NOISE: Local Music Beat

Now Trending: Download Pearl Jam’s Sept. 11 Show for Free on Google Music

Google Music offers free download of Pearl Jam's Sept. 11 concert

Google officially kicked off its online music download store last week, and the response from the greater technology community has been overwhelmingly positive. Artists delivering exclusive songs and sets just for the occasion include Coldplay, the Rolling Stones, Pearl Jam and more.

Cyber Monday Local Music Pick - Mike Vial and the Great Lake Effect, 'Where the Sand Meets the Tide'

Mike Vial releases new EP on Cyber Monday

While Black Friday may have been around longer, Cyber Monday is all the rage these days. On Monday, and likely throughout the week, Christmas shoppers will scoop up the deals online. Besides, with no long lines and crazy hours, Cyber Monday is a tad more comfortable than typical shopping drama.

Locally, Howell-based folk-rock group Mike Vial and the Great Lake Effect release their new EP, "Where the Sand Meets the Tide," online on Cyber Monday (Nov. 28). Musically, the collection combines gentle folk with harder-edge pop-rock, utilizing unique chord progressions and relatable lyrics. Songs like "Love & Be Proud" and "Empty Cup" mix folk passages with digestible choruses, molding a sort of brainy folk-pop hybrid that appeals to mainstream fans and indie-tempered listeners. The tracks are entertaining, from-the-heart and stylishly performed.

Black Friday Weekend Riff: Exclusive Music Releases from Beastie Boys, Nirvana, Kings of Leon and More at Local Shops

Shop at Lansing music shops this weekend

The Christmas shopping season is here! Of course, the traditional kick-off to holiday shopping is Black Friday, when crowds venture out to score the deals of the season. So, what should you get the music enthusiast in your life?

Locals Only: Divide and Conquer Booking Presents Benefit Show with Lansing Bands

Local bands come together for a great cause

Thanksgiving is certainly on the mind. But, after all the turkey and stuffing is long gone and after you've shopped 'till you've dropped, where can you catch a post-Thanksgiving show?

Weekend Riff: Shinedown Guitarist in Lansing, Breakin' Break with the Blues at the Green Door, Silver Bells in the City

Shinedown's Zach Myers is in town this weekend, plus find music at Silver Bells in the City and more

Punks vs. 'Pokes 7 Pits Genres Against Each Other for One Rockin' Throwdown

Are you a punk or a 'poke?

When Lansing musician Aaron Bales first envisioned Punks vs. ‘Pokes in 2005, he had no idea he would eventually be planning the event’s seventh annual show. “It's great to see it take on a life of its own,” Bales said. “People now start asking me about it in the summer!”

Weekend Riff: Riverwalk Theatre Fundraiser, Middle Class Rut Q&A, Between You and Me at Mac's

Lansing music: What is there to do in Lansing this weekend? Check the Weekend Riff, below!

Now Trending: The Outer Vibe Hosts Rock Workshop for Teens and Adults at MSU

Want to polish up your chops? Alternative rock band hosts two music workshops this weeken.

Grand Rapids-based alternative rock band the Outer Vibe has long lent its talents to “Rock Camp” workshops and camps at the MSU Community Music School. Now, the guys (and gal) are offering new fall workshops for both teens and adults (21+) this Saturday.

Weekend Riff: 3 Doors Down, Theory of a Deadman and Pop Evil in GR, Q106 Homegrown Throwdown at the Loft, I Fight Dragons Rocks Mac's

Lansing music: The first weekend in November packs shows with I Fight Dragons, the Harvestmen, Q106 and 3 Doors Down