Category: Concerts

Going Stateside – New Zealand’s Maggie Cocco Returns to Michigan for Science for Sociopaths Show and Girls Rock Detroit Benefit Concert

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Maggie Cocco performs at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe in Detroit on Dec. 12. Photo – Micky Nogher Photography

After four years of living out of state and abroad, Maggie Cocco is back in Metro Detroit making some new musical memories.

The pop singer-songwriter is visiting her home state during the holidays and playing two live shows: Dec. 18 at The Ark in Ann Arbor with Joanna Sterling and Dec. 22 at Tin Roof Detroit for the Music Mavens of Michigan, a fundraising concert to benefit Girls Rock Detroit featuring a lineup of local femme artists.

“The Ark will be a very special show for me. It’s my only show on the Michigan leg of the Analog tour where I’ll play through the entire song cycle as it is on [my new] album, [Like a Moth],” said Cocco, who now resides in Whangārei, New Zealand and performs under the moniker Science for Sociopaths.

“I’m [also] ridiculously stoked about this [Music Mavens of Michigan] lineup. Tin Roof Detroit has a capacity of 400 people, and we’re hoping to reach it! With a lineup like this, I think we can. We’ll be holding what’s called round robins with each artist offering two self-accompanied songs and sharing the stage with three to four artists at a time.”

For the Music Mavens of Michigan show, Cocco will be performing alongside Audra Kubat, Carolyn Striho, Julianne Ankley, Coko Buttafli, Fay Burns, Gwenyth Hayes, Julia Rose Pagac, Jacki Daniels and others.

“Even if you’ve seen any or all of these artists live, this will be a truly unique and collaborative experience,” said Cocco, who grew up in Sterling Heights. “We’ll also have a couple of youth performers to open the show and a finale featuring all participating artists, plus an open jam to end.”

I recently spoke to Cocco about living in New Zealand, visiting the U.S., working with Girls Rock Detroit, preparing for The Ark and Music Mavens of Michigan shows, writing and recording her Like a Moth album and looking ahead to 2024.

Continue reading “Going Stateside – New Zealand’s Maggie Cocco Returns to Michigan for Science for Sociopaths Show and Girls Rock Detroit Benefit Concert” →

Dig Out – The Idiot Kids Mine Past Struggles and Make Room for the Future on ‘Chapels’ Album

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The Idiot Kids’ Nicholas Zambeck, Jon-Mikal Bartee and Andrew Maslowsky search for acceptance on “Chapels.” Photo – Jackleen Diana Eve

For Jon-Mikal Bartee, a new album with The Idiot Kids allows for a deep exploration of the past and a clear pathway for the future.

The lead vocalist-guitarist of the Detroit garage-punk trio mines personal experiences, thoughts and emotions related to sex, identity, addiction and trauma on Chapels. In turn, those excavations create more space for relief and renewal.

“That’s kind of what the whole album is about. Through trauma and addiction and all of that, trying to find acceptance. That’s just what it kind of turned into. It’s not like we sat down and said, ‘I want to write an album about my childhood,’” Bartee said.

“For me, listening to artists like Elliott Smith, Thom Yorke, Bob Dylan and people who talked about very personal things—sometimes in a more abstract way and sometimes a little more literally—that’s what I connected to. Just from hearing people talk about what they’re dealing with didn’t resonate in the same way as like putting it to a melody or a rhythm.”

Alongside bandmates Nicholas Zambeck (bass) and Andrew Maslowsky (drums, vocals), Bartee adopts that refreshing approach on Chapels, which features a dozen tracks filled with candid lyrics, earworm choruses and turbocharged punk-rock instrumentation.

“This is the kind of stuff, as a kid and as a teenager, I didn’t hear anyone talking about. Luckily, the world has come a long way in the last 20 years. But, at the same time, with more visibility, there’s also more hatred, so it’s kind of like this battling force back and forth,” said Bartee, who grew up in a religious family and came out as an adult.

“These are the songs I wish I had heard as a teenager or a young adult, and I was dealing with that internalized homophobia and religious trauma and whatnot. That’s why I ended up calling it Chapels because it all kind of went down to that.”

Continue reading “Dig Out – The Idiot Kids Mine Past Struggles and Make Room for the Future on ‘Chapels’ Album” →

Along the Way – Ypsilanti Singer-Songwriter Adam Plomaritas Returns With His First New Release in a Decade

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Adam Plomaritas gets introspective on his new EP, “Old Time Love.” Photo courtesy of Adam Plomaritas

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Adam Plomaritas’ new EP reflects on his personal journey of love and growth.

It provides the Ypsilanti, Michigan pop-soul singer-songwriter with an emotional outlet for exploring the opportunities and challenges that come with being loved and loving others.

