Category: Songs

Classic Take – Blockhouse Valley Creates Rootsy Renditions of ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ for the Holiday Season

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Blockhouse Valley’s Danny Steinkopf, Cody Cooper, Ashleigh Glass and Jon Howard create radiant versions of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Auld Lang Syne.” Photo – Kyla Preissner

Four years ago, Metro Detroit’s Blockhouse Valley made plans to reimagine two classic songs for the holiday season.

While heading north to a performance at the Lexington Village Theatre, Ashleigh Glass (vocals) and Cody Cooper (mandolin, guitar) discussed creating a rootsy arrangement for “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

“We had a little time to play together before Cody’s performance that evening, and the arrangement came to us very quickly and naturally,” said Glass, who’s performed with Cooper in the Americana group since 2019. “So much so that we decided to film it there in the Airbnb and posted it to our social media that night.”

After their trip to Lexington, Michigan, the two shared their idea with bandmates Jon Howard (guitar) and Danny Steinkopf (upright bass) and created a radiant version that beautifully captures the holiday spirit.

“The textures added by the mandolin and upright bass truly polished the gem that we started with,” Glass said. “We are excited to share the emotional roller coaster of our rendition that embraces the familiarity of the classic and adds our warmth, relatability and spirit.”

To further capture that feeling, Blockhouse Valley also opted to record a Celtic-inspired version of “Auld Lang Syne” as a B-side to “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

“Cody’s arrangement truly astounded me! I love that our version plays into the Celtic roots of the traditional piece and elevates it beyond the typical drinking song interpretations,” Glass said. “We hope that this call to reflection and appreciation for your past, present and future will be a welcome addition to holiday traditions.”

I recently spoke to Glass about the group’s latest holiday singles, a Dec. 15 show at Four Keys Brewing in Blissfield, Michigan and plans for 2024.

Continue reading “Classic Take – Blockhouse Valley Creates Rootsy Renditions of ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne’ for the Holiday Season” →

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” →

The Soundcheck – The Idiot Kids, Dog Latin and Ally Evenson

The November edition of The Soundcheck spotlights looking inward to see how we’ve evolved over time and what the next life chapter might bring. There’s a refreshing honesty and authenticity that comes with sharing that growth and the unexpected wisdom that emerges from it—regardless of your age or experience.

The Idiot Kids, “Wilted Bloom” & “White Flags” 

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The Idiot Kids’ Nicholas Zambeck, Jon-Mikal Bartee and Andrew Maslowsky share honest reflections on their latest singles, “Wilted Bloom” and “White Flags.” Photo courtesy of The Idiot Kids

The Idiot Kids openly address overcoming addiction and missing past interactions with friends on “Wilted Bloom.”

The Detroit garage-punk trio of Jon-Mikal Bartee (vocals, guitar), Nicholas Zambeck (bass) and Andrew Maslowsky (drums, vocals) share those honest reflections on the new single from their upcoming album, Chapels, which drops Dec. 1.

“‘Wilted Bloom’ is more about that feeling of being an addict and seeing those things,” said Bartee, who’s now seven years sober. “I was driving around a few months ago, and I just saw someone smoking a cigarette with the windows down and the weather was incredible. I was like, ‘I miss it so much; I miss the meditative aspect of it.’”

Backed by fiery electric guitar, bass and drums, Bartee sings, “You’re just a weed inside my garden / Hoping that I’ll pluck you soon / You want me to feed upon your pollen / Well, I’ve got an appetite for you!”

Continue reading “The Soundcheck – The Idiot Kids, Dog Latin and Ally Evenson” →

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” →

Inside Out – Kylee Phillips Gets Vulnerable and Introspective on New “Long Time Coming” EP

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Kylee Phillips shares a spectrum of emotions on “Long Time Coming.” Photo – Kris Herrmann

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

Kylee Phillips deliberately steps outside herself and looks inward on Long Time Coming.

The indie-pop singer-songwriter and keyboardist examines past vulnerabilities and realizations through a wiser lens on her new EP.

“It’s very autobiographical. Honestly, writing them was less about sharing them with other people and more about admitting things to myself,” said Phillips, who lives in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

“In the writing process, I struggle sometimes to be vulnerable or to process my own feelings in real life. I joke that sometimes you could ask me how I feel about a situation and I would say, ‘I don’t know,’ and then I would write a song and go, ‘I guess that’s how I feel about it.’”

On Long Time Coming, Phillips shares a spectrum of emotions—ranging from disappointment to anticipation to relief—across five introspective tracks. The EP’s cathartic lyrics and atmospheric pop instrumentation allow listeners to instantly grasp and connect with Phillips’ perspective.

“A lot of these songs were things that I was describing, especially ‘Long Time Coming,’ and are like the closets in your house where you put stuff and you’re like, ‘I’m not going to think about it; I’m going to pretend that all that crap has been in there,’” Phillips said. “Then at a certain point, you say, ‘I’m gonna have to look in that closet.’” 

Continue reading “Inside Out – Kylee Phillips Gets Vulnerable and Introspective on New “Long Time Coming” EP” →