New & Noteworthy: Scopitone Vidbox

Ever since moving back to my hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan about a year ago, I’ve found myself continually impressed at a city that has truly come into its own. Readers of 1000x/minute are probably aware of my love for bands like Stepdad and Ghost Heart, two bands that represent only the tip of the iceberg of a city that has a sincere, dedicated, and (most importantly) creative art community. There’s a rich soil here that’s producing big talent with a unique, local flavor distinct from any other city on the map.

The latest proof came through a friend who’s had his hand in a lot of projects around the area (and works at GR’s newest venue, The Pyramid Scheme) by way of a site called Scopitone Vidbox. Rather than explain it myself, I’ll just use their self-description:

Scopitone VidBox is a collaboration between 5 working new media artists whose interests lie in furthering the Grand Rapids music community through audio/visual projects. Working together with local musicians, we bring the artist or group on location in Grand Rapids to film a stripped down session of songs. This allows the musician(s) to interact with the environment, create a sound that relies mostly on their musical abilities, and to ultimately get back to their roots.

Not only does that sound awesome, they’ve already hit the ground running with a number of sessions recorded throughout the summer months, highlighting some local favorites. For example, Radiator Hospital, a band I heard once before but couldn’t get the full effect (mostly due to the lackluster sound system & acoustics at that particular venue).

Check out one of their vids from the latest session below:

Radiator Hospital | The Truth Is Out There / Out The Door

Really, really digging the energy of these guys, and if it weren’t for Scopitone, I may not’ve given them the proper chance. Radiator Hospital are making some fun, rambunctious jams that I hope gain traction beyond this city. They’re another band I feel oughtta be heard on a larger scale, along with some of the others already mentioned and several others not yet mentioned.

So there ya have it. There’s a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes in order for great things like this to take place. But between projects like this, bands like Radiator Hospital, and (as a quick shout-out) even the internationally recognized citywide Art Competition ArtPrize*, it’s my hope that this is the kind of stuff that lets people know there are some amazing things happening in West Michigan.

Bonus: Just found a GREAT live vid on the site for Born Gold (the artist formerly known as GOBBLE GOBBLE. Check it out here or at the site.

*note for Artprizers: Scopitone Vidbox has an entry in the competition - read more here.