VNXI - We Are Ghosts [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We are all in ghosts in a way. Our memories think of people no longer in our lives as how they were, rather than how they may be now in a present we are not part of..

’We Are Ghosts’ by VNXI expands on that idea and gives us a heartfelt emotional track about the way our memories play tricks on us. The track has a soft, Alternative/Indie Rock vibe that is easy to digest and connect with though lyrically the ideas longer in your mind long after the last note. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Angel Abaya - The Bubble [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all live in our own little bubbles and Angel Abaya sings about that on this track. ‘The Bubble’ sounds a bit like Natalie Maines singing Pop and lyrically he track is about how sometimes we find comfort in our own little sanctuaries whereas other times we want to pop our protection and explore the world and meet new people that inhabit it. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ La on Lock Blogger

Dogboy - Rush [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track from Dogboy reminds me of the old saying ... No one gets out alive.

That statement is generally used to describe life, but in a more metaphorical sense, it can describe relationships, because while you can escape a bad relationship but the scars and emotions often lurk in the shadows and reappear to plague us somewhere down the line.

’Rush’ is a detailed look at that kind of lasting mark on our hearts and soul and the artistry on the track drives the point home with Rock precision. The track is a bit of a genre bender, but the energy and attitude carry the day quite well.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

RVKAH - Blind Date [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all know that ‘Blind Dates’ can be hell, and if you ever find yourself out on one with a true narcissist, then this track will be your personals anthem.

Even if you never find yourself in this unfortunate position, you will enjoy the talent and razor sharp wit of the writing on this song. RVKAH unfurls this track with a snarky righteousness that hits with precision and deliberate aim.

Like Britney at her best.

The lesson hear is never fuck with a songwriter. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lu Hound - Tinted Eyes [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Lu Hound unleashes a nice balance of passionate ire, and a soulful groove while delivering his track ‘Tinted Eyes.’ The beat and flow blend to form a nice cohesive vibe that engages the listener and forces them to lean all the way in on this build. Hard-hitting writing with an edge is at the heart of this one, and the attitude behind the lyrics is what will bring me back time and time again. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Notcho Aziz - That's Enough [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When music is passionate, genuine, and inspired from a talented artists’ view of the world, it doesn’t take a whole lot for their creation to truly come alive. That is the case with ‘That’s Enough’ from Notcho Aziz.

You have to turn a blind eye, or truly be ignorant to not see the brutal impact of racism and an all-too-often unjust judicial system in this country. This track is about saying enough is enough. The lyrics, hard-edged flow, and beat convey the outrage quite well on this track of social injustice.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Devon Thompson - Napoleon [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Devon Thompson has a unique and sultry vocal tone and this talented guitarists offers up a Rock vibe that is every bit as seductive as the vocal tone. This track is about unrequited love and the emotional pettiness of the one whose affection is unreturned. ‘Napoleon’ is infused with attitude and grit and the result is this timeless track that feels modern yet could have arrived from a number of musical decades. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Chris Kläfford - Maybe It’s Just Me [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If you wonder what Chris Kläfford sounds like, imagine an Adult Contemporary hit sung by Chris Stapleton and you will have a petty good idea. I am very intrigued by this Swedish artist and can’t wait to hear other works by him.

Emotive and vocal strength are the first attributes that caught my attention, though this is also a very well-written track delivered with power and an emotive touch that rises above the fray. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Zeke - Magic [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The hook is easy to connect with here, and that is what first sold this track to me. Of course, the timing and vocal talent on the flow work to bring a groove and rhythm to this build that popped off and kept me eager for the next line.

Zeke unleashes his brand of ‘Magic’ proving this Georgia rapper is one to keep an eye on for future releases.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

STARRY EYES - Jetlag [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Music certainly has its fads and trends, though sometimes a simple, yet timeless sound is what best captivates and holds a listener. That is the case with ‘Jetlag’ from STARRY EYES.

