Zali - That Girl [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The taste of regret is never an easy one to swallow and Zali conjured the memories of that flavor with ‘That Girl.’ Soulful Pop is the sound here as the track delivers attitude from the perspective of the one you let go, and now find yourself wishing you didn’t.

This is a fun song that should resonate for those on both sides of the emotional spectrum because you relate if you are the one who screwed up, or are the one who can hold your head high in knowing your ex now regrets all of their mistakes. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kubla - Changes [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“There are certain artists that simply know how to capture their audience and Kubla instantly hit me as that kind of artist.

Musically and vocally this track just feels a bit different somehow. Soulful with smooth guitar throughout, this track feels like Prince and John Mayer came together in one glorious act of musical enlightenment.

Lyrically, the track did not speak to me quite on that same level and yet I stayed captivated by the performance. And that, is the magic of talent that elevates each song they deliver.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ziva - I. Otherside [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Ziva will no doubt draw comparisons to Billie Eilish and while there are definite similarities between the artists, the teenage Ziva is a unique talent all on her own right.

This track is smooth and soulful, with a dark emotional thread carrying it to the end. The horn delivered a nice touch to the melody and brought with it just enough uptempo and funk to take this single to another level.

I can’t wait to hear more from this rising talented singer/songwriter as she moved forward with what should be a long career given her obvious talents.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Swatkins - Gotta Give It Away (If You're Gonna Keep It) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I dig this old-school funk for both its simple, straightforward beat and melody, and the subtle complexity behind the lyrics.

This is the kind of song you can groove on over and over again, while diving deeper and deeper into the lyrical meaning. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jane McArthur - Old Soul Stuff [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Smooth and easy. Old school soul with a hint of R&B. A track to sip a glass of wine and contemplate everything that once was, and what might still be.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Micayla De Ette & Flavor Flav - Write a Song [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Micayla De Ette kicks this off with powerful vocals that call and plead and express every artist’s desire to ‘Write A Song’ that will change the world.

Been a minute since I’ve heard from Flavor Flav, but his flow is a perfect juxtaposition here, and this track is engaging all the way through.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

WILSN - Brand New Day [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Bold vocals, that remind of Winehouse, and a melody that is both modern and darkly retro, drive this track. Lyrically the single might not offer as much as some other songs, but the magic of the performance is that it doesn’t need to be, in order to evoke a strong emotional reaction. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Omar Kadir - Red Cup [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A haunting reminder we can’t have it all, this track is delivered in a soulful flow that falls somewhere between R&B and Hip-hop.

Sometimes you have to leave something or someone behind to chase a dream, but such sacrifice does not come without emotional turmoil and you can feel that in every line. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Nakfa - Sera [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Dropping a smooth and classic sound, Nakfa bends genres with this Hip-Hop old school 90s R&B vibe.

’Sera’ is a track that took me a bit to connect to lyrically, but from the start I felt the groove behind this single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Valeree - Masochist [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Vocals that feel raw and vulnerable highlight the impact of the well-written lyrics on this track. But do not dismiss the dark humor of the video which makes its point visually as well. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Saul Rivers - Change [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Soulful introspective that is made all the more touching by Saul Rivers smooth vocals.

’Change’ is a single that delivers pop style sensibilities, without sacrificing poignancy and emotional depth.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Yvette Nacer - Quicksand [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With soulful power, Yvette Nacer delivers the grains of emotional truth that provide solid ground for this single. Metaphorical ‘Quicksand’ is something we all slip into from time to time, and this track captures that sinking feeling while also lifting us up with the power of determination.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mike Dignam - Under The Influence [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Mike Dignam has dropped a soulful single with evocative emotions.

’Under The Influence’ is rife with self-loathing and the words and performance ring true enough to pull the listener deep into his perspective. Which in turn, allows us a clearer look at our own thoughts and emotions.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mentum - You The One [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With a lot of soul, and a dash of pop fusion, Mentum delivers ‘You The One,’ a single that in the old days would be dedicated on radio shows and included on homemade mix tapes for the one you love. Now I suppose it will be added to playlists and played in the shadow of night as lovers collide.

In other words, this is a smooth love song that hits the right notes musically and emotionally.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

D'Sound - Aftershock [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Silky vocals and a nice energy are at the forefront of this single from Scandinavian Neo-Soul band D’Sound. A good beat gives this one a party feel, even though the lyrics are a bit heavier emotionally.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

E Z R A -Don't Go [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all love a good lyric video and Ezra delivers a peaceful yet vibrant song with “Don’t Go” I felt myself snappin my fingers and saying from side to side. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Sydney Ranee' - Drink With You [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Funky fun soul misic!

’Drink With You’ delivers a gospel of emotion about that one person you can’t really be alone with, much less start sipping those drinks. Because if you allow it to happen ... clothes will hit the floor, and skin will collided.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kiana Ledé - "Shawty" [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“A nice island type of beat and vibe back up Kiana Lede’s vocals which are close to perfection in this fun little number. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

De Row - Music Man [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This single is one of simple elegance. A quiet melody and beat add the the emotion of a straightforward delivery, that feels heartfelt and genuine.

’Music Man’ is the kind of song you feel more than you hear.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Party Favor & EZI - Be OK (Acoustic) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Heartfelt vocals deliver this melancholy pop song about wanting to feel okay, while feeling stuck and out of place.

Acoustic guitar melodies add to the lonely vibe of this stripped down set of lyrics. Heavy on emotion, this is the kind of track that you play when you don’t want to think too much, or have your mind changed, but rather are looking for the perfect tune to match your brooding mood. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)