THE LATEST AT MACKINAW HARVEST

Spring 2020

 

Greetings Music Soldiers!  

​

Hope this finds you all well and creative during this crazy quarantine time. Here's a peek into what's been happening around here:

 

The GR studios proper have been closed down due to state order since March 13.  We've all set up home studios to fight the boredom!  Since, I finally have time, I'm currently writing and recording a record of my own.  It's ambient instrumental music intended to serve as a background chill out soundtrack.  Should have that finished and released within the next few months. More on that at Troll4Trout.com

​

In early March, just before Covid closed down the country, I was in Los Angeles with Pop Evil. Finishing touches were put on their new record "Let the Chaos Reign" and Leigh and I had a great time on morning hikes in the Hollywood Hills, frequenting classic LA restaurants and working on various things in a few different studios.  We were also present at the last NBA game of the year-Lakers/Nets at the Staples Center.  That was a bit surreal after they ended up pulling the whole season the next day.  Luckily, we all made it home later that week.  Flights were about 25% full at best.  Good to be back home!

The first two new Pop Evil singles "Work" and "Let the Chaos Reign" were just released.  Check them out on all your regular streaming services and here.  Get ready to ROCK!

​

And speaking of Pop Evil, I had a nice few days working with Leigh here in studio back in December.  We spent most of our time writing new songs(along with our old pal Orlando Rodriguez).  We also finished writing and demoing a new holiday tune entitled "Dear Santa", a plea to the white-bearded jolly feller to help us get more Rock N Roll this year! Leigh performed the song on the Pop Evil's acoustic holiday tour to rave reviews. 

​

Newcomer Myron Elkins has been in the studio working on demos for his debut album showcasing his precocious old school country sound.  Look for the 19 year old as he takes the mid west by storm!

 

And speaking of country, we've recently completed the debut EP for the band "Conestoga".   Check them out here: https://conestogacountry.com/

​

Singer-songwriter Brenden Monroe has been writing and preparing to demo a bunch of songs.  You may know him as part of the Conestoga group, but he is also developing a solo career.  Brenden recently had the opportunity to open for Pop Evil on their Holiday acoustic tour.  Good stuff coming for this kid for sure!  Website in the works.  For now, check him out here

​

Over the winter, singer-songwriter Edison Kitt has been back in the studio working on a new batch of tunes in the Americana format. His current release "Hello" is a nice collection of heartfelt tunes that are sure to make you happy!  Check it out here:  https://www.edisonkitt.com/the-strangers

 

Last fall, we helped release Country/Americana artist Ed Dupas' 3rd full length release entitled "The Lonesome Side of Town".  Ed and I traveled to Nashville to participate in Americana Fest. and performed shows in Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas.  The records now showing on the Americana chart currently at #68 and rising.  Good stuff happening for Ed!  Click here to keep up with him.

 

And while in Nashville, I got to catch up with a bunch of other music biz folks including my pal John Strohm at Rounder Records, Gary Paczosa (Rounder), Mark Cunningham of Red Light Management(Brandi Carlile), Scott Gerow of Battery Lane Studios, Doug Frasure, Steve Poltz, The Steel Wheels, Hayes Carll, The Accidentals, Mary Bragg, Bellweather and Kimber Cleveland at a goat party at Doug & Telisha Williams' house!

​

And, we've recently put the finishing touches on singer-songwriter Steven Trosin's sophomore effort entitled "Daggerman".  Look for that release later in 2020 and keep tabs on Steven here: https://steventrosin.com/home

Lots of other cool projects happening over the past several months including with Citizen Keen-(ex 4 Lincolns-Grand Rapids), singer/songwriter Rebecca Rodriguez (of The Icicles), and also (speaking of The Icicles), Gretchen DeVault's new project The Francine Odysseys (Los Angeles, CA), & The Rockford ACES(Rockford, MI)

 

Hip-Hop/R&B producer extrordinaire James Grey continues to stay busy working from home. (Studios A and B are currently closed through May 28).  Give James a shout to book sessions with the master!  NAzzTheHitMaker@gmail.com

​

Additionally, our commercial wing of the studio, The Creative Cabin has also been busy writing and producing jingles and content for The Sunday Good Time Hour, Gauthier Family Home Care, Universal Forest Products, The Michigan Sports Radio Network among others.  If you have a business and would like help getting your product or service embedded in people's minds, give us a call!  

​

And finally, we had a fun time during our Winter run of The Mackinaw Harvest Recording School.  They class collectively produced a cool song "Right Place, Right Time" from Craig Griffith which turned out great!   Our Spring class was unfortunately cancelled due to Covid 19 but we are still planning to begin our next class hopefully by late summer.  If you or someone you know is interested in learning about studio recording, check out our page here and give us a shout!  Call 616.901.5982 or drop me a note at michael@mackinawharvest.com to find out how to sign up.

​

OK, well, that's quite enough for now!  Our hearts go out to all of the musicians who are stuck at home unable to perform live shows.  Hang in there!  Keep the creative spirit and let us know how we can help you reach your music goals. 

 

-Colonel

​

PS: Again, I just want to clarify that other than COVID-19, we are still alive and well here on National & Bridge in downtown GR.  There has been some talk flying around that I moved north and closed the studio.  NO WAY!!  While I did get married and am spending more time at our home in Traverse City these days, we are still very much in business at Mackinaw Harvest in GR.  So if you're looking to do a project at the studio here in GR, please do not hesitate to give us a shout.  We also have a high-quality mobile set up and can come to you!