NonSense - The Audacity [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“NonSense caps off a prolific year with his single ‘The Audacity.’ NonSense had this to say about his creation ... “The track is about standing tall atop your mountain despite those who feel they can stand in your way. Being the very best version of YOU and you alone at the behest of naysayers.”

Delivered in an old school Boom Bap style, the lyrical flow hits and the writing comes with a punch. The Carson, California native channels many of his musical heros in this diverse build and sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

BeauxX x Cypress Moreno x Big Sad 1900 - I Need That [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Beauxx, Big Sad 1900, and Cypress Moreno drop their third collaboration together, ‘I Need That.’ The track preempts their forthcoming collaborative EP.

Inspired by the West Coast sound this single offers a laidback R&B style groove and of course accentuates the trios various vocal talents.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

San Salinas - Hold On [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When a passion is truly in your blood you never can quite it. Be it a person or a creative endeavor. Matt Gibson of San Salinas thought he was done with music, but after a life of hardships and addictions, he cleaned up and rediscovered the dormant passion.

’Hold On’ is a soaring rock tribute to that reawakening!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Cold Weather Captains - Line of Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a funky little bass line, before the track hits that Rock and Roll edge with intricate guitars play and classic vocal delivery, Cold Weather Captains delivers a nice energetic Alt Rock track .

’Line Of Fire’ has the backbone to serve as a motivational hype track, or to simply be a nice jam you can groove to while motoring down a dark stretch of highway.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock blogger

Shannon Dooley - I’m Me [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Shannon Dooley has built a career but being talent and a touch defiant in that she doesn’t follow the norms with her sound. This gives us a unique sound that break many of the Pop/Commercial music molds while still having the appeal to fans of those genres.

’I’m Me’ highlights this aspect of Dooley very well, and almost seems to declare her fierce independence and talent for the world to hear. An artist willing and able to do it her way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

PB Mogul x JayceeDai - Ante Up [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Throwback Old school emcee driven hip-hop is a rare animal these days. Here PB Mogul fits the bill along with a hard hitting JayceeDai, who brings the attitude in every word.

Ante Up is an up-tempo, high energy song full of fun and bars exchanged between the two Utica, NY Natives. With a catchy hook and undeniable chemistry, Ante Up is a bonafide banger!

This one hits.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Cloud House - Photographs [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written after the death of lead singer, Conor’s mother, ‘Photographs’ is part nostalgia and part motivational inspiration. Delivering a classic Indie Rock sound, Cloud House puts their energy and emotions into this track which serves as the Glasgow bands lead single on a brand new EP.

The vocal and musical talent allows the band to feel emotive and powerful and this track is but one that promises to deliver a punch straight to your gut. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Highline - Feel Like New [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Highline has come a long way from their roots ... as four friends forming a band after playing in the High School Jazz band together.

They traded the Jazz licks for a sound that utilizes Indie Rock guitars and a sound that could be anytime from the 90’s to today. Timeless in other words.

This is Indie Rock as it should be! ‘Feel Like New’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it certainly rocks and rolls the way it is supposed to. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

Makena - Rinse & Repeat [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Some live for the chase and nothing more. Serial daters who toss aside their quarry not long after getting that person to fall for them.

Rinse & Repeat’ is told from the pained view of a castaway that mistakenly thought they were more than a pawn in the game. Makena delivers the Alt Pop track with an energetic vulnerability and anger that is the perfect combination of emotions to bring out the lyrical build.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Penny Roox - By My Side [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Dutch songstress, Penny Roox expertly delivers ‘By My Side’ over the top of a richly layers track full of soaring strings and a mellow piano.

The emotive performance borders on theatrical at times but stays in a more Commercial style with heartfelt writing and the vocal power to make you feel every word.

Tranquil, yet evocative.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

John Smith - The World Turns [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“John Smith delivers this low key love song in heartful fashion. Vocally this felt like Ed Sheeran meets Eddie Vedder. The steady beat and delivery sell the unrelenting love he feels. ‘The World Turns’ no matter what and yet we all keep doing the best we can for ourselves and those we love and that is what this track is all about. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

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Newport - Get Back To This [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“New Port give is this smooth Bed Room Pop track about trying to return to the vibe you want. ‘Get Back to This’ is a tranquil track of regret and hope that has a longing nostalgia as the driving force.

