Mitten Backstage

▶▶ Support Matthew Finch! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_fiinch/ Listen to Matt's AI Audio Experiments here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mqoRiMsK7MgROeZqRBrbTEaMnWaaKSEu?usp=share_link

Learn more about AI here: https://huggingface.co Thanks to Mak Mattis for their work editing this episode! Make sure you check out what they're up to here: https://www.instagram.com/makenzie.mattis Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. From artists touring on stage to skilled technicians and savvy business types on the back end, you'll hear stories, advice, and candid conversations from all walks of the music industry in Michigan! ▶▶ Support this podcast and others like it on my Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker ▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker BIG THANKS to my patrons! Chris Bota George Herschel Cody Wilson Jim Lutz Kevin DePree Lee Heerspink Tracy Snedeker Keriann Conroy

I'm joined today by a great guitarist and great friend, Adam Marth! Many know Adam as a go-to gun-for-hire for gigs and studio sessions, a member of the stellar group Paddlebots, and a solo artist in his own right! We've shared a handful of shows, recording sessions, and Michigan music experiences together over the years and it was great to catch up with him during a typically slow season for many artists. We talk about the plans for each our of bands, cooking YouTubers we can't stop watching, and the balance of music for work and music for creative growth!

▶▶ Support Adam Marth!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adammarth/
Bandcamp: https://adammarth.bandcamp.com/
Paddlebots: https://paddlebotsmusic.com/

Thanks to Mak Mattis for their work editing this episode! Make sure you check out what they're up to here: https://www.instagram.com/makenzie.mattis  

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. From artists touring on stage to skilled technicians and savvy business types on the back end, you'll hear stories, advice, and candid conversations from all walks of the music industry in Michigan!

▶▶ Support this podcast and others like it on my Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Tracy Snedeker

I am joined today by Karli Morehouse, a wonderful human and stellar bandleader in the indie alt-pop band Lipstick Jodi! We chat about our upcoming show together with my band, Earth Radio, and Lady Ace Boogie (March 18th at Pyramid Scheme!), our shared confusion and persistence navigating social media, and about creative goals for 2023.

▶▶ Support Karli Morehouse!
Website: https://lipstickjodi.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lipstickjodi
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lipstickjodimusic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lipstickjodi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LipstickJodi
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lipstickjodi

Thanks to Mak Mattis for their work editing this episode! Make sure you check out what they're up to here: https://www.instagram.com/makenzie.mattis/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. From artists touring on stage to skilled technicians and savvy business types on the back end, you'll hear stories, advice, and candid conversations from all walks of the music industry in Michigan!

▶▶ Support this podcast and other's like it on my Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Tracy Snedeker

We kick off 2023 with today's guest, trumpet player, composer, and one of the artists I've personally worked with the longest who introduced me to so many folks in the Michigan music scene as a young artist: Brad Fritcher! We catch up and chat about Brad's journey living and working in Pennsylvania, Nebraska, and now Florida as a musician while reflecting on many of the projects we were involved in together over the years. He also hints on a future return to Michigan in our discussions, so if you've known Brad and have been wanting an update, this podcast is also for you!

Thanks to Mak Mattis for their work editing this episode!
Make sure you check out what they're up to here: https://www.instagram.com/makenzie.mattis/

▶▶ Support Brad Fritcher!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradmoods/
Bandcamp: https://bradfritchermoods.bandcamp.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch, and more!

▶▶ Support this podcast and all of my musical endeavors here!
https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla
Tracy Snedeker

Today's episode features a wonderful friend, musician, and the editor of many recent podcast episodes (and others going forward), Mak Mattis!

Listeners of the podcast might remember my previous interview with them last year, and since then so much has changed! We discuss how our lives have shifted to multiple new roles in our careers, how we are both working to be more mindful of our time and health, and we both spend time delighting in defining our creative goals and pursuits! This was a fun discussion, and you even get to see a small window into their home studio!

▶▶ Thanks to Mak Mattis for their work editing this episode!
Make sure you check out what they're up to here: https://www.instagram.com/makenzie.mattis/

Camaram: https://www.instagram.com/camaramband/
Volitionary: https://www.volitionarymusic.com/
Broad Leaf Brewery + Spirits: https://broadleafbeer.com/
School of Rock (Grand Rapids): https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/grandrapids

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch, and more!

