I always like to find bands that originate from my home state of Michigan. Some bands are more local and lesser known, while others have risen to fame, and some of these artists are rappers while others have more of a folk vibe. They all have one thing in common, however-- their talent comes from the mitten.
1. The Soil & the Sun
The Soil & the Sun is a folk-rock band based in Grand Rapids, consisting of 8 members. The Soil & the Sun has released two studio albums, and several EP’s and singles.
The Soil & the Sun: "Are You?"
2. JR JR
Originally Dale Earnhardt jr. jr., JR JR formed in 2009 in Detroit. This indie pop band has released three albums as well as many EP’s and singles.
JR JR: "Gone"
3. The Crane Wives
The Crane Wives are a four member indie folk band from Grand Rapids. The Crane Wives, all students at Grand Valley State University, formed in 2010.
The Crane Wives: "High Horse"
4. Danny Brown
Daniel Dewan Sewell, better known as Danny Brown, is a rapper from Detroit. He’s been interested in music ever since he was young, but he released his first album in 2010. He rose in popularity, eventually working with other artists like ASAP Rocky and Schoolboy Q.
Danny Brown: "Pneumonia"
5.De La Montaña
De La Montaña is a band from Ann Arbor, consisting of members Madison Velding-VanDam and John Healy. Velding-VanDam flew to Chile to finish a bachelor’s in philosophy, and this inspired their first album “Postmodern Whirled” in 2011.
De La Montaña: "City Slicker"
6. Børns
Garrett Borns, stage name Børns, is from Grand Haven. He attended Kendall College of Art & Design before releasing his first EP “Candy” and his single “10,000 Emerald Pools” in 2014. From that point on, his music became increasingly popular, allowing him to tour with artist like Charli XCX and Bleachers.
Børns: "10,000 Emerald Pools"
7. Absofacto
Jonathan Visger, or Absofacto, is an indie artist from Ypsilanti. Absofacto has released many EP’s and singles starting in 2008, and he released his first album in 2011.
Absofacto: "Dissolve"
8. Valley Hush
Valley Hush is an electronic indie band from Detroit. They have released multiple singles, and they released their debut album last year.
Valley Hush: "Iced Cream"
9. Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens was born in Detroit and raised in Petoskey. He attended Hope College in Holland, and started his musical career in a band called Mazuki, formed in Holland. In his final year at Hope College, Stevens recorded his debut solo album “A Sun Came” in 2000. He then attended school in New York to pursue an interest in writing a novel, but he returned to songwriting. Stevens has released 7 studio albums along with other projects and collaborations.
Sufjan Stevens: "Eugene"
10. The Accidentals
The Accidentals are an indie folk trio from Traverse City. The band formed in 2012 and has released two studio albums and one EP.
The Accidentals: "Us"
11. Tunde Olaniran
Tunde Olaniran is both a singer and rapper from Flint. Olaniran has released multiple EP’s and singles, along with his debut album “Transgressor” in 2015.
Tunde Olaniran: "Let Me Go"