The smooth build gives a calming tranquility that serves the lyrics well. My only quibble would be the quick cut off at the end of the track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Stephen Flickner - not the type [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Stephen Flickner possesses the type of emotive vocal delivery that instantly hooks a listener. Rich and tangibly emotional Flickner delivers this Alt Pop track with precision and emotion. The build pulled me forward and I stayed invested to the very end.

’not the type’ is an engaging, well-written track that offers an a timeless sound and message. Simple a good song from a talented creater and performer. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

CS Hellmann - Southbound Train [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Trains are a bastion of Country Music but that lonesome whistle can conjure emotions for us all, at least those if us who grew up near tracks listening to that low rumble and horn deep into the night.

This Indietronica/ Indie Rock track taps into that brings the train nostalgia to underserved genres. Here the sounds are a catalyst for thinking about leaving home and starting over despite a need from those you left behind to have you close. A haunting track of memory and regret doing battle with hope and the need for new beginnings.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sannia - august [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“As they say, you never forget your first love. ‘August’ was written about a lost love and the what-might-have-beens of that initial, tangible foray into dreaming of happily ever after.

Sannia delivers the lyrics with a mix of wistful nostalgia, and tender heartbreak to make you feel the heartbreak and lost opportunity. The track shifts from slow and tender to upbeat and regretful, and the blend is intoxicating. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Lauren Waller - Dopamine [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A dark brooding song about plummeting over the edge and falling in love too fast.

We all crave that hit of ‘Dopamine,’ and this track from Lauren Waller explores our vulnerability when we want anything a bit too much.

This Alt Pop track delivers the foreboding and sensual side of putting yourself out there in harm’s way, at least in an emotional kind of way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

John Newman - Guiding Light [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A smoothly delivered track with a nice escalation up front to light the fuse. John Newman wrote this as an ode to his newborn daughter, though the track has a universal appeal that will resonate for listeners and take on new personal meaning for them as well.

The track has a nice uplifting energy, without going over the top making it a highly listenable track as good for a party, personal reflection while driving alone in the car, or simply chilling with a handful of friends. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

britta raci - embarrassing [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“There are many dimensions to a breakup, and just as many songs detailing the emotional toll, however few if any take a look at the embarrassment aspect of heartbreak. Reliving and rehashing all the things you said to them when blinded by love, and of course the public shame of having to explain to others what went wrong. Britta Raci covers that and then some in her Pop leaning Alt Rock track called ‘Embarrassing.’ The writing is solid and the emotions tangible, thanks to a passionate and emotive delivery.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Flora Cash - HOLY WATER [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Right in time for the season, Flora Cash sprinkles some dark ethereal ‘HOLY WATER’ into your ears. Let me share a few words direct from the artists before I say more msyelf

’As the veil between worlds thins approaching Halloween, this track tells a story of timeless connections and souls reuniting, merging mythic themes with contemporary Indie Pop nuances. Shpresa Lleshaj’s haunting lead vocal and Djordje Milanovic’s mournful violas stand out above a dynamic and almost operatic production.’ ~ Flora Cash

The haunting vocals mesmerize, as does the violin accompaniment. Far too many seasonal songs take a cliched and often kitschy angle, but this track is a perfect balance and is artistic in a way few such songs pull off. So much so, I hesitate to call it a holiday track as it is something I will be listening to year round.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

EĐĐIE - Freak on Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“This high-energy track has a classic Alternative Rock vibe that can be called a selp hype track. By that I mean anyone who needs a confidence boost or shot of adrenaline to get through their workout or simply motivate them to take on the day.

An anthem to the hustlers and go-getters, ‘Freak On Fire,’ is a musically supercharged track. The vocals at times do not match the musical energy though the juxtaposition does add a a touch of intrigue as well. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger