🔥 MICHIGAN METAL FEST • MIDWEST BRUTAL FEST • METAL FESTIVALS • BATTLE CREEK METAL • STEVE MAPLE • SCOTT HAKES • METAL PODCAST • METAL MANIACS PODCAST 🔥

Welcome to Episode 158 of the Metal Maniacs Podcast hosted by Jay Ingersoll!

In this episode, Jay sits down with Steve Maple and Scott Hakes, the driving forces behind two of Michigan's biggest independent heavy music events: Michigan Metal Fest and Midwest Brutal Fest.

We dive deep into the history, growth, and future of these festivals, discussing everything from booking bands and building lineups to sponsorships, VIP experiences, volunteer crews, and what it really takes to run successful metal festivals in today's music scene.

Michigan Metal Fest has become one of the Midwest's premier metal destinations since launching in 2017, bringing together local favorites, national touring acts, vendors, artists, and passionate fans for an unforgettable weekend in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Meanwhile, Midwest Brutal Fest has quickly become one of the region's most exciting new events, offering a unique multi-stage experience, killer VIP packages, and an atmosphere designed for fans of deathcore, hardcore, brutal death metal, nu-metal, and beyond.

Topics discussed include:

⚡ The origins of Michigan Metal Fest and Midwest Brutal Fest

⚡ Building festival lineups and selecting bands

⚡ The realities of festival promotion and logistics

⚡ VIP experiences and fan engagement

⚡ Sponsorships and community partnerships

⚡ Supporting local and regional metal bands

⚡ The growth of Michigan's metal scene

⚡ Volunteer teams and behind-the-scenes challenges

⚡ Future plans for both festivals

⚡ Advice for bands looking to get booked

Featured bands and artists discussed include Green Jellÿ, Psychostick, Crossbreed, Monochromatic Black, Hemlock, Rose Funeral, Gore Pig, Ghost In Motion, Let It Rot, Killcrown, King's Glass, and many more.

Whether you're a musician, promoter, festival-goer, or simply a fan of heavy music, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the curtain at what it takes to build successful metal festivals from the ground up.

🎟️ Get Tickets & Learn More:

Michigan Metal Fest:

https://michiganmetalfest.net

Midwest Brutal Fest:

https://midwestbrutalfest.com

Follow Michigan Metal Fest:

https://www.facebook.com/MichiganMetalFest

Follow Midwest Brutal Fest:

https://www.facebook.com/MidwestBrutalFest

🎧 Listen to Metal Maniacs Podcast:

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If you enjoy interviews with metal musicians, promoters, festival organizers, and members of the heavy music community, be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this episode.

#MichiganMetalFest #MidwestBrutalFest #MetalFestival #MetalPodcast #BattleCreekMichigan #HeavyMetal #Deathcore #Metalcore #Hardcore #MetalCommunity #MichiganMetal #FestivalSeason #MetalManiacsPodcast #JayIngersoll #SteveMaple #ScottHakes

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