About Paytra Paytra was born in the small hamlet of Lambertville, Michigan, south of Detroit, to a mixed-Mexicana mother and a German father. Paytra made a very bold move and took a risk of a lifetime, alone, she moved to Brooklyn, New York. She already knew what she wanted in life, but with no money and lack of experience, she ultimately came to the reality...

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...