Ann Arbor musician Lauren Blackford to perform live at WDET, JR JR to debut new music

Explore a rich tapestry of local music with the MI Local radio show, where vibrant tunes from Ann Arbor to Detroit come alive. Dive into the heart of the music scene every Tuesday evening at Detroit Public Radio 101.9 WDET with your host, Jeff Milo – a maestro of all things local music. Recently, the show featured the artistic prowess of singer-songwriter Lauren Blackford from Ann Arbor in the studio, discussing her latest musical journey with the EP “The Loft Sessions,” an acoustic interpretation of her debut EP, “One Too Many Times.”

Lauren Blackford is a rising star in the local music scene, showcasing her talents as a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist since her debut a little over a year ago. Her music dances between pop and indie-rock, weaving together stripped-down acoustic melodies with glitzy electronic arrangements. Blackford’s expressive vocals and catchy choruses lined with sweet melodies create an irresistible blend that resonates long after the music stops.

Having delved into music production during her high school years and self-taught guitar skills after graduation, Blackford’s journey culminated in an album release party at Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti. Not one to rest on her laurels, she recently celebrated her latest release, “The Loft Sessions,” which pays homage to her acoustic roots.

In a soul-stirring live performance on MI Local at WDET Studios, Blackford shared the inspiration behind her music, including her song “Reset Button.” With unwavering determination, she taught herself not only to play the guitar but also to venture into DIY home production to bring her musical vision to life. Singing and playing music since childhood, Blackford started writing songs in her teenage years, and now, fresh out of college, she’s carving her path in the Michigan music scene.

At MI Local, listeners gained insight into the stories behind the heartfelt lyrics that showcase Blackford’s emotional depth. They delved into the creative process behind the loft where she recorded tracks from “One Too Many Times,” each note resonating with personal experiences and raw emotions. The live performance of “A Good Thing” on an acoustic guitar captivated the audience, showcasing Blackford’s musical prowess.

Don’t miss the chance to experience Lauren Blackford live at The Blind Pig on April 24, where she takes center stage in her Ann Arbor hometown. Additionally, catch her electrifying performance as Madonna at the Detroit X Detroit showcase on April 26 at the Loving Touch in Ferndale.

Alongside Blackford, MI Local featured music from the indie-pop duo JR JR, Chloe Moriondo, Justin Walter with electro-space-jazz vibes, Darren Shelton’s latest electronic beats, folk tunes from Mike Ward set for a performance at the Trinity House, and new sounds from Ann Arbor folk singer Ananda Murari. Plus, listeners discovered Jeff Milo’s favorite White Stripes song during this musically eclectic journey through Michigan’s vibrant music scene.