Listening to Arnold J.’s new single, "Muddy Waters," isn't quite like anything else swirling around right now. It arrives with the gentle insistence of incoming tide, pulling you into its specific gravity. Arnold J., Ghanaian-born and now Canada-based, weaves a sound tagged as alt-country and folk, but those labels feel thin, like trying to contain smoke. There’s earthiness, sure, but his soulful vocal lines...

Canadian artist Dax, whose compositions are known for their deep and engaging narratives and unique style, comes with a story that explores the psychological implications of toxic relationships in his new song, "Narcissist," with Phix. Dax, who once aspired to play basketball for a career, began to pursue music in college instead, and then became an outstanding rapper, being found by SoundCloud and composing hits...