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...

Ghanaian Afrobeats star Olivetheboy returns with his new single, “Lonely World,” bringing a fresh sonic direction by pairing energetic pop-rock elements with classic Highlife fusion. Partnering with Ghanaian-US based music tastemaker DJ Boat, the track moves past conventional Ghanaian genres, blending driving guitar lines and native West African bounce with Olivetheboy’s soulful delivery. The collaboration showcases the versatile eye of DJ Boat, whose trajectory has...