“Indie Rock perhaps even more so that most genres, is about capturing an attitude and vibe that establishes both a song and the band’s identity. The Late Greats are new to me, so this is the first track I’ve heard and already, I feel like I have a sense who and what the band is. For me, listening to this song was like getting to know a new person that I straight away think is going to be a very good friend. ”
“There is a definite throwback vibe to the build here, but Apache Grosse and Ajani Jones team up to bring ‘Bad In Threes’ to life.
The cadence and lyrical build sync perfectly with the beat to form a groove that is is easy to ride with. The slow groove deeper in comes at just the right time to make the listener lean in even further and connect.”
“Shelby Carter delivers the West Coast vibes on this Electro Pop track with a performance that is sensual and alluring. Carter’s talent invites the listener in and makes it oh so difficult to look away. The vibe is sexy and dangerous and that combination along with the talent makes this anything but the ‘Worst Way,’ to spend your time. Carter has verve and attitude and the it factor so keep an ear on this rising artist.”
“Charlotte Sands could very well be the next big Pop Punk sensation. ‘Every Guy Ever’ is a track that will speak to anyone who has ever ventured out in the cold dark dating world. Yeah, here it is pointed to idiot guys but we all know it is tough for any gender to find that person who is honest, trustworthy and right for them. The emotion and energy of this track ring true and comes with several amen type moments. ”
“Annie of the Canyon is not a stranger to LA on Lock readers, but if you have missed her previous features here on the blog it is never to discover her emotive and tender vocals. There is a mysterious allure to her tone and the emotion of her writing and delivery never fails to engage the deeper senses of my psyche. Like a modern Stevie Nicks, Annie of the Canyon has that odd combination of fierce determination and soft vulnerability that is both alluring and inviting. ”
“I hear a lot of songs about anxiety, so it is very tough to hit that theme and stand out, but Darragh Chaplin was able to do exactly that with the single, ‘Honestly.’
The writing dives into the mental dynamics of envying others for their so-called ‘normalcy,’ and losing who you are as you try desperately to emulate the societal norms. The delivery has talent and passion and you can feel the struggle in a way that makes the track very relatable no matter if you suffer from anxiety or not.”
“Sometimes the high road is no fun at all and Artikal Sound System has taken that idea tot he next level with ‘You’re An Asshole,’ which tells it exactly like it is.
Far too often the assholes of the world skate along from victim to victim without ever being called to the carpet. This track lays it all out there, and will no doubt be sent as a ‘dedication’ to more than one taker in this world on their way out the door after being found out. ”
“The emotional vocal delivery grabs hold from the first word and as the lyrical build unfolds the performance only draws you in deeper. The Satellite Station brings a timeless songwriter vibe and combines that with a folksy Indie Rock sound that is almost tangible in its powerful emotional resonance. ”
“I instantly fell for the groove on $cholah’s single ‘Attention.’ I did feel like the emotions was rushed by the tempo at times, but the smooth vocal tones and good vibes overcame my sensation that the song was rushing by and allowed me to settle in and find my groove. With each listen I grew to appreciate and connect with the track more and I can safely say this is a a track I won’t get tired of hearing over and over again. ”
“Melody and vocal tone are powerful when perfectly matched and that was the case on GRAACE’s latest single, ‘Sentimental.’ From the first guitar note to the final emotive line delivered, the track feels spot on. A songwriters sentiments with a commercial vibe that lifts the track above the emotional fray and into a realm not many songs ever reach. ”
“Sixteen year old rapper, Nazzy the Mic comes with a smooth honesty that brings her flow to life. This Philly native is about the catch fire and ‘Tired’ could be the very track that lights the flame for this young rapper. The writing is strong and her delivery sells the words very well. There is no substitute for real genuine emotion pushing a flow, and this track boasts that very thing. ”
“I heard a few different mixes of this same track and this one really spoke to me. The keys helped bring this cut to life for me and tied the smooth groove of the flow together for me in a way the others did not. The strength of the timing and delivery worked well with this arrangement. Definitely a track that establishes a mood and vibe easy to ride with.”
“I was leaning in on this one from the start as Jenny March delivers an emotive energy that speaks to her own passions. The build is varied and hooks you in bringing an EDM almost Disco vibe at times. Other sections of the track come with more of a Pink vibe giving it a Pop quality.
’SCREAM’ is a track we can all relate to not only because of the last year and a half, but simply as a result of life’s demands.”
“LA based Elodie Rêverie is not a stranger to this blog and now she’s back with a remix of her single ‘Red Carpet.’ Rêverie’s trademark vocal sound is as always intoxicating in a sensual and alluring kind of way. The overall arrangement feels enchanted and exotic in a modern way while paying homage to bands like Roxette and Ace of Base that also brought an alluring sexiness to everything they did. ”
“Rhys was born in Portland but moved to Sweden when she was only ten years old. The influence of both American and Swedish Pop can be found in her sound and the tender emotion is palpable in every single line. This particular track reminded me of Pink a great deal but that is not to say Rhys doesn’t have her own unique spin and delivery. The writing is also strong and in it you can truly lose yourself into the world of the singer. ”
“Yung Gravy always brings the verve and energy and ‘Steppin On The Beats’ is no exception. Gravy hits me like a cross of Macklemore, and Timberlake because he has that goofy side yet still manages to come off as cool and engaging in an original way. The beat here grabs and holds you and you can’t help but smile and move along.
This track is simply pure fun.”
“This collaboration between LA based Charlie Curtis-Beard and Akintoye, is a Tik Tok forged explosion of fun.
’Anime & Chardonnay’ sets the vibe right from the start, and the party continues from there. Riding an infectious groove and snappy hook the track has only one flaw — it’s too short. Give it a listen and you too can enjoy the ear candy of a raucous good time.”
“Sometimes as a curator and reviewer it is best to get out of the way and let the band tell you what they want you to know about their art. This is one of those times ...
From the band:
’We were inspired during London lockdown to film a music video. We wanted to capture the dystopian landscape we were all suddenly catapulted into and it felt like the perfect marriage for SOHO SHOES.
It was a “gorilla” style mission, 4am starts most mornings for about a month. No traffic, no pollution, not a person in sight...
We were arrested one time but it didn’t deter us. We were on a mission. It became an obsession going out every morning to discover London like never before. It also galvanised a creative outlet during a time when we couldn’t play music.
We were armed with an iphone, a gimbal and a dancing walrus.’”
“Born and raised in LA, Gregory Ackerman delivers a timeless Indie Folk sound. “All This Thinking’ is rich in emotion and it wraps around you warming the soul like a nice heavy blanket. The groove and melody are easy to fall in on and the performance makes the song feel as if you are listening to an old friend’s advice. The guitar captured my and held me as tightly as the vocals.”
“Leeroy Stagger sounds like what I imagine the Grateful Dead would be with Jason Isbell fronting them. ‘More Love Than Money’ is a groove and a mood, but the writing delivers more emotion than you’d expect from such a fun and light melody. A song that makes you want to shout amen as you sing along and feel every word.
Stagger is one voice I’d love to see perform in person as I have now featured a few tracks from the talented Canadian. ”