Darragh Chaplin - Honestly [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I hear a lot of songs about anxiety, so it is very tough to hit that theme and stand out, but Darragh Chaplin was able to do exactly that with the single, ‘Honestly.’

The writing dives into the mental dynamics of envying others for their so-called ‘normalcy,’ and losing who you are as you try desperately to emulate the societal norms. The delivery has talent and passion and you can feel the struggle in a way that makes the track very relatable no matter if you suffer from anxiety or not.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

JC Stewart - Don't Say You Love Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“JC Stewart hits on a simple yet complex theme. “Don’t Say You Love Me’ ... just to keep me from leaving is a brilliant line, and comes with a set of emotions that most of us have felt at one time or another. The performance from this Norther Ireland native emotes the passion behind the writing and comes with a blend of anger, resentment, and dismay. All of which is the exact mix such a false declaration instills when tossed out in desperation.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Belaver - Mount Misery [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Strong writing, backed by an emotive and heartfelt delivery, will always find a place in the musical landscape and that is what Belaver gives us with the single, ‘Mount Misery.’

The track unfolds in low key fashion that is easy to digest and fell but the delivery is spot on in tone. The writing delivers punch through the entire progression making this is the kind of track that sticks with you long after the last note has faded.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rhys - Thanks a lot now I can't smile [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Rhys was born in Portland but moved to Sweden when she was only ten years old. The influence of both American and Swedish Pop can be found in her sound and the tender emotion is palpable in every single line. This particular track reminded me of Pink a great deal but that is not to say Rhys doesn’t have her own unique spin and delivery. The writing is also strong and in it you can truly lose yourself into the world of the singer. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nic Darwin - Fit [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nic Darwin wrote ‘Fit’ about the struggle of trying to fit in with the so-called norms when you are the kid others have labeled as weird. Of course we all know the creative and imaginative side that pushes people to the outside of society are the very same traits that make them creative artists. And once they find success there, then suddenly those who mocked the same attributes are their biggest fans. It is an odd dynamic and this track captures all of that very well. ”

— Quote Source

SANNIA - Sad Rich Girls [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“SANNIA describes her single ‘Sad Rich Girls’ as ‘ ... pure catfight energy.’ Using the Paris Hilton era of reality TV as inspiration, SANNIA calls out the superficial bullshit and manufactured drama others use to elevate themselves while stepping on the back and throats of those around them.

This track might feel like a niche type of message, but in reality everyone has been both guilty and a victim of the kind of behavior called out in this song.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Calabasas x Marc E Bassy - Voices [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Pop duo Calabasas teams up with the vocal talents of Marc E Bassy on this track. “voices’ is a groove and a vibe that utilizes a perfect production and build to convey the lyrical intent. The track is pure Pop but uses styles of other genres like EDM and Hip-Hop to create the sound. This is the kind of track you will listen to once and sing along with forever. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Estella Dawn - Pretty [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Appearances are superficial but how we feel about ourselves and our appearance goes deep to the bone and this track is about finding the beauty within ourselves and being comfortable with that outer shell as well, because it all goes hand in hand. Estella Dawn has a big powerful voice and an emotive delivery to bring out the emotions of this well-written track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Most Wanted - Hood Anime [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Most Wanted offers up this track that simply hits different. The build and progression is a departure from the norm, and the construction here works well thanks to the energy and beat production. I did struggle a times to stay with the lyrical flow, but the groove and energy made it come to life for me despite that fact.

I appreciate the raw talent and willingness to put something out in the world that doesn’t feel derivative of every other track on the radio.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

ellie d. - Reach Out [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Riding a talented vocal tone, and a strong emotional set of lyrics, ellie d. offers up a new single, ‘Reach out.’ The track highlights a relationship that has faded and now one party is wondering if they should reach out and see what’s up, or if they should let go and move on. This is a dilemma most of us have faced, and the track feels both real and emotional. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Anna Thompson - Hot Now [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Anna Thompson is definitely, ‘Hot Now,’ and this track takes a few different angles on what that means to her past and present. From facing the judgmental people she knew in high school, who snubbed her and now want to be friends to the fake and flashy friends fame attracts, Thompson takes the emotion of not knowing who you can trust and who wants to be friends for the right reasons, versus merely using you and your rising stardom to their own benefit. The track is about being caught in the middle of these two dichotomies. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

April Jai - Chose To Stay [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“April Jai has created a track that is the perfect response to that ex who comes sniffing around trying to hook back up. A smooth easy groove with one foot in in a Retro R&B groove and the other in contemporary Pop. The result is an Adult Contemporary singer/songwriter type of track with emotional depth and meaning for everyone that has had to navigate the past and present at the same time.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Shayan Valaie - FØURDAYS (feat. Yan P) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“You ever been up for ‘FØURDAYS’ and realize you can longer feel your face? Then Shayan Valaie and Yan P are speaking your language on this track.

We’ve all been there at one time or another and this easy progression brings out all the vibes from such prolonged adventures. So fire one up, or pour that stiff drink and keep the good times rolling with the rhythm of this infectious performance and hook-filled build. The smile on your face might even bring some of those lost sensations back.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Loi - Melody [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Loi has the kind of vocal talent that instantly grabs hold of you and demands your undivided attention. Couple that with the fact Loi’s single, ‘Melody,’ delivers the kind of lyrical build that makes you stop what you are doing and listen to every word, a nd the song is mesmerizing in every way.

Described by others as the German Adele, Loi is a talented 18 year old with all the attributes and talent to be the next big thing. Her sounds falls somewhere between Adele and Pink and offers a big bold emotiveness with a bit of Pop magic sprinkled in. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Muro (feat Bobby John) - With You [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Featuring the vocal talent of Bobby John, Muro delivers the single ‘With You.’ The track has a Chainsmokers kind of feel though with just a hint of 80’s vibes backing it all. The progression is energetic and uplifting and carried the listener forward or propels them out to the dancefloor. The build is hard not to connect and fall in as lose yourself in this track’s build. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Gillian Heidi - flowers [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“There are a lot of breakup songs out there, and many of them are angry or jaded, and often both. This track is a bit different, as it is more of a retrospective and simply chronicles the slow unraveling of realizing the person you are with isn’t the one, even though there isn’t anything wring with them or yourself. Just a simple understanding that there is something more out there than this person can give you.

Gillian Heidi conveys all of this with stellar writing and a perfect performance.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

AJ Smith - Double Vaxxed [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Hot Vax Summer, finally has an anthem!

AJ Smith drops this catchy track that at times reminded me of Jack White, and of Prince at others. This track is simply fun and energetic and well-written in a punny and ironic sort of way that works, because it mirrors the times we are in.

The world might not have known it needed a ‘Double Vaxxed’ Electro Pop song, but now that it’s here ... we clearly all needed this release. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kat Hammock - June [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“You often hear stories and songs about how going off to college is the beginning of the end for high school loves, but people tend to look at those relationships as more crushes and cases of puppy love than anything else. This track takes the dynamic of a college relationship and how it is tested when both parties go back home for the summer. Sung with a tender vulnerability and delicate beauty the track captures what it feels like as we grow up emotionally. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Andrew Cushin - Memories [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Anytime an artist in any medium lays themselves bare, the end result is going to speak to many of us. Such is the case with Andrew Cushin and his new track.

‘Memories’ is a song where the 20-year-old artist poignantly explores the question of what masculinity means in the present day. This is tender, emotional songwriting that speaks to the human psyche in all the best ways.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jake Scott - Anymore [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The realization you don’t need that toxic person in your life is truly liberating and Jake Scott has put that revelation into song form here on ‘Anymore.’

The track has a nice soft build and a singer/songwriter vibe that is easy to connect with and fall in on the lyrical progression.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger