“Estella Dawn is back with a provocative and sultry Alt Pop track. ‘I like It Rough’ is bold and direct. It’s the kind of in your face track that might seem one-dimensional but the writing is sharp and their is a definite undercurrent and bite that speaks of more than meets the eye. ”
“This song feels deeply personal and will resonate with anyone who has struggled with addiction. The visual grounds the story as the artist reflects on his relapse, capturing the unsettling process of self-destruction. I especially like the use of psychedelic special effects throughout the video—they vividly mirror the chaos and disorientation the artist experienced.”
“The visual keeps the focus on the artist, using minimal locations and limited camera angles to highlight her presence. The track itself carries a gritty, post-punk edge, with empowering lyrics that confront the artist’s concerns about the world and its decisions directly.”
“YOu might not yet have heard of Kings Elliot, but this Swiss artists is one to take a deep dive in on. ‘What If This World’ is the fourth release from her upcoming ‘Born Blue’ album, and each time the emotional depth and introspective intelligence comes through in a new way.
This is an artist your feel as much as you hear and we can’t wait to hear more here at LA on Lock. ”
“The minefield of dating is rough and even when we escape an explosive ex, we must deal with the sharpnel of our previous blow ups. ‘Insecure’ from EĐĐIE lights the fuse on that very set of dynamics.
The Indie Pop track has a nice nostalgic sound musically and is performed with emotive precision to make certain the listener feels every line.”
“Timmy Skelly gives us a fun brand of retro nostalgia on ‘Nowhere Land.’
Self-described by the artist as Midwest Y’allternative, the track has that old school jam band feel that harkens back tot he hey dey of Laurel Canyon and the music landscape that sprung from that time and place.”
“Forrest Day perfectly blends hunor, talnet, and a strong sense of self-realization on this track. When you think about it, we are all a bit ‘Asinine.’
This funky, Alt Rock track is full of lyrical gems that will make you think and ponder. This is simply a fun song that also has some depth and thought provoking meaning behind it. All set to some gnarly sax licks.”
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AVATARI is a man of many talents. From the screen to the stage he captivates audiences. Musically, this track has a deep Alt Rock vibe that speaks to the damaged soul but also any of us with empathy and compassion coursing through us.
The video for ‘Hold On’ is a cinematic exploration of grief, addiction, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when the world feels like it’s falling apart. Filmed in Los Angeles, Topanga, and beyond, the video tells three parallel stories of people on the edge — and the moment they choose to hold on instead of give up. It’s a lifeline for anyone in the dark.”
“Let me introduce you to ... Karhys — a Maltese-Italian singer, songwriter, and producer.
Her latest offering is a light and breezy Pop track. ‘Peace of Mind’ feels like Summer and the smooth groove is perfect to move to drink in hand beside the pool or under the lights.”
“Tiger & Dove are a duo out of LAs Vegas and here on a track that shares the band’s name they take on the dynamic of opposites attract. The hard charging track feels a little Punk but probably is best described as Alternative Rock. I like the build and the variation from soft delicate delivery to the harder edged explaision all showcasing how differences can drive a wedge or bring us together.”
“exPorter is keeping the Alt Rock sound alive and well. These Southern California rockers latest release, ‘Letting Go’ feels like a blend of Green Day esque vocals with a Pop Punk musical style that is right at home in 2025 but still harkens back to the early 2000s.
Of course good music is timeless and this track delivers an inescapable build to put it in that category.”
“The track gave me ‘Under the Bridge’ Vibes in a way, though the writing and vocals stand on their own without comparison.
Chavar Dontae might not be reinventing the wheel here, but he is certainly leaning into truth, vulnerability and of course human emotion to give us a truly great song we can feel to our bones.
’Rain’ is a timeless kind of song that I will be adding to multiple playlists of my own. This is music you can feel, and I pay no higher compliment to any art than that.”
“Break ups inspire nearly as many songs as new found love and one could argue they are even more passionate. ‘You’re The Worst’ from Eva James is such a track. Artfully written and performed, the track is an in your face ode to love gone bad.
This is in your face Indie Pop for all of us fed up and pissed off by shitty relationships and even worse people.”
“Estella Dawn knows how to sell emotion and here on ‘Move Down Lover’ the sultry track straddles the line between sultry Soul Pop and an Alt R&B vibe. Dawn is occupying the same musical space as artists like Teddy Swims on this track but she does so with power, confidence and originality that is clearly her own.”
“This track is an international affair with Canadian artist ELLES joining forces with Aussies, PEPTALK to create an engaging ode to steppin out of your comfort zoon and exploring new frontiers. ‘Timezones’ is an energetic ode to shrugging off homesickness and fear of the unknown and exploring new horizons to better understand yourself.”
“Given the tumultuous times we are facing, I frankly do not think enough artists are addressing the political issues of today.
Sam Varga never thought he’d write about politics but recognized the time to speak up was upon us. ‘Minute Man’ is a genre fusing track that takes on the world we live in with artful precision while still maintaining that Commercial entertainment that brings more ears to such an important message.
It’s time the musical landscape did more to address the current state of affairs, so kudos to Sam Varga for stepping up and delivering.”
“Up From Here comes with a Pop Punk style of sound on their latest song, ‘Under Your Spell.’
Maybe it’s just me, but Pop Punk and summer go together like suntan lotion and the swimming pool. Two things that simply feel right in tandem. This track has plenty of talent and a nice energy to keep listeners invested in the build.”
“Seems like every summer has a S-P-E-L-L-I-N-G hit song. ‘B.IT.E Me’ is lined up to take that mantle this year. Rising Aussie star, POLLY unleashes some post break-up fury in delightful fashion on this Alt Pop reminder to never piss off a songwriter. ”
“Problematic Jam is an Indie Rock trio inspired by Pst Psyche Punk and bands like The Pixies, The Cure, and Nirvana to name a few. The sound and this track are inspired by music past, but that is not to suggest ‘It’s Alright’ isn’t fresh and contemporary.
The track tips a hat to the past but taps into its own brand of energy and talent. The video takes the same tact and together the song and imagery adds a nice bit of wry humor to a song that feels like pure Rock and Roll. ”
“Euphoric sadness might sound like an oxymoron but that is what this track from Kings Elliot epitomizes. ‘The Promise’ is about emerging from the ruins of a relationship with a new and better understanding of your self and what you need and want out of life as well as a partner, and in that one can indeed find euphoric sadness.”