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Experience all the excitement from every angle, exclusively at SoundCheck Mag!
Michigan


Mac Saturn: Rising From the Ashes
November 14th was a jam-packed day at The House of Blues in Cleveland, OH. The Academy Is… was playing in the main room, and Mac Saturn packed the smaller Cambridge Room at the venue. The house was buzzing with fans excited to see their show of choice that evening. The intimate Cambridge Room was filled with people of all ages, ready to have a 70s rock-inspired evening.
Madison Cozzens
Nov 19


Twenty Years Later and Still Here: Mayday Parade & All Time Low Live in Detroit
Some bands have been here for most of your life. Others have been here longer than you have even been alive. Mayday Parade has been a band for twenty years. All Time Low has been a band for twenty two. The crowd reflected that timeline in full. Some people first heard these songs on burned CDs and shared iPods. Others found them on streaming years later. Different ages, different entry points, but everyone already knew the words.
This wasn’t nostalgia. This was continuity.

LJ Portnoy
Nov 5


Cartel’s Chroma Turns 20: Detroit Sings Every Word
Marking the 20th anniversary of their seminal debut Chroma, Cartel took Detroit back to 2005 with a front-to-back play through that had fans hanging on every note.

LJ Portnoy
Sep 25


Quinn XCII Crowned Hometown Hero in Sterling Heights
On September 12, 2025, Quinn XCII turned the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater into a hometown celebration, with a crowd that felt less like strangers and more like family invited to the biggest backyard party in Sterling Heights.

LJ Portnoy
Sep 13


Yungblud at the Fillmore Detroit: Chaos, Catharsis, and Pure Connection
Fans of all ages buzzed with anticipation, knowing they were about to see Yungblud in the flesh. The energy was palpable, a steady hum running through the room. When the crew moved a lone mic stand to the center of the stage, the roar made it clear: Detroit was ready for their favorite artist to arrive.
Rachel Catherine
Sep 12


Phantogram Light Up Detroit with a Hypnotic Night at The Fillmore
Detroit got a full dose of dream-pop intensity when Phantogram brought their tour to The Fillmore on Sunday night. The ornate theater became a swirling storm of bass, synths, and flashing lights, and by the end of the night, it felt less like a concert and more like being pulled into the band’s own universe.

LJ Portnoy
Sep 2


SoundCheck Session: Livingston - July/August Featured Artist Interview
Livingston opened up about everything from navigating grief and identity to the wildest moments on tour—and let’s just say, you’re going to want to watch this one all the way through.
Check out our exclusive video interview below, and keep scrolling for the full conversation.

LJ Portnoy
Aug 7


Livingston at The Majestic
For me, this wasn’t just another show; it was the culmination of following two artists whose music found me at the right time. I’ve been listening to both Livingston and Braden Bales since 2023, originally discovering them through TikTok. But Livingston’s latest release, A Hometown Odyssey: The Story Continues, transformed me from a casual listener into a full-blown fan. As of this moment, he’s my most-played artist of 2025. After this show, that’s not changing anytime soon.

LJ Portnoy
Jun 13


Former Critics: May Cover Story
For over a decade, Former Critics have been quietly building a reputation as one of Detroit’s most consistent—and criminally underrated—rock acts. What began as a humble acoustic project between high school friends has evolved into a full-fledged band with a sharpened edge, a loyal local following, and a sound that refuses to play it safe.

LJ Portnoy
May 25


Half•Alive Lights Up Detroit with Visual Brilliance and Unshakable Vibes
On a wet and slightly dreary Tuesday night in Detroit, Half•Alive offered an antidote to the gloom, delivering an immersive audiovisual experience that blurred the lines between concert and performance art.

LJ Portnoy
Apr 17


"Can You Feel It?" Detroit’s Graveyard Punk Group, Former Critics, Return with a Vengeance
Former Critics embrace chaos and evolution with their new single, music video, and upcoming tour. Article by: Konstantina Buhalis,...
Konstantina Buhalis
Apr 12


The Used Revives the Romance of Emo in Detroit
With 2.8 million monthly Spotify listeners still tuning in, The Used’s influence hasn’t faded—it’s evolved.
Konstantina Buhalis
Apr 11


Bringing the Energy: Bryce Vine at St. Andrews Hall, Detroit
Detroit's iconic St. Andrews Hall was alive with electric energy on February 16, 2025, as Bryce Vine took the stage...

LJ Portnoy
Feb 20


From 250 to 19,000: Sabrina Carpenter Always Steals the Show
Photography by LJ Portnoy, Midwest coverage On September 26, 2024, Sabrina Carpenter took over Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan,...

LJ Portnoy
Sep 27, 2024


From Swirls to Sound waves: Griff Spins Us into a Dream
Photographed by LJ Portnoy, Midwest coverage On September 24, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Hall in Detroit, MI, Griff and opener Stephen...

LJ Portnoy
Sep 26, 2024
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