When you come across a musician with the calibre of Class Vee, you can't help but pay attention. Victoria Castillo, an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, is quickly making a name for herself. The band Soltrio (2019-2021) was the catalyst in Tampa. She pursued a solo career after working on many band projects, incorporating elements of pop, R&B, funk, soul, disco, and Latin into her...

Maverick Smith’s “We Make Fire, They Make Smoke” lands not with a thud, but with the distinct, satisfying crackle of something catching alight. It’s a title that carries the grit of the Ohio Valley in its consonants, a resolute statement from a band – Paige Bosic on commanding vocals and rhythm guitar, Sean Boynes sculpting soundscapes on guitar, Jim Courtney’s intricate drumming, Charlie Kovach’s...