The evening sky is pink and orange as I arrive at The Rage in downtown Niles, Michigan. Tonight is special—local band The Erly is launching their latest album, Salem Lights. The building, part of the historic district downtown, was originally a drug store. Now, it’s an events center and restaurant, with a bar from the turn of the last century being the highlight of the interior.

Niles, Michigan, a town of twelve thousand give or take, has produced some powerful music over the years. Tommy James and the Shondells formed here and recorded "Hanky Panky." Tommy Shaw of Styx wrote "Too Much Time on My Hands" while sitting at Mark's Bar, and legendary guitarist Jake Cinninger also grew up in this town. Now, another Niles homegrown band, The Erly, is ready for your approval.