“Frances Whitney drizzles in some nostalgia and heartache on this track, but that is not to say ‘Still Have July’ is a melancholic trip and nothing else. The single also has an uplifting and hopeful tone that increases as the track builds.
The song works much like our brains in that it sort of processes multiples things and aspects all at once to give us a splashy Summer time vibe along with a treasure trove of emotions.”
“Jellyka is a Belgium-based producer/songwriter/musician who began his career in the early ’90. ‘Paper Game’ has some throwback vibes but manages to feel contemporary in its dark, brooding vibe. THis is one of those track that is mood dependent for me but when I want to wallow a bit this one is a perfect accompaniment.
The vimagery of the video is basic, but again fits the mood quite well.”
“Greyson Chance straddles the line between Rock, Pop, and Folk on this track. The Oklahoma native can be compared to acts sucha s Mumford or the Lumineers, but ‘Haymaker’ also feels in line emotionally with Americana in the vein of Jason Isbell, or even a more traditional Country sound such as Tyler Childers.
Emotionally raw and vulnerable, the track is masterfully written and performed. ”
“Mike SB is a good song writer. His track has solid story lines however, the song falls short in the arrangement. The vocal tone in the chorus is a little off tempo from the other parts of the song. This makes it hard to really grasp a vibe.”
“The song has a randomly rocky start. It sounds like the guitar is off key in the intro but leads into the artists. Around the 40 sec mark there is a shift in the artist’s tone which makes the song more engaging. I must agree the chorus hits hard and the artist’s vocal tone as well. These two things is what saves the song”
“You might know Regan Aliyah from her starring role in Netflix’s “XO Kitty” or from Marvel Studios’ “Ironheart,” but welcome to a new side of the multi-talented star. “Walkout’ is the latest creation from this artist and the infectious Hip-Hop anthem is one you are about t hear a lot more.
The track comes in with verve and a old school backing, but then her flow hits and hooks the listener for the entire ride. Attitude, and a hint of sultry vibe come along with the intense delivery and confidence that borders on cocky.”
“Peach3 is the Gen Z version of TLC you didn’t know you needed. Old school Trap Hip-Hip with a bit of Pop sensibility gives this track the Commercial edge to stand out in the marketplace, but it is the verve and attitude that truly separates the trio from everyone else. Either you have it or you don’t and these Atlanta natives clearly do.
Lyrically, I did crave more as ‘Ghostrude It’ relies heavily on the hook and bounce to carry the song, but I am eager to see where this trio goes as they establish themselves.”
“Estella Dawn is a talented artist I feature often here at LA on Lock. This New Zealand native now calls San Diego home, but sometime soon the entire world will claim her as one of their own as this kind of talent finds a way to shine bright.
’514’ Denim’ is a smooth Electro Pop kind of track that fits right alongside some of the biggest hits out right now. I’ve written this before but I am going o write it again .. get on board with this star now! ”
“I often struggle to connect to vocals delivered in a high register but not this time. Lily Meola has a very emotive delivery that works for her higher, softer tone.
’Gasoline’ is the latest release from Meola who has captured the attention and mentorship of Willie Nelson. The track leans slightly to a Pop Folk sort of sound that feels alive and vibrant.”
“Eden Rain has the kind of vocal prowess that captivates from the very first note. ‘Palo Alto’ is a song of heart ache and longing’ and how the person’s memory can sneak up on you in unexpected ways.
A tender and vulnerable song, ‘Palo Alto’ is human and the emotions are acutely tangible. Eden Rain is an artist I am eager to hear more of in the near future.”
“I rarely like Pop Country offerings because straddling the fence tends to do little more than leave you with a crotch full of splinters. That said, Emma Kade, does it well on this song.
