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...

Within the first minute of Fedstar's new single "Treat Me Right," it is clear that a great deal of effort was put into the creation of the song. The title of the song suggests that once she is your companion, you are obligated to behave appropriately with her. Who wouldn't want access to the very best treatment? The lyrics of the song appear to be a...