Stefan Dismond - inCONTRAST [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track is as much Soul as it is Hip-Hop, but don’t take that to mean it is less than a fine example of both genres.

The fusion here is intriguing and the writing impeccable. The emotions shine through in the performance. This is the kind of track that will mean more to you with each subsequent listen.

Detailing the differences between two sides of a relationship, the single is for everyone that has gotten deep in their head, while trying to analyze where they stand and how they feel.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gavin Haley - The Way I Am (feat. Ella Vos, Luke Korns, Olivia Rouyre) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The video has a retro feel and the single itself has that same timeless quality that good music often delivers.

Gavin Haley and Ella Vos team up here to bring a track about the intricacies of a relationship where the parties are struggling to better know each other, while still holding back the emotions that it takes to get there.

With a smooth pop groove, that hints at an almost contemporary Country sound at times, this track isn’t really about genre, as much as it is emotion. This is because the single transcends the categories marketers use, and is simply about the humanity of our hearts.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

OLGA - Kiss My Sadness Away [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The writing here is spot on perfection. Vocally, the first few lines felt a touch dated for me, but then the track took a turn and felt purely modern from then on. The beat and melody add to the whip-smart lyrics and make this track so sharp you simply cannot escape the hook.

The tale of a jaded lover considering a reconciliation, but only after the gets the damn answers she needs. Attitude prevails and pulls you deep into this relationship even if you’ve never been there yourself.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

College x HeRo - Dojo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A chill vibe permeates through this single. The flow has just enough passion behind it to hold your focus, but the biggest strength of this track is the tight lyrical content. Authentic truth fills every line and that elevates the rest of the track. There are no unnecessary embellishments to the production or delivery as College and HeRo straight up deliver this well-written single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

JP Saxe - Sad Corny Fuck [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track puts into words the vibe many a dude has been faced with after falling in love. None of us set out to become a ‘Sad Corny Fuck,’ but when those emotions stat to boil up and out of us, that is what happens.

This tracks was produced by recent GRAMMY darling FINNEAS, and it does carry the same emotional impact that his work with Billie Eilish, but JP SAXE’s masterful vocals carry the day here and I can’t wait to hear more music from SAXE.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

MDS Bella x Lil Bling - Pull Up [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“MDS Bella captivated me with her aggressive whisper style of rapping. Far too many rappers, of both genders, seem to believe that volume is the key to expressing themselves, but this track proves that passion and strong writing do not need over the top theatrics to get the point across.

Delivering lyrics rooted in her Memphis heritage and speaking her mind about injustice and politics, MDS Bella is a voice to keep tabs on. ‘Pull Up’ is a track to engage your mind and spirit. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brandon Hunt - Don't You Call Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When the bridge is torched and left to burn, there are people standing on both sides. Sometimes we are holding the match, and sometimes we are left staring in disbelief at the embers.

This tracks is about the latter, except for the bridge was torched long ago and now the person wants to come back over to your side. Brandon Hunt delivers vocals that express the emotion quite well in a singer/songwriter style. With a touch of rawness and vulnerability, the performance isn’t pitch perfect but in the broken notes we truly feel the pain, and that’s where this track truly comes alive.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gina Livia - in my head [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The musical vibe of this single is light and airy, but lyrically the song delivers a mood much darker. Over a nice Pop groove, Gina Livia lays down her lyrics of feeling isolated and alone. Being stuck ‘in her head’ and not willing to put herself out there. The track feels real and her vulnerability comes across in the performance as she longs to overcome these feelings in order to live life to its fullest. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mothica - oh god [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The morning after regret.

We’ve all been there in one form or another. The cadence and arrangement of this track adds to powerful lyrics to truly deliver that mix of panic and shame as you try to unravel exactly what you did the previous night. Not knowing can be almost as bad as knowing full well you crossed several lines you should not have.

The vocal performance here is spot on and mysterious, though in the track I heard it cuts offs very abruptly and I can only assume that was a glitch in my advanced copy. Nevertheless, this is a track that hits home. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Buy/Stream oh god: mothica.ffm.to/ohgod
Facebook: facebook.com/mothicamusic
Twitter: twitter.com/dearmothica
Instagram: instagram.com/mothica

WHATEVER WE ARE - ROMANTICATION [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Escaping together is key to every relationship, and this track is about the hedonistic urge to let loose and reconnect in all the best ways. Think of it of the Pop song equivalent of What Happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, though of course when you are with the one you love, letting your lust carry you away doesn’t need neon lights and free booze to fuel the=at carnal desire. The track itself offers several different voices and styles, keeping you intrigued for the ride. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

EMM - Devil In Disguise [ Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“ Is it Lady Gaga? No the voice you are hearing is Artist EMM. EMM new single ‘Devil In Disguise’ isn’t about a man or failed relationship but the voices in your mind that you hear even when you don’t want to hear them.Ever heard of battle of the mind? Yes, that’s a toxic trait but also can be the Devil In Disguise In EMMs case. This song will have you dancing but also intrigued but the lyrics.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

You can listen to DEVIL IN DISGUISE on your favorite streaming platform right here: https://song.link/i/1493566494 + add it to your favorite music playlists! One more song on RUBY coming! You all caught up? If you like this video, please share it! I'm 100% INDIE and your shares, likes and comments mean so much and are so helpful. Love you! - EMM Follow Emm: INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/emminreallife WEBSITE: https://www.emminreallife.com/ FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/emminreallife/ YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/emminreallife TWITTER: https://twitter.com/emminreallife SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/track/5EfhJJ... MAILING LIST (Join if you want to see a show!): https://mailchi.mp/52b060b6c371/emmlive DEVIL IN DISGUISE was created by EMM, Taylor Wilzbach, and Zoe Fisher Video by Kevin Sarrico and EMM #EMM #DevilInDisguise #Pop

The Exits - Double Crosser [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some bands just have that sound. The Exits are such a band.

What is that sound?

Well, its a blend of all those who have paved the way before, and a unique boldness that rings loud and true. It is the Rock and Roll spirit.

Rebellious and lively, and captivating. ‘Double Crosser’ brings that entire vibe to your ears with an energetic arrangement, and a set of lyrics that tell the story of a distrustful couple as their relationship implodes. The soaring vocals hint at Punk and Pop and the track is one that buzzes around your skull. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Helena Mayer - Headspace [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Helena Mayer delivers a Pop track dealing with the jumble of thoughts, emotions, fears, and doubts, that fill all of our heads. The track is about taking charge and not becoming overwhelmed by our own memories. The vocals are talented and engaging and the beat keeps the track moving forward with precision and bounce. A track that feels right for your workout playlist, or any other time when you are working toward a better you.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SITA - Glide [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The chill Indie Electro Pop vibe here is very relaxing and transcendental . Fitting, given that he lyrics are from the viewpoint of someone that has passed away and is now making a new journey.

The vocals are soft and almost siren-like in the way they whisper to you in such compelling force. The production adds dynamics to make the backing sound like a gentle river amid birds and butterflies. The overall effect is very calming and the ethereal while still maintaining Commercial sensibilities to the single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brandon Colbein - Mess [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“With a bit of gravel to his voice, Brandon Colbein drops the emotional verses of ‘Mess’ on us and we can feel the disoriented pain of a bad a breakup. Then the chorus hits and Colbein’s voice smooths out into a higher pitched tone of emotional disbelief. The melody and the beat here deliver that same juxtaposition giving the song a back and forth feel that is exactly how most of us a feel when we are an emotional mess. The arrangement of the track shows as much talent as the vocals and songwriting making this a track with legs enough to become a lasting standard. Can’t wait to hear more from this talented artist. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Aaron Taos - I Just Fell In Love With My Ex [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes there are connections that we can explain. We try to suppress our feelings and avoid people but often times it could just take one moment, one call that’ll send it all racing back. Aaron Taos tells his story of letting go and falling in love with his ex. It’s either captivating or addicting but you will have to listen to the song to grasp it”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Peri El - Slow Down [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is all about the vocals. Peri El does a masterful job with pace and tempo and allowing the emotion to develop. There are moments of power and wonder, but the track is strongest for me in its quieter moments.

Toeing a line between a classic Adult Contemporary sound, and a more Commercial/Jazz vibe, the track changes when it hits the bridge. That interlude is brief, but works very well to give a unique spin on the track and keep the piece feeling solidly contemporary.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Flow'etic x Natel - Jelly Water [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There is a nice fusion of Reggae and Rap to this track. Lyrically, the single is about those fake ass friends we have all had to deal with at one point or another.

Playing off of a Jamaican proverb the chorus is catchy and hooks you easy enough. The track is fairly chill, with a low key beat and melody. Well produced the blend of music and voices is interwoven to perfection. This one is all about mood and vibe. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaycreux - Buggy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jaycreux drops a soulful Hip-Hop flow that feels a bit stream of conscious in the mood, but also brings a nice groove in the beat and melody. His voice has just a touch of rasp, and the performance brings emotion and passion which keeps the single interesting, and makes it easy to connect with. The lyrics are complex and layered, making this is the kind of track you will pull new things from every single time you listen. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Freedom Fry - West Coast [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Freedom Fry are one of my favorite discoveries since joining LA on Lock as a reviewer. They often surprise me and this track is no different.

’West Coast’ delivers nice harmonies over the top of a classic California sound, and lyrically the track is sharp and twisty, in the way that Freedom Fry’s lyrics usually are. As you listen, the emotion permeates the air and warms you like the golden rays of a setting sun. There is both hope and trepidation here, and that so perfectly captures the feelings of chasing a dream.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)