Mitten Music

Mitten Music
  • 4.4 (7)
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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. 8h ago

    Keala Venema and Jacki Daniels at the Michigan Music Econ Summit

    Two Michigan artists walk into a room at the Michigan Music Econ Summit and spark an entertaining conversation about modern music careers, collaboration, and finding your place in the scene. Multi-instrumentalist Keala Venema and pop country singer-songwriter Jacki Daniels share stories that are funny, revealing, and useful for anyone building a career in music. Jacki talks about her journey from progressive rock into pop country, her work hosting songwriter showcases across Michigan, and how performing at South by Southwest (SXSW) became a career highlight. She also shares the unforgettable story of being mistaken for another Jacquie Daniels at the Grand Ole Opry—and what happened when the two musicians met again. Keala discusses her many creative projects, including Future Time String Band, Whorled, and Candid Antics, as well as her work as a music educator. She explains the roots of old-time music and bluegrass, the time-traveler concept behind her string band, and how her original music draws inspiration from nature, migration, and the world around us. Together, the guests explore the importance of community, collaboration, adaptability, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. From judging live music competitions to curating showcases and developing original projects, this episode offers a lively look at how musicians build momentum in today’s industry.

    Keala Venema and Jacki Daniels at the Michigan Music Econ Summit

  2. Sep 3

    Marley Kaye: Why the Best Shows Happen When Everyone Actually Listens

    Marley Kaye is a sound engineer and musician who helps lead the live audio team at The Stray, one of the rare listening-room venues where every detail matters. She also records at home, collaborates with her dad on bigger production work, teaches guitar, and performs her own music as marsfade and with The Temperances. We break down how she went from house shows and “worst garbage gear” to becoming the first audio engineer hired at The Stray, why consistency behind the board makes every show better, and what it takes to keep a six-person team running smoothly when everyone is also touring, freelancing, or traveling. Marley also shares what makes open band night thrilling, why she loves the pressure of being ready for anything, and how walkie talkies and a stage manager can save a sold-out night. You’ll also hear what makes The Stray different from a typical venue, why a true listening room changes everything for both the crowd and the engineer, and why Marley still gets emotional when a band sounds incredible. If you care about live sound, DIY music scenes, teaching, recording, or building a creative life around what you love, this conversation is packed with real-world insight. Marley also opens up about her upcoming seven-song marsfade EP, the challenge of writing from lived experience, and why her best songs always come from actually living through something first. It’s an honest, funny, and surprisingly moving look at what it means to make a life in music without losing the spark.

    Marley Kaye: Why the Best Shows Happen When Everyone Actually Listens

  3. Aug 27

    How One DIY Promoter Built Fuzz Fest With No Sign-Up Sheet

    Chris Taylor has spent decades turning rock obsession into a living, breathing scene and Fuzz Fest is the proof. If you love DIY music, underground bands, or the kind of festival where the lineup is curated by taste instead of algorithms, this conversation is your backstage pass. Chris joins Jeff and Ryan to break down how Fuzz Fest grew from a 33-band, two-stage experiment into a beloved annual rock marathon at The Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. He shares why he started the festival in the first place, what it takes to keep it running almost entirely by hand, and how a handful of local connections became a full-blown destination for bands and fans who want the real thing. Chris also digs into the return of Blue Snaggletooth, the stoner rock influences behind the band, and the rare Star Wars deep cut that inspired the name. Along the way, Jeff and Ryan geek out over everything from punk rock history to the weird, beautiful economics of putting on a true independent festival. This episode is a love letter to rock lifers, scene builders, and anyone who understands that the best events are usually held together by passion, notebooks, van trips, and way too much gear. Perfect for fans of garage rock, psych, stoner rock, and DIY culture - and for anyone planning to be in Ann Arbor when Fuzz Fest kicks off. Chris Taylor is the founder and curator of Fuzz Fest, a long-running Ann Arbor rock festival built around hand-picked bands, underground energy, and old-school festival craft. He also performs in Mazinga and Blue Snaggletooth. He also creates liquid light visuals under Eternal Eyes.

    How One DIY Promoter Built Fuzz Fest With No Sign-Up Sheet

  4. Aug 20

    How The Rupple Brothers Turn Family Into Music

    The Rupple Brothers brought a warm, family-driven energy to their conversation at The Stray during the Battle of the Bands finals, where they talked about the roots of their psychedelic folk sound and why intimate performances matter so much to them. The band described their music as a way to share songs, spread good vibes, and make audiences feel like part of the family by the end of the night. That sense of closeness is central to how they write and perform. A major theme in the discussion was the emotional honesty behind their songs. The Rupple Brothers said many of their tracks come from personal experiences, including grief and family loss, but they aim to turn that pain into something that gives listeners comfort and light. Their music balances sadness with connection, creating songs that feel deeply personal while still resonating with a wider audience. The band also shared how naturally their lineup has grown over time, including Mitch’s addition in 2022, and how they adapt their setup depending on the size and feel of each show. Whether they’re playing a stripped-down set or a fuller festival version, they focus on keeping the performance loose, intimate, and genuine. That flexibility helps them fit everything from quiet rooms to bigger stages without losing their identity. Looking ahead, the Rupple Brothers are working on new material and hope to record within the next year after their last album in 2019. They also discussed their Handmade Music Festival, a two-day camping and music event they help run each year in Chesaning, MI. Between the festival, the writing, and their live shows, the band continues to build a musical world centered on community, family, and heartfelt songs.

