Sadie Bass on life after ‘Wake N’ Bake’

Since the release of her stoner summer anthem, “Wake N’ Bake,” and the accompanying music video, produced and sponsored by Laingsburg dispensary Local Roots Cannabis and Michigan-based cannabis company Redemption Cannabis, singer/songwriter Sadie Bass has been living the high life. She’s booked 56 shows in 18 different states across the country and is working on an album with country hit-makers in Nashville, Tennessee.

“I’m so thankful for the Liskeys and Local Roots. ‘Wake N’ Bake’ has been a major hit and is one of my most popular songs,” Bass said. “There were some shows on tour down South where when I performed ‘Wake N Bake,’ I saw people in the crowd looking at each other. Almost like they were looking for the other person’s approval, if that makes sense.”

It does make sense — although several Southern states have enacted medical cannabis programs, few of them have embraced the recreational use of cannabis. Bass also shared a story of one innocent fan from Alabama telling her that she thought the song was about baking in the sun, not getting baked.

“I guess the song can mean different things for different people, and I think that’s great,” she said with a laugh.

Bass has been spending a lot of time bouncing back and forth between Michigan and Nashville to prepare for her upcoming album release and tour.

“I’m scheduled to perform at more festivals next year, so I want to have a nice mix of music to perform,” she said. “I have a few songs that I’m working on that are more badass and high-energy, but I’m also working on a few dancey love songs, too.”

She plans to perform a mix of new songs and some oldies and covers at her free show Sunday (Oct. 8) at Laingsburg’s McClintock Park Amphitheater, sponsored by Local Roots and Redemption Cannabis. The two-hour show will feature an acoustic set by Bass and her friend and band member Zach Hayes, a Lansing native. Attendees are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket to sit on.

To prepare for Bass’ show, roll up your favorite Redemption Cannabis strain, which can be found at Local Roots, and listen to her music on Spotify, Apple Music or YouTube. Check out her website, sadiebassmusic.com, for a full list of upcoming tour dates.

Leaving Lansterdam

When I read that Kyle Kaminski was leaving City Pulse last August, I was pretty bummed out. As a fellow stoner and resident of Lansing, I enjoyed reading Lansterdam in Review. Not only did I feel like I was staying up to date about all things cannabis in mid-Michigan, but I also felt as though I could actually stay in the loop as to what was happening in my local community, something I was desperately seeking as a new transplant to the area. So, when City Pulse posted an ad seeking a new writer for its weekly weed column, with my wife’s encouragement, I pushed through my self-doubt and sent in my resume. A few days later, City Pulse’s editor and publisher, Berl Schwartz, called me and asked if I would be interested in covering Pure Roots’ grand opening on North Larch Street. This would mark the beginning of my time as “Lucas of Lansterdam.”

Throughout the last year, I’ve had the opportunity to interview dozens of people, from recreational dispensary owners and managers to musicians and activists, who have made the Michigan cannabis industry what it is today. I’ve been able to try out some of the hottest cannabis products on the market and got paid to write my feedback, something my college self never thought was possible. I’ve been able to talk to so many folks about the positive impacts cannabis has made on their lives and the lives of others. While the industry isn’t perfect by any means — capitalism and greed can seep into all markets, including cannabis — I’m thankful for the folks I’ve met and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

While I’ll still be living in Lansing, my time as your go-to weed reporter has come to an end. I’m not sure what the future will hold for Lansterdam in Review, but what I do know is that Michigan’s cannabis scene will not go unnoticed.