Ava Valianti represents something increasingly rare in contemporary music: genuine precocity without artifice. This Massachusetts artist, who is only fifteen years old, handles general themes with a level of emotional depth that is shocking. She shows that youth can bring out the best in complicated human experiences, rather than hiding them. "Distant," her sixth single, functions as a sonic archaeology of friendship's dissolution. The track excavates layers...

Ily Gabi, a singer from Frankfurt, has released her newest song, "learning how to hurt." It is an emotionally honest song that examines boundaries, self-defense, and the unknown ache of heartbreak. The song perfectly expresses the realization that love may hurt you in ways you weren't aware you were susceptible to, in addition to being gentle and lovely. Do you recognize that strange feeling you experience?...