Turn it Down: Amazing music, dreadful year: A quick look at 2020

With most local music venues closed or barely operating at this point, it’s difficult to look back at the year in music. Hundreds of shows that should’ve happened didn’t. Bar staff is hurting, sound techs are hurting, and — of course — so are the musicians who depend on gigging to pay bills. With that said, if you see an opportunity to support local musicians or venues, please consider doing so. The “gig economy” is a tough business, even when there isn’t a pandemic, so remember those who’ve dedicated their lives to entertaining us. Buy their albums, buy their merch and watch their streaming events. 

Of course, the pandemic put countless recording projects on hold, but some area songwriters kept that creative spark lit. Others found ways to support the scene. Here are just a few positive highlights mined from a truly grim year.

Mitten Mayhem Radio on 89.7FM

facebook.com/MittenMayhemRadio

Mitten Mayhem Radio on WLNZ’s 89.7-FM has been a powerful force for Lansing’s hip-hop scene for over five years now.  Hosted by Ward Beard, aka WardSkillz, the show airs live on Saturday nights from midnight-2 a.m. and spotlights emerging local talent, as well as business owners, athletes, politicians, public figures and more. Obviously, the program plays ample Michigan-made rap, too. Depending on the night, you could also hear live interviews, freestyles or rap cyphers. Beyond the airwaves, the show also supports the scene on its amazing YouTube channel (search: Mitten Mayhem Radio 89.7FM).

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Beard produced dozens of “Quarantine Raps” and “Vocal Distancing” videos, all featuring incredible performances from some of the finest emcees around. The series includes exclusive videos from Queen Tee, Dreal Dre, Chuck RX, Lil Whoodie, Jay Rich, Ahmad Da God, Lyric Monaee, and plenty more. During this time when performers cannot perform, this channel offered a well-deserved platform. Here’s to another great year of Mitten Mayhem.

Rodeo Boys — “Dogleg"

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Last summer, Rodeo Boys dropped “Cherry,” its debut 11-song LP that’s stacked with a smattering of grungy hooks and catchy punk-rock riffs. The Lansing-based outfit returned a couple months back with its follow up single and video, “Dogleg.” Released via Smog Moon Recordings, the punchy track teeters between hooky alt-rock and anthemic rock ’n roll. If you ever wondered what would happen if Hole and The Pixies magically melded into one dynamic outfit, look no further. Beyond the track itself, the music video fully delivers, as well. Directed by Nick and Lexi Couture, it not only features the band clad in bloody gauze, but locals Emma Risberg and Dylan Rogers offer up incredible acting cameos as brain-holding mad surgeons. It’s B-movie style goodness, and a fun departure from reality — right when we need it the most.

Mac’s Bar charity webstore

macsbarmerchandise.bigcartel.com

For decades, Mac’s Bar has been the city’s go-to grimy rock club. The large brick building on East Michigan Avenue has hosted legendary bands and countless local acts. The beer-soaked venue has been a trusty, albeit a tad dirty, haven for musicians from all genres. Need to book your friend’s metal band from Chicago on a Wednesday night? Mac’s Bar was often the go-to for such missions. The staff was there, no matter how high or low of a turnout there was, to serve you and your friends.

Then, 2020 happened. Since it doesn’t serve takeout food, Mac’s Bar has been hit extra hard during 2020. In an effort to financially support those out-of-work staffers, a Mac’s Bar charity webstore was launched and it’s stocked with remarkable Mac’s merch. There’s a “Keys to Mac's Bar” keychain and “Golden Dumpster” pins and pocket tees (the dumpster is a legendary Mac’s landmark). Lansing-based artist Craig Horky also offered up a new gutter-punk cat t-shirt (a nod to the stray cats behind the bar) for the online store. Have a few bucks and want to support locals? Go to macsbarmerchandise.bigcartel.com and snag some of this custom merchandise. Hopefully, soon, the world will be a safer place, and we can return to its hallowed, dirty floors and take in a show in person. Until then, let’s not forget about our local scene.