SHY Martin - Slow [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“A soft melody leads us into SHY Martin’s stellar vocal performance. The edges of her voice are ragged and vulnerable in the best possible way. The lyrics are well-written and the combination of songwriting and performance are perfectly balanced to make ever word carry an impact. The pace is slow and the vibe both soft and delicate, but both are perfect for the song to come alive.

We’ve all been hurt and had to tiptoe our way back into some kind of relationship or situation so this track has a resonance that will speak to most who take the time to slow down and listen.”

— 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)

LILYAN. - HAUNTED [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The writing here cuts like a knife, and the resulting wound feels raw, fresh, and wonderful because the emotional truth is palpable. And sometimes a good emotional blood letting is needed for a full recovery.

The eighteen year old LILYAN. is talented for any age, but the songwriting is not her only asset as the vocal performance is alive and passionate as well. In this case, the vocal tone unfurls the words with precision and variance making it hard to escape the hold this track puts on you. ”

— 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)

Hovzter - Left Me Broken (Remix by Dachaio & JAGGE) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A tender vulnerable voice launches in from the beginning and it is in the softness of that voice that the emotional attachment first forms. The production here is subtle but a perfect match to the performance and lyrics. The beat is as gripping as the vocal tone making this a complete track that you will want to listen to over and over gain because the vulnerability of the song is one that we can all relate to unfortunately and this mix does a masterful job of making us feel every nuance. ”

— 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)

Young F.Y.E - 1 Wish [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is my first go hearing Young F.Y.E, and that is a damn shame because this is Hip-Hop as it should be.

Delivering a unique tone to a familiar world and theme, ‘1 Wish’ isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather just put some some and personal spin. The flow is talented, clear and distinct, no mumbling to a rhythm and calling it art. Rooted in personal experience you come away feeling like you know a bit about the man behind this track rather than the smoke and mirror job some in the game try to fool us with. In other words, this just feels real and we need more genuineness in the genre.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cardell - Here We Go Again [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“We love festivals and concerts but what do you a call a lyric video that is full of energy and unicorn colors? You call it ‘Here We Go Again’ by Cardell. This Electric Pop Song is something that you can be free on. The melody hits each chord just right to take you wherever you want to go.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Magic Seis - Pablo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A smooth Latin beat backs the vocal flow on this track giving it an exotic and Reggae feel. The performance here held me with lyrics that offer a commentary on Hip Hop culture as well as Magic Seis own goals and aspirations.

The dream is often closer than we realize but the struggle to keep battling is tough. This track hints at that aspect while also using the metaphor to suggest it is important to be careful of who you keep close. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kubla - Changes [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There are certain artists that simply know how to capture their audience and Kubla instantly hit me as that kind of artist.

Musically and vocally this track just feels a bit different somehow. Soulful with smooth guitar throughout, this track feels like Prince and John Mayer came together in one glorious act of musical enlightenment.

Lyrically, the track did not speak to me quite on that same level and yet I stayed captivated by the performance. And that, is the magic of talent that elevates each song they deliver.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

kieranae - kieranae & Jasmine Bailey - Taco Nap Feat. Russell Seward [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some tracks just have that ability to quickly establish a mood and vibe. And when paired with the right emotion, it is those tracks that land in our very soul. This is that kind of track. The kind of musical piece perfect for chilling and watching the sun slide down in the west.

This is the kind of music that somehow brings us closer to our inner self as we listen. Tranquil and calm, the vocals both sooth and evoke, which is a tough combination to achieve.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dez Money - I Want Your Love [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The name Money is no stranger to the music world, and Dez Money carries on with the family tradition started by his father, Eddie. The family can be seen on AXS TV’s show Real Money. ‘I Want Your Love’ is a contemporary song that feels more like Coldplay than his father’s music. At least it does until that guitar rift around three minutes in, when suddenly the DNA seems to come home for just a bit. This is a smooth easy track that is easy to join in and sing along to.”

— 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)

Kenza - Fool For You [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kenza delivers a classic pop vocal performance on her latest single, ‘Fool For You.’ Both vocally and the melodically, the song carries hints of a retro 90’s vibe. And yet, the track still brings a definite contemporary vibe, especially during the chorus, which rings with confidence, even though the track is about being so head over heels in love that you feel out of control.

The single is one that feels almost timeless from the first listen. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Secret - Easy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A track dripping with attitude, and delivered with lyrics that speak loud with both humor and confidence. This anthem is for the ladies sick of all the expected elements of a dude’s shit. It is for those who decide to be a little bit choosy on who they let in.

’Easy’ is one to blare loud rolling around so you can let the world know where you stand. Don;t sleep on that sick beat either.

Secret has that defiant and sexy edge to her flow that speaks clear and loud and makes this a track that even the fellas can appreciate. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Vacant Shapes - Cutting up My Knees [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The track kicks off with velvety punk style vocals that pull you in and force you to focus on the lyrics. The guitar charged melody adds to the emotion of the words making this a fully immersive track.

An anthem for everyone that has also given just a little bit too much of themselves to another. The world will grind you down if you let it, and this single brings those feelings into the light with an emotional rock sound that scrapes away at the exterior layer of our emotions.”

— 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)

HeartMouth - Be Alright [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“An emotionally charged ode to finding the possibilities in the very face of difficult times.

Our outlooks can carry us in the same way as a nice melody and beat can carry a song with darker lyrics to a lighter place.

This song echoes life by highlighting the choices we make, and accentuating the fact that quite often it’s not over until we decide that it is. There is a folk rock (Mumford & Sons) feeling to this track that serves it well.”

— 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)

Robert Cristian x Karina - Someone New [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

““Do you like to dance?”

Even if you are not in the mood for dancing ‘Someone New’ takes you a Romania place that is filled with dance moves. As the artists Robert Christian and Karina dance in the video they talk about how its ok to move on and be a in a good mood. The overall visual is Dirty Dancing meets the Labamba if you can remember those old priceless movies.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)