Sidepiece RVA - Never [Music Review]

“Rock and Roll has always been about rebellious defiance with a sultry side dish of sinful sexuality to sell it. Who better to deliver both than a band called Sidepiece RVA?

Their single, ‘Never’ comes in with that in your face classic rock guitar and then adds in alluring vocals that lean heavily on that sexy defiance. The lead vocalist taunts and teases with her sultry brand of ... you lost me and now you’ll regret the things you did or didn’t do until he end of time.

The guitar does heavy work here and sets the tone early without overshadowing before an understated solo that sprinkles some extra magic with a 90s grunge type vibe. Though overall, the musical tone and vocal style feels more like classic and timeless Rock and Roll ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Bror Gunnar Jansson - Refuge [Music Review]

“Swedish songman, Bror Gunnar Jansson delivers the vibes with ‘Refuge,’ a slow steady track that builds and pulls the listener along. You could draw some comparison to Teddy Swims if you feel the need to lump Jansson in with an artist you already know, but there is an added dark or sinister vibe that made me think of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Overall I;d call this soulful, Blues.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

yetep - Champagne (feat. Dia Frampton) [Music Review]

“When you think of ‘Champagne’ you think of popping corks, celebrations and all around good times.

There is a hint of that is the effervescent bubbliness of this track from producer yetep and vocalist Dia Frampton, but there is also a soft haunting quality that pours forth some human emotion and the insecurity we can all feel even in those happier moments. The combination here is quite intoxicating on this Dance Pop/EDM track.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Nikademis x Andy Kautz x Elle Vee - I Miss You [Music Review]

“Nikademis teams with Andy Kautz and Elle Vee to unleash this impactful Future BAss track. ‘I Miss You’ is a track you can feel both in the beat and production and in the emotions of the lyrics. Produced and performed with precision this is a song that settles in your mind and both with equal dexterity.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Estella Dawn - I Like It Rough

“Estella Dawn is back with a provocative and sultry Alt Pop track. ‘I like It Rough’ is bold and direct. It’s the kind of in your face track that might seem one-dimensional but the writing is sharp and their is a definite undercurrent and bite that speaks of more than meets the eye. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Matt Hylom - Donald Glover [Music Review]

“This track is a JAzz influenced Hip-Hop track with chill vibes. Matt Hylom delivers this flow with emotive tranquility you can feel down deep in your soul. My only complaint is I was left craving more. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

William Black x Baby Blue - Monster [Music Review]

“William Black hails from Orange County and the So Cal native is joined here by Baby Blue to give us a theatrical and magical Future Bass track that builds and soars with artful precision. ‘Monster’ is the kind of track that you can dance to or simply close your eyes and feel as your reflect on your own life.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kings Elliot - What If This World [Music Review]

“YOu might not yet have heard of Kings Elliot, but this Swiss artists is one to take a deep dive in on. ‘What If This World’ is the fourth release from her upcoming ‘Born Blue’ album, and each time the emotional depth and introspective intelligence comes through in a new way.

This is an artist your feel as much as you hear and we can’t wait to hear more here at LA on Lock. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

EĐĐIE - Insecure [Music Review]

“The minefield of dating is rough and even when we escape an explosive ex, we must deal with the sharpnel of our previous blow ups. ‘Insecure’ from EĐĐIE lights the fuse on that very set of dynamics.

The Indie Pop track has a nice nostalgic sound musically and is performed with emotive precision to make certain the listener feels every line.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

TSKI x Donna Tella - Give It To You [Music Review]

“TSKI teams up with Donna Tella on this Future Bass track with definite Pop sensibilities. The vocal side soars and carries the track forward ont he wings of the Pop performance, but the musical beat and build offers its own surprises and the drops certainly pay off in a satisfying way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Timmy Skelly - Nowhere Land [Music Review]

“Timmy Skelly gives us a fun brand of retro nostalgia on ‘Nowhere Land.’

Self-described by the artist as Midwest Y’allternative, the track has that old school jam band feel that harkens back tot he hey dey of Laurel Canyon and the music landscape that sprung from that time and place.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

elijah woods - Ghost on the Radio [Music Review]

“Elijah Woods is a rising Pop Star currently playing to sold out shows across Asia. He delivers sharp lyrics with soft Pop precision.

‘Ghost on the Radio’ is about memorializing a past relationship that still haunts you,” Elijah shares. ‘No matter where you go, their voice finds a way to follow, like a song you didn’t ask to hear but can’t turn off.’”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Sedric Perry - Chardonnay [Music Review]

“Sedric Perry is smooth in the best of ways. Vocally this track is the musical equivalent of satin sheets and fits his personality and brand so well. So pour yourself a glass, snuggle up next to the one your desire, and enjoy this intoxicating song.”

“My signature thing is walking out of places with a glass of white wine. I’ve been doing it for years. It’s one of those things I thought would be a vibe for the EP. What better way to start a day with your friends, than with a glass of wine, listening to music?” – Sedric Perry”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

I.Deal - Parents Proud [Music Review]

“I.Deal takes a unique tact on the track ‘Parents Proud.’ Hip-Hop is often about counter culture and rebelling against the shackles of the establishment. This track is actually a hard hitting ode to parental support and unrelenting love and support. The skill is that the track still slaps and has an edge of defiance int hat blood is thicker kind of way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Capital Cities - F*k It [Music Review]

“Capital Cities unleashes a glorious synthfest to say ‘Fuck It.’ This is the kind of track that will worm its way in and stick inside your head long after the next song has come one. This Electro Pop track really is self-explanatory and all about just living your life the way you want without worry of everything going on around you.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Karhys - Peace of Mind [Music Review]

“Let me introduce you to ... Karhys — a Maltese-Italian singer, songwriter, and producer.

Her latest offering is a light and breezy Pop track. ‘Peace of Mind’ feels like Summer and the smooth groove is perfect to move to drink in hand beside the pool or under the lights.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Cely Riva - bills to pay [Music Review]

“From her original home in Puerto Rico to a stop in New York City, before ultimately landing in Los Angeles, Cely Riva has taken an enriching musical path.

This track takes a look at financial stress through an honest and earnest vocal delivery. The track has a glorious Pop vibe with some singer/songwriter sensibilities to make us really feel the struggle and emotion. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Tiger & Dove - Tiger & Dove [Music Review]

“Tiger & Dove are a duo out of LAs Vegas and here on a track that shares the band’s name they take on the dynamic of opposites attract. The hard charging track feels a little Punk but probably is best described as Alternative Rock. I like the build and the variation from soft delicate delivery to the harder edged explaision all showcasing how differences can drive a wedge or bring us together.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

exPorter - Letting Go [Music Review]

“exPorter is keeping the Alt Rock sound alive and well. These Southern California rockers latest release, ‘Letting Go’ feels like a blend of Green Day esque vocals with a Pop Punk musical style that is right at home in 2025 but still harkens back to the early 2000s.

Of course good music is timeless and this track delivers an inescapable build to put it in that category.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Chavar Dontae - Rain [Music Review]

“The track gave me ‘Under the Bridge’ Vibes in a way, though the writing and vocals stand on their own without comparison.

Chavar Dontae might not be reinventing the wheel here, but he is certainly leaning into truth, vulnerability and of course human emotion to give us a truly great song we can feel to our bones.

’Rain’ is a timeless kind of song that I will be adding to multiple playlists of my own. This is music you can feel, and I pay no higher compliment to any art than that.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger