Emanuel - Need You [Music Video Review]

“Normally I use this space to review the songs and videos that speak to me but these are unprecedented times so I am calling an audible and simply sharing this one without my commentary. The information below is simply that, information. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

After releasing his debut single, “Need You”, last week, emerging Canadian R&B artist Emanuel suddenly found himself in global headlines. Only hours after its release, Golden Globe-winning actor, musician and producer Idris Elba OBE, started the collaborative social media campaign #NeedYou2020. In his Instagram post, Elba encouraged people to submit photos or videos for an “inspirational collage” he was creating to Emanuel’s brand-new single that would document how the world was coping with self-isolation.

Idris is very passionate about Emanuel’s talent - his involvement comes from a very sincere place (as a fan of Emanuel's music). The video is made up of footage sent in by members of the public. The single itself is absolutely beautiful, a really emotional song that pairs perfectly with Idris's message of hope. It is a testament to the power of the Canadian-Ethiopian artist's sumptuous vocal. During these testing times whilst people are confronted with challenging circumstances, the video for 'Need You' seeks to provide comfort and connectedness. 

See Idris’ call out on Twitter and Instagram.

Within 24 hours, over 3,000 submissions for the collaborative video had been sent in from people around the globe with a final total of over 4,500 entries from over 20 countries. By creating this collaborative call to action, Elba and Emanuel let the world direct the video we all need right now; a moving, honest expression of humanity’s deep need for connection. Emanuel’s stirring vocals unify the compelling images and create a sense of connection in a self-isolated world. 

Stevie Ray - Nothing But Love [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track brings a nice R&B groove, along with an engaging Hip-Hop flow that sort of settles down in the marrow of your bones.

Some people seem to have everything this world has to offer, but as the lyrics here point out, that all any of us need is love.

’Nothing But Love,’ is a track you can sing along to and sway to the beat while knowing the truth of the words being delivered.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mandell - I.T.I.L.Y. (I Think I Love You) [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Mandell blends R&B and Pop vocals over beat and melody that incorporates EDM style production along with a smooth soulful groove to give us an emotional track. Lyrically, this track deals with the complex of emotions that come with falling in love.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Lil Lyn x Charles Weaver - Crazy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Weaving two flows together, into one seamless track is not an easy production feat, but ‘Crazy’ manages to do exactly that. The Rap flow does the heavy lyrical work on this track about the love you can’t quite have or give, however the chorus comes by way of an R&B vibe that hits first and is woven throughout the track to add another layer to the emotions of the single. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stefan Dismond - inCONTRAST [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track is as much Soul as it is Hip-Hop, but don’t take that to mean it is less than a fine example of both genres.

The fusion here is intriguing and the writing impeccable. The emotions shine through in the performance. This is the kind of track that will mean more to you with each subsequent listen.

Detailing the differences between two sides of a relationship, the single is for everyone that has gotten deep in their head, while trying to analyze where they stand and how they feel.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Romysa - Missin Out [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This track delivers a contemporary R&B vibe with a decided Pop feel.

Romysa has dropped a sultry bit of sass aimed at that ex who done her wrong. The lyrics are straightforward and taunting in a sexy way. The imagery of the video accentuates this vibe with Romysa striking various alluring poses.

Both the single and the video are well-produced and engaging and the groove here is an easy one to ride with. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Amanda Spvde - Other Girls [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The slow beat and tempo would not work nearly as well without Amanda Spvde’s stellar vocals on this track, but as it is, the balance is perfect.

Here, the heartbreak builds and is palpable throughout the track because of the outstanding vocal performance, and the production got out of the way to allow that magic to happen. This is a track to play on repeat when your own heart is caught in those vulnerable moments at the end of a relationship.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Krystle Dos Santos - Buried Alive [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Bluesy and soulful, Krystle Dos Santos lays down a heartfelt track highlighting the emotions of trying to escape an abusive relationship. The song has a theatrical feel, building as the tension escalates.

The storytelling behind the song is purposeful and carries the worthwhile intent of bringing a dark problem out into the open. This is an entertaining track, but the message is just as worthwhile. Domestic Abuse is not a problem to look away from so perhaps this track will help someone in need. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

D. - Love Live Life [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This Hip-Hop track offers both, wisdom rooted in reflection, and unabashed swagger fueled by dreams and confidence.