    How The Rupple Brothers Turn Family Into Music

  5. Aug 13

    From Hip Hop Church to 140 Million Streams: Steven Malcolm’s Rise

    Steven Malcolm⁠ shows how he went from grinding after work in a Grand Rapids hip hop church to signing with ⁠Curb Records⁠, earning 140M+ streams, and building a career without losing sight of the business. He breaks down the lessons he learned the hard way about artist contracts, publishing, ⁠SoundExchange⁠, and why hiring your own attorney can change everything. If you’re an artist, songwriter, or creative trying to turn talent into a real career, this conversation gives you the playbook and the warning labels. Steven also shares how The Edge, his youth-driven "hip hop church," shaped his artistry, leadership, and faith, and why that environment gave him the space to write, record, lead worship, and teach the next generation. You’ll hear how those early opportunities helped launch his path from local open mics to major stages like ⁠Van Andel Arena⁠ and beyond.We break down: How Steven built momentum by showing up daily while working a day jobThe publishing mistake he made early on and what he would do differently nowWhy royalty streams, co-pub, and legal representation matter more than most new artists realizeHow his story of fatherlessness, healing, marriage, and fatherhood fuels his songwritingWhy he’s expanding into mentorship, creative development, and Christian hip hop promotion If you need proof that consistency, business literacy, and a clear mission can change everything, this episode delivers. Perfect for artists, producers, managers, and anyone serious about building something that lasts in music.

    From Hip Hop Church to 140 Million Streams: Steven Malcolm’s Rise

  6. Aug 6

    Ficus: A Psychedelic Rock Band's Evolution

    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 The Pyramid Scheme, to planning a debut full-length album set for 2027. Ben, Nick, Michael, and Mikey reveal how their collective approach, fueled by diverse artistic talents, keeps their sound fresh and emotionally resonant. You’ll discover behind-the-scenes stories of integrating cutting-edge visuals, navigating lineup shifts, and choosing to prioritize quality over rushing releases. Their dedication to community—even from small towns—shines through as they share how they support Michigan’s local scene and foster artistic growth amidst a complex busy schedule. Highlights include their upcoming performance with psychedelic legends Acid Mother's Temple, the intriguing process behind writing new material, and innovative strategies to create a cohesive, eclectic sound without sacrificing artistic integrity. Whether you're an aspiring musician, artist, or just craving a story of resilience and creative freedom, this episode offers a blueprint for soulful, collaborative artistry that thrives through diversity and shared vision. Perfect for fans of experimental rock, indie music, and passionate DIY artists—listen in and learn how to cultivate your own artistic freedom, embrace change, and turn your band into a thriving creative family. Discover why true collaboration isn’t just about making music—it's about building a community where every talent shines.

    Ficus: A Psychedelic Rock Band's Evolution

  7. Jul 30

    Matt McCalpin on The Alluvion, Music, Grooves, and the Mitten

    Discover how a passionate musician turned operations leader is shaping the Michigan live music scene — and why venue staff might be the true unsung heroes of your favorite songs. When Matt McCalpin moved back to Traverse City, he saw a missing piece in the local music puzzle: a venue that truly supports artists and community alike. Fast forward to today, he’s not only running operations at The Alluvion—a part of a groundbreaking community-focused complex—but also helping revive Michigan’s vibrant live scene from the ground up. In this episode, Matt shares the journey behind creating a space where musicians thrive, from crowdfunding to studio secrets, all driven by a deep love of groove-based funk and soulful rock. Join us and get inspired to keep the music playing—because every great gig begins with a community that cares.

    Matt McCalpin on The Alluvion, Music, Grooves, and the Mitten

  8. Jul 16

    From Garage Bands to Gig Venues: The Boltcutters' Musical Journey

    Most garage bands dream of turning their passion into something more—and for Mike D and The Boltcutters, they are gaining momentum toward their next goal. From starting out as a Craigslist project to packing their storage unit with all sorts of influences—from thrash metal to fuzzy garage rock—they’re proof that dedication and a little creative chaos can lead to something special. This episode reveals how a band with a rotating lineup and a storage yard rehearsal space is building momentum, outlining their unfiltered journey from humble beginnings to upcoming recordings. Mike shares the behind-the-scenes story of their recent EP, lineup changes, and the ambitious plan to hit the studio again this May. You’ll discover the real struggles and creative tactics involved in writing original music, ripping off your favorite bands, and staying persistent through setbacks—all while having a damn good time. We break down: How The Boltcutters transformed from a casual Craigslist gig to a band recording an EPThe unique approach of blending influences from T-Rex to Slayer, plus cover adaptationsWhy lineup consistency and friendship are the secret sauce to their sound and performanceTheir strategy for leveraging local shows, open mics, and festival slots to growThe surprisingly affordable, no-frills setup at their storage yard that keeps their noise alive Perfect for anyone chasing a band, a side gig, or just trying to make more noise—this is the story of grit, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of musical dreams.

    From Garage Bands to Gig Venues: The Boltcutters' Musical Journey
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4.4
out of 5
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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
    139
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mitten Music
  • Show Website
    Mitten Music