This content was included in the January issue of West Michigan NOISE! Magazine.

See bands 26-50 here

As West Michigan turns the page on another year of hitting the stage, releasing albums and selling its soul promoting to anyone that will listen, NOISE! takes a look ahead at what the new year holds. We’ve asked around, listened to new bands, talked to old bands and used our good old expertise that all you readers have come to appreciate, to compile a loose list of 50 bands or acts you’re going to want to keep an eye on for various reasons.

And yes, it is now the responsibility of every band mentioned to do great things so we don’t look like idiots. No pressure, though.

*In no particular numerical order

#1 FORGET THE TIMES

This Kalamazoo-based jazzy, experimental outfit, which could be considered a reincarnation of noise rock group Rotten Wood Moon, will have a full-length vinyl release due out in late January or early February on Already Dead Records/Strutt Records.

Forget The Times won’t just be sticking inside the Kalamazoo city limits as it is in the process of booking a 15-day regional tour and an additional jaunt through Canada during the spring. Highlighted on its laundry list of gigs will be an April 7 show at The Strutt to support Acid Mothers Temple.

If that wasn’t enough to garner an approving head nod, Forget The Times also holds the trophy for longest song title in Kalamazoo with “The Day The Earth Stood In One Place And Didn’t Do Anything For A Really Really Really Long Time, Until It Finally Got Up And Departed From The Giant Tortoise”.

Midwest Skies

#2 MIDWEST SKIES

In order to win the NOISE! Readers’ Choice Peoples’ Champion award, you have to have a boatload of folks that really believe in what you’re doing. That, or you have lots of friends that thoroughly enjoy the Internet and take orders well. We like to think the first instance is more accurate for these Grand Rapids pop rockers as they have already done some impressive things in 2010, like appearing with The Ataris.

Midwest Skies will be toting its new single “Easier This Time Around” into the new year, which will be apart of a forthcoming debut EP the guys will be recording with Chris Andrus.

With its members graduating from good college, they’ll do what any parent dreams of and tuck that diploma aside and pursue making a name for themselves in the world of music. With their full efforts zeroed in, this could be Midwest Skies’ year.

#3 FIONA DICKINSON

Speaking with the dark folk singer/songwriter a couple short months ago, it was clear she was incredibly optimistic about what 2011 has in store. And she should be. This year will see the Kalamazoo artist release her first full-length, entitled “Duende” on Strutt Records. Along with the official release party on Jan. 14, she’ll follow up with getting that music out to stations across the U.S. and U.K.

Dickinson is placing top priority on getting out and playing shows, promising a Midwest tour in the works along with possibly a trip down south. Dickinson has far different goals than the typical artist, bringing up the idea of getting her music in the hands of filmmakers in hopes her tunes might make a soundtrack.

#4 YOURHIGHWAYHOME

The past year has been one giant build-up for what will happen in 2011 for eletronica/pop rock act, Yourhighwayhome. Armed with a rabid online following and releasing seamlessly smooth and auto-tuner-laden tracks along the way, Yourhighwayhome will finally drop their album, “The Rescue”, on Jan. 21 at The Strutt, opening for Hawthorne Heights.

Recording with Josh Schroeder (Beneath The Sky, Red I Flight) at Random Awesome Studios, there is no doubt the tracks are pristine and addictive. The only question is how it will land in Kalamazoo and where this band will find its niche in the local scene. Wielding a very mainstream sound, a couple tours through the U.S. could allow this act to pick up some serious steam and make 2011 a big year.

#5 THE REPTILIAN

Do we even have to tell people to watch these guys anymore? The Reptilian has been reigning over the underground for quite some time, and they’ll simply keep clipping along while adding a few more exciting things on the horizon.

In addition to their always-relentless touring schedule, the boys will be making their first ever appearance at South by Southwest this year.

Charles The Osprey // photo by Paul Carlson

#6 CHARLES THE OSPREY

It’s been taking a while for people to truly appreciate the math rock gem we have in town in the form of Grand Rapidians Charles The Osprey. Many have witnessed this act and have been impressed, as the band slowly converts local music fans into believers.

In 2010, the band stayed busy with releasing its first full-length on vinyl, signing to Friction Records, establishing its Internet presence with CharlesTheOpsrey.com along with opening for Russian Circles, playing on The Fest in Florida and establishing a partnership with Beartrap PR.

[Breathe]

And 2011 sounds just as busy.

Charles the Osprey promises not one, but two, releases this year, one being a split EP with slowcore act Shores, based in Grand Rapids and signed to No Idea Records. Both bands will play an original song, cover a song by the other band and swap members for a track on this album. The other EP will be an interesting change of pace, the band’s drummer Derek Lancioni promising a slower and more spacious sound than many expect from the band. Charles the Osprey also plans to do some summer touring.

#7 WIRES AND LIGHTS

Always the bridesmaid, never the bride.

That was, and continues to be, the case for this Kalamazoo-based acoustic rock act. In 2011, Wires and Lights will help other artists celebrate album releases while working in the studio to record one of its own. Wires and Lights will kick off the year opening for Sidney Anderson in Grand Rapids for her CD release show as well as open a pair of dates around Michigan for Stacey Koziel, who will be putting out her work on A-Reaction Records. The band will also appear with Hello Victor. in addition to performances in Chicago.

Alas, 2010 was just a wind-up for this solo-act-turned-duo-turned-full band, and 2011 will see the delivery.

#8 DEB ROMER

Growing further and further removed from her appearance on NBC variety show, “America’s Got Talent”, this year will be a crucial one to see if Romer can retain what always proves to be a somewhat fickle following. After raising a boatload of cash to produce a professional album, Romer definitely has the resources and talent to put out a great product. She will be teaming with Dan Romer, who has worked with the likes of Ingrid Michaelson, to add a radio-friendly touch to her acoustic album. But with all that money and high-end help comes lofty expectations, all while the clock is ticking.

Romer has gone on the record saying she doesn’t feel like she can stay in Michigan because the lack of gig opportunities. She has a manager and all that fun stuff. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see her bale on the Mitten and head to Los Angeles.

#9 GOOD NEWS

The goal for 2010 was very simple for Kalamazoo math rockers Good News: start a band and play some shows.

“Especially being an instrumental two-piece, we didn’t know if anyone would let us play anywhere at first,” said the duo’s drummer Ryan Pate. “And we did our EP, which quite a few people seemed to enjoy.”

The game plan for 2011 is a bit more elaborate, with the guys focused in on recording one or two albums, the first of which is slated to be a split EP with fellow local duo Saddest Factory. Wanting to come out with a professional sounding project, the only thing standing in the band’s way is raising funds. Meanwhile, they’ll continue through this year by dropping jaws to the floor with their insane jams, easily pegged as one of the most underrated acts in the area.

#10 BOOMBOX RONNIE

Many may joke about Boombox Ronnie’s eccentric style of hip-hop, but at the same time, many revere him as a raw talent, albeit a little misunderstood. Slated to join the line-up of this year’s Boiling Pot Music Festival, fans will get a glimpse of what this rapper has to offer outside of improvising at an open mic night.

He certainly has the appeal already, which is generally half the battle.

#11 THE PENGUIN COLLECTOR

The past year had its ups and downs for Jared Koons. While it saw the formation of his latest act, experimental metal band The Penguin Collector, it saw the end to hardcore mainstays ONLYTHEASHESREMAIN.

“Our original band broke up, which is probably one of the most depressing things that has ever happened to me,” Koons said. “But I’m very pumped for TPC and I really, really like what we’re doing with this band. We just plan to play a bunch of shows and get the new band some exposure.”

The band, which is powered by a drum machine behind guitar and bass, will kick off 2011 by releasing a three-way split with Russian bands Bears In Ushanka and Sorry, Honey, You Are Fiasco.

Stepdad

#12 STEPDAD

As I arrived at the big, blue, Stepdad house to do my interview, all three of the band members greeted me from the attic window shouting playful catcalls. I shouted back, playing along, secretly hoping I was at the right house; otherwise this was going to be really awkward when they greeted me at the front door.

The typical pre-show gathering was very chill. An assortment of the bands friends popped in and out of the house while we all chatted about Alex Fives’ freckle tattoo, Marks undying love of Pixar movies, and Ryan’s dropping out of college, having been the best decision he ever made. Ryan then showed off his fantastic impersonation of Chip Coffey from the show Psychic Kids. Around 10pm, everyone hopped in their vehicles and headed to the infamous Vito House where the show would take place.

