“Fiona Grey was voted LA’s Best Pop Artist by LA Weekly back in 2018 and time has only honed her skill and craft as both a songwriter and a performer. The imagery of this video is as powerful as the writing, and the emotional journey of this track is one that you can feel in every note. Grey is a star, but one that clearly is patient enough to do it her own way.”
“This song had a rough start. I was ready to decline because the intro didn’t do it justice. I can hear the empowerment in her vocals which made me give it a few more minutes. Once the chorus hit that is when the song came alive.”
“Estella Dawn is a talented artist I feature often here at LA on Lock. This New Zealand native now calls San Diego home, but sometime soon the entire world will claim her as one of their own as this kind of talent finds a way to shine bright.
’514’ Denim’ is a smooth Electro Pop kind of track that fits right alongside some of the biggest hits out right now. I’ve written this before but I am going o write it again .. get on board with this star now! ”
“I often struggle to connect to vocals delivered in a high register but not this time. Lily Meola has a very emotive delivery that works for her higher, softer tone.
’Gasoline’ is the latest release from Meola who has captured the attention and mentorship of Willie Nelson. The track leans slightly to a Pop Folk sort of sound that feels alive and vibrant.”
“I rarely like Pop Country offerings because straddling the fence tends to do little more than leave you with a crotch full of splinters. That said, Emma Kade, does it well on this song.
’End Game’ is a throwback of sorts to a time when artists like Shania Twain, Tricia Yearwood, and later Taylor Swift toed that line between Country emotion and Pop sound and structure. Kade has managed to achieve the same brand of engaging song with a contemporary vibe that will no doubt hold crossover appeal. ”
“Heartbreak is one of the cornerstones of songwriting, with untold songs written on the subject, and yet talented artists like Zoë Vera continue to dip into this emotional well.
’Don’t Make It My Fault’ is about love gone wrong but Vera’s manages to give us a vulnerable and tender song without delving into the anger or jaded skepticism often found in such songs. Her vocal range and emotive delivery is impressive and this song has a haunting quality that makes you want to give her a comforting hug afterward.”
“The delivery is soft and Laila sounds so nice. However, the hook is where you are drawn in. Once you hear it it makes you want to pay more attention to the lyrics and how hurt she is. I think there should be more song writing added to it instead of the hook carrying the song.”
“Alana Cruz has a sound that could be Country, could be Pop, could be an emotional singer/songwriter expressing their vulnerability and the good thing is great music transcends those type of labels and simply speaks to people’s hearts.
’Telescope’ is that kind of song.
At times I heard Natalie Maines of the Chicks, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mack and Brandi Carlile but in the end this is simply the talented Cruz, belting out her truths as she expresses what unrequited love and the yearning brand of hope that comes along with it truly feels like.”
“Alexander Stewart digs deep into the emotional depths of his mind to deliver this Pop anthem. Honest and real are the trademarks of the lyrical power, and Stewart’s vocal talent and range help deliver it with precision.
This is a rising artist to keep an eye on as he continues to develop and grow. I expect big things but already, ‘How Dare You’ feels like a huge hit.”
“Other Gods gives us a reason to get out and dance with ‘GONE,’ and sure walking away from any relationship is tough but sometimes the freedom is exactly what we need most.
The lyrics here offer tangible advice and real word vibes but that doesn’t mean we can’t dance away from that toxic relationship and rediscover ourselves out there under the lights.”
“The dating world is a chaotic scene these days and A-Zal has some phone with the ups and downs of the modern dating scene on his track, ‘Phonebook.’
This energetic Pop track has a nice hook and rhythm that is hard not to fall in and sing along with. The higher register doesn’t often work for me but the tone and energy of this one was the rare exception in that regard as I couldn’t help but start moving along to the cadence and beat. ”
“Written from an actual letter the artist received, ‘Letters’ is an engaging ride from singer/songwriter EĐĐIE.
The track ahs an Alt Pop or Indie Rock kind of vibe. The vocal performance is emotive and keeps the listener leaning in for the duration as t builds to his response to the letter. ”
“This is a collaboration that will have plenty of eager fans ready to dive straight in. R3HAB teams with Jason Derulo to deliver ‘Animal.’
The track is about what you’d expect from two talented artists and the energy is palpable. Get out ont he floor and move or adds this one to those energetic playlists to get you motivated and moving.”
“Jacob Neverhill is a London based singer/songwriter pouring his heart out on ‘Wrong Time.’
The track is about catching that spark and finding a person that very well might be the right person but you have stumbled across thema t the absolute ‘Wrong Time’ in life.
The vibe is heavy on nostalgia and the sound timeless in that emotionally laden kind of way.”
“There are few things as captivating as that perfect night here in LA. ‘Dance With Me’ captures the majestic beauty and sparkling grace of one of those nights on the town.
Natalie K utilizes a low key smooth groove to convey the emotions and magic and it comes through with ease in this engaging track.”
“David Frank is poised to be the next big name in the Folk Pop sound. This high energy track and strong writing offers an upbeat bit of motivation. LIke a warm hug this one wraps around you and pulls you in close.
There will probably be Mumford comparisons but this one feels a little tighter and more Commercial overall for me. I expect to hear this track a lot this coming summer.”
“This piano led emotional ballad of unrequited love is haunting and beautiful. Estella Dawn unfurls evocative and vulnerable vocals to go with strong writing and a tight melody that adds to the emotions of the track.
’If You Were In Love,’ delivers heartbreak and pain that the listener can feel in every line. The tone is different, but the raw power of this piece reminded me in P!nk in several places.”
“This is a glorious Pop song with a unique spin on a very common refrain. Abi Muir infuses energy and emotion into this track about trying to move on after the relationship you thought was the one is over.
’Blueprint’ is about that set of plans we conjure when we think we’ve found our soulmate and that person doesn’t feel the same so they move on leaving you to compare everyone you meet and date to that person and blueprint they left upon your mind and soul.”
“This is a tricky review for me. I do hear and appreciate the talent, though my personal Country tastes lean more toward the Outlaw and Americana sound, rather than the more Commercial Mainstream cranked out by Nashville. This track however falls in between with a sound that harkens to the 90’s brand of Country Music rarely heard among the Pop heavy and bro-country stars of today.
All that said, Karen Lee Batten clearly has the talent to deliver an emotionally laden song and this single, ‘Somewhere In Between’ does the job she intends.
Fans of of the retro 90s sound will appreciate this track, and who knows maybe Batten can help lead Country music back to a better place.”
“The emotions runs strong and clear in ‘Should Be Us,’ from maryjo.
A track about watching your ex move on faster than you are, this song captures that stunned bewilderment and the questions such a spark can conjure. Especially if the prior relationship went on for a long time and you are left wondering how much this new person truly knows about your ex.
This feels like Commercial gold, and I expect to hear this one a lot this summer and beyond. Get in early and ride the wave.”