A Zoom Chat with the Visionaries in Century Babes

COVID-19 has put a pause button on life which means that we can't go out and celebrate things the way we want to. We aren't allowed to gather and dance the night away, but we can still listen to and appreciate new music which is why Century Babes are forging ahead and releasing their new album Visionary this Friday, May 1st. To celebrate, we set up a Zoom chat with the band and toasted to the release while we chatted about the project. Visionary is full of upbeat energy that makes you feel good, something that we all desperately need right now. Check out our interview and follow the band on Spotify so that you can be the first to hear the new music when it drops this Friday. 

~ S&C

Hip Chats with Ally Evenson and Elise McCoy about the creation of Not So Pretty

This Spring was supposed to be an exciting time for Ally Evenson. She was planning to finish up her undergrad study at D.I.M.E Detroit and to play a couple of shows in support of her first EP called Not So Pretty, coming out this Friday, April 17th. Instead, she is on lockdown getting ready to do a livestream from her house this evening.

So, we reached out and chatted with Ally and her producer Elise McCoy (My Pal Val, Century Babes) to learn more about the process of writing the songs, recording the album and what they have been eating and watching why they are staying home and staying safe. Check out our chat and then tune in to instagram tonight to see Ally play all of the songs from her EP before they officially come out tomorrow!

Livestream starts at 8 pm tonight- find out more here.

Contact Elise about recording or mixing at elise.mccoy87@gmail.com!

Listen to Not So Pretty starting this Friday!
Website | Facebook | Instagram | SoundCloud | Bandcamp | Spotify

~S&C

Here's How You Can Help Your Favorite Venues

Since you're visiting hipindetroit.com, there's a really good chance that you're a fan of live music. There's also a good chance that you enjoy going to smaller shows at local venues, just as much (if not more) as the big arena shows. Since there haven't been any concerts for a while now, and there is no certainty when they will return, many of your favorite venues are hurting financially right now. Some of them have developed ways that you can show their business and staff your support during this tough time. Check out our list below to see what your favorite venue is doing to try to stay afloat, and if you can afford to, consider helping them out.

Small's - Visit Small's online store to pick up a sweet t-shirt to show your support and look cool at the same time. They also are hosting carryout pop-ups a couple of times a week. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for menus and details.

Party Store Productions - This one isn't a specific venue, but a booking company that brings shows to a lot of your favorite venues! You can help Party Store Productions out by ordering a bag of coffee from Populace Coffee. 50% of the proceeds will be going to PSP and you get some delicious coffee! Pick yours up here!

El Club - There are a few ways that you can help out this venue, and get something sweet in return. First, El Club is selling some great merch in their online store. They have shirts, drink coozies, assorted posters, and more. They also have a really unique item that you have to buy at this link instead, custom Vans. The classic slip on was designed by SW Freddy (Freddy Diaz) and are limited to 500 pairs. So don't wait to buy yours! Last, but not least, every Friday and Saturday, they are offering Curbside Pizza, Beer & Wine from 5-10 PM. Call to order: (313) 375-5324

Deluxx Fluxx - Purchase a Season Pass to ALL shows, DJ sets and parties through June 2021! This special pin will get you into any night at Deluxx Fluxx without cover or ticket purchase. All sales will be donated to support their team and resident artists.

Marble Bar - Buy a sweet hoodie, crew neck, or t-shirt to show your support for Marble Bar. Pick yours up here.

UFO Factory - UFO Factory has a great selection of stylish shirts for sale in their online store, as well as some records and tapes from the classic UFO record label. Click here to shop.

The Old Miami - The Old Miami doesn't have any fancy merch, but they do have a Go Fund Me set up if you want to help out their staff. Click here for more info and to donate.

The Painted Lady Lounge - Want to help the staff at The Painted Lady? Make a donation here.

Planet Ant - The team at Planet Ant are keeping people entertained nightly with online entertainment. If you want to show your support to this multi venue non-profit, just head to their website. There you can buy merch, make a donation, or buy a gift card to use towards a future event or class.

Know of something that we missed? Let us know at hipindetroit@gmail.com.

A Zoom Chat with Sweat About their New EP

COVID-19 has caused a lot of cancellations and postponements. Many artists who were on the cusp of releasing new albums have pushed them back indefinitely. Thankfully, Detroit's own Sweat decided to do just the opposite. They figured, since we are all stuck at home we should have something good to listen to. So, they released a new 5 track EP that features new versions of previously recorded tracks off their 2017 release Gloom Pride. This is the band's first time heading into a "real" studio and you can hear the difference. In fact, this album is so smokey and melodic that we didn't even realize that it was some of the same tracks until we talked to Krista and Val via Zoom this week. The new EP was recorded by Josh Schroeder and mixed and mastered by Elise McCoy.  Check out our first Zoom interview (it has some flaws, but were trying new things here) to see what Val and Krista had to say and how they are handling sheltering in place together. Then, head over to Soundcloud to give the album a listen. We can't wait to see Sweat play live again, hopefully, it'll be sooner than later.

~S & C

Shop Online with Local Metro Detroit Shops

Need something? Consider shopping locally before you order off Amazon. Many local shops have transitioned to online stores and can ship something out to you much faster than the conglomerate who is pushing all non-essential shipments back as far as a month. Plus, you will be purchasing from a small local retailer who really needs your help to get through these trying times. Many local shops are offering sales and discounts too! Here is a list of Metro Detroit shops that you can shop right from your couch during COVID-19.

Coup D'état- Vibrant, eclectic women's lifestyle boutique offering apparel, accessories + more from independent designers.

Rouge Makeup and Nail Studio- Organic makeup and beauty from Eve Organics shipped right to your door.

City Bird/Nest- Michigan-themed products as well as housewares, jewelry, stationery, paper goods, apparel, accessories, and home decor by hundreds of independent artists and designers.
Free shipping on orders over $50

Modern Natural Baby- All things baby
Curb Side Pick up
Free Shipping over $35

Bath Savvy- Soaps, shower bombs and all sorts of self-care.

Sign up for their email to save $

Good Neighbor- Free Shipping on orders of $100+

ZMC Pharmacy- They carry everything from disinfectant wipes to face wash. You can shop off their Instagram by seeing something you want and calling it in. Then you can pick it up curbside without having to get close to anyone. They are also a local pharmacy.

Green Daffodil- Handmade soy candles, lotion, lip balm, and soap, plus a full line gift shop with greeting cards, kitchenware, linens, jewelry, books, vintage and more!

Love Candles and Creations- Hand poured soy candles and hand crafted bath and body goods all made with LOVE.

Refuge Skate Shop- Refuge is a 100% Skateboarder Run & Operated shop that has been serving the Metro Detroit area since 2002.

Bird Bee- We curate nothing but unique, quality items that we would wear ourselves.

Lean on Lulu-Leon & Lulu offers one-of-a-kind & custom furniture, as well as a spectacular selection of gifts, books, toys, accessories, and women’s clothing.

~S

Playground Detroit Brings Detroit Artists to Your Living Room Every Wednesday

Playground Detroit made a commitment to help support the artistic community of the city when they opened their doors in 2012. They have hosted galleries, helped connect artists with grants and funding and helped curate the next generation of talent. But a few weeks ago, COVID-19 abruptly shut their doors. Instead of going dark, they found a new way to virtually support the community and to share art and culture during the shutdown. They have uploaded all of their previous shows to their website so that you can look at them anytime that you want to. They have also started a new weekly Instagram series that will bring you up close and personal with some of the city's best artists. The first stream took place last week and it featured Ouizi. Each stream will feature a different artist, a different conversation or a different project in the making. You can tune in live on Wednesdays on Playground's IG at 5 p.m. So mark your calendars and get your weekly dose of Detroit art.

~S