“There are a lot of pissed-off angry voices out there and everyone of them brings merit, though Conor Michael Smith brings a passion and ernest that unexpectedly hits harder than most.
The emotions of the production behind him, especially that violin along with a hard hitting flow, really gripped me. Smith is part of a movement in this country that is demang change and this track is one of the anthems for that charge.”
“Ella Collier offers a darker and more sinister spin of the fairytale with her version of ‘Cinderella.’
Coming with a Trap beat and Pop style vocals, Collier unfurls her take on the timeless tale with an alluring seduction that feels part Circus Ringmaster and part sexy siren as she lures you to lean in and listen to every last word.”
“Coming with that wavy tranquil West Coast vibe, JUICYPEAR drops this soulful Pop track on us reminding of the power music has over all of our lives.
’Caught Up’ is about those moments you are swept away to another time or place or mood by the music filling your ears. This track brings that power, as well as the observation making it complete the circle of engagement for me as a listener.”
“Love is hard enough when both parties are fully invested, but sadly many relationships are lopsided in their dedication and resolve. Being stuck in such a situation where the the one you’re committed to only wants to dip their toes in, makes you hope they will one day jump in and swim.
The tough emotional journey of coming to the conclusion you are treading water alone is never easy. GREYA does a masterful job of expressing those emotions in ‘Thrive’ a track about finding your courage and resolve in the face of a one-sided relationship. Powerful vocals and well-established Pop sensibilities carries this track forward and hold the listener for the duration.”
“The beat leads the way through this ‘Maze’ from VALDIS. The track has a nice Pop Funk vibe, and the vocal tone is the perfect accompaniment to the hard bass.
Lyrically, the track is about having to turn around and start over again and again, and this is track is simply one you will want to play over and over again so there is a bit of synchronicity in that fact. ”
“London songwriter and producer Stark, teams up with Soul singer Kestra on this track which jumps right in and grabs hold with both fists.
If Adele and Amy Winehouse were fused into one explosive performance, ‘Darken My Door’ is what I imagine that track would sound like. Big and bold and so full of talent, this is a track that demands your attention.”
“LOVA offers this track up to all the ‘Lonely Ones.’ The shy, the timid, the ones who simply get caught in the shadows for whatever reason.
The track speaks from the heart with tender and emotional vocals to anyone that has ever felt left out and left behind while the world rushes about around them. This song feels genuine as it speaks of the emotions involved with being one of those who want to be visible, but for whatever reason just don’t quite know how.”
“Having the confidence to know who you are, and not letting another person swoop in and try to change you in ways that defy your essence, is a tough thing at times. Especially if you truly have feelings for that person.
’I Will’ is a true Pop ode to that very thing. HAYL is confident and bold in her approach to saying I will not sacrifice who I am, for someone else’s ideas of who they want me to be.”
“Get up and start dancing. Audriix’s new single ‘Deep Breaths’ has a paced yet up beat sound to it. The electro pop artist explains how its time to manifest reality. She isn’t the one to settle down or give in. She chooses to express herself and not calm down. ”
“Royal & The Serpent offers this sultry track that feels like Justin Timberlake meets Pink with a dash of the Black Eyed Peas on the side. The beat is infectious and the hook seductive though in the end I did crave a bit more than was here lyrically. The video is engaging and entertaining as well.”
“This is the rare song that did not immediately capture my interest, but came with enough talent to keep me invested in and listening close until suddenly I realized that I was completely enthralled and eager for the next line.
The emotion hear feels genuine, and the performances refused to let me go while that personal attachment grew and built.
Sarah Barrios does the heavy lifting but don’t sleep on the interlude provide by Rence, as his voice added a nice touch.”
“We featured this track a while back here on LA on Lock, and while it is rare that we post tracks twice, Moncrieff’s single, ‘PLAYLOUD’ now has a video that adds to impact of the track. Consider this a push to get out and vote as the time has come for everyone to express their opinion by casting their vote in the upcoming elections.
Here is my original take on this track and I stand by that assessment as I offer you a chance to watch the video ...
Make no mistake, the world is jacked up. Moncrieff knows it and gives us an energetic take on the state of affair. This is a call to arms to everyone that feels angry, frustrated and alienated by the greed and and bungling job of politicians the world over. The track is not preachy, but rebellious in an uplifting and entertaining way that hooks you in spirit and vibe. ”
“I like the blending of the Retro 60s vibe, with the contemporary mood this set of lyrics left me with. The track stays mellow throughout, though it well established an emotional brand of melancholy that served the song well. The smooth harmonies and easy groove melodically make it an easy track to stay with and fall into.”
“The more I listened to this track, the deeper I fell into the emotions behind it. Eiza Murphy delivers a hauntingly emotional vocal performance, though for me it was the power of the songwriting that most captivated me and held my attention over and over again. The piano and build of the music perfectly matched the mood and emotion of the words. ”
“Eva Snyder has the kind of vocal tone that makes you lean in from the very first note, and her latest single, ‘Transparent’ holds you there with the honesty of its writing and an energetic arrangement and delivery.
Like a conversation with a close friend this track feels candid and in that we find bits of our own fears, insecurities and feelings.”
“Listening to this track gives you the same sensation you get while walking along the boardwalk on a warm sunny day ... when the scent of the ocean is in the air, the buskers are playing your favorite song, and the girls are all smiling your way.
Carefree and energetic are the two words that come to mind here so kick back and listen to feel the warm sun no matter where you happen to be.”
“Abigail Fierce has that same sort of sultry vocal tone that catapulted Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac into stardom though Fierce delivers more of a Folksy singer/songwriter vibe here on this track. ‘Some Sorta Goodbye’ is about looking for the end of a relationship straight from the very beginning. The expectation things will end badly, so the act of self-sabotage keeps the loss from being on someone else’s terms. ”
“The energy and progression of this track swept me up and carried me along. The falling in love trope may be the most popular one in all of music, but still the emotion of being lovestruck is as powerful of an emotion as any of us can experience, so time and time again it is a refrain that speak to the masses.
Izzy Staden puts her own unique perspective on the matter here, with a rapid Pop style delivery that makes you feel the rising euphoria quite well. ”
“A light airy song of heartache and sadness ... because ... Hey, if you’re going to feel the pain you might as well do so with a jaunty little melody.
Matt Hansen has a bit of Jack Johnson to his sound and soul and this track is one that simply feels like an honest ode to heartbreak. The EDm vibes deeper in did not hold me as wella s the early emotion and energy, but this is still a worthwhile track from a talented young artist. ”
“Take a little 70s Funk, toss in some old school Magnum P.I. vibesn and coat it all in straight up Rock and Roll and you have a good idea what is going on with Zachary Kibbee on his latest track, ‘Somewhere To Put My Gold.’
The video is straightforward, but adds to the retro feel with its credit style. This is a track that just lodges in your bones and allows you to straight up rock out. ”