▶▶ Early access, exclusive merch, and more when you support on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla
Tracy Snedeker

I had a great chat back in May with Jay Gavan about his career in the Michigan music scene, history, his recent album A Public Thing (which you can read my review for here), and swap stories of the pandemic and how our lives have been shaped by the industry shutting down for over a year. His latest record was a wonderful mix of passions and it was well-realized conceptually, so it was fun getting to dissect the music and learn more about the parallels between modern living and ancient Greece!

Many folks will know him as a performer in bands like Guitar Up! Surf Band,  The Brothers Kalamazov, The Red Sea Pedestrians, The Birdseed Salesmen, the Susie Parr Trio, and the Corn Fed Girls around the Kalamazoo area. Others know him as the founder of the Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival, a luthier who founded Kal-Tone Instruments, an instructor at both the Kalamazoo Academy of Rock and Kalamazoo Music School, and even a history professor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC)! If any of ya'll are in the Kalamazoo area, keep an eye out for Jay around the scene, show him some love for the work he has done to create opportunities for musicians in the city!

Thanks to Makenzie Mattis for their work editing this episode! Make sure you check out what they're up to here:
https://www.instagram.com/makenzie.mattis/

▶▶ Support Jay Gavan!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.gavan
Bandcamp: https://jaygavan.bandcamp.com/

Guitar Up!: https://www.guitarupsurfband.com/
The Red Sea Pedestrians: http://www.theredseapedestrians.com/
The Birdseed Salesmen: https://www.facebook.com/TheBirdseedSalesmen/
The Susie Parr Trio: https://www.susieparrtrio.com/
Corn Fed Girls: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100037207581290

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Every two weeks, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch, and more!

▶▶ Early access, exclusive merch, and more when you support on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla
Tracy Snedeker

Today I'm joined by musician and Walk the Beat director Dave Palmer! He has been a fixture of the Grand Haven music community in a variety of ways, from his years of performer to creating and funding artist opportunities through Walk the Beat, an organization that believes in "providing support and guidance for young people to learn musical skills enhances their creativity, confidence and connectedness to their community." Every year in multiple cities, dozens of artists perform and all are entered into a competition to win thousands of dollars in studio time at Third Coast Recording Company to capture their latest tracks. We talk all about this organization, our busy summers, and more!

Walk The Beat Podcast episode we did years ago: https://youtu.be/S3ncddTmbw0

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch, and more!

▶▶ Early access, exclusive merch, and more when you support on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

Thanks to Makenzie Mattis for editing this episode!

It has been awhile since I've posted, as I'm sure you've noticed, so I detail the craziness that has been my life the last couple of months as I anticipate going into a busy next couple of months playing several festivals, traveling, camping, and somehow trying to get in shape/prepared for a fall trip/studio session with one of my bands.

This will serve as an update for Mitten Backstage, but Life is a Piano listeners can glean info from this as well. I appreciate your patience and understand as things continue to be adjusted!

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch, and more!

▶▶ Early access, exclusive merch, and more when you support on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

▶▶ Support Kevin Kozel!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevinkozel
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevinkozel/
Third Coast Recording Company: https://www.thirdcoastrecording.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

I'm joined today by Joshua Dreyer! He is a percussionist and drummer in Grand Rapids that has a variety of roles: instructor, the GM of the new School of Rock location in Grand Rapids, and a freelance performer with groups like the West Michigan New Music Collective and the Grand Rapids Symphony. We met years ago at GVSU and we're both alumni of the GVSU New Music Ensemble, which led to the creation of the WMNMC. If you enjoy reflective career talks and discussions around music education and percussion, this one is perfect for you!

▶▶ Support Joshua Dreyer!
Website: http://www.joshuadreyermusic.com/
School of Rock GR (Register for their Open House April 23rd!): https://www.schoolofrock.com/locations/grandrapids

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch, and more!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

I'm joined today by bassist Matt Ryan! We've known each other for years since sharing a cabin as Blue Lake Fine Arts campers, and it was great catching up with him since we last saw each other at NAMM 2020. We talk about his shows with Alex Isley, his new album, and what it feels like to go into a busy gigging season after the past two years!

