“Newport is fast becoming one of my favorite contributors to LA on Lock. This is the second track we’ve featured and the emotive vocal delivery gripped me early on. The erratic beat and cadence is a perfect match to the lyrical build and emotions of the track, showcasing how deliberate and talented Newport is.
I’ll call this Alt Po for lack of a clear genre, but you’ll call it a great new find when you add it to your own playlists.”
“The track is a story in itself, and really paints a picture. Starting slow, Mia Humphrey makes you feel every word and once the track takes an energetic shift it feels light and Pop-esque, but still there is that undertone of emotion lifting the track above the fray.
’Newport’ is a story of a relationship that takes an unexpected turn. I won’t spoil the fun by saying more but the twist is a surprise and makes a great metaphor for how life goes. ”
“Aria Ohlsson has that kind of emotive delivery that instantly pulls in listeners. Here in her track, “Someone Else’ Ohlsson reflects on love and the her personal experiences that have shaped who she is. I did at times wish for less production and a bit more straightforward delivery to better feel the emotions, but it is a solid track as is. ”
“Ever wonder what Jimmy Buffet would sound like as an Australian Pop Folk singer?
Okay, probably not, because that is a bit out there. However, that was my first thought while listening to Bree Rusev’s new track, ‘Summer Memories.’
Rusev is in no way derivative of Buffett, or even similar in style, though both are selling the same laid-back beach vibes and they do so with talent and emotion, the way few can.”
“Nothing is quite as nostalgia provoking as music. Be it the ability to instantly co jure the time and place you first heard the song, or in a more overt way such as ‘We Were Young,’ by WEZ KING. This Indie Rock vibe instantly has that feel but it also has a little twist and surprise to tie in those emotions with how you are feeling in the here and now.”
“Queer Garage Rock influenced by a blend of the 90s Indie sound, old school Punk, and a splash of contemporary Pop. If that sounds like a musical smoothie that you’d like to taste straight from from the blender then let me introduce you to the Razor Braids.
The band’s press release describes them as ... a Brooklyn-based, queer, female and non-binary identifying rock band that combines a heavy punk energy with an indie rock vulnerability culminating in passionate live shows and a dynamic sound anchored in a 90s alternative ethos.
That discriptionis apt but might play the soft Pop vocals that are a big part of the track ‘She,’ a song about being present and allowing yourself to die headfirst when you spot that person that you believe is perfect for you. ”
“knowing when to walk away is important but few of us have that kind of self awareness. Andi Jane delivers this soulful Pop Ballad about that very thing. ‘Hide The Key’ utilizes her emotive vocals and a piano heavy melody to draw the listener into the right frame of mind for this track about moving on, despite nostalgia and a strong lingering love that isn’t quite meeting all the needs.”
“Mae Krell unfurls this slow tempo track with an emotive and tender vocal delivery. A track that paints a picture and leaves the listener the mental space to conjure up their own emotional remembrances. This is the type f track best listened to alone when yo can simply allow your mind to fall back and reflect. ”
“Sometimes the creator of a track articulates their intent in a way I never could. That is the case with Kat Cunning and her single, ‘Bedroom Angel.’
”When I wrote Bedroom Angel I imagined being closeted in a small town and praying at the foot of my bed for some sapphic apparition to burst through the ceiling and show me the way. I hope this song serves as redemption and celebration bursting through your ceiling to give you that same nudge toward owning what you want and who you are. Queer people are angels, pleasure is political, and you are my favorite ghost.” - Kat
This track is delivered with smooth silky vocals that emote the passion behind the writing, creating a meaningful and entertaining song.”
“A true 80’s throwback, HAHA delivers despite making, ‘No Promises.’
The smooth vocal harmonies and lyrical wordplay is fun and evocative at the same time. The 80s might be gone but the music continues to inspire and live on and this danceable track is full of nostalgia for that era but still works as a contemporary track lyrically.”
Rating: 4 out of 5
“Written after the death of lead singer, Conor’s mother, ‘Photographs’ is part nostalgia and part motivational inspiration. Delivering a classic Indie Rock sound, Cloud House puts their energy and emotions into this track which serves as the Glasgow bands lead single on a brand new EP.
The vocal and musical talent allows the band to feel emotive and powerful and this track is but one that promises to deliver a punch straight to your gut. ”
“Highline has come a long way from their roots ... as four friends forming a band after playing in the High School Jazz band together.
They traded the Jazz licks for a sound that utilizes Indie Rock guitars and a sound that could be anytime from the 90’s to today. Timeless in other words.
This is Indie Rock as it should be! ‘Feel Like New’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it certainly rocks and rolls the way it is supposed to. ”
“The Stemmas are an emerging, Indie musical collective started by guitarist and executive producer, Jerry Conrad, and lead vocalist Tommy White but expanded to an impressive group of accomplished artists and collaborators.
’Eyes Wide Open’ is a timeless rock song of boredoma nd questioning and taking a chance to find what answers might be out there in the world. This is Rock and Rolls as it should be, but is seldom heard these days int he glossy world of manufactured corporate music. The right kind of grit and IDGAF attitude, with the video to match.”
“As they say, you never forget your first love. ‘August’ was written about a lost love and the what-might-have-beens of that initial, tangible foray into dreaming of happily ever after.
Sannia delivers the lyrics with a mix of wistful nostalgia, and tender heartbreak to make you feel the heartbreak and lost opportunity. The track shifts from slow and tender to upbeat and regretful, and the blend is intoxicating. ”
“We all need a hype song from time to time. German band, Call US Janus gives us ‘The Greatest’ a straightforward and energetic ode to self-promotion and motivation.
Add this track to your workout playlist, or play it right before walking into demand that raise ,or anytime you need to a shot of confidence and ego to rally you into action.”
“Today is not tomorrow or yesterday. Halover’s “Better State of Mind” is a sad yet energetic Indie Pop song. It reveals the type of mood someone can be in but also provides affirmations that tomorrow will be better. Anyone that listens is able to follow the range of the guitar strings and pick up on every mood Halover has. ”
“Courtney Farren has the rare combination of songwriting talent, and emotive vocal power to convey the words she’s written. ‘I Must Like It’ is a thought or idea we’ve all had as we find ourselves repeating mistakes or at least find ourselves back in familiar situations that we had not exactly been planning for ... leading us to wonder if maybe this is what we want despite ourselves. The writing is nuanced and is the kind of song you can glean something new from with each listen.”
“The vocal prowess of Katie Gregson-MacLeod elevates this track and makes it impossible to skip ahead or drift away from her delivery. Lyrically the emotions are strong and tangible and the intricate delivery kept me leaning in and intrigued for what came next. This is one I will listen to for years to come as the combination of unique talent and human realness give it a timeless quality that will always speak to me. ”
“ I like how Maiah Manser’s takes her time with her delivery in the intro. The song goes from subtle and dramatic to a little energetic. It keeps you engaged with the fast beat and allows you to be a dreamer as well. I like how her vocal range is revealed as well as the overall production.”
“The song has a rock tempo to it because of the guitar and the amps. Its alternative raw style is direct in its purpose without giving you much verses. I wouldn’t classify “Out of Town” as a broken hearted love song but more so of year I messed up and this is why.Even though you hear the chorus more the experimental energy allows you to rock with it.”