Each and every year, West Michigan launches yet another massively talented artist into undisputed stardom.
Going back to the glory days of 90’s hit-makers The Verve Pipe and Mustard Plug, to the chart-topping success of Pop Evil, and most recently, Grammy-winner Billy Strings, our side of the state more than holds its own with an abundance of music demanding attention.
So when The Crane Wives finally got their moment, selling out their summer tour this year ahead of their beautiful new album – after becoming seemingly overnight viral sensations coming out of the pandemic – the surprise of it all felt less like a shock to those of us here who have followed and loved them for years, and more like a moment when all seems right in the world, even if the algorithms that dominate our lives were involved in the process.
Seeing an immensely talented band finally get their due beyond the Great Lakes, fills your heart, and hopefully, strengthens the soul of an ever-changing music scene that, while overflowing with creative, original songwriters and performers, still has its share of struggles, too.
Just last month, the iconic Kalamazoo State Theatre abruptly announced that it would close indefinitely, with plans to pursue new ownership. Unique new venue spaces like The Starlight Room also closed their doors before even getting a real chance to shine, proving that every success comes hard-earned in the post-pandemic music business. Thankfully bright spots like the re-emergence of the Four Star Theatre, and the perseverance of Spring Lake’s Temple Lounge (formerly Seven Steps Up), show that there never really is an end to live music. Only a pause, to catch our breath, and get ready to sing and dance together again.
In hopes of continuing to chronicle just a small part of all the great music coming from our community, we at REVUE have compiled a short list of five of the very best albums, among many, that came out here this past year.
SCOOB The Artist - The Trauma Project
A multimedia community effort from over 20 artists, this ArtPrize-winning combination of painting and music emphasized both the importance of art and opening up to collectively overcoming our shared and personal traumas. Dealing with the difficult subject from different perspectives, the project told hard truths, while still holding on to hope. It featured a staggering list of collabs from members of the Grand Rapids hip-hop scene, young and old alike, and used music to tap into our common humanity, giving an even greater gravity to SCOOB’s powerful painted works. At a time when it’s hard to have real conversations, and even harder to be vulnerable, this masterpiece showed us that true strength comes from not being afraid to do both.
Spencer LaJoye – Shadow Puppets
The long and winding journey of queer indie-folk singer-songwriter Spencer LaJoye shines through on every track of this incredible new album. Their first release since coming out as gender nonbinary, the record echoes the complicated past LaJoye has, having reached audiences as a successful Christian musician, and struggled with their own faith. An acclaimed singer-songwriter, they lead with the captivating music, letting listeners in with their personal message, and pulling close with a voice that won’t let go. Look for LaJoye to win another WYCE Jammie Award, a decade after winning their first, and sparking a future that looks even brighter.
Jordan Hamilton – Project Freedom
There isn’t another artist quite like Jordan Hamilton. Forget West Michigan, there isn’t another performer quite like him in the world. Don’t take our word for it, The New York Times agrees, praising the vocalist/cellist’s inimitable mix of hip-hop,
jazz, and classical influences. Somehow both chill and confrontational, the indescribable vibe of Hamilton's new album makes it work as background groove and brain food. Years in the making, it explores true freedom to chase dreams, and the lessons learned along the way.
Patty PerShayla – Sad Girl Apocalypse: bummer songs and ukulele adventures
With a doubt Patty PerShayla has become a rock ‘n’ roll badass. With her band The Mayhaps, she has let it rip, crushing classic rock style with modern energy. But those who remember her spellbinding solo debut Oracle Bones from a half decade ago, when she first started out here in Grand Rapids, will gladly welcome this surprise return to a stripped down sound. Now based in Nashville, and touring the country constantly, PerShayla has polished every aspect of her performance, but she doesn’t shy from any of the rawness on this batch of new songs. Don’t miss her when she premieres the record with a special homecoming show Dec. 5 at Midtown.
Cal In Red – Low Low
There’s a reason why indie-rock icon James Mercer of The Shins guests on Grand Rapids indie-pop duo Cal In Red’s breezy, beautiful new album. He’s a huge fan. Effortlessly buoyant and blissfully effervescent, it’s escapism for easing away the tensions of the day. And brothers Connor and Kendall Wright like it that way, sharing vocals and harmonies in a way that only siblings can. Entrenched in the ‘90s and early 2000s – with touches of ‘80s synthesizers splashed throughout – this is a fun, calming way to forget about the present moment, if just for a while, and melt with the music.
