Amanda Raye - No One Knows [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some tracks simply cannot be pigeonholed into a genre or even time. Amanda Raye has given us such a single with ‘No One Knows.’

The irony of the title aside, this is a track that truly is beyond genre or era. There are times I hear a 70’s Stevie Nicks vibe, others where a Country/Americana sound that hints at Miranda Lambert shines through. There is a bit of Lady Gaga and Ronstadt and a decided 2020 mood, but also a sprinkle of 1985.

Give it listen to discover this talented artist for yourself, and maybe then you will know what I mean.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

BabyJake - MadHappySad [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“BabyJake is showing all the emotions with ‘MadHappySad,’ and he’s doing it with a verve and style that hooks you in deep.

The 8-Bit video game inspired video is a nice visual touch that adds a layer of thought in that all-too-often we approach life as if it were a game. We are desperateness to hit that next stage that we go through the so-called steps to level-up. Often that is settling into a relationship and we know we are supposed to, but sometimes the person is right and wrong at the same time. Sometimes they are simply there because we feel like they are supposed to be, and in that sense the emotions are conflicting.

This track is about doing more with your life besides leveling-up in the expected ways.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Matt Lovell - Trouble [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“Some songs simply come alive with the spirit behind them. it almost seems as if they take on a life of its own.

Let me introduce you to Matt Lovell and just such a song. “Nobody Cries Today’ is sassy and bluesy and groovy. Lyrically the track is about fighting your way through those tough dark times, by trying to stay positive and light. The writing is sharp and poignant with a wry bit of humor and sarcasm and it all comes alive.

The video adds more fun complete with a tinseled demon. Least I think that is what the dancing tinseled creature is supposed to be. Give it a watch. Give it a listen. This is one you won’t want to miss. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Danny Bowens - Keep Breathing [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Danny Bowens reminds us to ‘Keep Breathing’ with his latest single. The track delivers a true Electro Pop vibe and sound, with a set of lyrics that hit much like the self affirmations we’ve all given ourselves from time to time ... Relax, you got this, keep breathing and you can get through this.

These are messages we have all uttered or thought as we struggled, and here they come with a nice production and vocal talent, making this track a perfect add to that motivational playlist.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Olivia Lunny - Bedsheets [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Olivia Lunny hooked me with the longing hope of her vocal performance here on this track. The lyrics bring a strong emotional connection right from the beginning, and the soft steady flow held my focus in rapt attention.

’Bedsheets’ is about time running out on what could be. The longing and earnest hope is tangible and heartbreaking and much of that comes from the stellar vocal performance Though the songwriting has its own undeniable allure. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cian Ducrot - anyone but her [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Cian Ducrot. Commit the name to memory, because this is one Independent Artist poised to take off.

Fresh off his single, ‘Fucked Up All The Time’ which was more personal, Ducrot gives us “anyone but her.’ This single is just as emotional, but this time Ducrot has taken a story that a fan shared with him, a story that impacted his own emotions and with the character whispering in his ear, he sat and wrote this track to bring her experiences to others.

As in the case with the track about his life the writing is such that it speaks to a wider audience because it taps into the true depth of the human situation. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cate Tomlinson - Let You In [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“This is a softly delivered track with a commercial vibe in the sound, and a singer/songwriter sensibilities behind the writing.

The well-written lyrics bring out the emotion of discovering that one person who has captivated you feels the same way. It is about a burgeoning relationship, and the vocal tone expresses that hope and guarded excitement.

The production and musical side is low-key here which allows the emotion to take center stage. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

12AM - Lost [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The raw, stripped bare vocal performance is palpable on this track. ‘Lost’ lays open the wound and emotion of missing the one that you love. Played over a piano melody, with vulnerable honest emotion, the track does not rely on embellishments or glossy production, but is simply the work of a talented songwriter openly pouring his heart out.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mustafa - Stay Alive [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“If Jack Johnson had grown up in an inner city, this is the track he would have written. Instead this tender , emotional track comes from Mustafa, a 23 year old songwriting poet who hails from Toronto’s Regent Park, an area that has seen its share of gun violence.

