Lauren Woo - Gold Plated [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There are solid gold people and then there are the ‘Gold Plated’ among us that can but on a thin veneer for a short time before the truth beings to show through. Lauren Woo lifts the veil on these fakers with her new track which was inspired by wisdom gained from her grandmother.

Lauren Woo shared, ‘This song is a tribute to my incredible grandmother, a woman whose wisdom has been a guiding light in my life. She once told me that in life, you’ll encounter people who are ‘gold plated’ and not solid gold. It’s not always obvious, and you’ll experience highs and lows where true colors are revealed. In those moments, it’s crucial to stand firm in your morals and recognize when it’s okay to let go of relationships that aren’t meant to be.’

The overall sound is a melancholic Pop vibe with a slight theatrical edge.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock

Mary Middlefield - Atlantis [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Mary Middlefield has that deep bottomless kind of emotive voice that hooks a listener without theattrics or tricks. Like a deep inviting pool of cool blue water on a hot summer day, you can’t help but want to jump right in.

”Atlantis’ is a quiet, yet powerful track with well-written lyrics and the straightforward delivery of a confident songwriter. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Newport - Maybe I [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Newport is fast becoming one of my favorite contributors to LA on Lock. This is the second track we’ve featured and the emotive vocal delivery gripped me early on. The erratic beat and cadence is a perfect match to the lyrical build and emotions of the track, showcasing how deliberate and talented Newport is.

I’ll call this Alt Po for lack of a clear genre, but you’ll call it a great new find when you add it to your own playlists.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

PYRO - Maybe It's The Season [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Few things bring out vivid memories like the Holidays. This track from PYRO captures that feeling and the need to reconnect many of us feel quite well.

’Maybe It’s the Season’ is not an overtly Holiday track in sound, but the message resonates and the talent makes you feel the emotions every step of the way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

JP Saxe - Anywhere (with Carla Morrison) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This is an interesting duet. With one set of vocals delivered in English, and the other in Spanish. I do not personally speak Spanish, so the lyrics on that side eluded me though I still felt the emotional power through that section.

A piano ballad of love and commitment, this track simply carried me along despite the language barrier.

Tender and emotional “Anywhere’ by JP Saxe and Carla Morrison hits right in the heart.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Michael Costantini - What Christmas Is For [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Christmas is a time for nostalgia, reflection, and of course sharing the love. Michael Costantini delivered all three with his track ‘What Christmas Is For.’

Musically, the track falls somewhere between a vintage Rock vibe and Retro Soul, while the lyrics feel entirely contemporary and festive.

This is the fresh new Holiday track I needed this year!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Mia Humphrey - Newport [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The track is a story in itself, and really paints a picture. Starting slow, Mia Humphrey makes you feel every word and once the track takes an energetic shift it feels light and Pop-esque, but still there is that undertone of emotion lifting the track above the fray.

’Newport’ is a story of a relationship that takes an unexpected turn. I won’t spoil the fun by saying more but the twist is a surprise and makes a great metaphor for how life goes. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Adam Jesin - Five More Minutes [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Adam Jesin infuses a bit of a 90s vibe in on his Indie Rock track, ‘Five More Minutes.’

A song of longing and wishing for that second chance or a few more minutes to get things right. These are emotions we and experiences we’ve all felt, so the track is highly relatable and delivered with the passion to make us feel that way again. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Wildcard - The Scorpio Element (feat. Justin Cohen) [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Delivered with precision and talent, this well-written track infuses strength and emotion in one, attention-catching flow.

Wildcard comes with an intense flow and Justin Cohen joins for the hook to add another layer. This is a track that takes a few listens to pick up all the lyrical punches, but it also has a smooth hook and groove that is easy to fall in on and connect rhythmically.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

ghost.wav - Right Behind [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Blending some Reggae vibes with an Indie Rock vibe isn’t new but I hear a lot fo bands try to pull it off an fail. ghost.wave accomplishes it with ease here creating a groove and edge at the same time that hooks and pulls the listener forward. ‘Right Behind’ is the kid of track that often starts as a cult favorite and eventually becomes a true classic to the masses.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Loss Cozz - Treehouse [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Hailing from Broward County, Florida, Loss Cozz has seen his ups and downs, but through it all he continues to create music and step up to the mic. ‘Treehouse’ is a smooth groove and steady build and Cozz’s flow elevates as it builds to hold the listener to the track’s tinkling climax.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kristopher James - Merry Christmas, Baby [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Coming with a Retro Soul groove, Kristopher James drops a Holiday groove for us all to enjoy.

Spike the eggnog, add a splash of cheer to the hot cocoa and grab your baby in a tight embrace. Then dance together in the kitchen in your stockinged feet while the kids sleep away dreaming of Santa.

This one is a vibe! ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

DIN NYC - Crooked Line [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“DIN NYC reminded me of a blend of Tom Petty and Wilco. ‘Crooked Line’ rides that line of Indie Rock/ Americana and has a classic timeless ound. There is a bit of vintage Springsteen to the style as well. Simply a good classic sound with a engaging set of lyrics.

Perfectly timeless!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock

Aria Ohlsson - Someone Else [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Aria Ohlsson has that kind of emotive delivery that instantly pulls in listeners. Here in her track, “Someone Else’ Ohlsson reflects on love and the her personal experiences that have shaped who she is. I did at times wish for less production and a bit more straightforward delivery to better feel the emotions, but it is a solid track as is. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Natalie Clark - MIRACLE [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“We are all looking for a ‘Miracle’ in some from or another. Natalie Clark’s silk smooth vocals delivers one on this uplifting track. A calm yet inspiring track this is one of those songs that cam motivate and convince you that anything truly is possible making it the perfect addition for that workout, or rise and grind type playlist. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Book/Spirit - Haunt You [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Art inspires art. That is the catalyst for this track from Book/Spirit. ‘Haunt You’ was inspired by a painting at the Philadelphia Art Museum, and yet it took ten years for the inspiration to find the right guitar riff to truly create this track rooted in a classic Indie Rock vibe.

The song is one that leaves you thinking and that you can pick up emotional nuance in over multiple listens.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Joel Havea - Feels like July [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Christmas down under hits a bit different, given December 25th rolls around smack in the middle of summer time. Joel Havea unfurls this smooth throwback arrangement with a bit of Christmas cheer under the sun from down Australian way.

Like a stroll along the beach, this is a smooth trip with the sand beneath your toes and the sun shining down on your shoulders.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

CZTRM - moonflower [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“CZTRM does a nice job of blending the produced side of this track with emotional and tender, heartfelt vocal delivery. The track has a Dance/Deep House vibe in the beat and overall build. The energy is light, but engaging.

Vocally, the delivery sparkles with life and just calls to the human soul. This is the kind of track that can turn your entire mood around. Uplifting without being too obvious about it.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

FIFTY VINC x Mr. Goodbarz - Boombox Memories [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“FIFTY VINC and Mr. Goodbarz do a great job of blending the BoomBap roots of Hip-Hop with contemporary vibes to create a track with a solid foundation in the past, but the relevance of today needed to hook new listeners. The bars hit with precision, and that beat brings it all alive. The hook is engaging and the tone just what a track like this needs to catch fire and gain attention with those who might not be as grounded in the history of the genre.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Zachary Aldana - Christmas Isn't Canceled (Just You)

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This Christmas track has a retro vibe arrangement wise, but is pure contemporary in the lyrical build.

A fun, easy to sing along track with a do-wap type vibe. There is a hint of humor in Zachary Aldana’s delivery, as well as the lyrical vibe.

’Christmas Isn’t Canceled (Just You)’ is a holiday breakup song of not letting the past wear your down. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger