sold-out shows seem effortless — even when you’re balancing rising costs and unpredictable audiences. Plus, get the scoop on innovative events like vinyl nights, free pinball, and special tribute evenings that turn regular nights into community celebrations. Whether you’re a venue owner, promoter, or a passionate fan, you’ll learn how to craft a space that becomes a cultural cornerstone, especially amid worldwide chaos. This episode is essential listening if you want to understand what makes a venue not just survive but thrive, turning every show into a memorable experience that builds loyalty and community—no matter what storms come. Nate Dorough’s insights cut through the noise, helping you see how powerful a well-managed venue can be in shaping local music culture. Nate Dorough is the Director of Programming at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, known for cultivating a vibrant music scene, legendary shows, and a community-first philosophy. With over 20 years of experience promoting thousands of concerts, he’s a master at balancing artistic integrity, community needs, and business savvy. Perfect for venue operators, promoters, musicians, and music lovers alike — tune in to unlock the secrets behind one of America’s most beloved independent venues and how they keep the spirit alive in every note and ticket sold.

    53 min
  2. Behind the Sound Board with Berkeley Tistle

    May 21

    Behind the Sound Board with Berkeley Tistle

    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 Detroit. Berkeley shares how it all started with a giant Yamaha mixing desk in his high school theater program, and how that moment of curiosity turned into a full-time career. We get into what it actually looks like to run sound for a live show — the prep, the problem-solving, the late nights, and the art of anticipating everything going wrong and nothing going wrong at the same time. In this episode: How Berkeley got his start in high school theater and why the mixing desk caught his eyeThe difference between studio recording and live sound — and why live won him overWhat it's like to work out of venues like Detroit's Masonic Temple (and why you should bring a buddy if you wander)How he preps for a show with artists he's never worked with beforeWhat musicians can do to make a sound engineer's job easier (communication is everything)How years of working live shows changed his personal taste in music — including a New Year's run with Excision that converted him to heavy EDMHow gigs are booked and what the business side of audio looks likeArtists mentioned: Carbon Decoy, Paper Lanterns, Mazinga, Chris DuPont, Kylee Phillips, Kyle Joe, Spencer LaJoye, Excision Venues mentioned: Masonic Temple Detroit, The Russell (Detroit), Bliss Fest

    21 min
  3. LIPSEY and Chima: Why Change Is the Key to Survival and Growth in Life and Music

    May 14

    LIPSEY and Chima: Why Change Is the Key to Survival and Growth in Life and Music

    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 episode, you'll discover how to handle the stress of impending release dates without losing your voice, the importance of team collaboration in making big artistic moves, and why embracing losses—as part of the process—can catapult your growth. Chinma shares his journey of transforming childhood passions for film and music into a full-time hustle, emphasizing the power of community, mentorship, and relentless perseverance. LIPSEY's story highlights the necessity of change—how evolving perspectives and pushing through the fear of failure can lead to breakthroughs and authentic success. We break down tangible frameworks like the "Beautiful Struggle," a mindset that turns obstacles into stepping stones, and discuss why nobody truly succeeds solo. LIPSEY and Chinma emphasize that help, mentorship, and genuine relationships are crucial to scaling your artistic impact. Their conversations illuminate why 'self-made' is a myth; success is built on collective effort, humility, and unlearning limiting beliefs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to advance in their creative journey. If you’re ready to see setbacks as setups for a comeback, and if you want real insights on evolving as an artist and human, this conversation will inspire and equip you to level up. Perfect for aspiring musicians, content creators, and entrepreneurs who understand that growth demands change—and that the true victory lies in resilience, community, and continuous learning. Tune in, get inspired, and remember: The winner is just a loser who didn’t give up. Note: Lipsey is a Kalamazoo rapper known for his authentic approach and impactful storytelling, while Chinma is a multi-talented artist, videographer, and collaborator shaping Michigan’s vibrant music scene. Mentions Helluva: A producer from Detroit who has worked with LIPSEY. LIPSEY is the first artist to have a full body of work with him, and Helluva has produced and engineered his upcoming album.Aaliyah and Timbaland: Mentioned by Chinma as major influences in his musical journey, alongside Daft Punk.Daft Punk: Also cited by Chinma as a significant influence, contributing to his unconventional ear for music.Yayo: Collaborating with Chinma on a project, with a song called "Bringing a Friend" set to release soon.Obie: Chinma gives a shout-out to his older brother, Obie, for introducing him to music production.NPE CAL: Mentioned by Chinma as part of the team that helped him create amazing work.Sherdizzil, aka Sheridan Harris: Also acknowledged by Chinma for contributing to his projects

    21 min
  4. Riot Course: Guitar Music Done Right – Post-Grunge, Emo & Beyond

    May 7

    Riot Course: Guitar Music Done Right – Post-Grunge, Emo & Beyond

    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 Spencer are founding members who have been building the project for about five years, releasing their first EP in 2020 and a second (Skin Deep) in 2022. Their third EP, "Before You Can Say Knife", dropped in October 2025 and marks the first full recording with the current four-piece lineup. The band recorded it at I/O Studio in Detroit with engineer Patrick Sheffield, and the results clearly impressed — even casual previews had friends immediately asking where it was recorded. The conversation also covers the band's pragmatic approach to writing and rehearsing across different sites — mixing sessions at Grove Studios in Ypsilanti, renting warehouse space from friendly building owners, and trading riffs in apartments with acoustic guitars and small amps. Their recent show at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids (with Pretty Sure, Ficus, and Low Phase) will mark their first time playing the beloved venue, though both Kate and Spencer have been attending shows there for years — and Kate even credits The Pyramid Scheme show as the night she and Spencer first really connected. The episode winds down with favorite venues (a tie between Ziggy's and the Olympia skate shop warehouse in Detroit, with Nathan giving a nod to a DIY spot in Bowling Green called Girl House), a spirited pizza debate (New York vs. Chicago vs. Detroit styles), a digression into New York's Anti-Rat Day of Action, and excitement over the brand-new Sheetz opening in Ypsilanti — which the band confirmed they were heading to immediately after the stream.

    42 min
  5. From Broken Windows to Milestone Moments: Inside Low Phase's Homemade Studio Journey

    Apr 23

    From Broken Windows to Milestone Moments: Inside Low Phase's Homemade Studio Journey

    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 album has unlocked rawer, heavier sounds—think shoegaze meets distorted guitars—without the studio constraints. You'll discover how a broken window led to an unforgettable story, the secret behind their color-changing cups, and practical insights into modern live performance strategies like integrating backing tracks and managing costs as an indie band. They break down the brutal reality of earning $200 for two-thousand-person shows, and why they’re committed to reinvesting every penny into their craft—an inspiring reminder that passion doesn’t always pay the bills, but it keeps the music alive. Plus, you'll learn why their beloved hometown venue, the Pyramid Scheme, is more than just a stage—it's a symbol of roots and community that fuels their growth.

    41 min
  6. From Tie-Dye Shirts to Stormy Gigs: Ramble Tamble Keeps Their Style Low-Key and Authentic

    Apr 16

    From Tie-Dye Shirts to Stormy Gigs: Ramble Tamble Keeps Their Style Low-Key and Authentic

    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 storm, and the spirit of surf culture ignited their uniquely Michigan take on surf rock. No premeditated plan—just a ton of fun, wild gigs, and the joy of making music that sounds more alive than ever. If you’re tired of overly polished tracks and crave the real deal — raw, lively, and fun — this episode is your next listen. Dive into the chaos, comedy, and contagious spirit of Ramble Tamble. Hit play and let the waves of their live energy wash over you.

    25 min
  7. From College Talent Shows to Road Trips: The Rise of Zinc Vacuum

    Apr 9

    From College Talent Shows to Road Trips: The Rise of Zinc Vacuum

    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 style that’s both innovative and instantly captivating. In this episode, Austin Barnette (guitar and vocals) and Vince MacDonald (drums) share how a chance backstage connection sparked their collaboration, leading to rapid progress—despite the challenges of being just two. You'll discover how they write, jam, and record on the fly, capturing spontaneous ideas that evolve into full-fledged tracks like Far Below and Taste. Their approach to recording live riffs, embracing imperfections, and experimenting with future ideas like keyboard adds a fresh perspective on how modern bands can stay authentic yet dynamic. You’ll also explore their influences—from Queens of the Stone Age and Black Sabbath to Tool and Pink Floyd—and how these legendary sounds shape their own unique psych-rock style. Vince’s jazz and classic rock background blends seamlessly with Austin’s psychedelic inspirations, resulting in a sound that’s both gritty and expansive. Plus, get the inside scoop on upcoming tours, the desire to expand into a trio, and the untapped potential of their solo projects—all while balancing college life and gigs. This episode is perfect for aspiring musicians, indie fans craving authentic originality, or any listener interested in how a duo can create genre-defying music through passion, spontaneity, and close collaboration. They’re proof that with the right mindset, even a small band can make a big noise—and inspire the next wave of underground rock. Don’t miss this candid conversation with Zinc Vacuum—where raw talent, creative risk-taking, and a love for true music collide.

    26 min
  8. Pretty Sure: Trio of Friends Reignite Goober Punk Music Between Cincinnati to Grand Rapids

    Apr 2

    Pretty Sure: Trio of Friends Reignite Goober Punk Music Between Cincinnati to Grand Rapids

    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 conversation about the varying definitions of EP vs. LP from the band. In the end, it should be the band's choice in this day where physical length does not limit you. We dive into how their show at The Pyramid Scheme came to be and more details about their tour. Listen in to hear this engaging conversation with punk rockers that have a lot of compassion for their music and people.

    50 min
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4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Discovering what goes into making the local music scene possible in the great state of Michigan. Episodes include interviews with local bands/artists, industry experts, venues, recording studios, and anything else that contributes to the success of music in the Mitten state. In addition, each episode will wrap up with a few songs from artists highlighted in our discussion.

Information

  • Creator
    Mitten Music
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    125
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mitten Music
  • Show Website
    Mitten Music