Dylan Forshner's new EP, “Hopeless Optimism,” presents itself not so much as a collection of songs but as a series of candid diary entries set to intricately picked acoustic strings. This five-song journey from the Welland, Canada artist begins in a place of palpable internal wrestling, where the lyrics – and Forshner’s delivery – map out the grim territories of being overwhelmed, using substances...

Pelumi, also known as P3Lz, is one of those really rare artists who has a fierce genuineness that cannot be faked. She is lovingly acknowledged as one of the rare jewels in the industry. Her profound connection to the streets of Toxteth, which are located in Liverpool, not only helps to form who she is as an individual but also provides inspiration for her songs. From...