French artist Kurtys, with his rich cultural and unique sound, is creating ripples far beyond his native Paris region. As the founder of Oshean Records, Kurtys has not only established himself as a self-produced artist but also as a confluence of diverse musical influences. Born to a Brazilian father and a Beninese mother, his music is a reflection of this varied heritage, echoing the Parisian and...

Maverick Smith’s “We Make Fire, They Make Smoke” lands not with a thud, but with the distinct, satisfying crackle of something catching alight. It’s a title that carries the grit of the Ohio Valley in its consonants, a resolute statement from a band – Paige Bosic on commanding vocals and rhythm guitar, Sean Boynes sculpting soundscapes on guitar, Jim Courtney’s intricate drumming, Charlie Kovach’s...