▶▶ Support Matt Ryan!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.ryan.560
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt.b.ryan/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

We're back baby! After a trip that took up a large chunk of March rolling right into an important tribute show event, I'm joined today by drummer Joe Phillion! We chat about our lives as gigging musicians, and he goes into great detail about the years he spent touring with Ultraviolet Hippopotamus (UV Hippo). If you enjoy touring talk, great stories, and a burst of positive energy, this is for you!

▶▶ Support Joe Phillion!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strokesofthunder/
The Turnips: https://www.facebook.com/TheTurnips
UV Hippo: https://uvhippo.bandcamp.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

Hello folks! Good to be back from my two month hiatus, and I'm feeling refreshed and ready for a great year of conversations! We've known each other for years and both attended Grand Valley State University for our music undergrads, even being members of the same piano studio for part of it!

I'll let her provide her introduction, since her bio speaks volumes about our conversation today:

Caitlin Cusack grew up in Ionia, Michigan. She attended GVSU and got a Bachelor of Arts with emphases in Voice and Piano and a Theatre Minor. After college, Caitlin worked as a high school musical theatre director, choral accompanist, musical theatre and opera stage manager, and musical theatre performer. She then worked at GVSU as Publicity and Recruitment Coordinator for the Dept. of Music, Theatre, and Dance and a church music director up until her life changing brain injury on her 26th birthday in May 2018. Post-injury she had to focus solely on rehabilitation and one year later, her Mom unexpectedly passed away from cancer on her 27th birthday in May 2019. Since then, she  has continued to focus on improving her brain’s dysfunction and has slowly been making her way back into the music world. She has found comfort in exploring healing through songwriting. As her brain continues to improve, she hopes to share her songs to help others on through their own struggles.

▶▶ Support Caitlin Cusack!
Website: http://www.caitlincusack.com/
Concussion Blog: http://www.caitlincusack.com/concussion-blog
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caitlin.cusack1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caitlin_q/

▶▶ Watch her recent concert at Soundcheck in Lowell!
Link: https://fb.watch/bwYvMcMEEO/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes, exclusive merch with the monthly newsletter, and more!

▶▶ Early access, bonus merch and access to sheet music, a performance archive, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

(Note: Sorry for the intro audio fading out too early at the beginning, and apologies for any audio issues recording this way! Enlisting some help with these things in the future)

I take some time to reflect on the first year of Mitten Backstage! So many great memories, conversations, and I learned a ton. I also announce my 2 months off of socials to kick off 2022, which also includes a break from publishing episodes of the podcast until March 2022.

Thanks to every patron, listener, and supporter of this podcast! So excited to see what next year will bring and I'm looking forward to more conversations with so many Michigan musicians!

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

Fresh off of her 3 month tour as a monitor engineer with Blue October, I catch up with my friend Emily Pearce! She talks about stories from the road, what it's like going on that long of a stretch of shows (and tips for your own longer tour stretch), and what we're looking forward to for 2022! This was a great episode, and it was fun to both catch up with her and see her Instagram updates from tour!

▶▶ Support Emily Pearce!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eeeeeemmily/
Blue October: https://www.blueoctober.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

▶▶ Support Kris Johnson!
Website: https://www.krisjohnsonmusic.com/
Office Hours with Kris Johnson: https://www.officehourswithkrisjohnson.com/
Film: https://www.krisjohnsonmusic.com/film

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krisjohnsonmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisjohnsonmusic/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/krisjohnsonmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6xnhWVk4nSSLsgd1o1s07A

Community Music School: https://cms.msu.edu/detroit/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

Fresh off of his return to the stage opening for Desmond Jones at Elevation, Zack Volkers joins us today for the podcast! We chat about passion projects, our background and history with video games, and what we're looking to focus on in 2022! Keep an eye out for future shows with his project, Zack Volkers & Friends, alongside a soon-to-be-named new band!

▶▶ Support Zack Volkers!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/volkers
Music Page: https://www.facebook.com/zackvolkersmusic/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker|
▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

Matthew Finch and I worked on a ton of projects together while we were at GVSU, from jazz combo to the composition studio to gigs in GR, and it was so great to catch up with him for the podcast! He now lives in Brooklyn, where he is merging his love of technology with his passion for ambient, spacious music. We chat about a ton of subjects from culture and politics to trends in music to the various mergers of art and technology. Time flew by in this episode!

