“The Holidays acna be stressing for many reasons, and all those forced social interactions are certainly near the top of the list.
NEAVV is direct and clear in what many of us want in ‘All I Want For Christmas Is Me.’ The track is a tongue-in-cheek ode to being left alone and not having to meet the demands and expectations of others.”
“Looking for something different? Look no further than KJ(!)’squirky track ‘Good Day.’
Riding a funking beat and simple, yet catchy lyrical hook the track is simply infectious in the best ways. I couldn’t stop listing the first time and the same has hel through multiple listens though I am hard-pressed to explain why.
The track has a friendly vibe like a bit of advice from a friend telling you not to let the world grind you down and the arrangement is simply fun. The talent is there though the track has a simple brilliance to it that carries the day. ”
“I like how the track has a Pop syth vibe for a few beats before it delves into a 90’s Rock vibe. Clean, deliberate vocals deliver the lyrical side of the track that fits the 90s sound quite well. Good clean music always works, and yes this feels like a throwback in some ways, but Eurotripp manages to accomplish that without feeling dated or derivative. ”
“Caroline Romano is a force, an Alt-Pop star on the rise, and one hell of a songwriter. We have featured Romano on several occasion though ‘Girl in a China Shop’ might be her best work to date.
A track of self awareness and staring in the mirror o face the facts. THis is something we all need to do time to time and now we have a soundtrack when we want to cut the bullshit and be real to ourselves. ”
“Comparing yourself to others, and even worse, the social media persona of people pretending their world is perfect is a dangerous thing. ‘Jealous’ is about those feelings of envy we’ve all had when looking at other peoples looks, relationships, and experiences. But we never know the full story or picture as outsiders, and chances are they are jealous of us in some way as well.
Rachel Newnham delivers the track is perfect Pop glory.”
“True happiness is unattainable until a person can be happy by themselves. In other words if you don’t like you it doesn’t really matter how the world sees you.
’Know Me Better’ is an autobiographical song inspired by the question ... ‘What would dance music for introverts sound like?’
The result is a simultaneously chill and upbeat song that clearly has one foot in pop and one foot in electronic. Instead of dancing in the club, the song feels like dancing like no one is watching alone in your bedroom. Or jumping on your bed as an adult. It dives into the feeling of healing from being codependent, finally genuinely loving to spend time by yourself, and following your heart to see where it leads you.”
“The Lockyer Boys have a feel-good, vibrant Pop track with ‘DRIVE!’ The vocals are tight and energetic and that carries the day. The track is glossy and probably skews to a younger audience given it feels a bit Disney-esque in its sound and writing. Clean cut and shiny. A track aimed at the masses. ”
“Sometimes the creator of a track articulates their intent in a way I never could. That is the case with Kat Cunning and her single, ‘Bedroom Angel.’
”When I wrote Bedroom Angel I imagined being closeted in a small town and praying at the foot of my bed for some sapphic apparition to burst through the ceiling and show me the way. I hope this song serves as redemption and celebration bursting through your ceiling to give you that same nudge toward owning what you want and who you are. Queer people are angels, pleasure is political, and you are my favorite ghost.” - Kat
This track is delivered with smooth silky vocals that emote the passion behind the writing, creating a meaningful and entertaining song.”
“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.”
“Dax is a versatile talent that can come with a hard-edged Hip-Hop flow or a theatrical horror core track and then here on this track, Dax deliver offers an earnest ballad along with Darius Rucker.
’To Be a Man’ is an ode to the emotions and pressures of being a man. Not just any man but a responsible hard-working man trying to do his best despite the pitfalls and stresses that we face.
Dax and Rucker’s voices blend and play off each other well on the track and the emotions carry the day on this honest and vulnerable look at a side of being a man that often is overlooked. ”
“Jade LeMAc ahs that ‘It’ factor. It drips from her vocals and audio presence like a a sweet elixir that just might intoxicate you with a single drop.
From Jade ... “‘You’re Not A God’ is for that one person who thinks they’re better than everyone. We all know the type! It’s an anthem for the underdogs, and a big middle finger to those who think they can push people around.”
There is a hint of Billie Eilish in the attitude and tone but, LeMac’s talent shines on its won and this track delivers an edge and intricate build that hooks and compels you to hit repat and listen all over again. ”
“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.”
“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. ”
“Little Quirks is an all-girl trio of two sisters and their cousin from Australia. ‘Storm Like Me’ is a folksy Pop track and the first single from their new album due out early next year.
The song is an ode to being true to yourself even when you are wrong. We all say and do stuff we wished we hadn’t but there is a power in owning our mistakes and trying to do better next time, rather than turning and running from them or make asinine excuses. This sound proudly proclaims, HERE I AM ... flaws and all. ”
“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. ”
“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.”
“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.”
“Easy Bear brings the 90’s vibes on this track. Reminding me a bit of Cake, or The Presidents of the United States of America the high-energy offering of ‘In My Head’ comes with a chorus that is impossible not to join in and sing along.
I did find myself wanting more as the song was over far earlier than I’d have liked.”
“Ashley Elle proudly uses the term Sad Girl Pop and she just might be the Queen of the genre. Her emotive delivery and vulnerable lyrics pull the listener right into the heart of this track but she expresses the song’s intent well herself ...
’I moved to Los Angeles four years ago to attend college and pursue music,” explains Ashley Elle. “While I love it out here, there are many moments where I wish I could run home to my small town in Wisconsin. ‘Death of Me’ is a song to LA - a place full of dreams and possibilities wrapped in competition and insecurities.’
Truer words have never been said about Los Angeles and all that emotions she gives those who come here in search of something new and different.”
“Estella Dawn has fast become one of my favorite contributors here at LA on Lock. The New Zealand born/ San Diego based Pop artist often surprises me with unique lyrics and a diverse sound that always delivers talent to go with the the surprises.
’Yes Chef’ is a tribute the the friends-with- benefits dynamic and how anyone could not say yes to this starlet is beyond me. This is a sensual and fun track right at home in today’s Pop landscape. ”