Cat Mayel's "FREE" arrived, not on a silver platter, but more like a rogue pigeon delivering a very important message – a crumpled napkin with profound scribbles. This Nigerian producer, composer, arranger, and all-around sonic sorceress has served up a single dose of alternative neo-soul that feels… well, free. As free as a shopping cart with a wonky wheel, anyway. It goes where it...

Aubryanna's vivacious personality and high-energy vocals are likely to make her latest single, "CoverGirl," a hit. The message that the tune conveys is one of empowerment; it dares to be honest and confident in the face of the pretense of perfection. The way Aubryanna sings about the human condition—the flaws and hardships we all endure, but also the triumphs of perseverance and acceptance of ourselves—has a...