Shiawassee is a singer and songwriter from Ypsilanti and a proud Family 734 member using music as a path toward healing, honesty, and real community connection.For her, music has never just been about performing. It’s been a way to process life. A way to deal with mental health, trauma, and everything that comes with it. Writing became her outlet. Her way to release and breathe.

In every local music scene, there are artists who don’t just participate, they help shape the culture. For the Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County Hip Hop scene, Prol’e is one of those artists. Born Tony Thompson, Prol’e’s journey in music started early. Born in Detroit with a strong musical background in his family, stepping into music wasn’t a question, it was a calling.

There’s something about artists from Ypsilanti that just feels different. Maybe it’s the environment, or the way creativity gets built authentically between real life responsibilities instead of inside perfect aesthetic driven studio sessions. To me it’s just that the stories tend to run deeper. J DUB feels like one of those artists.The first thing you notice isn’t even the music. It’s the presence. The kind of stage energy that makes people stop what they’re doing and pay at

The Family 734 Radio Run Contest is all about discovering artists who bring something real to the stage. Among the finalists is Shiggins, an Ann Arbor artist whose music is rooted in storytelling, emotion, and authenticity. While some artists chase trends, Shiggins has carved out a lane built on substance. With just three years into making music, he’s already developed a style that stands out in the 734 scene.

The Family 734 Radio Run Contest is built to highlight artists from Washtenaw County who are ready to step forward with records that can move a crowd and make an impact. One of the finalists stepping onto the stage is OKTAELER, also known as TaeTaeGoinCrazy, representing Ypsilanti with a sound that refuses to fit neatly into one box. For OKTAELER, music has been a part of life for nearly two decades.

A Professional Guide for Independent Artists Getting your music in front of DJs is about more than sending a file. It’s about preparation, presentation, and real relationships. DJs are tastemakers. When they support a record, it can move crowds, playlists, and whole scenes. That support starts with how you show up. This guide breaks down how to submit music professionally and how to build long-term relationships with DJs that actually last.