Anthony Casuccio's "The Rockstar," is, well, not what you expect, especially if you were picturing spandex and teased hair. It's a raw, honest pour of musicality, almost like watching someone build a guitar from scratch right in front of you. He’s not pretending; this is what he does, he is music. That kind of dedication, you can feel it. It's like catching a stray...

Not every song begins with the confidence to share it. For Toronto soul artist Tara Van, keeping music private for years preceded a decision to work with friends and confidants. "Miles On It" makes those relationships part of its creative identity. The four-track EP addresses love, loss and growth, but its guiding idea is practical. Staying hopeful need not mean doing everything yourself. Van's interests reach through...