“These tunes are about finding a balance between wondering if you’re loved enough and if you’re loving enough in the best ways,” said Plomaritas about Old Time Love, his first collection of new songs since his 2013 album, The Hard Way. “As a husband, father, son, brother, and artist, it’s natural to seek approval, if not always healthy.”

Plomaritas beautifully captures that sentiment on Old Time Love, which features five infectious tracks filled with heartfelt vocals, vibrant horns, and upbeat pop-rock instrumentation.

“The EP is a little bit of introspection, even though the songs are generally light and fun in nature,” he said. “You seemed to have pierced the hard candy shell and gotten to the ooey, gooey chocolate inside—it’s about feeling like you’re enough.”

I recently spoke with Plomaritas about growing up in a musical family, solidifying his writing and recording skills through earlier releases, anticipating his first new release in 10 years, sharing select songs from Old Time Love, and preparing for a Dec. 1 show at The Ark.

Continue reading “Along the Way – Ypsilanti Singer-Songwriter Adam Plomaritas Returns With His First New Release in a Decade” →

Uncharted Waters – Rob Zinck & The Collaborators Channel the Past and Navigate the Future on ‘Swim or Sink’ Album

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Rob Zinck & The Collaborators embark on an introspective journey that runs from childhood in Alaska to fatherhood in Michigan to thirtysomething life in the future on “Swim or Sink.” Photo courtesy of Rob Zinck

Rob Zinck & The Collaborators boldly channel the past while navigating the future on Swim or Sink.

That refreshing mindset flows through the Detroit power trio’s new album, which features 11 tracks that aim to wipe the slate clean and search for internal peace in an iron-fisted world.

“The first nine songs loosely tell the story of finding myself in a particular place, examining how I got here and then fixing my eyes on the path I want to take in the future,” said Zinck, the band’s vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.

“It travels through different times and places in my life trying to figure out how I can be the best version of myself possible and a positive force in the lives of people I care about. The last two tracks deal with the fact that finding yourself doesn’t change the world, which is uncertain and oppressive and doesn’t afford all people the same privileges.”

Alongside bandmates Dan Radlick (bass) and Phil Giannotta (drums), Zinck embarks on an introspective journey that runs from childhood in Alaska to fatherhood in Michigan to thirtysomething life in the future.

“I think most of us experience a similar sense of uncertainty when our 20s start to wane and our 30s approach. We start to feel like we’re supposed to be whatever our vision of an adult is, but we’re afraid we’ll lose the passion that defines our youth,” said Zinck, who shares those thoughts against a backdrop of punk, alt-rock and indie-rock instrumentation.

“Reconciling that feeling is definitely a theme of this record. We’re all searching for ourselves in an uncertain world, and I don’t think that searching should ever fully end. By the time track nine [‘You Then Me’] fades out, I’ve found enough of the person I want to be that can move on with a life that feels meaningful rather than stagnant.”

I recently spoke with Zinck about growing up in Alaska, moving to Michigan, meeting his bandmates, dissecting songs from Swim or Sink, using field recordings, writing and recording the album, preparing for a Nov. 18 album release show and winding down this winter.

Continue reading “Uncharted Waters – Rob Zinck & The Collaborators Channel the Past and Navigate the Future on ‘Swim or Sink’ Album” →

Words of Encouragement – The American Hotel System Shares Inspirational Anthems on ‘Can You Hear It?’ EP

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The American Hotel System offers a highly cathartic listen on “Can You Hear It?” From left: Hailey Petty, CT McCallister, Jake LaMotte, Samuel Overman and Jacob Betts. Photo – Jake Orr Photography

For The American Hotel System, a new EP offers inspirational messages of hope, growth and perseverance.

The Grand Rapids, Michigan alt-rock quintet digs deep into past experiences and personal reflections to share words of encouragement on Can You Hear It?

“I think these songs are the most hopeful for me. It’s a great reflection of the journey personally that I’ve been on between all the crazy stuff that’s happened with the band … but also my personal life with my relationship with my wife, my son and my health,” said Jacob Betts, the band’s vocalist and guitarist.

“I feel like these are the songs we’re supposed to be singing right now, and I’m eager to see who we cross paths with. My prayer is these will hit people where they are.”

On Can You Hear It?, The American Hotel System instantly hits listeners with six anthemic tracks, which explore emotions and situations dealing with desire, mental health, love and pride. The EP’s insightful lyrics, fiery electric guitar solos and epic pop-rock instrumentation offer a highly cathartic listen within an arena-sized sound.

