“You do for the money and the passion” this verse stuck out to me the most in G Smoove’s new single “Lost”. His flow is smooth and his word play is strong. His words are from experience and will pull you in emotionally. When you are on a journey you often feel like you are in it alone. Some people feel lost. ”
“Fast-rising Amsterdam-based producer/songwriter, problem solved, and US vocalist, Reo Cragun, have dropped their incredible new collaboration, ‘Go Right Now.’ The track delivers a nice energy, as well as strong writing and a production to bring everything to life.
The varied sounds and styles blend well here, and while they do make this one tough to categorize genre wise, they also make it engaging and unique in that this track doesn’t sound exactly like half the other songs already out there.”
“Falling somewhere between The Beastie Boys and Weezer, Mr. Max brings nothing but attitude with ‘I Hate My Life.’
Riding a hard edge beat and build, the track hooks and holds with a set of vocals that demand your attention. The writing commands its own level of engagement as it is sharp and pointed and hits its mark throughout the build.”
“The energy of this track caught me straight off, and then the vocal flow came with enough emotion to carry the day once that initial energy settled in. The confidence in the delivery, and the fact he’s clearly having fun dropping this flow makes it a pleasure to listen to.
This is one I’ll be adding to several playlists to have at the ready when I need that pick me up groove or to settle in and let the music wash away the day. ”
“A different kind of break up song that will make you smile, but also nod along if you’ve even been there in that situation of watching a relationship dissipate.
LA band, An Adolescent Tragedy has a decided West Coast sound that has enough of a Punk vibe to be categorized that way, but still brings a bit of the 90s sound to the mix to make the track have a Commercial feel as well.”
“LibFOREIGN delivers ‘HUNNIT PROOF’ with precision and passion — a combination that is not easy to achieve. The flow hits with emotion and meaning, but stays within itself to establish an easy groove that is varied and deliberate.
The writing shows confidence as well and comes with a deliberate swagger that sets off the track. I gave the track multiple listens and found new nuances with each go.”
“Sydney Riley packs in both passion and attitude in this track. The delivery hints at a campiness, but the sound never begins to feel overtly theatrical, simply deliberate. A track that calls on the supernatural vibes only nature can provide in setting mood and intent, this song is hard to pin down genre-wise as it offers a rock edge, a folk sensibility, and a pop energy to wind feeling like vintage Joan Jett blended with the softer side of Stevie Nicks.”
“Austrian duo, dreaming of Cali, might be wishing they were on a beach here in California, but they are certainly not wasting their lamentations. Their latest track, ‘fed up,’ offers a nice mix of wistful wanting and emotional resonance and the production helps to bring out both with a genre bending sound that falls between commercial pop, and a low key EDM style arrangement that holds you with its tempting build.”
“David Rasmussen and The Companions team on this heartfelt single that lands square in the feels department. ‘Lost Or Gone’ is the type of song that speaks directly to the center of your soul.
The performance is timeless and pure, and is impossible not to feel if you truly take the time to listen and appreciate the emotions laid bare in the most genuine and honest way.”
“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. ”