Usually, I write about classical, contemporary, and jazz music—but this time, I’m stepping outside my usual territory to explore a piece that blends pop, Latin, and hip-hop. Close Tu Di Vine by David Munoz is a genre-blurring work that caught my attention primarily because of its instrumentation.

Jazz meets rock, and Out of the Darkness emerges as a bold, genre-defying statement from the brilliant singer and musician Stephanie Bettman. This album presents a collection of 14 original tracks that blend folk, pop, rock, jazz, and Latin influences with fearless creativity and emotional depth. More than just a stylistic experiment, it’s a testament to Bettman’s evolution as an artist—one who dares to push boundaries while staying true to the soul of her storytelling.

uLove: Rayhan’s Version is a set of eleven pieces by the hip hop artist Rayhan — a bold debut album that hits like a wooden roller coaster: rough, thrilling, and real. From the first track to the last, this album tells a coming-of-age story soaked in love, lust, heartbreak, survival, and reflection. Rayhan, a rapper, actor, and comedian from Scarborough, Toronto, uses his full range of creativity to bring a multi-genre sound that refuses to stay in one lane.

Pontea is a remarkable musician who channels her life’s energy into her voice and hands, crafting healing musical notes.

Kate Trajan is a gifted artist. A quite gifted artist. It only took her nine tracks on her new album, Ancient Fires to sum up the peaks ...