“This is our label debut; it’s a new era for us. This is the first time we’ve been able to work with such an amazing team of professionals behind the scenes,” said Betts, who’s releasing Can You Hear It? with his bandmates via SONO Music Group.

“We’re trying to say something here, and asking this question, ‘Can you hear it?’ Well, that encapsulates the whole thing we’re going for. Not just with the theme of ‘Can you hear these things? This longing that you’re longing for,’ but here’s what we have to say.”

Continue reading “Words of Encouragement – The American Hotel System Shares Inspirational Anthems on ‘Can You Hear It?’ EP” →

Natural Tendencies – Chris DuPont Shares Honest and Vulnerable Stories on ‘Fragile Things’ EP

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Chris DuPont explores the trajectory of relationships and the vulnerability, honesty, and wisdom that comes with them on “Fragile Things.” Photo – Robby Fisher of Dogtown Studio

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Chris DuPont didn’t go into making his new EP with a plan.

Instead, the Ypsilanti indie-folk singer-songwriter opted to write and record what came to him naturally.

“I just thought, ‘These songs are close to me.’ I didn’t have as much of an elevator pitch this time. It felt like a relief because sometimes I hide behind the elevator pitch. Sometimes I hide behind [this idea of], ‘Oh, this is what I’m about as an artist, and this is what I’m trying to say,’” said DuPont about Fragile Things.

“And instead, I just decided I’m gonna cut the crap and let people have it, and I hope they respond to it. If they don’t, then I will still know that those stories needed to get out of me for me to be OK.”

What resulted are five intimate songs about the trajectory of relationships and the vulnerability, honesty, and wisdom that come with them. On Fragile Things, DuPont shares those tales through emotive vocals, atmospheric folk-pop instrumentation, and ambient soundscapes.

“When I play them and share them, the consensus tends to be like, ‘Someone’s going to get something out of this,’” he said.

“When I play them live, they connect quickly—usually better than I expect. One thing I’m learning is that I think it’s just my job to create and not treat them like they belong to me as much.”

I recently spoke to DuPont about writing songs for his new EP, creating videos for the title track, recording the EP at multiple studios, preparing for a Nov. 17 EP release show, and collaborating with Kylee Phillips on a duet EP.

Continue reading “Natural Tendencies – Chris DuPont Shares Honest and Vulnerable Stories on ‘Fragile Things’ EP” →

Timeless Tales – Ben Traverse and Nick Veine Celebrate the Historic Traditions of Ireland on ‘Me Grief and Tears to Smother’ Album

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Nick Veine and Ben Traverse feature rich harmonies and majestic acoustic folk instrumentation on “Me Grief and Tears to Smother.” Photo – @wildsubterranean_

Ben Traverse and Nick Veine thoughtfully revisit and reimagine timeless tales connected to the Emerald Isle on Me Grief and Tears to Smother: Traditional Songs and Ballads of the Irish Diaspora.

The traditional folk duo features a dozen tracks—ranging from sweet ballads to raucous drinking songs—celebrating the historic traditions of Ireland and its ex-pats on their latest album.

“I think the biggest thing someone can learn from this record is how borders and cultural divides are less important than one might think,” said Traverse, who’s from Grand Rapids, Michigan and is the duo’s co-lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist alongside Veine.

“Most of these songs didn’t actually come from Ireland, but they were either written by [its] people or were brought into the tradition from the outside. It’s all richer because of it. Just because the version of ‘Wild Rover’ came from Australia doesn’t mean that it isn’t Irish now—it’s both.”

Throughout Me Grief and Tears to Smother, Traverse and Vein sing about soldiers, fishmongers, families, immigrants and other storied figures against a backdrop of rich harmonies and majestic acoustic folk instrumentation.

“They tell the tales of quite diverse people and that’s very important. Everyone hears of stereotypes of the drunken Irishmen, but Irish culture is very nuanced and beautiful,” said Veine, who’s from Manistee, Michigan and serves as the duo’s other co-lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist.

“There’s alcohol in just about every culture around the world. Irish songs celebrate the ability of drinking establishments/events to bring people together and have fun.”

I recently spoke with Traverse and Veine about growing up in Manistee, becoming inspired by traditional Irish folk music, researching the history behind the album’s tracks, sharing their thoughts about select songs, embarking on an album release tour and making plans for the future.

Continue reading “Timeless Tales – Ben Traverse and Nick Veine Celebrate the Historic Traditions of Ireland on ‘Me Grief and Tears to Smother’ Album” →

From a Distance – The Dirk Kroll Band Provides a Bird’s Eye View of Life on ‘Your Flight’ Album

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Dirk Kroll and Marci Feldman provide a panoramic view of life with their bandmates on “Your Flight.” Photo – Thompson Photography

The Dirk Kroll Band takes an aerial view of life from different perspectives on Your Flight.

