Matt McKnzi - Dying Breed [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some artists are able to distill events from their life into a track that spans but a handful of minutes and yet encapsulates something much bigger. This is what Matt McKnzi does on ‘Dying Breed,’ and here, the artist explains the intent behind the song far better than I could in a brief review.

So says McKnzi ... Before I got sober I was self-destructive. I hated me- whole-heartedly believing I didn’t deserve love. I carried a TON of shame. Dying Breed is centered around that shame, and around our inability to let people in. At its core, the track is about owning your truth—no matter what that looks like, no matter what the consequences are.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Anabl - Homecoming Queen [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The conflicting emotions of high school come in many forms and perhaps none stand out like the race for popularity. The struggle to stand out and conform at the same time is an odd dynamic and this track uses the race for ‘Homecoming Queen’ as the backdrop to express that. Anabl delivers an emotive set of lyrics and a contemporary Pop style to deliver the track and her spot on talent accentuate the strong writing and brings the song fully to life.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Peyton Shay - Aftertaste [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Peyton Shay is poised to be the next darling of the Pop Punk scene. With beautiful ones and an emotional edge, ‘Aftertaste’ is the break down of the mental mastication of a breakup. The seed things can go from great to irate is stunningly quick but sometimes it is is the devastation that we truly find out who we are and this song offers a glimpse of that ride. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jake Hays - Dumb Shit [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Inspired by the dearth of originality in a social media driven world, Jake Hays delivers a heartfelt ode to trying to find your own inner peace and creativity in a copycat world of the same old same old. The vocal groove is more tranquil than the lyrical intent and build and that makes the song feel ambiguously delightful. The ‘Dumb Shit’ grinds us all down and rarely are we able to distill those emotions with the clarity of this song. The lyrics video helps the truly get into the message and words of this track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

biz colletti x Hustle Standard - Only Way Out [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A hauntingly beautiful track about carving out your own wants and needs in a world that all too often demands you give in and sacrifice pieces of yourself to fit in. The build has a brooding vibe and also a fierce determination to stand up for yourself int he face of demands from others. A reminder we all need from time to time so add this one to your self motivational playlists and feel the power of the writing and delivery. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock

Caroline Romano - Panic Attack [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“At only 20 years of age, Caroline Romano delivers a strong sense of emotional wisdom that permeates from her every performance. ‘Panic Attack’ is a slow building emotionally charge track that comes with the strong personal sense of a Taylor Swift Song and the strong vulnerability of Pink all with a unique edge that makes Romano her own star.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Restless Modern - on and on [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“An emotional ode that resonates thanks to a talented performance and clean production. Restless Modern creates a smooth sound and intriguing build to accompany the strong writing and heartfelt set of lyrics. A solid track that means more with every listen. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

PENNY - Outside [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The silky rich vocal textures guide the way on this trek ‘Outside.’ PENNY offers a smooth performance that pulls the listener along as the lyrics take us for a trip. The beat and backing is lowkey but adds depth the emotional performance and writing of the track.

This is a quiet song in that there is no true rising crescendo and dramatic build but the emotions are true and genuine and the mood is well set. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Olivia Wik - Let's Dance [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sex and music fit together like ... Well, I better not run with that simile but let’s simply say that sometimes its fun to fall in on a song that celebrates our primal urges.

