Casey McQuillen’s single “Better” arrives not with a bang, but with the quiet, decisive click of a well-made lock securing a door. It’s pop music, certainly, groomed and gleaming, yet beneath the surface bubbles a fierce kind of self-possession that’s less about demanding attention and more about curating who gets past the velvet rope of your own contentment. Coming from someone known for empowerment...

In the eclectic world of music, Alba, a Franco-Mexican artist, emerges as a treasure trove of creativity and expression. Her latest album, “3,” is not just a collection of songs but a beautifully crafted journey into the human experience, showcasing her multifaceted talents as an author, producer, sound designer, composer, painter, and performer. Alba’s work is deeply influenced by her diverse background, including a mariachi father,...