Half Waif - Ordinary Talk [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“From the outset here, the hauntingly beautiful vocals are captivating and left me almost trance like. The track has a definite avant-garde vibe, and the imagery of the video hits in much the same way.

The lyrics are alluring, in a voyeuristic kind of way that allows you deep into the conscious of another. Placing this track in a category is tough as there are POP influences, and songwriter vibes along with a bit of electronic beats and melody. The song is a ride through the subconscious and maybe because no one human can truly be put in a box, neither can a song such as this that feels so human. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Josh Stevens - Home [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“If you are a sucker for a nice piano ballad, with emotional lyrics, then Josh Stevens latest single, ‘Home’ is perfect for you.

The track highlights the fact that home isn’t really so much a place so much, as it is the people that you find there. Going back to such a place, and finding that everyone you loved and cared for is now gone,is a sobering and difficult thing to deal with, and this song brings those feelings home. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jordana - Signs [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings an oddly mesmerizing mix of sounds and emotions. There is an almost, Napoleon Dynamite quality in the synthesized do-it-yourself vibe to the initial melody and beat. And yet, the whole thing also delivers a sophisticated set of vocals and complexity that comes out in layers. The lyrics are well-written and the production decisions are both compelling and befuddlingly perfect.

This single is hard to categorize, but perhaps Bedroom Pop is the best choice.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

American Authors - Microphone [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A high energy track with a hint of Latin influence in the beat and melody, and a big bold Pop sound vocally. This track will get you moving and comes with lyrics that encourage you to join in and sing along. The easy groove to find and settle in on this track just feels like fun.

A party anthem that is no doubt a big hit when played live. Check out the band’s coming tour dates to have that experience for yourself.”

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Jan 21- Atlanta Terminal West At King Plow Arts Center, Atlanta, GA
Jan 27-Houston Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
Feb 4- Anaheim House Of Blues, Anaheim, CA
Feb 8 - Seattle Showbox Theatre, Seattle, WA
Feb 9 - Boise Knitting Factory, Boise, ID
Feb 18 - Chicago Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL
Feb 19- Nashville Basement East, Nashville, TN
Feb 21 - Columbus Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
Feb 22- Akron Goodyear Theater, Akron, OH
Feb 23- Pontiac Crofoot Ballroom, Pontiac, MI
”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Chloe Lilac - Here's Your Song [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Being a songwriter is a tough endeavor anytime, and the better you are the harder it is, because to do it right, you must share far more of yourself than most people are ever willing to do. That said one of the greatest perks to being a writer of any type, is getting to say exactly what is on your mind. Being free to express yourself is both liberating cathartic.

Chloe Lilac is a great songwriter and this track about being used by a friend is so well done that I hope it brings her some peace and closure to the disappointment of her experience.

The track is also performed with a perfect bit of emotional release and although it is obviously deeply personal, the feelings behind it are ones we can all relate to. All of which makes this single — Indie Pop gold! ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Running Lights - Next Year (Acoustic) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The end of the years tends to bring out reflections in all of us ... where we are, as opposed to where we hoped we’d find ourselves. The New Year then turns those feeling into resolutions and goals.

This track captures the emotions of all of that in a few minutes and entertains us with a calm melody and emotional performance as it does so. There is a sort of a Pop/Coffee house vibe to the track making it not truly fit in any genre. But good music is good music, and it rarely needs a definition.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stardawg - Runaway [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track feels bigger than it is, thanks to the layering both vocally and musically.

As a duo, Stardawg relies on the depth of their talent to achieve such a complex sound. Lyrically, ‘Runaway is the kind of song that can be taken different ways and still have true meaning and emotion. I for one, am eager to get a listen to both the upcoming EP and a live show from this LA based pair.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sarpa Salpa - Say Something [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sarpa Salpa does indeed ‘Say Something’ with this title single from their brand new EP. Building into an infectious track that grabs hold and keeps you focused in with powerful vocals and an engaging melody that hints at 80’s sound while still sounding modern and edgy, this is a song that kicks of 202 on a high note for the band.

Along with the new EP the band is embarking on a UK tour, to launch the new music. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kate Vogel - Rain [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The best musical artists often defy genre in that they write such meaningful lyrics and deliver them with emotion laden performances that resonate with music lovers across the board. Kate Vogel is such an artist, and with every submission I’ve heard from her repertoire, my appreciation for her talent grows. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Lone Palms - Keen for the Holidays [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A fun indulgent look at yuletide cheer.

This rocking ode to living it up for Christmas, puts a different spin on the traditional Christmas song.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Julianna Joy - Nevermind [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Julianna Joy has the kind of voice that is musical all on its own. Powerful, tender, and emotive, the vocals run the show here, but the melody and beat add layers to the tantalizing lyrics, making “Nevermind’ anything, but a passing thought.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Corey Durkin - Rest My Bones [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a nice road song in the traditional Folk kind of way.

The heartbeat of Dylan, the bones of Guthrie, the blood type of Kerouac.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Proper Youth - Off My Mind [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“True love is a hard time to fight and so is good music. This tracks happens to be good music about the power of true love. The vibe carries a classic Springsteen kind of sound.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

NØLN - Ghost [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all have that ‘Ghost’ or two that haunts us, but few in this world have the vocal talent on display in this single. The rasp in the voice is perfect for a song that fits in between a true Rock ballad and the Pop melody behind the track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Betty Moon - Runaway [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Sinister yet alluring, Betty Moon’s vocals are like that first sip of whisky on the night you know you’re going to drink way too much.

Foreboding yet evocative, ‘Runaway’ is the kind of track that feels timeless in its appeal and razor sharp attitude. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mike Kiddoo - What If [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Toss a single from the dearly departed Prince into a blender, along with a funky refrain from Jamiroqui and the smoothie you’d be grooving to afterward would sound a lot like, ‘What If,’ which is Mike Kiddoo’s latest single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jane Holiday - Pocket Dial [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lyrics that made me sit up and pay attention. That is the foremost thing I can say about Jane Holiday’s single “Pocket Dial.’

The performance is solid, if a bit predictable, but that is not necessarily a bad thing as I remained focused on unraveling the emotion of the words.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Arson Daily - Pipe Dream [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Has the America Dream became nothing more than a ‘Pipe Dream?’

Arson Daily asks this question with a intriguing lyrics and a nice Indie Rock vibe. Engaging guitar driven melody and tantalizing vocals carry this track. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

VIVIE ANN - Loverboy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A kick ass vocal edge slices through convention on this track detailing the lustful pursuit of our heroine on the prowl for the right ‘Loverboy’ to quell her needs.

This is a track that turns the usual trope on its head and explores sexual roles in these modern times. The track has a James Bond vibe, but this time the debonair fellow is powerless next to the femme fatale.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

golda - Wish I Was Someone Else [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Intricate songwriting, and vocals that engage on every level, are at the forefront of this single.

Detailing the thoughts and emotions of self -doubt and personal reflection, golda captures the inner workings of the mind beautifully with ‘Wish I was Someone Else. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)