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

In this episode, we caught up with American garage psych, stoner, acid rock band, Carbon Decoy, from Michigan at the GIG - Art of Michigan Music event. Casey and Earl got us up to speed on what the band has been doing since we last talked to them in 2024. Earl covered how he balances being a dad a rock band. They discussed the after show "hangs" they had this past year with Glass Chimera, Levitator, Ficus, and Old Mountain Acid Test. Reminiscing about past hangs and stories from the green room at the Blind Pig when discussing Fuzz Fest in Ann Arbor. They also touched on the plans to create some new music in Casey's new home studio in the coming year.

Join us for a conversation with a lot of laughs with the background sound of Paper Lanterns playing live in the background.

In this episode, we talked with four music photographers at GIG - Art of Michigan Music Event. Each of these individuals gave us a different angle on how they got started in taking photos of live music. From the photo pit to gear to their memorable moments, they show us through their lens what it is like to be a photographer in the Michigan music scene and beyond. Brandon Nagy is a photographer and designer. He has worked with iHeartMedia since 2009 and Shutterstock since 2017. Brandon does graphic design during the day and moonlight and spend weekends working as a photographer, usually covering music or other events.Isabel Dowell (she/her) is a Grand Rapids-based photographer specializing in live music, portrait, and film photography. Her dedication to photography has taken her on tour (Low Phase), to various music festivals (Lollapalooza, Pitchfork, Hinterland), and has made her a respected member of the live music community. She is known for being motivated by taking a random chance, whether it be sending late night emails or going above and beyond to get the perfect image. Nathan Purchase is a professional photographer, creative producer, and founder of Purchase Productions, based in Muskegon. A graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Studio Art specializing in photography, Nathan has spent more than 15 years capturing the raw emotion and atmosphere of live music. His portfolio includes performances by acclaimed artists such as Tame Impala, The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Buddy Guy, Tash Sultana, and many others.Terry Moore is a local music photography under the name Trippin Terry Photography. His focus is on capturing life's raw energy, one frame at a time. Trippin Terry is dedicated to delivering high-energy, vibrant images that transport you to the heart of the action.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations from the people making the Michigan music ecosystem thrive.GIG - Art of Michigan Music Event Founders Chuck and Brenda Marshall talk to us about how the origin of the event and the importance of highlighting these artists. Their own crafts of writing and photography lead us to conversations about their other adventures in music and Michigan through their own online magazine and podcast Life in Michigan and podcast Fans with Bands.

Listen to hear what great stories they have to share along with the start of our series on GIG event we attended in late 2025.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations about the Michigan music scene.

In this episode, Jeff and Ryan recap their year of the podcast and the Michigan music news. They talk about some of the interviews they had with musicians such as Mike Ward, Spencer LaJoye, Rebekah Jon, Kylee Phillips, Chris DuPont, and Kyle Joe. They talk about the venues that closed and opened or will open soon, such as Acrisure Amphitheater, The Big Room, and Kalamazoo State Theater. Of course, they discuss some of highlights in live music they experienced in the past year. Finally, they touch on what is in store for the podcast in 2026.

Welcome to Mitten Music, where we bring you authentic conversations. This episode features a relaxed interview with dream pop musician, ⁠Empress Eyes⁠. We had the opportunity to talk to her about on the day she released new music on her latest EP, Press Reverse. We learned more about her lyric writing and why she wears those fairy wings in live performances.

She noted new music coming in January with collaboration with Arden from ⁠Ethereal⁠. The conversation veered down an unexpected turn as she discussed how her witchy ways are influencing her recent songwriting. Take a listen to hear more about this dream pop musician from Grand Rapids, MI.

In our episode today, we talk with good friends Ken Freestone (UKEn) and David Purnell from West Michigan.

Ken began playing ukulele at the age of 61. He has built a lot of connections, like he does with all things he is involved in, with folks across the world due to this late life skill.

Dave is a guitar teacher who provided some early lessons on the ukulele. Dave also talks about his love of audio and video which drove him to start his own company DP Creative Audio and Video.

The pair share a lot of great stories and the many experiences they are a part of in West Michigan. It is a fantastic conversation with two guys enjoying life.

In this episode, we explore the vibrant music scene at the ⁠Sounds of the Zoo Festival⁠, featuring interviews with two bands and one photographer, including ⁠The Blue Pines⁠, ⁠Sophia McIntosh⁠ and the Sages, and Stacey Griffin from ⁠Dreamwave Photography⁠. The discussions delve into the artists' backgrounds, their creative processes, and the unique experiences of performing at the festival. The episode highlights the collaborative spirit and the diverse musical influences that shape the artists' work.

Takeaways

The Blue Pines talking about busking for first time.

Sophia McIntosh shares her journey from competition dance to forming a band.

The importance of collaboration in the creative process is emphasized.Stacey Griffin discusses her unexpected path into photography.

The festival provides a platform for diverse musical expressions.

Artists share their experiences of performing at the festival.

The role of family and community in supporting artists is highlighted.

Sophia McIntosh talks about her musical influences from the 90s.

The episode captures the energy and excitement of live performances.

Stacey Griffin's photography captures the essence of the festiva

We had the opportunity to talk with Kalamazoo's alternative pop band Basic Comfort at the Sounds of the Zoo festival. The band has been playing music for over a decade. We discussed their music creation process and upcoming releases. The band shares insights into their collaborative approach and the evolution of their sound, highlighting their latest single 'Aurora' and plans for future music.

Takeaways

• Basic Comfort is an alternative pop band from Kalamazoo.
• The band has been together for nearly a decade.
• Their latest single 'Aurora' is set to release soon.
• The band emphasizes collaboration in their music creation process.
• They have a unique sound influenced by various genres.
• Basic Comfort plans to release more singles and possibly an album.
• The band enjoys performing in the Midwest, especially in Chicago.
• They have a strong connection with their audience and community.
• The band members have been friends for over a decade.
• Their music is described as having a positive and good vibe.

Chapters

• Introduction to Basic Comfort
• Band Members and Roles
• Music Creation and Collaboration
• Latest Releases and Future Plans
• Performing and Connecting with the Audience

Listen to our raw, live interview with Overdrive Orchestra at Bells Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo! The members of Overdrive Orchestra discuss their latest album 'Restless Star', the creative process behind their music, and their influences, including a nod to Pink Floyd.

They share insights into their recording process, the challenges of collaboration, and their excitement for upcoming shows and new music.

The band reflects on their journey, the evolution of their sound, and the importance of patience in the creative process.

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This episode consists of two interviews with women vocalists, Erin Monroe and Celestina Robles from Celestina y Los Sanchez, that we came across while at the Sounds of the Zoo Festival in Kalamazoo.

⁠Erin Monroe⁠, singer songwriter, shares her experiences with busking, her musical journey, and the importance of collaboration in the music industry. She discusses her recent performances, upcoming projects, and the vibrant music community in Michigan. Erin emphasizes the joy of working with other musicians and the creative process behind her songs, highlighting her recent releases and future plans.

Celestina y Los Sanchez is a family band with deep roots in Hispanic music. The band, consisting of multiple generations, reflects on their musical legacy, influences, and the dynamics of performing together as a family. Celestina discusses the band's past performances, future plans for new music, and the importance of evolving their sound to connect with younger audiences.