With lyrics that speak to who he is, and how he got here, D. does an excellent job of delivering this flow with passion and confidence. This track offers a glimpse into his past, but the resonance stems from the fact his takeaways from these experience are ones we can all use.

Add in a nice musical groove and the track is both entertaining and enlightening. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Zack Ely x DEEGAN - Rough [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track has a smooth Pop feel from the very first beat and word. Lyrically, the track can be interpreted varied ways, and I suspect it will hit people differently based upon their own beliefs and life experiences. The vocals are layered and capture your focus with a stellar performance that brings the emotion to the forefront.

Drawing a comparison here is tough, as Zack Ely has a voice that hints at a few well names, but still clearly stands out all on its own. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Zali - That Girl [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The taste of regret is never an easy one to swallow and Zali conjured the memories of that flavor with ‘That Girl.’ Soulful Pop is the sound here as the track delivers attitude from the perspective of the one you let go, and now find yourself wishing you didn’t.

This is a fun song that should resonate for those on both sides of the emotional spectrum because you relate if you are the one who screwed up, or are the one who can hold your head high in knowing your ex now regrets all of their mistakes. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ziva - I. Otherside [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ziva will no doubt draw comparisons to Billie Eilish and while there are definite similarities between the artists, the teenage Ziva is a unique talent all on her own right.

This track is smooth and soulful, with a dark emotional thread carrying it to the end. The horn delivered a nice touch to the melody and brought with it just enough uptempo and funk to take this single to another level.

I can’t wait to hear more from this rising talented singer/songwriter as she moved forward with what should be a long career given her obvious talents.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kayla Rae - Get Close [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We have featured a few songs on LA on Lock from Kayla Rose now so it is safe to say we dig her vocal talent. This latest single, ‘Get Close’ is a fun flip of the 90’s Maxi Priest hit, ‘Close To You.’

Playing off the lyrics from that single, this track delivers a fresh contemporary Pop/R&B vibe that stands out fully of its own strengths. The tie in here is more of a fun fact, than a requirement to enjoying Rae’s latest single. That said it is fun to give both a listen to get both sides of the story.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Parris LaVon - Iris In Bloom [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Parris LaVon’s drops an emotional track speaking to, and honoring his mother.

Saying goodbye is tough, and the array of emotions that hit us while trying to do so can be overwhelming. The lyrics here reflect all of that in a way that makes us the listener feel his struggles, hope, love, and sadness.

’Iris In Bloom’ is a track that would make any mother proud and all the more so when it comes from a talent like LaVon.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jacqui Fauni - Computation [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a fun and sassy song and honestly, the line ... dial 1-800 stay the fuck out of my life ... had me hooked for good.

The tone hear is light and airy and the writing clever and zingworthy throughout. The upbeat tempo is defiant yet fun and the vocal flow uses a few different paces to keep it fresh and engaging.

A fun song start to finish. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dirt Dolla - Blue Dream [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“A soulful and bluesy track with a nice Hip-Hop flow throughout, Dirt Dolla drops the single ‘Blue Dream,’ which has a bit of holiday nostalgia to it. That is not to say the track doesn’t have a resonance that works well all across the year because the lyrics are strong and the beat infectious.

Hard to pin a genre on this one so we will simply call it good music. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Elias Burbick - Yesterday [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The vocal flow rides the smooth, easy groove you expect with Contemporary R&B, but what stands out here is the emotional refrain that pulls you in tight.

Elias Burbick makes us feel every word of the lyrics.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

LEIO - 342 [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A beautifully delivered emotional track that pulls you in, and holds you with strong lyrics and a passionate performance.

The imagery of the video completes the package. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Swatkins - Gotta Give It Away (If You're Gonna Keep It) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I dig this old-school funk for both its simple, straightforward beat and melody, and the subtle complexity behind the lyrics.

This is the kind of song you can groove on over and over again, while diving deeper and deeper into the lyrical meaning. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Tyler Shamy - Pills [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“There are lots of songs about battling depression, but few if any nail the struggle as well as this track.

’Pills’ brings an up and down energy, an array of emotion, and an engaging narrative that feels real and entertaining without sacrificing emotion or impact. Style wise this is Commercial Pop with a hard beat and an Electro Pop melody over soulful vocal delivery, ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)