The writing is intricately delightful, and the classic build and sound could come from several musical eras though the end product does not feel dated in anyway. The vocals unfold in a smooth emotive tone and make you lose the world around you as the meaning and emotions penetrate your brain. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Grayson Foster - Like a Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A strong emotive track perfect for the Singer/Songwriter genre. Grayson Foster delivers this song with passioned, emotive strength and the end result is a timeless sound that will appeal to fans of artists ranging from the rock flavor of Springsteen to the Folk of John Craigie and the the Pop style of Harry Styles. That said Foster hasn’t created a derivative track, but rather one simply rooted in genuine artistry utilizing his own sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Ryan Winston x Leslie Ann Miller - Wierd Love [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ryan Winston creates a track that certainly reminded me of Calvin Harris though ‘Wierd Love’ does not feel derivative and the vocal talent of Leslie Ann Miller sells the emotion in a way that the track hooks from the very first verse.

This is the kind of track that reveals new nuance and emotion with each listen. A track perfect for a number of playlists and moods. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Chris de Sarandy - Who I Once Knew [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“We all grow as we age and mature, and at times, two people who were once madly in love grow in different directions leaving an emotional chasm between them. Chris de Sarandy laments such an evolution on his track, ‘Who I Once Knew.’

The song reminded me a bit of Coldplay with more of an Indietronica vibe pushing it forward. The vocal performance is spot on, delivering passion and emotion that the listener can easily feel and connect with.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

April Jai - Stop Fighting It [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Am Electro Pop track about taking that next step from friends to something much more. Who will make that move to transcend and change the tone of the relationship? ‘Stop Fighting It’ is described by the artist as ... ‘your spicy ‘friends to lovers’ female empowerment song.’

April Jai utilizes her talented vocal skills to tease and taunt both the listener and subject of her desire in the lyrical build. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Three Second Chances - Let Me Down [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When you really love or care about someone you tend to overlook their faults and even let them disappoint or hurt you over and over again. ‘Let Me Down’ by Three Second Chances is an Adult Contemporary track that dives into the emotions of being the one affected. The various sets of vocals play well off each other and the build is an easy one to fall in and stick with. The track feels like a bit of a throwback but is certainly contemporary enough to hold modern audiences. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Roni Bar Hadas - Mood [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“How could you not be in the ‘Mood’ after listening to this smooth easy Neo Soul groove? For a brief couple of seconds, this track felt a bit dated, but the arrangement quickly settled into a soulful delivery that is simply timeless. so I don’t mind admitting that first gut reaction was wrong.

Roni Bar Hadas unfurls this vocal gem with silky, unflappable talent and the world would be a better place if everyone took time out of their hectic stressful days to vibe to some sweet sweet music like this.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

High Tropics - Girlfriends [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“I love music that can be taken multiple ways, because life is complex like that and we need music that fits different times and moods of our lives.

’Girlfriends’ can be taken as a straight up song of heartbreak and remorse for a failed relationship. Or it can be taken as an ode to that sweet girlfriend we call May Jane. Either way High Tropics delivers a gem dressed up in Indie Rock packaging that might remind you a bit of The Killers.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Broderick Jones - What Do You Want [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is a talented track than I can imagine hearing on Tik Tok as it sends an easy simple message with a straight-forward hook. That said, the track offers more than just a catchy hook as Broderick Jones delivers an engaging vocal build to go with nuanced and provocative writing.

Listeners will quickly latch on and sing along. The track is ripe to explode as it is highly shareable and relatable. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nikki White - Fairweather Friends [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nikki White taps into the past with her latest single, ‘Fairweather Friends’ which has a retro 80s feel at times, without feeling dated or coming across as interpretive. This track, about letting go of those friends who are only around for the good times, is original and fresh paying homage to the glory days of Pop.

White’s vocals sell the lyrics well, though the writing is strong enough to stand up to repeated listens so the emotional depth is there as well.. Overall, a solid Indie Pop track that highlights the talent quite well.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Shayla McDaniel - Awake [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Shayla McDaniel delivers this track with a vocal precision that intensifies along with the lyrical build, and by the first chorus I was hooked for good. With each subsequent listen I felt more connected with both the words and performance. This is a track that wraps around you like a warm blanket and simply feels like genuine comfort.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger