The air crackles a bit differently when a new track from DJThriller arrives. There’s an expectation, a certain hum that suggests you’re not just about to hear a song, but perhaps a piece of someone’s mind, meticulously laid bare. With “Ain’t Asking,” that hum amplifies into a clear, resonant signal. This is a front-and-centre declaration, a modern alt-rap piece that feels less like a request...

If one were to immerse themselves in the environment of modern popular music, one would find that there is a dynamic and broad assortment of voice expressions. On rare occasions, though, one person may rise from the middle of multiple voices with great clarity and charisma, compelling others to listen to what they have to say. Katie Belle is making waves with her entrancing new...