The Pontiac, Michigan blues-rock quintet provides a panoramic picture of compelling characters—ranging from seaside lovers to Elvis zealots to weary commuters—from the past and present on their latest album.

“The album is new stuff and old stuff that’s from years ago. I kinda had my doubts about redoing [some of] it because it was going to lose its integrity and excitement,” said Dirk Kroll, the band’s lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist, about writing and recording Your Flight.

“But they weren’t radio ready, recorded properly, mastered or anything. I’ve got five new ones and five [older] songs redone better than they ever were.”

Those 10 refreshed tracks soar on an album filled with imaginative tales, spirited blues-rock instrumentation, bold saxophone solos and lush harmonies.

Your Flight’s carefully crafted elements also seamlessly come together due to the solid musicianship of Kroll’s bandmates, including wife Marci Feldman (vocals), George Canterbury (keys), Ray Goodman (lead guitar) and Paul Price (drums).

“They can feel it and know it; they’ve got the vocabulary,” Kroll said. “It’s a trust factor we all have … and everybody knows their role.”

Continue reading “From a Distance – The Dirk Kroll Band Provides a Bird’s Eye View of Life on ‘Your Flight’ Album” →

For Real – Judy Banker Explores the Power of Emotions on New ‘Bona Fide’ Album

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Judy Banker explores the cycle of relationships and the emotions that accompany them on “Bona Fide.” Photo – Misty Lyn Bergeron

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Judy Banker keeps things real on Bona Fide.

The Ann Arbor singer-songwriter explores genuine feelings of heartbreak, grief, and love on her new Americana album.

“One of my litmus tests for myself with a song is: Does it ring true to me? When I think of the vignette, the experience, or the feeling of that kind of relationship dynamic, does it say what I want to say?” said Banker, who’s a University of Michigan alumna and a therapist.

“That’s what I do with my songs—if it doesn’t say it strong enough or it doesn’t capture it quite right—there’s a certain tension that I want to be able to express. I feel like every single one of those songs is like my diary.”

On Bona Fide, Banker takes listeners on a personal journey that explores the cycle of relationships and the emotions that accompany them. The album’s rich harmonies and rootsy instrumentation bring those experiences to life across 11 heartfelt tracks.

“I’m a therapist by day, and on a big-picture level, my adult life has been dedicated to trying to help people to name, understand, and get the complexity of emotions … and that it’s important to work with them and embrace that,” Banker said.

“It’s a very selfish motive in the sense that these are my expressions and my songs, and I like them, but I just hope people say, ‘Oh, I’ve had that feeling.’”

Continue reading “For Real – Judy Banker Explores the Power of Emotions on New ‘Bona Fide’ Album” →

Pushing Back – Widetrack Challenges Rigid Societies and Mindsets on ‘Monoliths’ Album

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Widetrack shares insightful tales of conflict, change and determination across eight bold tracks on “Monoliths.” Photo courtesy of Widetrack

Filled with defiance and courage, Widetrack openly challenges the static perspectives and cultures of rigid societies on Monoliths.

The Waterford, Michigan father-son duo of Ron Tippin (drums, vocals) and Zach Tippin (guitar, bass) exposes the toxicity of groupthink, coercion and betrayal on their latest alt-prog album.

“It’s the general idea of things being very homogenized … and in terms of something that’s very difficult to change, but very huge and imposing—like monolithic societies,” said Ron Tippin.

“But it can also represent hope like [challenging] the monoliths in the film The Matrix, which represents the possibility of escape from a simulated reality. That was very much the idea of ‘Illumination,’ the opening track, and a lot of the songs that we started with were very dark, negative and heavy.”

As that realization came to light, Widetrack decided to include another hopeful track on their fifth album. “And then we came up with ‘Unlived,’ and I thought, ‘OK, there’s some positivity here,’ which is kind of a first for us,” Ron Tippin said.

Along with that new thematic development, Widetrack shares insightful tales of conflict, change and determination across eight bold tracks on Monoliths.

The band’s philosophical lyrics, emotive vocals and driving hard-rock, prog-rock and metal instrumentation instantly transport listeners to a contentious world that’s overdue for a revolt.

“I spend a lot of time on social media, as a lot of people do, as an observer and see objective reality and objective truth becoming relics,” Ron Tippin said.

“Some people just can hone in on a narrative—that’s the reality for them—and they get siloed in that. It’s made the divisions more pronounced than ever.”

Continue reading “Pushing Back – Widetrack Challenges Rigid Societies and Mindsets on ‘Monoliths’ Album” →