THE BAND
Earth Radio are storytellers of a future yet to be realized. This Grand Rapids Future-Soul group consists of Justin Avdek (bass, vox), Hannah Laine (keys, vox), Dutcher Snedeker (keys, synth), and David Ward (drums, percussion). The band formed in 2017 when Avdek brought these unique West Michigan musicians together for a spontaneous recording collaboration, which turned into a progressive project, birthed from a shared passion of neo-soul and sonic ingenuity. You’ll hear elements of funk, rock, soul, and progressive jazz, reminiscent of Hiatus Kaiyote, Erykah Badu, Radiohead, and Knower, melded together into a sound that is uniquely Earth Radio.
Earth Radio has shared the stage with The Accidentals, Joe Hertler & The Rainbow Seekers, Last Gasp Collective, Brandon Coleman, Jackie Venson, Minor Element, Afro Zuma, Outer Vibe, Lipstick Jodi, Desmond Jones, and more nationally touring artists. Their ability to collaborate as multi-instrumentalists leaves room for infinite possibility.
Since the release of their self-titled album, Earth Radio, in March 2018, their music has been well received by musical lovers from all genres, hitting the top of the charts as WYCE’s most played album. The excitement continued as the band was awarded “Emerging Artist of The Year” and “Best Jazz Album of 2018” at the 20th WYCE Jammie Awards. In 2019, Earth Radio released their sophomore record, “Mother’s Breath”, which earned them the Critics Choice Award and “Best Jazz Album of 2019” at the 21st WYCE Jammie Awards.
For 2020, Earth Radio released their latest album, “Reanimate,” which received three months on the “WYCE Hot Top 5” and a spot on the “2020 Hot Top 10 Local Spins Playlist.” In 2021, the band released a new single inspired by 2020 events, titled "After the Plague."
Earth Radio's fourth album Mosaic Dreams released on March 17th, 2023 and was celebrated with an album release show and accompanying tour the following month. In addition to playing frestivals around the region, Earth Radio is set to put out another EP from our time in Vermont last fall, with release details coming during their summer travels!
DUTCHER SNEDEKER
// keyboards
Dutcher Snedeker is an active performer around West Michigan with a background in classical and jazz piano studies at the graduate level. He still performs with many West Michigan musicians and bands including West Michigan New Music Collective, Monsters' Impromptu, Normal Mode, Mark Lavengood, and Blushing Monk. He is also a session musician with Third Coast Recording Company and has worked in roles as a consultant, podcast host writer, live sound engineer, and booking agent.
HANNAH LAINE
// vocals
Hannah Laine is a soulful vocalist, songwriter, and pianist from Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her musical journey began at a young age, as she sang and performed with her father. Much of Hannah's inspiration in songwriting comes from various spiritual leaders and artists; including Ram Dass, Erykah Badu, Nai Palm, Stevie Wonder, Queen Afua, Zap Mama, and Mother Earth. Shortly prior to the birth of Earth Radio, Hannah released her debut solo EP titled Cut Your Strings. In addition to her ventures with Earth Radio and her solo performances, Hannah Laine practices yoga, meditation, and sound healing.
JUSTIN AVDEK
// bass
Justin Avdek is a widely known musician in West Michigan. He has played bass in many local groups including the Tommy Foster Band, the Mark Lavengood Band, Chordis Bell, The Underground Circus, and with Eric Engblade. Justin has released several albums as a solo artist and with collaborative groups, including and Dr. Dangatang, Don't Forget to Plug in The Sun, You Are What You Sleep, and recently The Hidden People. He loves to make sounds.
DAVID WARD // drums & percussion
David Ward is a drummer and percussionist originally from Washington, who moved to Michigan to study at the University of Michigan. A fearless artist, David can be seen and heard as a drummer/bandleader with Sabbatical Bob, as Young Sinsei with his hip hop duo project FiendiGods, and performing with various jazz artists around the Detroit area like Vincent Chandler when not performing with Earth Radio.