▶▶ Support Matthew Finch!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthew_fiinch/
Bandcamp: https://m-o-t-h.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0dHGZEhBfe88jysrZKuGkJ?si=FIsY8jnUSnmgYibuKPgmNw

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

After an insanely busy wedding gig season, culminating in me playing his wedding reception, I catch up with guitarist/singer Chris Cranick! We touch base and chat about our creative projects, including his recent new solo album (that I tracked keys on) and some updates around his band, Overdrive Orchestra.

Note: Zoom was causing some digital distortion, and it was hard to remove without messing up the dialogue, so there will be weird moments with the audio. Thank you for your understanding!

▶▶ Support Chris Cranick!
Website: https://linktr.ee/chriscranick
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chriscranickmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscranick/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisCranickMusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rpZY0x4nsqnYKqVYKSR8p?si=UF82WVM-TQaO_ikf_-Bk0g
Bandcamp: https://chriscranickmusic.bandcamp.com/

Overdrive Orchestra
Website: https://overdriveorchestra.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OverdriveOrchestra/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/overdriveorchestra/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmhwJ69SxfgQveO39I8DiJQ
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/overdrive-orchestra/381644994
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7xeTmcjGWU60MaU7nly3ID?si=HrRectAvT2ykWq5l7ZTF1g

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

I'm joined today by Hudsonville guitarist Lee Heerspink! I first heard about Lee through his involvement in Derek Brown's recent album with the Holland Concert Jazz Orchestra and later met him through gigging with the BlueWater Kings Band. He's part educator, part arranger, part skilled guitarist, and part father, juggling so many roles all while keeping a cool head and a calm demeanor! We chat about his recent album (that I was also on), his upcoming release show at Listening Room, and his background in music school, a military music career, and more!

▶▶ Support Lee Heerspink!
Website: https://leeheerspink.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.heerspink
Bandcamp: https://leeheerspink.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5xGgeyvAgBlgx7FdoMcHQx?si=8F9A3aS8R_mGjTeWPeti4A

Nov 13th Album Release Show: https://listeningroomgr.com/shows-events/detail/Lee-Heerspink

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

Jeff Baldus is on the podcast today! Jeff is a Grand Haven based bass player who performs as a freelance musician, mainly with the BlueWater Kings Band for weddings and corporate events, and works for C3, a spiritual community that highlights the talents of local artists and features impactful guest speakers on all sorts of topics from Civil Rights to environmental action. We chat about our wedding season fatigue and freelancing in 2021 in today's episode of the Mitten Backstage!

▶▶ Support Jeff Baldus!
C3 Website: https://c3westmichigan.org/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink
Patty PerShayla

I'm joined this week by Alana White, a wonderful musician from Grand Rapids who now lives in Chicago! We met years ago at GVSU when we were both working on our music degrees, and since then she has gone on to form okaycool and explore her creativity beyond the expectations of her classical vocal studies!

▶▶ Support Alana White!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shell.n.bones/

Okaycool
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/okaycoolband/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/okaycoolband/
Bandcamp: https://okaycoolband.bandcamp.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink

Having recently caught with these guys a little on a photo shoot AND anticipating my next video session with them soon, it's clear that Dogtown Studio has seamlessly woven themselves into the fabric of the Grand Rapids/broader Michigan music scene!

These longtime friends and creative collaborators built there reputation off a year of free work creating awesome videos and memorable sessions with so many artists of all styles, and since then they have gone on to be a go-to source for quality video shoots in and out of their studio space. We chat about working with limitations, balance the creative with the business end of things, and we even reflect about that first year and how it informed them as creative entrepreneurs and community members today!

▶▶ Support Dogtown Studio!
Website: https://www.dogtowngr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogtownstudio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogtownstudio/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3rgGuppUvzDARgMKrO4C7g
Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dogtownstudio

Book a Session! team@dogtowngr.com

Tito Mendoza (Latest Video): https://youtu.be/hWpvEgi6m7A
Moon Lava: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3pKEpJZ37MAUasvYgkGtLD?si=q7I7oQRMQxaPPXB8SG13Jw

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink

Conrad Schaak is known around the Grand Rapids music scene as an ambitious, helpful, multi-faceted artist in groups like .Shi, Conrad Shock + The Noise, and as a label manager for Culture.M4a! Whether you need assistance producing your next record, an artist to provide a distinct flavor to your lineup, or a way to distribute your album (even with the option to print items to tape!), this guy has you covered!

