Today, we reveal the Top 6 Michigan artists of 2025 based on airplay at Grand Rapids’ WYCE. At No. 1 is May Erlewine, so listen to our encore presentation of our March interview with the heralded tunesmith.
May Erlewine: Thankful for ‘a very collaborative community’ that values music as a quality of life. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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As celebrated northern Michigan singer-songwriter May Erlewine puts it, “it’s probably something in the water.”
But it’s actually much more than that when it comes to explaining the extraordinary talent and powerful art that flows out from the Great Lakes State year in and year out.
“I think that it has to do with a very collaborative community and a community that really values music as a quality of life,” Erlewine said in a March interview with Local Spins, just before releasing her latest studio album, “What It Takes.”
“I think there’s a lot of appreciation and support naturally from not just musicians, but also the listeners. We have a tremendous community that really cares about music here and is proud of their Michigan artists. There’s a sense of pride and just like we are in it together. … I think there’s just a lot of support here for the arts.”
Local Spins’ weekly Michigan Music Showcase alone debuted more than 600 tracks by well over 250 bands and solo artists in 2025 while spotlighting about 150 acts in feature stories on the website.
But several Michigan artists stood out at community radio station WYCE (88.1 FM) when it comes tracks aired by programmers and requested by listeners over the past year. And once again, Erlewine’s music remained a favorite.
Based on airplay, Erlewine came in at No. 1 for 2025, followed by Grand Rapids singer-keyboardist Hannah Laine, outlaw country band The Bootstrap Boys, singer-guitarist Luke Winslow-King, bluegrass phenom Billy Strings and anthemic pop’s Michigander.
So for this Christmas week episode of the Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase we revisit that March interview with May Erlewine, after debuting fresh tracks from Jack White & Eminem, and up-and-coming teen artist Aiden Wells. The show also features music from the No. 4 and No. 6 artists of the year — Luke Winslow-King and Michigander — as well as tracks by Avocadsquad, The Lasso, Tami Hjelm, The Junky Swinger, Jeff Karoub and The Reverend Jesse Ray.
PODCAST: Local Spins Michigan Music Showcase – Encore Presentation (12/26/25)
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