Mustafa was first moved to make music after losing several close friends to gun violence. He sings to the departed and to his hood. Even with his serene demeanor, the effect is riveting. Every part of the song is understated, from the single guitar to the subtle keys and the mere suggestion of percussion. The finger-picked acoustic notes wander along the scales without hurry, matching Mustafa’s breathy, soulful vocals perfectly as he goes from nostalgic, to hopeful, to profoundly sad.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Dan DeCristofaro - Give Me Your Love [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A love song about finding the courage to take that risk and jump from a long time friendship, to something more. Dan DeCristofaro and Bianca Sings deliver ‘Give Me Your Love’ with Soul and passion and the track comes alive with an undeniable energy.

Love is tricky, and sometimes it is a slow burn that blooms from the fruits of friendship, but as we all know it is never easy to escape the friend zone. Sometimes, that leap is exactly what you need. This is the love song for that course of action! ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Yify Zhang - Good Enough [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track is a cinematic ode to self love. Yify Zhang is wickedly talented and that shines through in every element of this soft uplifting track.

The lyric video makes it easy to follow along as you let the reassuring words settle in and over you. The musical arrangement soars along to provide an added layer of engagement and is nicely matched to the emotion and message of the track. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jasmine Thompson - Love For The Lonely [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jasmine Thompson secured a record deal with Atlantic records at only 13 off the strength of her YouTube performances. Now 19, Thompson has only refined her talents that much more.

”Love For The Lonely’ is a powerful ballad about finding and maintaining love even when it is less scary to walk away or destroy the burgeoning relationship. The video adds to the emotion and isolated mindset giving the project a cohesive intimate vibe to go along with the powerful performance.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gavin James - Boxes [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“An energetic uplifting track for everyone that has ever been told ... they shouldn’t, they can’t, they won’t.

Gavin James has heard the dream killers talking to him since his childhood in Dublin, but the singer/songwriter did not listen to any of them for long. Preferring to ignore the naysayers and the challenges, he chased his musical dreams despite the odds. This track is testament to both his talent and perseverance.

The animated video is fun and as energetic and engaging as the music. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Elina - Blue [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Swedish Singer/songwriter, Elina offers us a tender ballad that comes in with a soft guitar melody before her touching vocal take over as the primary the focus. There is a Joni Mitchell comparison that is easy to make though Elina certainly brings her own contemporary vibe to the sound. ‘Blue’ is a tranquil slowly unfolding track that was over far too son for me.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Rett Madison - Shame is a River [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Rett Madison has invited you deep into her psyche and personal vault of memories and emotions. Invite really isn’t a strong enough word, as she has more welcomed you with open arms thanks to her immense talent. The lyrics wrap around you tight and her emotive vocal performance offers the same level of warmth and understanding. All of that is possible because through sheer honest sharing, she has giving us a track with a strong relevance for us all. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sam Calver - River [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A beautiful contemporary track about the pure and immediate love of a father for his new born son.

Sam Calver delivers a varied and rich vocal performance to express the emotion of fatherhood. Lyrically, the track flows fluidly to bring forth the pride and wonder and hope of the moment quite well.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Kane Miller - Something New [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Kane Miller is an artist we have featured before, and again he has given us a single that I am compelled to share. A song of hope and rebirth, ‘Something New’ delivers an energy that feels like the first bright rays of warm sunshine after a long chilly night. The hope is tangible in both the lyrics and performance, giving this track a light airy vibe of optimism that we can all feed off of.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sevi Ettinger - Dear Me [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Sevi Ettinger is a 17 year old singer songwriter from the United States now living in Shanghai. With vocal maturity beyond her years, Ettinger’s vocal talent may only be surpassed by her songwriting intuition. This track has a sophisticated Pop vibe without sacrificing the heart of the singer/songwriter sound.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

somegirlnamedanna - kitchen table [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“somegirlnamedanna is a mouthful, but this track establishes that same girl as a big force to be reckoned with so perhaps they two are perfectly matched. Emotion laid bare, such as this song gives us, speaks loudly far beyond the actual decimal level or style. The vocal tone of yearning vulnerability on the track only adds to the punch of this track.

’Kitchen Table’ is as true a song as you are likely to hear this year, or any other, and the homespun vibe of the video is the perfect accompaniment.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

danny G - best friend [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A fun upbeat ode to the friendship side of love. danny G offers up a nice blend of vocal styles on this track, which is earmarked to help fellow musicians impacted by Covid-19 with all proceeds going to MusiCares.

So, consider downloading this one to add a fun energetic Pop style Hip-Hop track to your personal playlists, and to help musicians struggling through these tough times.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)