“This is songwriting at its best. Chris Robley has that extra bit of intuitiveness to his writing that you normally find in such artists as Jason Isbell, Bruce Springsteen and Tom Waits. That line between heartbreak and hope is always at the center of the work and gives the listener a myriad of emotion to work from. This is a track that grows on you with each and every listen, but is mesmerizing from the very first listen.”
“This track took top honors in what the New York Times describes as the Olympics of songwriting, and one listen is enough to see why.
’Jocelyn’ is the tale of an Irish immigrant living in New York and brings to light both the triumphs and struggles of a different time and generation. A timeless, storytelling set of lyrics that offers both hope and heartbreak and a wealth of emotion are delivered in an emotive rasp reminiscent of Tom Waits.”
“The Satellite Station offers up a haunting distant sound that perfectly convey the emotions of this track. ‘For The Coast’ is a melancholic ode reflection about starting over and finding the courage to venture out an reinvent yourself in some new and unexpected way. ”
“This track definitely spoke to my Texas roots. Folk, reminiscent to a blend of the late great John Prine and Todd Snider, the soft tone comes with lyrical punch and a wry bit of emotional twist. This track is not as Commercial in its sound as most of the music we share on LA on Lock, but don’t let that deter you from taking a dive in on this well-written ode to the selfish people we all know.”
“Gabriel Black might be the ‘King of Nosebleeds,’ or he might be king of the Alt Pop Folk sound. Or the case can be made after this track that he is both at the same time.
This well-written track couples great writing with an emotive vocal performance that captures the sentiments to a tee. This song simply speaks to the soul.”
“f you dig a bit of Bluesy weirdness, then Jesse Roper has the track for you. ‘Horizons’ offers a soulful twist on the world of extraterrestrials, but the track really has a vague take on the otherworldliness aspect and relies on the bold vocal performance that just lodges in your bones.
Nathaniel Rateliff comes to mind when you try to draw a comparison, but the track has a unique edge that simply is hard to deny. ”
“Peaky Blinders meets Ray Wylie Hubbard. Chances are most of you have no idea who Ray Wylie Hubbard is but this track put me in mind of the Outlaw Texas songwriter.
Opus Kink hails from Brighton, England and this track has a gritty Cowboy PUnk/ British fusion vibe that simply works in a dark gritty way.”
“Riley Pearce taps into the human psyche with ease, both in the writing and the performance. Delivering a sound that lands somewhere between Springsteen and Coldplay, this Aussie evokes strong emotion with a slow, yet steady build that matches the tone of the lyrics step for step. Can’t wait to hear more from this artist. ”
“Straddling that line behind a Commercial sound and Indie Folk, LA based group, Wax Owls, have that clean emotional delivery that hooks listeners across a wide spectrum of tastes. ‘By My Side’ is a nostalgic look at utopian childhood and simply makes you happy to listen. ”
“‘tis that time of year ... and who doesn’t like a good drinking song all in the name of a good Saint. So raise a pint, make it green if that’s your thing, and revel in the day it’s okay to get shitfaced. Actually this past year, we’ve all had many of those days and hey that’s okay too because sometimes you just gotta play the cards as they’re dealt. This is a fun Celtic Punk track perfect for the year and the season.”
“We all love to discover those powerful new voices and then share them with our friends. Here is your chance to be the musical explorer in your core group and share an important new voice. mae krell delivers talent and vulnerability that rises above what most artists are capable of.
Written on the two year anniversary of their sobriety, “are you sure?” explores the low points that make you forget the progress you’ve already made. The emotion is temporary, but it’s painful to overcome. Sung with the tremor of someone on the verge of tears, the single is raw in the most intimate way, with Mae’s distinctive voice wavering over textured guitar and charango and piano accents. ”
“Lauren Spring has a timeless voice that carries hints of Ronstadt, Emmylou, and the entire Wet Coast Folk/Country sound of the 60s and 70s. That is not to say this track has a retro vibe, because Spring infuses plenty of modern touches to make “I Remember You’ stand out and above so many artists trying to put modern spins on classic sounds from that era. The smooth steady progression and lyrical flow feels like a warm hug from a friend on this track. ”
“Kane Miller is no stranger to our readers and listeners and the talented Canadian songwriter is back with a Folksy ode to the insecurities of love. A tender guitar melody and Miller’s emotive vocals draw us in and make us feel every word. ”
“The Satellite Station delivers a tranquil atmospheric sound here on this track about the fleeting brightness of many relationships. Like ‘Satellites’ crossing the sky with a brief, but a bright glimmer, these short arcs of our lives have a bigger impact on the cosmos of our existence even though they come and go.
This is definitely a mood piece perfect for those reflective times when we are considering our own place in the universe.”
“Long before I called So Cal home, I grew up in the windy plains of the Texas Panhandle, so this track by Ryland Moranz spoke to me and my past in a way that few songs do. Call this melancholy Folk, as the tempo and vibe here is of tarnished, bleak places that still somehow speak to who we are. At least those of us who have called such places home.”
“Tommy Alexander delivers the kind of lines that sound simple to the ears, but are oh so hard to actually condense and articulate in digestible way. Wryly perceptive, and smart, yet common enough for the message to land for any listener who truly pays attention, ‘River Run Down’ has enough grit and energy to hold you without overwhelming the emotions. ”
“Joshua Radin has given the world a lot of music, and a lot to think about over 16 albums and hundreds of live shows, so it comes as no surprise that his latest single, ‘Better Life’ brings a powerful message as well. The plight of those seeking refuge, hope, and yes a better life here in the United States has been exploited by both sides of the political spectrum, and frankly it is sad given that this country was founded on the ideals of give us your tired, your poor. This is Indie Folk with a heart and I dig it. ”
“Henry Conlon has captured a dark gritty sound with the acoustic version of his signature track, ‘I’m Coming Home.’ Whilelt he single lives in the Americana,/Folk world of sounds it also brings an old school Blues refrain to the mix and all of it combines to create a heavy undertone to the emotional edge of both the songwriting and the vocal performance. This is a song that sits with you long after the last note has faded. ”
“Daniel Trakell’s emotive vocals highlight this track, though the production and melody add another emotional layer to the track giving the single a nice rich texture to the layered sound.
’So Long’ hot like a track you already know giving it that instant kind of connection that the best songs tend to leave you with. ”
“Carly King has that vocal tone that works for whatever style she wishes to sing, and that does make it tough to categorize her sound. There is a hint of Macy Gray, a splash of Dylan, a whiff of Rondsant and Emmylou all in that timbre, but most important is the emotion and feeling that emits from her delivery. This track couples that with strong songwriting, and in the end, the emotions wrap around you like a soft warm blanket on a chilly day.”