Mitten Music

Mitten Music
  • 4.4 (7)
  • 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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. The Alluvion: The Secret Sauce Behind a Thriving Music Venue: Passion, Thoughtfulness, and Community

    MAR 26

    The Alluvion: The Secret Sauce Behind a Thriving Music Venue: Passion, Thoughtfulness, and Community

    Explore the story behind Traverse City's vibrant music scene through the lens of The Alluvion venue. This episode features insights from Matt McCalpin, the venue's operations and booking manager, and audio engineer Tiff Falls, as they discuss the venue’s inception, unique features, and upcoming events. The Alluvion in Traverse City proves that a passionate, musician-led space can rapidly build a vibrant scene. Just months after opening in April 2023, this intimate, innovative venue is already hosting acclaimed jazz acts, world musicians, and legendary performers like Branford Marsalis—all thanks to a team that deeply understands both music and community. In this episode, discover how the Alluvion's staff bring a unique artist-first mindset to venue operation, creating a space where music lovers of all genres feel at home. You’ll hear the behind-the-scenes story of how they designed a flexible, acoustically-optimized room that can adapt from a seated jazz night to a raucous rock show, and how a small but mighty team is redefining the live music experience in Michigan. If you’re a music lover, venue owner, or musician eager to build a thriving scene, this episode is your blueprint for turning passion into a powerful community hub. The Alluvion demonstrates how purpose-driven spaces can punch well above their weight—setting a new standard for what a small-town venue can achieve.

    35 min
  6. Super Nuclear - From Oil & Dye to Digital the Evolution of Live Visuals in Modern Music

    MAR 19

    Super Nuclear - From Oil & Dye to Digital the Evolution of Live Visuals in Modern Music

    Most live visuals feel canned. Not this—Matthew Stafford, aka Super Nuclear, reveals how he creates mesmerizing, ever-changing light shows in real time that turn every performance into an immersive spectacle. If you've ever wondered how a liquid light show can sync perfectly with psychedelic, doom, or surf rock, this episode uncovers the secrets behind live visual art that captivates audiences and elevates the concert experience. Matthew’s journey began at a festival in 2018, inspired by vintage oil and dye projections, and quickly evolved into a complex, organic art form blending liquid manipulation, video clips, and stage imagery. You’ll discover how he crafts dynamic visuals by studying bands beforehand, then improvises in the moment—the difference between pre-programmed lighting and organic, on-the-fly creativity. We break down his highly technical setup, including multiple camera feeds, live blending, and how he manages to keep each layer engaging without overwhelming the audience.You’ll also learn about the thriving underground network of visual artists across the country, the ongoing effort to revitalize live music venues like the historic theater in Traverse City, and how community-driven projects are shaping the local scene. Matthew’s story highlights the power of art to transform small shows into unforgettable, big-production experiences—something every musician and event organizer should hear. Perfect for live music enthusiasts or anyone curious about the art behind the spectacle—this episode explores how organic improvisation and technical skill combine to create an electrifying visual dimension you’ve never seen before. Whether you’re a fan of psychedelic rock or just love immersive art, Matthew’s insights will leave you inspired to think differently about live entertainment. Join us to see how one artist turns swirling oils, vivid videos, and stage presence into a live masterpiece—proof that in the right hands, visual art can elevate music into something truly magical. Main Topics: The art and technique of live visual performance, utilizing liquids, oils, dye, and digital tools Building a local music and arts community through venue development and visual collaborations The journey from musical influences to creating immersive concert experiences Challenges and opportunities in setting up independent arts venues How visuals enhance the energy and engagement of live showsIn this episode: Matthew explains the origins of his liquid light shows rooted in 1960s and 70s visual techniques He describes his process of studying bands beforehand to tailor visuals or improvising in the moment The network of live visual artists across the country and their role in psychedelic and rock scenes The potential for a new venue in Traverse City to support local and touring acts The importance of immersive experiences that elevate small shows into memorable events The impact of festivals like Desert Days on Matthew’s artistic path and aspirations

    24 min

  7. MAR 12

    What’s Next for Haskins? New Music, Live Shows & Detroit Stories

    Haskins returns to the show for the first time in two years to talk about new music, their plans for Volume V, and what life looks like for an indie rock band juggling families, day jobs, and late‑night rehearsals. The band shares updates on their upcoming studio sessions, how they approach recording, and why some venues are getting harder to find — especially on Michigan’s west side. We also get a fun behind‑the‑scenes look at show prep, gear‑sharing between bands, their annual Christmas video tradition, and the subtle album‑naming Easter eggs fans may have missed. Recorded ahead of their performance at the Oddfellow Concert Lounge, this episode captures the humor, honesty, and creative energy that make Haskins a standout in the Michigan indie scene.

    25 min
  8. How a Zombie Crawl and a Love for Music Built The Oddfellow Concert Lounge

    MAR 5

    How a Zombie Crawl and a Love for Music Built The Oddfellow Concert Lounge

    Unlock the inspiring story of Wyandotte’s The Odd Fellow Concert Lounge, where community, charity, and original music collide. When a small-town pub crawl raised over $1,600 for local nonprofits—and evolved into a hub for live, original acts—everything changed. Co-founders Brian Webb and Michael Balcom share their journey of transforming a historic building into a vibrant space that fuels local artists, supports charitable causes, and celebrates the power of music to bring people together. In this episode, you'll discover how a passion for original music sparked a movement—ranging from a zombie pub crawl to a thriving concert venue—funded entirely by community support and creative fundraising. Learn how they create unforgettable shows with collaborative lineups, from Americana and punk to indie and metal, all while helping community members in need. Whether you're a musician seeking a supportive venue, a community leader inspired to build legacy projects, or simply a lover of genuine live music, this episode offers a blueprint for impactful entrepreneurship rooted in passion and purpose. Perfect for artists, event organizers, and anyone dedicated to fostering local culture—this is your behind-the-scenes pass to a movement that proves music, charity, and community are the ultimate formula for lasting impact. Dive in and find out why the Odd Fellow Concert Lounge isn’t just a venue—it’s a movement to make the world a better place, one song at a time. Resources & Links Be Well My Friends FoundationThe Oddfellow Concert LoungeEd Cunnea - Signal Strength Audio

    36 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
    121
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Mitten Music
  • Show Website
    Mitten Music

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