We chat a ton about gear, how it informs the creative process, and we touch base with what types of creative projects he is currently involved in as 2021 moves into those colder, indoor months of creativity and rest for Michigan musicians!

▶▶ Support Conrad Schaak!

Pre-Save New Music: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/shi8/time--space-ermillion

Watch our collaboration as .Shi, Dante Cope, and Dutcher Snedeker that we did through Dogtown Studio!
Full Set: https://youtu.be/uG58gEp1AfQ

Culture.M4a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/culturem4a/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culture.m4a/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@culture.m4a

Conrad Shock + The Noise
Bandcamp: https://cnradshckthenise.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Conradshock/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conrad_shock/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Q_pxgrMQf0H1vJ2R0hIbA

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives.

Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and more!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink

I chat with Brandon Copeland, a man of many talents and backgrounds in the Grand Rapids music scene! From DIY venue parties and running a punk venue to live sound/studio engineering work to teaching at the West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology (WMCAT) to creative projects like Dante Cope and Les Creatif, there are many avenues to engage with his art and learn from his experiences!

▶▶ Support Brandon Copeland!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dantecope
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dantecope/
Bandcamp: https://dantecope.bandcamp.com/

Les Creatif
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lescreatifmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lescreatifband/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/67UGm8qZCdIzlynxbkxRtA?si=XEdgUZ75R_W7EgyNu05-Sw&dl_branch=1

WMCAT: https://wmcat.org/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and more!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink

We're back! This week, I'm joined by bassist and collaborator Ben Steer, a name you might recognize from his heyday with The Zannies around Grand Rapids, MI! In the years since this group disbanded, Ben has made a name for himself as a quality session and subbing bassist around West Michigan and is now taking the step towards being a full time musician while also pouring a lot of creative time into his own personal music. You can hear him with groups like Elijah Russ, Melophobix, The Hackey Turtles, and Bedroom Ceilings. It was great getting to chat with him on the return episode of Mitten Backstage!

▶▶ Support Ben Steer!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nzabob
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bass_with_ben/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@viperbowstring

Bedroom Ceilings: https://bedroomceilings.bandcamp.com/
The Hackey Turtles: http://thehackyturtles.com/
Elijah Russ: https://www.elijahruss.com/
Melophobix: https://melophobix.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and more!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink

Since graduating from the University of Michigan years ago, Dr. Annika Socolofsky has cemented herself as a powerful voice in the contemporary classical space as a singer, composer, and performer collaborating with artists from around the globe. It had been a few years since I sat down and chatted with her, and what a wonderful conversation that followed with this podcast chat! We catch up and chat about our lives, including her move to Colorado and the challenges that came with it during 2020, her upcoming creative projects with Latitude 49 and her new artist collective Anticx, and the joys of music-making and teaching reigniting the passion being able to teach in-person again and after performing at Gaudeamus Muziekweek in Utrecht this month!

▶▶ Support Dr. Annika Socolofsky!
Website: http://www.aksocolofsky.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annika.socolofsky
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annikasoco/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYdKxTeFUmDkbL-CKAPQRfg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5rRO8OlJaGh5kTPDxlB0Qw?si=mriCxdY-RyK2H8jzg0_QDw&dl_branch=1
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/aksoco

Anticx: https://anticx.art/
Gaudeamus Muziekweek: https://gaudeamus.nl/en/pioniers/annika-socolofsky/

Performances:
w/ Eighth Blackbird: https://youtu.be/KOzzxNx5t-k
w/ So Percussion: https://youtu.be/KOzzxNx5t-k
w/ Latitude 49: https://youtu.be/YiGNAqojIgI

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Lee Heerspink

I sit down and chat with David Ward, a drummer/percussionist/producer/emcee from the east side of Michigan! He is a recent addition to the Earth Radio crew, is friends with my West Coast family members (small world), and can be seen with Sabbatical Bob, Fiendigods, Lily Talmers, and giving "biking bar tours" around Ann Arbor! We recently played Pond Jam together and it was nice to have some more time to chat.

▶▶ Support David Ward!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngsinsei/

Sabbatical Bob: https://sabbaticalbob.wixsite.com/funk

Fiendigods
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fiendigods/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/fiendigods

Lily Talmers: https://www.instagram.com/el_tee_music/

*Single he recorded with my group, Earth Radio, that released earlier this year called "After the Plague": https://earthradiogr.bandcamp.com/track/after-the-plague

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

I'm happy to sit down at chat with Loren Kranz! When he's not on the keys co-leading the Barbarossa Brothers or grooving on the kit with the Mark Lavengood Band and Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds, he's a passionate, full-time musician of 12 years with stories to tell and students to teach through Major Chords for Minors, a non-profit based in the Saginaw area. We always have great chats on the road and at shows with Mark Lavengood, and he's always a welcome addition to any lineup! We chat about our newfound perspectives ending a crazy summer of gigging after a year and a half of uncertainty and what we're looking forward to for the future, it's a podcast episode full of hope and wisdom!

▶▶ Support Loren Kranz!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lorenkranz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lorenkranz/

Barbarossa Brothers: https://www.facebook.com/brothersbarbarossa/
Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds: https://theragbirds.com/
Mark Lavengood: https://www.marklavengood.com/

Major Chords for Minors: http://www.majorchordsforminors.org/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

It's been forever since I've chatted with guitarist Olin Clark! He's based in Brooklyn now, but he grew up and studied in Michigan for years before making the leap to the East Coast. We catch up and chat about a variety of things, including his upcoming album (dropping Sept 17th) with his group Pieces.

▶▶ Support Olin Clark!
Website: https://olinclark.weebly.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/olin.clark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olinjaclark/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCopjuj26ChjGe7TcyWjcC6g
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yaBBqtKfi9Zdzv6w4MqiD?si=YXx7Sr8aRBeagVwvQt2KRw&dl_branch=1
Bandcamp: https://olinclark.bandcamp.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

Hello! No guest this week, things got moved around and rescheduled, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to talk about my background in music, from growing up in a musical family to studying piano all the way through my Masters to playing in a variety of groups in West Michigan over the past decade!

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

It's always such a pleasure to chat with Grand Rapids singer and wonderful person Sarena Rae! We chat about our shared background in the West Michigan church scene, performing together in BlueWater Kings, our desire to bridge the gap between artistic communities, and she even asks me some great questions about studying and preparing music!

▶▶ Support Sarena Rae!
Website: https://sarenarae.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarenaRaeMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarenaraemusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChv1Z-rr0GkE-qTyGaZxheg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4jIbYLmJt0P12tl6DtAz25?si=dMxM1n3FTieU_MhQwH3tww&dl_branch=1
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sarena-rae/593129399

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

Today's guest is Luke Sass! From working with bands like Four Finger Five to his family's construction business to running the Founder's Brewing Company Entertainment Team, Luke is a supportive companion of the Michigan Music scene and always seeks to build up others with the work he is involved in. We chat for the first time in over a year, so we chat about life, our current passions and focuses, but we also touch on Luke's time at Woodstock 99! This was such a great chat!

▶▶ Support Luke Sass!
Keep an eye out for Sass Unlimited and future links that we'll be added to this description
Email: lukemsass@gmail.com

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

Now based in Chicago, I met jazz vocalist Hannah Truckenbrod while we were both studying at Western Michigan University. After graduating, she toured for a few years with the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and has even performed recently with Kurt Elling! We catch up and chat about her recent pivot to more video work, her time on the road with this legacy jazz band, and how frustrating it is to work on social media for multiple accounts!

▶▶ Support Hannan Truckenbrod!
Website: https://www.hannahtruckenbrod.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannah.truckenbrod.7
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahetruck/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoi9_Y1cKmBC5tulQXk_l3w
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4a8Wng1fLqOyj7Bk76UMzi?si=pecMBtg2RxeuKoqsV7TaiA&dl_branch=1

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

Fresh off his trip out west, Elijah Russ sits down for a discussion today on Mitten Backstage! Folks know him as a solo artist, a bandleader for the Elijah Russ Collective, and a freelancer that teaches, a former touring artist with Harper and The Midwest Kind, and a guest artist with groups like Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys and Melophobix. We talk about his travels (including meeting Van Morrison's guitarist), upcoming music projects, and how his work/life balance has changed for the better as live music returns to Michigan.

