Isabella Kensington - What We Had [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Isabella Kensington has the kind of emotive voice that emotionally hooks a listener with a scant few words. Couple that with strong, emotional writing and this upcoming artists is one with the talent to soar. I suppose an emotive female artists singing from the heart is always going to draw Taylor Swift comparisons, but for me Kensington certainly has her own edge and sound that makes her stand out on her own and “What We Had’ is a single that I expect to stand the test of time.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Collection - Rose Colored Glasses [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“It is never easy to see the postives after a break up but, ‘Rose Colored Glasses,’ from North Carolina indie-pop band The Collection hopes to change that. The single is the third single released from their new EP, How to Survive an Ending, due out on January 27, 2023. The track has a Folksy Pop vibe and is easy to fall in and connect emotionally. A track of uplifting energy and hope despite the end of the relationship. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Alisa Xayalith - Devil I Know [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Alisa Xayalith steps out from her role as frontwoman of New Zealand’s The Naked and Famous and takes the emotional forefront all alone on her first solo project. “Devil I know’ is a Pop track with strong songwriting and of course stellar vocal talent. The track is insightful in it’s approach to how our minds and hearts work to move us forward through life and relationships.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jagger - Melancholic [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jagger drops this soft, and yes, ‘Melancholic” track that relies on the emotion and vocal talent to draw the listener deep inside the lyrical build. The slow burn wraps around the soul and conveys the mood perfectly for the duration. The vocal performance is spot on perfect and this is the kind of track for dark nights and the quiet moments of self-reflection that we all need at times.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Eddie Island - Honey (You Said Love) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A folksy track with Pop sensibilities. A bit like Mumford meets Springsteen with a light airy tone and build that makes it easy to emotional connect with the track. Eddie Island lets the writing soar with a joyous tone and band vocal build that matches the musical vibes of the track. This is the kind of song that delivers the power to change your mood and lift your spirit. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Arkells - Teenage Tears [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The Arkells are joined here by Tegan and Sara on this heartfelt track. ‘Teenage Years’ hits all the feels and the blend of voices play off of each other to add to the emotional intensity of the build. The writing is spot on and the delivery every bit as flawless. A track you can listen to over and over again and pick up new nuances each time you do so. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sleeping Lion - CTFO [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The snapping of the fingers sets the vibes for the song. It has a laidback yet sarcastic tone to it. Sleeping Lion lays out the moments when being annoyed exist and you just want people to chill out. If the phrase “take a chill pill” had a theme song this would be it.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Justin Clancy - Run From The Devil [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The track hits like Billie Eilish meets Justin Timberlake with a heavy dose of attitude and verve to push it forward. An engaging track and beat that demands and holds your attention.

’Run From The Devil’ could be the first you’ve heard of Justin Clancy, but given the incredible talent and passion it certainly will not be the last. An intense yet entertaining ride.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Rainie Zenith - Reasons To Hate Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This song is an example of giving zero fxcks and choosing to just be you. Rainie Zenith describes and demonstrates her interests not caring who cares. She is happy with being her true self and this visual is humorous yet positive. It lets the world know that it doesn’t matter what others think, you can’t satisfy everyone. We are all different.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Kelaska - Honey [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Breakups are maybe the best fodder for songs that there is. Raw emotions and heartache have given us some great and memorable songs and now, Kelaska delivers another great title hitting that theme. ‘Honey’ offers that sweet taste of revenge in Sythnpop glory and so much of what is said mirrors thoughts we’ve all had in this situation.

Despite hitting some familiar ground the arrangement and lyrical makeup blends with vocal talent to make this track stand out and resonate. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Anna Bates - Holy Smokes [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Smokin’ and tokin’ with Jesus. Sign me up! Ann Bates offers this fun track with beautiful tender vocals and wryly sharp set of lyrics that makes you stop and think. A fun track with a lively yet subtle beat and soft set of vocals that wraps around you like a warm blanket.

No doubt more than a few will be offended, but I’d sure like to think Jesus would dance and smile along to this jaunty track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kate Yeager - Are You Sure We Just Met? [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written and inspired over Zoom calls amid the pandemic this track is about that instant connection and falling in love fast. Sometimes the spark is too bright to ignore and this track does a great job of capturing that in a diary kind of candid openness that feels natural and true. Just like the way it feels when you know without a doubt how you feel about someone else. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Estella Dawn - Orange [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Online dating can be an ugly mess but ‘Orange’ is all about a Tinder date going right. The writing and emotion shine making you feel as if you are right there feeling that spark of instant chemistry and Estella Dan’s vocals are the perfect vessel to let you sail away on these rare waters.

Magic can and does till happen for those patient and brave enough to wait it out. Both in the dating world, and in discovering new music. This song offers hope for both. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jenny Kern - Feel It Again [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all experience our emotional ups and downs and music plays a huge role in allowing us to feel we are not alone. Sometimes we even feel inspired to move and dance and that act is enough to shake off what is weighing us down. Sometimes we fall in and wallow in the heaviness of our thoughts. Either way music plays a part for many of us and Jenny Kern’s new single ‘Feel It Again’ is all about how music and moving takes us back to those emotional moments. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Billingsley - Long Shot [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Billingsley is compromised of three brothers from North Carolina. The sound and style is Green Day meets Offspring and ‘Long Shot’ is the kind of tongue in cheek song that never goes out of style. The emotions behind the track are ones we’ve all felt and experienced and the wry humor helps make the odds that are stacked against us easier to laugh off. A fun song that you will want to listen to over and over again to get all the lyrics. Pure fun and energy!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

lodet - Smile [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A long time fan of the Laurel Canyon sound, lodet drops a new track, ‘Smile,’ which delivers a bit of that sound, as well as a bit of Dylan, and a splash of Lennon to complete a nuanced and energetic ode the past. All without sacrificing contemporary relevancy. lodet’s Swedish home is a long way, both in time and distance from the height of the Laurel Canyon scene, but this track bridges the gap with ease and talent and is a nice modern spin of that sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kelaska - Tightrope [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The need to fit in and conform overcomes us all at times, but it is easy to lose yourself while trying to please the world around us.

Kelaska offers an emotional track about that very struggle. Walking that ‘Tightrope’ is a dicey proposition but falling in on this track is anything but as the build and emotional vulnerability sell the track early before the tempo shift and a sort of fierce determination takes hold. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

LVRBOY - when you love someone [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Despite our best efforts some relationships simply do not work. This is especially tough when there isn’t one great reason just a simple parting of the hearts. LVRBOY takes on this very kind of ending with ‘when you love someone’ and that is not enough to salvage a future together. Coming with a smooth grove and emotional build, this Electro Pop track speaks to and from the heart. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lorelei Marcell - Need Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Loralei Marcell has the kind of emotive voice that instantly pulls a listener in and holds them tight to the lyrical build. This track is about the power of love and how complex walking away can be np matter how much it needs to be done. ‘Need Me’ mirrors the mind and our need t be loved as well as our need to escape at times even when there are plenty of reasons to stay. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Natalie Shay - Two Sparks [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“From the very first note, Natalie Shay emotes the passion and emotion and those elements combined with the theatrical build of this track truly lends to hook and hold the listener for the duration.. The writing is power as is the performance, making this a single hit all the right notes both literally and figuratively. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger