One of Michigan’s familiar voices is stepping into something new. Known for lighting up crowds in a beloved ’80s cover band, Whitney Who of Starfarm is now launching a side project with another local musician that feels a little more personal.
Early buzz around the project already has people curious, especially from those who’ve followed her for years.
That’s part of the fun of local scenes like this: Musicians aren’t afraid to branch out, try different sounds and bring longtime audiences along with them.
See It Now: Whitney Who teams with Dan MacLachlan
Whitney Who is teaming with singer-songwriter Dan MacLachlan to launch Botanical Underground, an acoustic project that they describe as “digging into the roots of the musical landscape to unearth the songs that move, soothe and groove.”
“Botanical Underground offers powerful vocals showcased with an upbeat-yet-laidback acoustic vibe,” the duo states, “playing pop, rock, alternative, country and soul covers from the classics to current hits.”
Their debut show kicks off at Pins & Pints in East Lansing on Thursday, May 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The show is free and family friendly.
“I’ve been thinking about doing an acoustic project for a long time,” Whitney Who said. “I have so much fun in Starfarm, but I take a very studied mimic approach to singing those songs, trying my best to match the artist’s sound.”
She adds: “Creating Botanical Underground with musician Dan MacLachlan has allowed me space to figure out what my own voice actually sounds like again. I’m excited for the freedom to draw from any genre and create a more intimate audience experience. We’re going for an upbeat acoustic vibe with a few poignant emotional touchpoints throughout the show.”
Show details: Botanical Underground featuring Whitney Who of Starfarm with Dan MacLachlan at Pins & Pints in East Lansing on Thursday, May 14, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Information: https://www.instagram.com/botanicalundergroundmusic.
See It Now: A double dose of untamed sounds at Grewal
Two rocking shows reach Grewal Hall in the next few days, both presented by Q106. First, on Thursday, May 14, Animals as Leaders bring their mix of progressive metal and djent to Grewal. The band turns complex instrumental music into something electric in a live setting. Then, on Saturday, May 16, Kottonmouth Kings bring their mix of rap rock, punk energy and hip-hop to Grewal.
Show details: Animals as Leaders, the Jonathan Scales Fourchestra and Assume Nothing at Grewal Hall, Thursday, May 14, doors 7 p.m. Also, Kottonmouth Kings, A Killer’s Confession, Kungfu Vampire, Jimi Kanklez and Knowledge da MC at Grewal, Saturday, May 16, doors 7 p.m. Both shows are presented by Q106. Information: https://grewalhall.com/.
Freelance reporter Anne Erickson covers local music for the Lansing State Journal. She has extensive experience covering news and features for a variety of publications. Contact her for coverage at ashleyanne777@yahoo.com or Instagram at @ericksonanne.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Whitney Who, Dan MacLachlan debut new project, plus Grewal shows lead music picks
Reporting by Anne Erickson, For the Lansing State Journal / Lansing State Journal
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