Derek Luttrell - Called You King [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“It’s never wise to tick of a songwriter, or writer of any kind for that matter. This track is a songwriter speaking his mind after being mistreated and to explain here is the description from the artist himself ....

’Called You King,’ is written about an aging ‘local hero’ band that did everything it could to keep myself and other musicians from having the spotlight at any given time. They kept me close, but made sure to sabotage my life at every step. Lies, stealing, and adultery. All of the good stuff. They’ve been called king of their hometown for too long, without bearing any fruit. Midas minus the golden touch. Enjoy! ~ Derek Luttrell”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Quinn DeVeaux - All I Need [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Rock and Roll Soul Funk. That’s the vibe Quinn DeVeaux brings in this track, which fans of Nathanial Rateliff and Leon Bridges are certain to enjoy.

’All I Need’ captures that all-encompassing euphoria of finding that person that makes the entire world feel world. Simply put, with them at your side you don’t need anything else to feel joyous and right.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Krooked Tongue - Different Breed [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Straight out of the UK, Krooked Tongue comes in with hard guitars driven sound until the softer vocal bring home the point of this protest song. The world is pissed off and fed up with the status quo of political and financial inequality and this track addresses that anger and attitude in full on Rock glory!”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Demi the Daredevil - Paranoia on Main Street [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Its the theatrics for me!!!

First the intro was amazingly sick. ‘Paranoia on Main Street’s’ visual is video game meets movie. Demi the Daredevil infuses creepy theatrics in a pop format and it works. His name alone gives mixed feelings but his talent does not disappoint. He paces his delivery and his tone is stern accompanied by strong word play.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Limón Limón - Northern California [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track brings the California coastal vibes as it dives into the emotions of returning to a place that you once called home. No matter the years, facing who you once were is no easy task and this set of lyrics delivers the emotions of attempting to do just that. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Broken Witt Rebels - Birmingham - The Digbeth Mix [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Broken Witt Rebels pay tribute to their hometown with ‘Birmingham,’ a track that comes with a mystical brand of reverence that seeps into every word delivered.

The track falls in that Americana, Indie Rock spectrum of sounds, but stands out for its genuine emotion and pacing that simply takes the listener along for a journey of retrospection and nostalgia.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Laura Tsaggaris - LEAD ME [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a beautifully written and performed track about a feeling that prevails for many of us in these troubled times. ‘Lead Me’ is about not feeling like you are doing enough to improve the world and fight the hatred that comes out in certain aspects of society. it is a song of strength about trying to find a way to take a productive stand in the face of turmoil. Even when staying silent might be the easier path to take because fighting injustice is the right thing to do even if that injustices isn’t your own.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sarah Barrios - Help ft. Rence [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is the rare song that did not immediately capture my interest, but came with enough talent to keep me invested in and listening close until suddenly I realized that I was completely enthralled and eager for the next line.

The emotion hear feels genuine, and the performances refused to let me go while that personal attachment grew and built.

Sarah Barrios does the heavy lifting but don’t sleep on the interlude provide by Rence, as his voice added a nice touch.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

ØZWALD - Fair Thee Well [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I like the blending of the Retro 60s vibe, with the contemporary mood this set of lyrics left me with. The track stays mellow throughout, though it well established an emotional brand of melancholy that served the song well. The smooth harmonies and easy groove melodically make it an easy track to stay with and fall into.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Danny Wright - RECKLESS [Review]

“A track of unrest and insecurity, ‘Reckless’ is the kind of song that seems to reach inside our minds and put to words the very thoughts permeating in our brains.

The build and vocal delivery is spot on with the lyrical build. Danny Wright pulls you in and holds you there from start to finish with this rising crescendo on this single. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Eiza Murphy - Black Hole [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The more I listened to this track, the deeper I fell into the emotions behind it. Eiza Murphy delivers a hauntingly emotional vocal performance, though for me it was the power of the songwriting that most captivated me and held my attention over and over again. The piano and build of the music perfectly matched the mood and emotion of the words. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Eva Snyder - Transparent [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Eva Snyder has the kind of vocal tone that makes you lean in from the very first note, and her latest single, ‘Transparent’ holds you there with the honesty of its writing and an energetic arrangement and delivery.

Like a conversation with a close friend this track feels candid and in that we find bits of our own fears, insecurities and feelings.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stupkid - Fine [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Listening to this track gives you the same sensation you get while walking along the boardwalk on a warm sunny day ... when the scent of the ocean is in the air, the buskers are playing your favorite song, and the girls are all smiling your way.

Carefree and energetic are the two words that come to mind here so kick back and listen to feel the warm sun no matter where you happen to be.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Liam Rorke - Questions [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“One narrative. One Journey.

This is used to describe Liam’s talent as he sits at the piano and allows his fingers and vocals to tell a musical story.

Liam Rorke’s new single ‘Questions’ is about an ongoing cycle to want to know more even when there are no answers to your questions. His sound is organic with emotional vocals accompanied by a calm mannerism. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh

ASPyN - Black & Blue [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“At the age of 16, Artist ASPyN is aware of her worth. In her new single ‘Black & Blue ‘ she points out the flaws of her mate. From being hypocritical to just pitiful she sees nothing special in him. The song is soft spoken, but stern. If you ever felt hurt, pain, or hid behind ‘Black & Blue’ this song is for you.”

— Kreadiv Kesh

Abigail Fierce - Some Sorta Goodbye [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Abigail Fierce has that same sort of sultry vocal tone that catapulted Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac into stardom though Fierce delivers more of a Folksy singer/songwriter vibe here on this track. ‘Some Sorta Goodbye’ is about looking for the end of a relationship straight from the very beginning. The expectation things will end badly, so the act of self-sabotage keeps the loss from being on someone else’s terms. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Izzy Staden - One Look One Touch [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The energy and progression of this track swept me up and carried me along. The falling in love trope may be the most popular one in all of music, but still the emotion of being lovestruck is as powerful of an emotion as any of us can experience, so time and time again it is a refrain that speak to the masses.

Izzy Staden puts her own unique perspective on the matter here, with a rapid Pop style delivery that makes you feel the rising euphoria quite well. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Arms Akimbo - Dizzy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Life on the road is not easy for any band or touring act, and yet the allure and call is inescapable. LA Indie Rock band, Arms Akimbo, takes a dive into those aspects with their latest single, ‘Dizzy.’ A smooth melody and infectious lyrical build makes you almost feel the wheels rolling beneath you as you sit back and miss about everything back at home, while still mesmerized by the allure of that next stop on tour.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Matt Hansen - warn me right before i fall in love [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A light airy song of heartache and sadness ... because ... Hey, if you’re going to feel the pain you might as well do so with a jaunty little melody.

Matt Hansen has a bit of Jack Johnson to his sound and soul and this track is one that simply feels like an honest ode to heartbreak. The EDm vibes deeper in did not hold me as wella s the early emotion and energy, but this is still a worthwhile track from a talented young artist. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Maella - Melting Butter [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Coming at you with an alluring, almost sinister charm, Maella seduces the listener with a smooth vocal delivery that invites you in before the darker emotions grab your heart and squeeze.

’Melting Butter’ is a brooding track that for me conjured thoughts of a time in Rock music when grit and passion overshadowed glossy production and million dollar smiles.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)