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...

Swiss Rocker Explores Alex Wellkers New Musical Horizons with an Evocative Mix of Folk, Pop, and Dramatic Flair “Fly Away,” The return of Swiss alternative rock artist Alex Wellkers is stunning. His second album, “Fly Away,” is an ambitious work combining folk rock's depth with pop's liveliness, all with a special touch of theatricality. This album is attractive to those who enjoy a complex musical narrative...