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...

American singer-songwriter Ray Johnson has released a new song titled "Carried By The Wind," further enriching his impressive legacy with new musical brushstrokes. The musical journey of the St. Charles, Illinois native, whose interest in music was awakened at age six, started at that time with his involvement in choral groups. Ray's interest in music expanded, and he began performing with a number of cover bands...