Matt Nation drops "April’s Fool," and I am instantly struck by the sheer exhaustion of loving a hologram. The Brooklyn-born, LA-based artist has a knack for dissolving the borders between alt-pop, R&B, and nu-disco, but here, he channels a soul-stirring pop-punk urgency through a laid-back, indie-pop filter. https://open.spotify.com/track/7rPHpg1lXMiQFFuuIX9ZT5 It is a strange, brilliant contrast. A melancholic chord loop cycles endlessly, creating a flowing foundation for Nation's...

Maria Hubbel of Rochester, New York is one such shining light; she is a talented singer, songwriter, and composer who is creating an entrancing symphony with her strongly expressive voice and flair for writing memorable pop compositions. Some musicians stand out from the rest of the musical galaxy because their distinctive sound has the power to grab listeners and leave them wanting more. Maria may be...