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...

Arta Kwame, an Afro-fusion artist from Ghana, is another musician to keep an eye on in this music scene. He is a native of the Kontenase - Ashanti Region (Lake Bosomtwe Road) and was born Ernest Nketiah to Selina Tawiah and Ernest Nketiah. The young musician has been in the industry for a while, drawing inspiration and encouragement from his friends to create music that is...