Ironwood: Metal Meets Wood Celtic/American Music to the Battle of the Bands at The Stray

Ironwood: Metal Meets Wood Celtic/American Music to the Battle of the Bands at The Stray

Most duo bands thrive on synergy—until they reveal the secret that keeps their sound full, their performances fun, and their relationship stronger than ever. Ironwood, a married folk duo influenced by Celtic and Americana sounds, shares how their bond, shared creativity, and even their foot-stomping stage presence make them a one-of-a-kind act—and why their dynamic is a blueprint for success in both music and love. In this lively episode, Mark and Anna from Ironwood [https://ironwoodband.com/] take us inside their journey from separate musical worlds—metal and acoustic—to a powerful partnership shaped by their marriage and shared passion for authenticity. They explore how being a married couple makes rehearsals effortless, how their creative collaboration is fueled by nearly a decade of partnership, and why they intentionally keep the process fun over stressful. You’ll discover how their approach to songwriting, blending genres, and even improvising stage routines keeps their performances fresh, relatable, and full of energy. We break down their strategies for staying in sync, handling mistakes on stage with humor, and balancing their personal and musical lives. Plus, hear how their love for community, supporting other bands, and seeking inspiration from diverse genres shapes their evolving sound—from Celtic folk to jazz-themed Christmas tunes and beyond. They also reflect on why venues like The Stray [https://www.thestraycafe.com/] are more than just performance spaces—they’re a vital part of their journey, representing quality, community, and artistic integrity. Why does this matter? In a world flooded with solo acts and overproduced recordings, Ironwood shows that genuine connection, shared values, and a sense of fun can amplify your music in ways that no studio effects can match. Whether you're a musician, a couple in business together, or simply craving authentic artistry, this episode is packed with insights—and plenty of laughs—that remind you that the best performances happen when you’re true to yourself and each other. Perfect for anyone navigating the creative collaboration, balancing personal relationships with art, or seeking inspiration to keep their musical journey joyful and authentic. Tune in, get inspired, and learn how a strong duo manages to sound like a full band—all while loving every minute of it.In this episode: * How Mark and Anna developed the name Ironwood from their musical influences and the symbolism behind it * The challenges and benefits of working as a married couple in a duo configuration * Their approach to songwriting, live improvisations, and blending genres seamlessly * Insights into performing at the Battle of the Bands competition and what it means for local musicians * The importance of community and quality venues like The Stray in supporting live music * Their plans for a Christmas album and creating versatile, genre-crossing original music * Their favorite musicians they'd love to tour with, including dream collaboration choices Resources & Links: * Ironwood - Official Website [https://ironwoodmusic.com/] * The Stray - Community Venue [https://thestray.com/]

Tiff Falls | Why Being a “Full-Time” Sound Engineer at One Venue Is a Game-Changer

In this episode, we sit down with Tiff Falls [https://www.facebook.com/riffintiff], a dedicated sound engineer and event manager at The Alluvion [https://www.thealluvion.org/], to explore the nuances of live sound, event management, and the joy of working in the music industry. From her journey into sound engineering to her touring experiences and insights into creating the perfect live music environment, Tiff shares her passion and expertise. Key Topics: * Tiff's background and how she got into sound engineering, including her experience following her wife’s band and stepping in as a last-minute engineer * The unique opportunities of managing sound at a dedicated venue and how it differs from freelance work * The importance of stage setup, sound checks, and collaboration with artists to create optimal live sound * How touring in different venues presents challenges and learning opportunities for sound engineers * The cultural and musical diversity in Michigan, with influences from rock, world music, and various genres * The value of soft skills like PR and flexibility in building strong artist-engineer relationships * The significance of standing room venues and the raw energy they bring to live performances * Insights into the evolving landscape of live sound and the benefits of local networking and community support Resources & Links:⁠ [https://www.thealluvion.org/] The Alluvion⁠⁠ [https://www.thealluvion.org/]⁠ ⁠ [https://www.thealluvion.org/]— The live music venue where Tiff works⁠⁠⁠ [https://theloftys.bandcamp.com/] NMC Audio Tech Program⁠ [https://www.nmc.edu/programs/academic-programs/audio-technology/index.html] — Michigan-based program for audio technology training⁠ [https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/] Logic Pro⁠ [https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/] — Digital audio workstation used by Tiff Connect with Tiff: ⁠ [https://linkedin.com/in/tifffalls]⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/riffintiff]Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/riffintiff]⁠ [https://instagram.com/riffintiff] Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/riffintiffsoundz] This episode offers a deep dive into the world of live sound and the passionate individuals who make the magic happen behind the scenes. Whether you’re an aspiring sound engineer, musician, or music lover, Tiff’s stories illuminate the dedication and skill required to bring live music to life.

How Art Arbor Turns Musicians' Confusions into Clear Strategies for Success

Unlock the secret to turning your artistic passion into a sustainable business — without drowning in tech jargon or financial stress. If you’re an artist feeling overwhelmed by the business side of your craft, this episode is your must-listen. Discover how a community-driven approach and clear goal-setting can bridge the gap between creativity and commerce, opening doors you didn’t know existed. Andrew Witter, co-founder of Art Arbor [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553202363108], shares the philosophy behind a digital ecosystem built to help artists thrive. With roots in music, finance, and community-building, Andrew reveals why most artists struggle with monetization and how you can leap over those hurdles with practical, proven strategies. You’ll learn why building a supportive “arbor” of community matters more than ever and how focusing on goals transforms confusion into clarity, growth, and tangible success. We break down: * How Art Arbor helps artists navigate the digital and financial landscape with tailored audits and one-on-one coaching. * The common pitfalls artists face at every stage — from beginners bombarding their networks with free content to touring professionals scaling their community and monetization efforts. * The killer framework for goal-setting that turns vague ambitions into actionable plans, ensuring your art gets the recognition and income it deserves. * Why many artists avoid the business side entirely — and how to flip that script to unlock long-term success. * Plus, insights on leveraging social media, building sustainable fan communities, and the future of AI-driven artist support. If you’re tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode equips you with concrete steps to elevate your art career — regardless of your stage or genre. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, Andrew’s insights illuminate a path to not just survive but thrive in today’s complex music ecosystem. Perfect for musicians, visual artists, performers, or anyone drawn to creating but daunted by the business: this is your blueprint for turning passion into a profession. Andrew Witter is a seasoned musician and digital strategist, co-founder of Art Arbor, and dedicated to empowering artists with actionable tools and community support. His mission? To help artists stop guessing and start growing. Tune in and find out how to grow your own digital “arbor” of community, revenue, and artistic fulfillment. Your breakthrough moment starts here. Art Arbor LinksSubstack [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fartarbor.substack.com%2F%3Fr%3D4cgaji%26utm_campaign%3Dpub-share-checklist&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262528446%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qH%2F7OGs6am5BaZiHa0dzgPIPxY5aLRXbjeSx6NLH70Y%3D&reserved=0]Facebook [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3F...&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262559846%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8xFB7GJGEBrq%2B2ieXHUuzik%2BnpmRnOzOjJJnvqsz%2FqI%3D&reserved=0]LinkedIn [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUFFLUhqbjFVUmkwSHN5SE9ZOGVjM1YycG83Y1pfOUV6UXxBQ3Jtc0tteTA2Y05IX25UVWI5LUkzLThVN2ZUdUFuZEN3ZVlxQ0s4cEJRZ0JnQmYyeEI0VjJDbF8xT29teXVSNERuSHgwc0RrLWF6MmYzOFZleEtlaUFfM2tEZzk2YUpHQ2VyazBaNVZaLXdPeENKOXZGZm5nYw%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.linkedin.com%252Fcompany%252Fartarbor%252F%26v%3DKHqblsOAtLA&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262628927%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cOsob%2F8cRU9D50%2BRiqF8OTVqMQboh03ROboDZ7m8PIE%3D&reserved=0]Instagram [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fart.arbor%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262651820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1zLWBO%2FrYtjPGjlhMbBKgaCUueaFgPh0%2B9J3gpCPPJc%3D&reserved=0]

How the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years

Most venues kill their best moments by overcomplicating booking and promotion — Nate Dorough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natedorough]of The Pyramid Scheme [https://pyramidschemebar.com/] reveals exactly how they keep crowds sold out and the community thriving, even in the toughest times. Imagine booking 250+ shows annually and managing an ecosystem where every detail, from artist research to innovative front bar events, plays a critical role in creating unforgettable nights — all while adapting to post-pandemic challenges. Nate shares insider tactics for leveraging analytics, harnessing community loyalty, and building a venue culture where bands like Failure [https://www.failureband.com/], Melvins [https://www.themelvins.net/], and Jeff Rosenstock feel at home. You’ll discover how data-driven research helps booking decisions, why organic promotion still rules, and the importance of authenticity in today’s live music scene. We break down the behind-the-scenes magic of tour routing, hold challenges, and the art of making sold-out shows seem effortless — even when you’re balancing rising costs and unpredictable audiences. Plus, get the scoop on innovative events like vinyl nights, free pinball, and special tribute evenings that turn regular nights into community celebrations. Whether you’re a venue owner, promoter, or a passionate fan, you’ll learn how to craft a space that becomes a cultural cornerstone, especially amid worldwide chaos. This episode is essential listening if you want to understand what makes a venue not just survive but thrive, turning every show into a memorable experience that builds loyalty and community—no matter what storms come. Nate Dorough’s insights cut through the noise, helping you see how powerful a well-managed venue can be in shaping local music culture. Nate Dorough is the Director of Programming at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, known for cultivating a vibrant music scene, legendary shows, and a community-first philosophy. With over 20 years of experience promoting thousands of concerts, he’s a master at balancing artistic integrity, community needs, and business savvy. Perfect for venue operators, promoters, musicians, and music lovers alike — tune in to unlock the secrets behind one of America’s most beloved independent venues and how they keep the spirit alive in every note and ticket sold.

Behind the Sound Board with Berkeley Tistle

Episode: Interview with Berkeley Tistle Audio Engineer | Recorded at Gig: The Art of Michigan Music – Jackson, MI We stepped away from the stage and behind the sound board at GIG: The Art of Michigan Music [https://www.gigartmich.org/] in Jackson, Michigan, to sit down with Berkeley Tistle [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berkeley-tistle-a5817a163/]— a live sound engineer with nearly a decade of experience working across Michigan, from small local stages to the iconic Masonic Temple [https://www.themasonic.com/] in Detroit. Berkeley shares how it all started with a giant Yamaha mixing desk in his high school theater program, and how that moment of curiosity turned into a full-time career. We get into what it actually looks like to run sound for a live show — the prep, the problem-solving, the late nights, and the art of anticipating everything going wrong and nothing going wrong at the same time. In this episode: * How Berkeley got his start in high school theater and why the mixing desk caught his eye * The difference between studio recording and live sound — and why live won him over * What it's like to work out of venues like Detroit's Masonic Temple (and why you should bring a buddy if you wander) * How he preps for a show with artists he's never worked with before * What musicians can do to make a sound engineer's job easier (communication is everything) * How years of working live shows changed his personal taste in music — including a New Year's run with Excision that converted him to heavy EDM * How gigs are booked and what the business side of audio looks like Artists mentioned: Carbon Decoy [https://www.facebook.com/carbon.decoy.band/], Paper Lanterns [https://www.facebook.com/PaperLanternsMi/], Mazinga [https://www.facebook.com/MazingaA2/], Chris DuPont [https://www.chrisdupontmusic.com/], Kylee Phillips [https://www.kyleephillips.com/], Kyle Joe [https://www.facebook.com/KyleJoeMusic/], Spencer LaJoye [https://www.spencerlajoye.com/], Excision [https://excision.ca/] Venues mentioned: Masonic Temple Detroit, The Russell (Detroit) [https://www.russellindustrialcenter.com/], Bliss Fest [https://blissfest.org/pages/blissfest-music-festival]