“Estelle Dawn’s “Reckless” is a rush of raw emotion a song that captures the tension between love and frustration. It’s about the messy arguments and the moments where you’re still trying to find common ground in the chaos. Her vocals balance strength and vulnerability, carrying the weight of every word, while the production builds and breaks like a heartbeat under pressure. Reckless isn’t just about conflict it’s about connection that survives it.”
“avalon wrote this about her childhood best friend years after cutting her out of her life. It is an apology to ‘sydney’ but also a mixed bag of emotions. Part tribute, part, goodbye she never said, and part love letter for a meaningful relationship that will forever be part of avalon.
The vulnerability is tangible, and the talent undeniable.”
“Love can be volatile and we’ve all either been in a ‘Drunk &Messy’ type of relationship or know someone who has. Estella Dawn is an artist we regularly feature here at LA on Lock and that is for good reason. This Indie Pop starlet continues to churn out meaningful songs showcasing a variety of styles and emotions. This track is but another feather in her artistic cap.”
“Jake Thistle taps into the Pop side of Indie Rock with hsi single , ‘Alone Together.’ Inspired by a stretch of New Jersey turnpike that gives him industrial smokestacks on one side and the gleaning Manhattan skyline on the other, the track is about how we often can be two things at once or find ourselves in situations that are.
The song is performed with emotive brilliance and is one you can quickly sing along with as you tie the emotions to your own everyday life. ”
“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.”
“The track kicks off with an upbeat burst of instrumentation, instantly pulling you into its rhythm before easing into vivid storytelling of a summer road trip. While there’s a familiar quality to its melody, it’s the kind of familiarity that works in its favor, making it easy to imagine this song sliding seamlessly into the soundtrack of a feel-good movie.”
“Elijah Woods is a rising Pop Star currently playing to sold out shows across Asia. He delivers sharp lyrics with soft Pop precision.
‘Ghost on the Radio’ is about memorializing a past relationship that still haunts you,” Elijah shares. ‘No matter where you go, their voice finds a way to follow, like a song you didn’t ask to hear but can’t turn off.’”
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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.”
“Capital Cities unleashes a glorious synthfest to say ‘Fuck It.’ This is the kind of track that will worm its way in and stick inside your head long after the next song has come one. This Electro Pop track really is self-explanatory and all about just living your life the way you want without worry of everything going on around you.”
“From her original home in Puerto Rico to a stop in New York City, before ultimately landing in Los Angeles, Cely Riva has taken an enriching musical path.
This track takes a look at financial stress through an honest and earnest vocal delivery. The track has a glorious Pop vibe with some singer/songwriter sensibilities to make us really feel the struggle and emotion. ”
“Ava Valianti is a talent that shines on any stage or demographic, but I’d be remiss if I did not mentiont he fact this rising star is but fifteen years old and already establishing herself as a musical force. I’ll turn of my voice to hers as she talks about this track ...
”‘Buttercups’ is a song that encapsulates the experience of love, loss, and searching for purpose. It’s a song that’s centered around memories that are hard to let go of - the cinnamon smell, the creaky doors, the buttercups - and how even when things are complicated, those memories remind me why I cared in the first place. This is one of my favorite songs I’ve ever created, I truly had so much fun making it, and I hope that comes across when you listen!” ~ Ava Valianti
The tender love that went into writing and performing this track shines as you listen.”
“Poster Girl drew inspiration from 90s Alternative music, but don’t let that fool you into thinking their music is dated or out of touch with today’s musical landscape. ‘Black Overalls’ is a vibrant track with emotive vocals and a sweet tone that is the perfect juxtaposition for the lyrical depth and meaning of this track.”
“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.”
“Folk Pop just might have a new star in Zev. This former professional jump roper has transitioned from winning athletic championships to the musical stage. ‘How To hurt’ is an emotionally charged track about the bumps and bruises we all take over the course of life in the pursuit of meaningful love. Of course the physical is easier to deal with than emotional wounds and that is the true crux of this song.”
“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.”
“Sometimes we know a relationship is doomed fromt he start but stillw e are ‘obsessed’ and can’t quite walk away when we should. Harvey Brittain takes a look at such a relationship and does som with Indie Pop brilliance.
The Brit is a rising talent to pay close attention to as he brings the rare combination of emotive vocal talent and emotionally in touch songwriting that rises well above the fray.”
“Hypnautic is one half of the popular hip hop group Top Flite Empire. ‘Memories’ is a lyrical bomb just waiting to explode in your ears and heart. The track definitely is a tweener in terms of genre but that does not diminish the impact of the talent or writing.
A track to feel and complex enough to give you new nuance each new listen.”
“Some tracks simply instill an instant vibe. ‘Shake’ from Meagher is such a track. The song brings iNdie Pop vibes and simply settles into you bones and lifts you up. This is one I;ve already given a number of listens and will continue to do so whenever I need that light airy build to sweep me up and in and chase away the negativity of the day.”
“Written while watching the Olympics, this track is about achieving your goals after a life of hard work and dedication. WILD will welcome the next summer games tot heir hometown LA so perhaps they will get to play this uplifting Pop track for the very athletes that inspired it, but we can all use a dose of positivity and motivation in our day to day and this track is perfect for such playlists. ”