’Let’s Dance’ from Olivia Wik basks in the euphoria and glow of that charged sexual energy of lust and love, making this track the perfect addition to that playlist you have been curating for the occasion. Listen to the track, feel the infectious rhythm and spirit, then share it with your favorite dance partner.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Madisyn Gifford - Except For You [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes we love the idea of someone or something more than the actual person or thing. Madisyn Gifford drops this track about moving on from a relationship while missing not the person but all the external variables that made up their surrounding while together. The vocal delivery is honest and borders on vulnerability mixed with regret. Lyrically the track is almost a stream of conscious vibe that we all do when contemplating how things used to be. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Haiden - Can't Hurt Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A classic Pop sound and arrangement brings out this track about modern day cheating. Haiden is quick to say ‘Can’t Hurt Me,’ but that title is a bit of a misnomer as the lyrical build is all about being hurt and scared and feeling that relationship slipping away. With a side dish of sticking your hand in the sand, to avoid feeling the torture of emotional pain.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jack Kane - Come To Terms [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jack Kane expresses vulnerability in his slow and tender delivery of ‘Come to Terms.’ The emotion is tangible in every line and the build carries the listener forward as we feel every word. We’ve all had to come to terms with some bit of grief be it from a loss of life or loss of relationship. Emerging on the other side of dark times is a process, but this is the kind of song that can ease the pain and let us know we are not alone.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Marian Hill (featuring GASHI) - little bit [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Running into an ex is always a bit awkward, and this track from Marian Hill explores that set of emotions. The arrangement is intriguing and not at all predictable. I did crave more tempo a few times, but this was a track that kept me leaning in for the duration and I felt the emotion of the writing come through in the performances.

A unique build that somehow brings out the uncomfortable sensation of running into that person that once meant everything to you.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Vezza - Won't Apologize (feat. Carly Moffa) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Vezza teams up with American Idol alum Carly Moffa on this track about sacrificing your comfort in pursuit of chasing your dreams. With a bold commercial sound, ‘Won’t Apologize’ is almost an open letter to those you left back in your hometown to explain why you left and why its not a bad thing even though it does come with a certain level of uncertainty and anxiety. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock blogger

Steerner - Rush [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Offering an intriguing build, ‘Rush’ from Steerner is a track that sweeps you up and in. Much like the rush of any addiction, it is hard to turn away from and that is exactly what the lyrics here are about. Be it drugs, love, or simply the thrill of a the beat on the dance floor this track is about chasing that vibe and feeling. A clean production and talented delivery brings it all home.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lyric Noel - Look Alive [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The strong clapping in the first few seconds will have you clapping and stomping along. Lyric Noel is vocally strong and determined to get her point across in “Look Alive”. The track is about rebirthing yourself and being more powerful than what tried to tear you down. The guitar strings motivate her vocally and assists with her take over in getting what is hers. ”

— Kreadiv Keshia [LA On Lock Blogger]

Gustaf - Only God Knows [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Denmark’s Gustaf has the kind of voice that feels like a conversation with a longtime friend. Beyond that talent, this track also has a nice easy groove and light airy tone tot he musical arrangement making it easy to fall in and connect with. both lyrically and musically.

This is a nice track that belongs on your playlists for those times you just wanna relax and feel a nice tranquil build. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

MIXIE - Run Away [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Already having made her mark as a model, digital artist, and fashion designer, MIXIE is celebrating her artistic journey into music with her debut single, ‘Run Away.’

LGBTQI+ to the bone and current Manhattanite, MIXIE is a renaissance girl for the 21st century. Riding pure Pop tones and Commercial vibe musically, this track is right at home with current hits. The energy and lyrical flow hooks in and doesn’t let go. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Hayk Keys - Party Of One [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“An accomplished songwriter, Hayk Keys is now writing hits for himself and ‘Party Of One.’ might be the first time you are hearing Keys, but I have a solid hunch it won’t be the last.

The track delivers an engaging energy and lyrical honesty that resonate and keeps the listener invested in the overall build. A fun Commercial sound that gets in and does the job without a bunch of unnecessary production tricks or gimmicks. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Arlo Boe - 80's Movie [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“For a lot of people the 80s were the height of Pop music and this tack from Arlo Boe pays homage to the glorious synth sounds of that era. There is a Flashdance and Footloose feel to this track and it certainly would be right at home alongside those soundtracks but there is still a contemporary edge that lifts this one above being merely a tribute to musical glories of decades past. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger