Jeffrey James - In The Back Of My Mind [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“There is a heartfelt beauty to Jeffrey James’ track, ‘In The Back Of My Mind.’

Speaking on the inspiration that led to the track, Jeffrey says, ‘For better for worse, the people we chose to pair up with forever impact who we are moving forward. There are a small handful of women I’ve dated that will always hold a place in my heart. It’s not love. It’s a bond and an influence that I’ll forever be grateful for.’

I felt this sentiment and connected tom the motion of the track and that is what good music is all about. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

TATUM - Homecoming [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track took thirty or forty seconds to truly hook me in and once it did I was leaning in and invested the rest of the way. I was intrigued enough early on to stay with it so I’m not saying the opening isn’t strong, just that the emotion truly landed for me a bit deeper in. The video feels right for the mood and emotion of the track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sydney Riley - The Coast [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sydney Riley packs in both passion and attitude in this track. The delivery hints at a campiness, but the sound never begins to feel overtly theatrical, simply deliberate. A track that calls on the supernatural vibes only nature can provide in setting mood and intent, this song is hard to pin down genre-wise as it offers a rock edge, a folk sensibility, and a pop energy to wind feeling like vintage Joan Jett blended with the softer side of Stevie Nicks.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

David Rasmussen x The Companions - Lost Or Gone [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“David Rasmussen and The Companions team on this heartfelt single that lands square in the feels department. ‘Lost Or Gone’ is the type of song that speaks directly to the center of your soul.

The performance is timeless and pure, and is impossible not to feel if you truly take the time to listen and appreciate the emotions laid bare in the most genuine and honest way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Apache Grosse x Ajani Jones - Bad In Threes [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a definite throwback vibe to the build here, but Apache Grosse and Ajani Jones team up to bring ‘Bad In Threes’ to life.

The cadence and lyrical build sync perfectly with the beat to form a groove that is is easy to ride with. The slow groove deeper in comes at just the right time to make the listener lean in even further and connect.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Shelby Carter - Worst Way [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Shelby Carter delivers the West Coast vibes on this Electro Pop track with a performance that is sensual and alluring. Carter’s talent invites the listener in and makes it oh so difficult to look away. The vibe is sexy and dangerous and that combination along with the talent makes this anything but the ‘Worst Way,’ to spend your time. Carter has verve and attitude and the it factor so keep an ear on this rising artist.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

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