The internet has transformed the way we experience the world, but with constant connection has come a new kind of pressure.  “Rise” composed by Kate Stanford explores that uneasy reality, looking at the anxiety, hostility and separation that can grow in a culture shaped by timelines, trending topics and endless digital conversations. At a time when outrage can travel faster than understanding, “Rise” feels particularly relevant....

The first encounter with Asta Bria’s new single, “Dragonfly,” is a calculated disorientation. For an artist who once cozied up to funk’s leisurely sway, this is a sharp turn onto a rain-slicked digital highway. The song’s intent for the dance floor is immediately apparent; a commanding, four-to-the-floor beat acts as a gravitational field, pinning you to the present moment. But hovering just above it...