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...

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...