Note: Apologies for the audio quality, my computer wasn't displaying video correctly using my normal setup so I had to use my phone with Airpods for this interview. I appreciate your patience and understanding!

▶▶ Support Elijah Russ!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elijahrussmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elijahruss/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3BTe748w8xXc56Ed257D9W?si=DtgxTTnASB-o9sjZlujOiw&dl_branch=1
Great Lakes Live: https://youtu.be/fsFqTCa_opI
Dogtown Session: https://youtu.be/XKBRw1GgdtY
Mind Your Business (Live at Third Coast Recording Company): https://youtu.be/ZWwmUlmGXM8

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

I got to catch up with fearless Michigan music warrior and dedicated supporter of the community Hundo! We chat about music, community, and she drops some details on her upcoming singles! There's also a surprise from some special guests who happened to be nearby!

▶▶ Support Hundo!
Website: http://www.hundomusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HundoMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hundomusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/HundoMusic
Bandcamp: https://hundomusic.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1M0Wgjn0KHmeIgWlme3fGN?si=e-ONLmvdRvCAUhjobabytA&dl_branch=1
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/hundo/1439261313
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/hundomusic

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

I'm happy to have had some time to catch up with Danielle Cosby, a talented singer, songwriter, music industry hustler, and artist who was born and raised in Michigan! She's regularly performed with groups like Brena, Hip Pocket, and been on the BlueWater Kings roster as a performer and producer! We touch base now that things are opening up and discuss her upcoming July 11th single release, what she's currently focused on now, and her recent move to Nashville!

▶▶ Support Danielle Cosby!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielle.songstress/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.songstress/
Bandcamp: https://daniellecosby.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/10mg112yOHKUQ0WbBpaWCQ?si=utfGTXcnR_600u8Wnia9ag&dl_branch=1

New Single "Better People" (Pre-Save!): https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/daniellecosby/better-people?fbclid=IwAR3r_HlhQL_VvjdlHPmfFikjwGtmZlI2AlS5p3QLrSBW46wSy8-ckkvZ08o

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

▶▶ Support Makenzie Mattis!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makenzie.mattis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makenzie.mattis/
Okaycool: https://okaycoolband.bandcamp.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

▶▶ Support Da'Veonce Washington!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MrDeeWashington/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrdeewashingtonsmusic/
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/recordings/pl.u-kv9lbZ5u7g2MKqo
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drummerdeedw/featured
GrooveGround Music: https://groovegroundmusic.com/
Renaissance Church of God in Christ: https://www.facebook.com/renaissance.church.9

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

I'm joined today by Nathan Coles! We've known each other for awhile now, since our undergrad studies at GVSU, and we play together in a trio called Normal Mode. He also is a freelance drummer for various groups, musicals, and he works for Black Swamp Percussion, a company specializing in orchestral equipment like snare drums and tambourines.

▶▶ Support Nathan Coles!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathan__coles/
Normal Mode: https://www.instagram.com/n0rmalm0de/
Black Swamp Percussion: https://www.blackswamp.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

I got to catch up with my old boss and multi-faceted friend in the Michigan music scene, Morgan Haner! When I worked at Founders Brewing Company, Morgan trained all of the sound engineers on our team, repaired and sourced all of the tech needed for shows, and more behind the scenes. He also is a performing singer and guitarist with a new album dropping on June 11th, 2021!

▶▶ Support Morgan Haner!
Bandcamp: https://morganhaner.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganseiberthaner/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

Today's guest is Sam Pilnick, a saxophonist, educator, and composer that I met during our mutual time studying at Western Michigan University and living in Kalamazoo! We chat about music education, composition, and Sam's new nonet project album being released this summer!

▶▶ Support Sam Pilnick!
Website: http://www.sampilnickmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SamPilnickMusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesampilnickproject/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sampilnickmusic

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

I'm joined today by Ian Thompson, a bassist/educator in Grand Rapids, MI that I've been playing with on various gigs over the past few years. You can hear his work with such groups as Cameron Blake, BlueWater Kings Band, and Normal Mode, a new jazz/lo-fi/spacey trio project we play in together!  

