SUMMARY

Local Spins is a music and media platform focused on covering West Michigan’s music scene, including Grand Rapids and surrounding areas.

It was founded and is run by John Sinkevics, a longtime music critic and journalist (previously with The Grand Rapids Press). He serves as editor and publisher.

Their content includes:

• News updates about Michigan / West Michigan music
• In-depth features & reviews: album reviews, concert & festival reviews, artist spotlights.
• Guest columns, photo galleries, videos, playlists.
• Podcasts, including “Local Spins on WYCE”, and radio programs that showcase Michigan artists.

They partner with radio:

• Local Spins on WYCE (88.1 FM) broadcasts music by Michigan artists.
• Also has a radio show airing on Interlochen Public Radio.

Additional programs:

• “Local Spins Live” on News Talk 1340 AM WJRW: interviews, erformances, spotlighting both up-and-coming and established West Michigan musicians.
• A weekly concert series (“Local Spins Wednesdays”) at SpeakEZ Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids.

Reputation & Goals:

• Keep the spotlight on talented regional artists (from veterans to newcomers), helping grow awareness of the Michigan music scene.
• Described as one of the fastest-growing music websites in West Michigan; their audience is described as devoted.

DETAILS

Keeping the spotlight on talented West Michigan bands and the burgeoning regional concert scene: That was John Sinkevics’ mission for years as lead music critic and entertainment writer for The Grand Rapids Press.

Since 2012, he’s continued that mission as editor and publisher of the Local Spins website, with news updates on Grand Rapids-area musical happenings, concert listings, guest columns, photo galleries, videos, podcasts, concert, festival and album reviews, playlists and weekly features on different artists — many of whom appear on radio via Local Spins on WYCE at 11 a.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Sundays on

A version of the hour-long program that showcases music by Michigan artists also airs at 7 p.m. Saturdays on Interlochen Public Radio, with these stations: 91.5 FM Traverse City, 90.1 FM Harbor Springs/Petoskey and 89.7 FM Manistee/Ludington.

Editor, Publisher, Festival-Attender: John Sinkevics

His work has been acknowledged by musicians, music lovers and radio listeners: Not only was the Grand Haven native honored by WYCE with a Legacy Award for his support of the music community, but he hosts a much-revered weekly concert series featuring Michigan acts at SpeakEZ Lounge in downtown Grand Rapids — part of Local Spins’ goal to spotlight local talent, from veteran artists to up-and-coming bands. (Although on hiatus in 2025, Local Spins Fest also has celebrated the publication’s anniversary in May, with a celebration featuring high-profile Michigan bands performing at Studio Park in downtown Grand Rapids and elsewhere.)

The website also depends on a dedicated, talented staff of freelance writers and photographers who tirelessly provide coverage of bands, solo artists, concerts, festivals and more across West Michigan.

Local Spins posts reviews and in-depth features focusing attention on a host of important and eclectic Grand Rapids area bands and solo artists, regularly honoring some of the region’s best: The Crane Wives, The Soil and The Sun, Jordan Hamilton, Vox Vidorra, Conrad Shock + The Noise, Jake Kershaw, Dave Hardin, Drew Nelson, Ralston Bowles, Bless You Boys, The Fuzzrites, Simien the Whale, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus, Kanin Wren, Myron Elkins and more.

As a result of all these efforts, Local Spins has become the fastest-growing music website in West Michigan and the No. 1-rated music publication with a growing audience of devoted readers.

Stories and features focusing on West Michigan’s music scene also can be found regularly in the Traverse City Record-Eagle and the Ottawa News Network.