Listening to Jean-Philippe Ruelle’s new single, “Switeesoul,” is a peculiar kind of eavesdropping. You’re not hearing a sunrise, exactly, but the slow, internal thought process of one coming into being. The track’s layered electronic pianos don't crash into your morning; they seep under the door, a cool wash of ambient sound that feels both deliberate and entirely accidental. It’s music that seems to have...

Maria Hubbel of Rochester, New York is one such shining light; she is a talented singer, songwriter, and composer who is creating an entrancing symphony with her strongly expressive voice and flair for writing memorable pop compositions. Some musicians stand out from the rest of the musical galaxy because their distinctive sound has the power to grab listeners and leave them wanting more. Maria may be...