Tia Carys - Figure Me Out [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Mesmerized.

That’s how Tia Carys left me from the outset. There is something about her vocals and confident demeanor in the video that hooked me instantly.

The vocal flow varied from almost a freestyle kind of feel, to a deliberate pop production, but through it all the lyrics pop and the attitude prevails.

Dropping the challenge is there right in the title, ‘Figure Me Out,’ but I am not sure I met that declaration because Carys is still a bit of mystery for me. That said, I did figure out that this is a track that I want to hear over and over again. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SLIM MUCHO - YELLOWSTONE MEMOIRS [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A chill rap vibe that brings truth and emotion through strong writing and observation of the world we live in. Short and sweet and to the point, the track falls in the stream of conscious type of delivery, which works well here because of a talented vocal tone and the passionate delivery.

I did find myself wishing there was more as it ended a bit abruptly but on the other hand it is every artist’s job to leave us wanting more. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dylan Rockoff - Out Of Season [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Dylan Rockoff is a talented singer/songwriter that we have featured here on LA on Lock before. Smooth emotional vocals deliver this track about the reflection of a past love that did not last. The emotion of the track captures the mixed bag of feelings that comes with a mix of fond memories and the fact things came to an end.

Falling between a soft Pop ballad and a stripped down coffee house vibe ‘Out of Season,’ is a highly relatable single that tugs all the right strings.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Krystle Dos Santos - Buried Alive [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Bluesy and soulful, Krystle Dos Santos lays down a heartfelt track highlighting the emotions of trying to escape an abusive relationship. The song has a theatrical feel, building as the tension escalates.

The storytelling behind the song is purposeful and carries the worthwhile intent of bringing a dark problem out into the open. This is an entertaining track, but the message is just as worthwhile. Domestic Abuse is not a problem to look away from so perhaps this track will help someone in need. ”

— 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)

Valeree - "Any Other Way" [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With this track, Valeree delivers with that same gut wrenching brand of soul that Amy Winehouse did so well. The two voices are clearly different, but the emotion and melody certainly bring the same kind of vibe.

’Any Other Way’ is a showcase for the oh-so-human condition known as ... I know I shouldn’t, but I am going to any way.”

The song builds and takes us for a ride through an addictive relationship, but the same ideas and sentiments apply no matter what your weakness may be.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Rosemary Joaquin - "A Little More" [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The emotion of this track is delivered in slow, low-pitched vocals that feel earnest, and raw, and vulnerable in a starving for more kind of way. This makes sense given the title of the track is ‘A Little More,’ and the emotion is understandable as well, because in every new relationship or crush situation, we all want just a little bit more than we have. This track deals with that insatiable desire in a methodical yet entertaining way.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

D. - Love Live Life [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This Hip-Hop track offers both, wisdom rooted in reflection, and unabashed swagger fueled by dreams and confidence.

With lyrics that speak to who he is, and how he got here, D. does an excellent job of delivering this flow with passion and confidence. This track offers a glimpse into his past, but the resonance stems from the fact his takeaways from these experience are ones we can all use.

Add in a nice musical groove and the track is both entertaining and enlightening. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kris Ivy - Lucy [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Sultry and sexy in a way we haven’t heard since Gwen Stafani’s ,No Doubt days. The beat and melody are infectious and exotic and the vocal performance brings the same vibe.

This is close to Pop perfection and Kris Ivy has all of the makings of a star. The track feels intoxicating in a way that music seldom is ,but when it does achieves that element it draws listeners from all genres and appetites. This is a single that can do that so don’t sleep on Kris Ivy.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Hannah Evans - Crying On Your Own [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This track is a tale of two sounds. The first is dark and soulful, while the second is pure pop with a bouncy commercial appeal. The contrast is a bit shocking at the first change in tone and style, but overall the arrangement works quite well once you adjust.

The comparisons to Billie Eilish are easy ones to make, but there is a bit more soul to the slower verses and a bit more of a pop feel during the uptempo portions of the single so Hannah Evans is bringing her own spin and brand of talent to the table. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mash Louis - Enlightenment [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A nice stream of conscious track that builds throughout. Starting easy and calm, the vibe intensifies, as does the flow, creating an urgency that held me tight to both the lyrics and the performance.

The track hits a bit of calm in the middle giving us a breather before again launching back into the emotion and verve that hooked me before. Their is both confidence and vulnerability here, and that adds to the intrigue of this track. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

FARR - Heal Me [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“FARR is a multi-national duo with the talent to demand you sit up and pay attention to anything they release. ‘Heal Me’ hits like a soulful prayer for the pained and lonely.

Written after a night of London libation, the track was written by the Los Angeles based half of the group, and rarely has a hangover combined with a case of the heartache from missing someone resulted in something so gripping.

Hard to put this in any genre, but Electronic Pop Blues will somewhat point you the right direction. No matter what you call it, you will want to listen over and over again, as the emotions settle on and around you.”

— 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)

Abigail Rose - Birthday [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“The beat and melody come in light and airy, and leading in, the song has the feel of a sugary sweet love song, but the vibe turns quickly.

’Birthday is a well-crafted song with lyrics that feel like stream of conscious heartache that mirrors the mundane acts that hit hard after a breakup. And if there is regret or uncertainty that you did the right those emotions are all the more acute.

The lyrics as well as the performance bring all of this out perfectly in this Electro Pop track that is easily my favorite within the genre in a long while. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Payson Lewis - Nothing To You [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Payson Lewis delivers creativity in his new visual ‘Nothing to You’. He shows how he’s in love but it’s like she no longer notices him. He becomes invisible like a piece of furniture or a fly on the wall. Through the frustration he explains he rather have her not exist.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

paintriiip - MAKE WAVES [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Delivering a chill vibe, ‘MAKE WAVES’ is a tranquil track offering encouragement and inspiration.

The vocal are smooth and relaxing here and lyrically the track is urging you to be you. Without worrying about, or trying to keep up or impress others based upon their idea of success. Call it an anti conformity track if you want., but this is the kind of message we all need to hear from time to time. A perfect addition to your more reflective playlists. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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)