“Tape Division takes on Country Pop with their latest single ‘Grip Too Tight.’ That is their description of this track but for me the sound is more soulful than country, more bluesy than Pop. This track has a Teddy Swims type vibe and style.
But genre aside the track is well-written and we’ve all certainly held on a little too tight and found ourselves in a vulnerable position as a result.”
“Bino Barnes offers an emotional apology of sorts with his track , ‘I’m Sorry.’ The honesty is infused into every word and along with the I’m Sorry refrain there is a wry sort of acknowledgment that things needed to change and that both parties will be better off moving forward. He manages to execute this without coming across as sardonic or bitter despite the complexity of emotions.”
“We are happy to present, ‘MESSY’ the lead single from Alex Ray’s debut EP. Ray is a Nashville based Alt Pop star in the making and this track about the chaos of of staring at yourself in the mirror and coming to grips with who and what we are.
The hard charged energy is undeniable and the vocal power is expressed in a variety of ways to truly showcase Ray’s talent on multiple fronts.”
“Ezekiel Villanueva’s “Forgiveness” is a alternative rock track, that blends heartfelt vocals with cinematic production. The song moves gracefully between vulnerability and strength, exploring the emotional weight of letting go and finding peace. Villanueva’s voice carries raw sincerity, making each lyric feel deeply personal yet universally relatable. “Forgiveness” blends emotion into rock and ends with a guitar solo.”
“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. ”
“Goldford has a sound that some will compare to artist such as Teddy Swims in that it is Soulful Folk or maybe Bluesy Pop. No matter what label you attempt to slap on this song, you will feel the emotion and longing deep down in your bones.
’Stay’ is a song that speaks to the soul while creating a smooth easy groove that makes you want to move and sway along to the beat. ”
“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.”
“
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.”