Musicworks

ON THE COVER From Toronto to L.A., Maylee Todd has made a practice of embracing everything, especially in crafting her uniquely weird aesthetic. From earlier albums built on soul and funk to newer work that delves into the hopes and pitfalls of virtual reality, Todd reflects on how her creative practice has grown, and grown up, with her. Features: Joshua Van Tassel, whose compact studio attracts an array of East Coast musicians, describes his work as a go-to drummer-for-hire and simpatico producer informs his own writing.| Kaïa Kater brings fresh ideas and stories to the Appalachian clawhammer banjo tradition in solo and collaborative projects. | Informed by the history of Cuban trumpet and Afro-Cuban jazz, trumpeter Alexis Baro is leading the music in new directions and contexts. Also Inside: Learning about the songs of his Indigenous culture gave trumpeter Chuck Copenace a pathway to develop his unique jazz fusion. | Kalaisan Kalaichelvan is an emerging composer creating music for the concert stage, films, dance, and theatre. | The Burning Hell’s DIY ethos flows through everything they do, with climate crisis at the heart of their sustainable practice and the theme of their buoyant songs.