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...

Greek-Born Indie Rocker The Afro Nick Crafts a Morning Anthem "Get There Before Noon"(LA mix) That's Really About Forever From the hot streets of Crete to the bright stages of Los Angeles, The Afro Nick's newest song "Get There Before Noon" is about both being on time and having big dreams. Think about this: After the party last night, you wake up drunk and your head...