The Vito House is apparently a favorite venue of the Stepdad guys, who unabashedly proclaim that they will always perform at that house, no matter how popular they might become. The performance was in the basement of the house, in a small room with deep green carpet. A large Michael Jordan poster adorns the wall as the centerpiece the performing acts swing and jive in front of. After the band Nightlife warmed up the crowd, Stepdad set up their lights and began the their set.

Bobbing heads, drinks in the air, green glow sticks, and shouts of electronic ecstasy filled the hot, cramped room; as the listeners’ bodies bounced and weave together like sweaty wheat on a summer’s twilight. When Stepdad turns on their voices, the bullshit misconceptions of what people believe electro pop to be, shift, and are colored in with crayons of pure, honest talent. They put their all into it, and it’s apparent not only in their dedication to the craft of their live show; but also in their ease at being so up close and personal with the mass that surrounds them.

It quickly becomes obvious that Stepdad, if they can keep their act together, are headed to bigger places than a house show in the suburbs of Grand Rapids. The only question is, when will it happen and, who is going to be the lucky label to sign them?

#13 NWE SPRYGHTS

This band, whose name has appeared about 100 different ways, is not one for the lazy local music fan. You can’t just Google and listen to them online. Trust me, we tried. We’re sometimes lazy. But by asking around and digging a little, you’ll quickly realize the critical acclaim of this Kalamazoo progressive rock band, especially for its absolutely brilliant album.

It’s our only hope that in 2011, more people will become tuned-in to a true local gem, just like we were this year.

#14 NATURAL DISASTERS

Residents of the local Fat Guy House, the guys of Natural Disasters love hosting shows, but hope to make next year one spent on the road as much as possible.

“When people ask me what I do, I tell them I get drunk and play punk but I wouldn’t say I’m doing that full-time because that would imply that I would be making money,” lead vocalist Geoff Shafto said. “We’re pushing forward as a band and touring as much as we can.”

Over the past summer, the band recorded an EP at Cold War Studios and recently went back there to record two more songs for an upcoming split 7-inch with New Jersey melodic hardcore act One Win Choice. The split is scheduled to be released on Jan. 18 on Bermuda Mohawk Records. When asked how that relationship came about, they said it was built on friendship before anything else.

Shafto said of the label: “They help with reviews, press releases…We meet a ton of people because of those guys and they promote shows we have at our house.”

2011 isn’t just about touring for Natural Disasters. They have been tapped to record a track for an upcoming Descendants tribute record to be released on Either or Records. The band plans to cover the song “Everything Sucks”, adding a little bit of their own to it including some of those “Midwestern pipes”.

#15 RED TAIL RING

The duo of Michael Beauchamp and Laurel Premo essentially just got to work late in 2010, and those projects will come to fruition in 2011.

The immensely talented folk artists aim to release two full-length albums this year, one of all original material and the other featuring their interpretation of traditional tunes.

“We hope that the two will act as one complete pair, and we want to show references of the traditional forms in our new writing, as well as show how our modern composition affects our interpretations of the very old songs,” Premo said.

The release shows are very tentatively slated for May and April, and Red Tail Ring hopes to fill up the summer calendar with plenty of festival stops.

#16 THREE CENTS SHORT

As time marches on, the metamorphoses of this Grand Rapids punk outfit continues. When TCS first crashed on the scene, they were a pretty straight-laced pop punk group. Since then, they’ve mixed in elements of ska as well as an edgier punk style.

The big doings in 2011 for Three Cents Short is a six-song EP said to possibly be released on Bermuda Mohawk.

“We are trying to build the hype up for that right now,” guitarist and singer AJ Schalk said.

Cities and Saints

#17 CITIES AND SAINTS

Scott Walters is pretty satisfied with the success of his Grand Rapids-based alternative rock band.

“We introduced our music to an audience for the first time this spring. We’ve received a lot of support from family, friends, promoters and venues,” he simply stated.

Now that the foundation has been laid, these gents might be tougher to please in 2011 as they aim higher. The new year will bring the search for management in addition to filming their first music video with a full production crew.

All the while, they’ll let their latest album, which was released in November, marinate in the scene while hitting up West Michigan show dates and some regional festival stops.

#18 GLOWFRIENDS

Let’s be real. The actual highlight in 2011 for April Morris, a founding member of Glowfriends, will be her wedding. Still, the Kalamazoo shoegazers have some cool stuff on the horizon as well. The band looks to release its forthcoming album, “All Things Made New”, in early Spring and they already booked an east coast tour to promote it.

