Jeffrey James - In The Back Of My Mind [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“There is a heartfelt beauty to Jeffrey James’ track, ‘In The Back Of My Mind.’

Speaking on the inspiration that led to the track, Jeffrey says, ‘For better for worse, the people we chose to pair up with forever impact who we are moving forward. There are a small handful of women I’ve dated that will always hold a place in my heart. It’s not love. It’s a bond and an influence that I’ll forever be grateful for.’

I felt this sentiment and connected tom the motion of the track and that is what good music is all about. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

FALANA - Energy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“FALANA established a nice groove on this track and one might say the ‘Energy’ is exactly right. Riding a tranquil but expressive beat and melody, FALANA layers on an emotive set of vocals that drips with a sultry invitation that is hard to resist.

This is Contemporary R&B with a vibe that simply wraps around the soul and pulls you along for the entire ride. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

DJ Era feat. O.T. Genasis, Eric Bellinger, AD -On My Way [Music Video Review]

Rating : 4 out of 5

“Dj Era knows how to feature the best that will give us a sound we want to hear. Pulling O. T. Genasis, Eric Bellinger and AD for the hit single “On My Way”. The guys are getting ready to link up but each seems to have so much going on in one night. However, that doesn’t stop them from having a good time. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Lil Donald - Real Hitta You [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“What is real to you? Lil Donald new single “Real Hitta You” is about finding what interests a woman. Sometimes is not always about money but communication and dominance. Its about going the extra mile and appreciate women for more than their looks. Overall just show them something real which is rare. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blog]

G Smoove - Lost [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

problem solved x Reo Cragun - Go Right Now [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Mr. Max - I Hate My Life [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

CHIBI LoyaltyOverLove - Trap Boo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

An Adolescent Tragedy - I'm Keeping the Nintendo [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

LibFOREIGN - HUNNIT PROOF [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sydney Riley - The Coast [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

dreaming of cali - fed up [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

David Rasmussen x The Companions - Lost Or Gone [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Late Greats - Better Then [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Apache Grosse x Ajani Jones - Bad In Threes [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Shelby Carter - Worst Way [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Charlotte Sands - Every Guy Ever [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Annie of the Canyon - Heart of Stone [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“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. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Darragh Chaplin - Honestly [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Artikal Sound System - You're An Asshole [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“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. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger