The right soundtrack can take even the best road trip to the next level. So venture through our handpicked playlist of some of the most exciting artists in West Michigan when you decide to head out of town for something new this summer.
A mix of high energy bangers, hot new tracks, and open road grooves, these songs will take you on an auditory excursion, beyond the limits of the conventional and back to the comforts of home.
Listen to the playlist on Spotify here: bit.ly/revueroadtrip2024
First Aid Spray – “Blow This Town”
A pop-punk anthem that blasts right out of the gates, this blazing cut from Grand Rapids’ First Aid Spray will take your road trip from zero to 60 in under two minutes. High octane guitars and shared lead vocals scorch by fast, burning like the summer sun, and demanding you crank up the volume as you step on the gas.
Patty PerShayla & the Mayhaps – “I Want It Faster”
Although she doesn’t call West Michigan home anymore, you’ll frequently find Grand Rapids native Patty PerShayla road tripping back through Michigan herself, making something of a homecoming from her new home base in Nashville, where her star has soared. Upping the acceleration even more, this showcase of PerShayla’s vocal and bass playing abilities instantly reminds anyone why she’s a singular talent anywhere.
Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions – “Where You Are”
An irrepressible reminder of the journey exceeding the destination, Grand Rapids Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions accentuate living in the moment, with timeless classic rock vibes, and powerful call and response vocals, chasing dreams to the sky, while staying humbly grounded.
Hannah Rose Graves – “One for the Road”
Blurring the lines between Americana, country, rock, and blues, Hannah Rose Graves has become one of Grand Rapids’ strongest singers and storytellers over the last decade and a half. Her barroom ballads shine surprisingly well in the bright of day, with this one off her latest album, Medicine, sounding like the perfect fresh start to shake off what ails you.
Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys – “Gone By Dawn”
A merger of past, present, and future, Harry Dean and the Dusty Boys’ heart and soul is in country music. But with an alt-rock edge that’s impossible to place between their early ‘90s heroes, and the likes of Noah Kahan, they bring a distinctly Midwest bend to a sound that’s surprisingly endearing and enduring.
The Legal Immigrants – “Wheels Fall Off”
Supporting classic rock icons The Guess Who at Stix in Ludington July 11, and Warner Vineyards in Paw Paw July 14, longtime Grand Rapids band The Legal Immigrants invite you to hit the road and check out either of these unique venues for a night of truly legendary rock ‘n’ roll.
Brie Stoner – “Run”
A world traveler and wandering spirit, Brie Stoner sounds like no one else in the West Michigan music scene. Entirely on her own voyage, her music exists simultaneously as an escape from reality, and a reexamination of it, as she’s not so much running away on this beautiful song, as much as she’s running forward.
Lost Magic – “Sideways Street”
If losing yourself is what you’re aiming for, the psychedelic meets punk rock sensibilities of Holland’s Lost Magic might be just the right trip for your road trip. Heady and head banging, the group digs into the grooves of the mind and doesn’t let go, forging new pathways all their own.
In The Valley Below – “Brushfire”
Coming to call Grand Rapids home after breaking through in L.A., the duo of Muskegon native Angela Gail and her husband Memphis musician Jeffrey Jacob Mendel, released this new fiery new single ahead of touring the country this summer -- including a performance as part of the Friday night pre-party for this year’s all-female-led Fair Ground Festival in Hastings July 26.
Future Misters – “Don’t Go, Don’t Stay”
Encapsulating the explosive tension of indecision, Grand Rapids indie rockers Future Misters let loose on the propulsive chorus of this song that doesn’t stop or slow down.
Empress Eyes – “2 Steps In”
That moment of waking up and suddenly not knowing where you are, or how you got here, is at the crux of this brand new single from ethereal Grand Rapids artist Empress Eyes. An excellent change of pace and direction, it’s the perfect midway point to pause and shift gears, before making your way back home again.
Jermiahbgv, Ten Peso Version – “Higher Way”
Approaching the heartache of distance with two distinct voices, this duo dives into the difficulties of dreams derailing real life, with a jangly mix of guitar and hip-hop. It’s got an undeniably summer vibe made for chilling out by the beach, or wishing you were.
Lady Ace Boogie, Tyrell J. – “Where My Happiness Resides”
In search of your happy place, longtime Grand Rapids rapper Lady Ace Boogie has got you. Emphasizing that bliss is not a state, but a state of mind, she delivers a powerful message over a bouncy beat with guest Tyrell J. joining in for an uplifting chorus and close.
The War And Treaty – “Leads Me Home”
A lament to getting lost on those old country roads, this touching song from beloved Michigan duo The War And Treaty speaks to the heart and soul, and serves as reminder that home is with the ones you love, not necessarily where you’re from. Don’t miss when they return home to headline the Fair Ground Festival in Hastings July 27.
The Bootstrap Boys – “Tire Tracks”
A classic country chronicle of camping out under the stars, The Bootstrap Boys know a thing or three about the simple pleasures in life. And this quick little number proves that summer may be fleeting here in Michigan, but the memories you make during those short months last a lifetime.
Grace Thiesen – “GHOST TOWN”
Having moved from Nashville to Kalamazoo, queer independent artist Grace Thiesen taps into the traditions of blues and Americana while finding her own path. This incredible new single released this spring speaks to anyone who feels the need to break out, and could help Thiesen do just that as she plays all across the state this summer.
Cody Robert Dewindt – “Anywhere with You”
A melancholic closer to a playlist that twists and turns, Grand Rapids singer-songwriter Cody Robert Dewindt’s rich voice and strong guitar playing bring it all home here. The blue collar beauty of his craft beckons you back, with a heart full of promise for whatever is next to come your way.