’End Game’ is a throwback of sorts to a time when artists like Shania Twain, Tricia Yearwood, and later Taylor Swift toed that line between Country emotion and Pop sound and structure. Kade has managed to achieve the same brand of engaging song with a contemporary vibe that will no doubt hold crossover appeal. ”
“Swedish artist, Julia Logan offers this Folk Pop track that is long on heart and soul and short of unnecessary production and glitter. The style is straightforward and heartfelt.
Logan lets the emotion do the heavy lifting, though her emotive vocal talent certainly draws the listener in, making it easy to kick back and let the words and melody wash over you.”
“The allure of stardom and fame has led to more than one tragic death and for some like Marilyn Monroe those deaths serve to fuel the legends and desire for everlasting mortality in the name of star power. Tiger La Flor utilizes this in her latest single, ‘hollywood cemetery.”
The track has an epic feel with hints of nostalgia sprinkled in both the lyrics and musical style. This Pop leaning track has an air of mystery and allure capturing the glory as well as the guts of a storied past.”
“Fake it until you make it is a way to get ahead professionally, but it is a poor method for finding internal happiness. And yet we all plaster on that fake smile at times and pretend we are doing just fine when we’re not.
August Echoes does a magnificent job of utilizing an upbeat musical arrangement and heavier, darker lyrics to showcase this dynamic. In a track that at first glance feels bright and cheerful, the true meaning and vibe is one of despair and uncertainty. This mirrors how many of us go through our days.
’Lucky You’ is a track with intelligence and foresight ,and if you truly listen a bit of insight into our humanity. ”
“Alana Cruz has a sound that could be Country, could be Pop, could be an emotional singer/songwriter expressing their vulnerability and the good thing is great music transcends those type of labels and simply speaks to people’s hearts.
’Telescope’ is that kind of song.
At times I heard Natalie Maines of the Chicks, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mack and Brandi Carlile but in the end this is simply the talented Cruz, belting out her truths as she expresses what unrequited love and the yearning brand of hope that comes along with it truly feels like.”
“Zoe Ko is having fun on her latest single, ‘Touch Therapy.’ This Alt Pop gem is definitely thirsty, and that seductive Pop Punk edge drives the engagement.
Ko revels in the sexuality of the track and that libidinous energy captivates. Sometimes all we need is to be touched to unlock a new new attitude this song serves as the soundtrack for that sensation.
As the most interesting man alive once said ... Stay thirsty my friends. ”
“I had a mixed reaction to jocelvn’s new release, ‘spiral.’ The vocal talent and emotive delivery had me captivated, as did the subtle beauty of the video and imagery.
The writing was strong as well, though I was not a huge fan of the way the track wound down and for me the ending felt unnaturally abrupt, as if it had been cut off. Though overall, it was the production dynamics that I struggled with. The track felt overproduced and for my taste it would have been better served to simply let the vocal talent and emotion carry the song.
As always, let me know in the comments what you think? Did I miss the point of this one or was the talent diminished by the production and abrupt conclusion?”
“Claire London blends the Blues with Pop sensibilities to give us this track. ‘Black Leather’ offers enough of that sultry edge to tease and enough dirt and grit to truly make it all interesting.
The track is loosely based on London’s first meeting her eventual husband but at its heart it is about personal confidence and simply getting about your business because you are truly feeling it.
That self assured groove comes through and carries the track on its back for a nice ride.”
“Riding a slow methodical build over the first minute, the track begins to soar with the chorus, but before that the strong emotive vocals will make you lean in in anticipation.
None of us truly stay ‘Forever young’ but good music is a good way to forget that that and lose yourself in time for a while. KTJ & CARLY know how to create engaging tracks that speak directly to a listener’s heart.
I did find myself craving more lyrically and the track ended a verse or so too soon for me.”
“Pure unadulterated fun!
Tom Mackell has a good time calling out his own behavior, and the honesty, along with his emotive delivery sells the track with ease. The melody is light and the tempo carries the listener along like a nice summer breeze.
This is a good little everyman kind of ditty, that will stick in your head long after the final note. ”