Morris and Co. will also be bringing the fifth installment of the infamous Kalamashoegazer, a showcase that features local, regional and national shoegaze talent. Last year’s show at The Strutt garnered solid reviews.

#19 ACKLEY KID

This Kalamazoo duo-turned-four-piece has been turning heads in the punk scene so fast it’s causing whip lash. Filling basements and venues, this punk hardcore hybrid almost instantly thrust itself into the mix with heavyweights like Pan, War Dogs of the Pacific and The Reptilian.

They have an album in the works.

#20 THE BETTER FIGHT

There isn’t a whole lot of powerpop in West Michigan. Sure, there is a fair dose of pop punk, electro pop and so forth, but this new Kalamazoo band is leading the charge with a big sound. The fact that The Better Fight is in a league of its own in terms of genre was glaring when, despite being a band in its infancy, scored opening gigs for national bands, including this month with Hawthorne Heights.

The Better Fight puts a very gritty take on pop rock, akin to a Hawthorne Heights (that makes sense) and the obligatory comparison to Fall Out Boy. This band is dangerously catchy and satisfies the urge to get crazy. All that, plus the fact they stole the NOISE! Readers’ Choice title for brightest up-and-coming band, that spells promising. Put ‘em on your radar.

#21 THEIR TEETH WILL BE OF LIONS

After releasing the album “True Stories Are Harder To Make Up”, things got a little hairy for this very well-known, well-liked and well-established band of dark rockers from Kalamazoo. Front man Glenn Willis took off, and the band saw departures from other members late in 2010.

Still flying the TTWBOL banner high, all the changes makes this band one of the most intriguing to watch in 2011. Introducing Terror! Terror! Oh My! drummer Jon Leiby as a new member with a permanent bass player presumably on the way, Teeth has an obvious passion for what they do and they’re not going away. Expect the unavoidable difference in their sound and approach, but at the same time, expect to hear the caliber of music you have come to know TTWBOL for.

Jeff Pianki

#22 JEFF PIANKI

But..but..Jeff Pianki is all the way over from Milford, Mich. Yes, but there are two reasons why you should get acclimated with this soulful, folk artist. First, he’s awesome. Second, you’ll likely see him around these parts.

Pianki was by no means of Internet fame, but take a gander at his YouTube channel (youtube.com/pianki) to see just how much of a proven sensation he is with fans around the world. We’ve heard rumblings from right here in Kalamazoo that efforts will be made to get Pianki in Kalamazoo as much as possible. In addition, the unsigned artist is aligned with Phantom Creative Group, with the likes of Koji (Run For Cover Records). Phantom is operated by those lovely gents at Fusion Shows, who have been bringing all sorts of high-profile shows to Kalamazoo. One can expect Pianki to be tossed into the mix, if we’re lucky. This year will be a break-out year for Pianki.

#23 BEAST IN THE FIELD

Call them the Beast From The Central Portion Of The State (no?). This Mt. Pleasant act, billed by many as “heavy as f***”, will be releasing a full-length on vinyl in the coming year, as well as making a return trip to Kalamazoo to play the Strutt in February. So, if your house starts shaking somewhere in that period time, just figure that these guys are in town.

Beast is not your typical metal band. Listen to them at myspace.com/beastinthefield.

#24 ANALECTA

It’s impossible for a wildly successful band to splinter off and expect the side project to garner just as much attention. This is kind of where post rockers analecta are, but give them time and they should create just as much of a name for themselves as the band that birthed them – Doctor! Doctor!. While the instrumental trio hails from South Bend, Ind., they’ve been given plenty of opportunity in Southwest Michigan because, well, people love them.

Deemed a favorite on the home front, watch analecta’s stock soar as they continue to branch out and exercise the relentless work ethic that made Doctor! Doctor! such a success.

#25 JEREMY CRONK

The Kalamazoo transplant said that he’s sitting in the most creative period of his life right now. After releasing an album just after Christmas, Cronk, who also plays bass for The Sedgwyck Agent, hopes to really start getting his music out there in the coming year.

“As far as 2011 goes, I already have a few songs written for another EP or LP and I’d like to put together an instrumental album,” said Cronk, who appeared at this year’s installment of Mustache-a-Palooza!. “I plan on getting out and playing a lot more shows in the up coming year than I did in 2010.”

Related articles:

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- Best front man in Kalamazoo

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