▶▶ Support Ian Thompson!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my_avatar_is_ian/
Cameron Blake: https://www.cameronblakemusic.com/
Normal Mode: https://www.instagram.com/n0rmalm0de/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

Evan "Woots" Wouters joins us today for a wonderful chat about his upcoming album, "Keep Up," that drops this Saturday, May 22nd! He put in a ton of work and over 2 years of studio sessions and wrangling collaborators to make this release.   

▶▶ Support Evan Wouters!
Website: www.wootsmusic.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wootsmusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wootsmusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsROHGzNCiiRBq4zeMeHrqg
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0pMPMOTVvEBGaIQzwEfnUs?si=GETlOdrxQYGNxihJhVkKNA
Bandcamp: https://woots.bandcamp.com/album/keep-up  

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!  

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker   

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

It's always a pleasure to chat with Steve Leaf, a man of many talents and countless quips. This one went off the rails in the best way, and it adds to all of the reasons you should check out his art and follow him straight to The Cone Zone.

▶▶ Support Steve Leaf!
Website: https://www.steveleafmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/steveleafmusic/
​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ileafsteve/
Bandcamp: https://steveleaf.bandcamp.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3lMJeYv9H02pstvdDJWZpl?si=5DupLDZ-TG-UnklmD3K2Ew

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!    

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker​

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel  
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

I had a great time chatting with Mike Schertenlieb! He's a solid dude to have in your corner, a thoughtful musician, and a hard-working, tirelessly-supportive individual that plays drums for all sorts of Muskegon-based projects, including Flexadecibel. You can regularly see him on social media posting about his process as a writer and performer.

▶▶ Support Mike Schertenlieb!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/muxmike
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muxmike/
Flexadecibel: https://flexadecibel.com/

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!  

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedeker   

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content!
Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker




BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree
Calandra Jones

Happy to have had some time to chat with Randall Erno this week! He's had a wide variety of experiences being in the Michigan music scene, from touring with different bands to working on festivals. We did some chatting before his group, Biomassive, hits the road for a few outdoor dates around the Midwest and South.   

▶▶ Support Randall Erno!
Biomassive: https://www.biomassive.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/biomassivemusic/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biomassivemusic/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI4czT748tYq5Sdw4RUmDXw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6uvfJj4eSI7AfzkjhisgDH?si=aF5q2z5jQjO3p11MTd_S7w  

Mitten Backstage is a podcast hosted by Michigan artist Dutcher Snedeker and centering on conversations around life, the industry, creative pursuits, and navigating the scene as Michigan creatives. Each week, you can see discussions on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you subscribe on Patreon you can get early access to episodes and behind-the-scenes access to streamed tapings where you can join in on the conversation!  

▶▶ Early access and private streams every week! Also, bonus merch and access to lessons, consultations, and remote studio recording! https://www.patreon.com/dutchersnedek...​   

▶▶ Follow me on other socials for additional music and video content! Linktree (Website, Socials, etc): https://linktr.ee/dutchersnedeker​​​  

BIG THANKS to my patrons!
Tracy Snedeker
Chris Bota
George Herschel
Kyler Byker
Cody Wilson
Jim Lutz
Kevin DePree

I catch up with James Knoerl, a multifaceted drummer who rises to every occasion on his instrument. We initially met at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, when he and a mutual friend, Detroit bassist Matt Ryan, were playing Liquid Tension Experiment covers in our cabin for "fun." He can write, record, produce, and film all things related to his skills on a drum kit, and there are a host of bands he has and continues to perform with on the East Coast and around the world. He plays for Aviations, Brand of Sacrifice, and Gargoyl, and he has subbed for bands like Threat Signal and The Faceless on tour. He graduated from the Berklee School of Music, has produced his own music, and has traveled with Carnival Cruiselines.  

Seriously, I could go on and list so many accomplishments and cool experiences he has been involved in, but I'll let you enjoy this episode to hear from James himself!

▶▶ Support James Knoerl!
Website: https://jamesknoerl.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesPlaysDrums  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesplaysdrums/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JamesPlaysDrums  
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfGCRDZ5m3LdYiJVI9dn98g
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/jamesplaysdrums/  

▶▶ Support the bands James works with!
Aviations: https://www.facebook.com/AviationsBand/
Brand of Sacrifice: https://brandofsacrifice.com/
Gargoyl: https://www.facebook.com/GargoylBand/