Crushed Velvet and the Velveteers x Brother GoodLove - "As Far As We Know" [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Sweet, smooth Soul. Musically, vocally, and lyrically this track simply is salve for a chapped and scraped world.

I believe in this message, and I believe in the talent unfurling it here. Grab the one you love and slow dance, or hug your neighbor (Metaphorically since maintaining social distance is key right now) and sing along. ‘As Far As We Know’ offers the best of humanity in sound and message. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

LU KALA - No Smoke [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“LU KALA is coming with some fire on this track, so when she tells you — you don’t want ‘No Smoke,’ you better believe it. Because the attitude she brings, is as persuasive as the talent.

This single has energy and passion and delivers punch lyrically while also coming with an undeniable groove musically. It’s not easy to draw an apt comparison, because the vocal chops feel unique and fresh.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Solo XL x K I T - Keep on Moving [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“This track brings that raw passion that makes the flow pop and come alive. Solo XL delivers a strong tone to back his flow and that is brought home all the more with the contrast of the chorus delivered in soulful fashion by K I T.

The vibe has a dark grit to it, and the lyrics flow well carrying the listener forward along with the beat. There is a strong hint of Old School here, but still a contemporary sound as well, and the mix blends quite well.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Brian Nathan - The One (T.Y.H.) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes what you need is that Retro soul sound coupled with a bit of good time Funk. You can call it a throwback if you want, but this kind of soul is pretty much timeless as is the euphoric and infectious energy such a track instills. I dare you not to fall in this groove and sing along as you move to that beat. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Eon MC Etc. & The Libra ft. DSloaner - Drank in Hand [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A vivacious track about trying to have a night, and survive the drama or trouble while doing it. Get in the club, stoke a good buzz up, find a sweet little bit of company for the rest of the night, and get out before trouble finds you.

Sounds like a simply concept, but it ain’t always easy to pull off. The flow here has a nice bit of verve and swagger, and the beat production makes the track come alive. This is both a groove and a mood.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns - Oh Baby! [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jeremy Beck & The Heavy Duty Horns drops this vintage love song with vibes straight from the 50’s. Clearly influenced by the likes of Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, and Wilson Pickett, this single is a throwback in every possible way. If you dig that old soulful Jazz Funk sound then you will be eager to give this one a listen.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

ZIKAI - Champagne For Breakfast [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“An Electro Pop track with one foot standing squarely in a classic R&B vibe, ‘Champagne For Breakfast’ offers a smooth sultry groove that hooks you from the the start.

ZIKAI is a rising Swedish star ready to explode internationally as well. Lyrically this track is about the easy rapport of a burgeoning love ... at least while the booze is flowing, but what happens the next morning?”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Schmolbowl - Long Flight [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Schmolbowl drops a tranquil and trippy flow on ‘Long Flight.’ With a rapid delivery and strong writing that overlaps and surprises at every turn, the track has an energy that envelopes you and makes you lean in close to hear what is coming next. The chorus has a nice hook and the track as a whole shows a good range of talent so I can;t wait to see what else comes from Schmolbowl on down the line.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cyrena Wages - River Bends [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Cyrena Wages delivers a genre bending vibe on this track about being at the crossroads. It is no surprise that The Memphis, TN, native chooses to tie this to the river instead of the road, but the premise is the same.

There is a bit of honky-tonk angel to this one, as well as a some gospel infused soul in the sound. The important thing is that you recognize Wages incredible talent as both a performer and a songwriter. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Stephanie McCourt - Save Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track has a lot of things to offer the world, but at the top of that list — is Stephanie McCourt’s soulful vocal power. A little Christina Aguilera and a little Aretha, McCourt certainly has the chops.

The early vibe is jazz fused, but then there is a Hip-Hop beat that at times put me in mind of classic Tupac. Lyrically, the single offers a good hook and the energy here is undeniable.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

SISTER COOKIE - ON GOLGOTHA [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The 12 Bar Blues with a Jazz infused bit of funky Gospel is how I’d describe this darkly twisted track from SISTER COOKIE.

Energetic and danceable, this one has a retro Rockabilly vibe that makes it perfect for a swing around the dance floor, but don’t underestimate the twisty lyrics of this soulful single. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Federal Av - Brighter Days Ahead [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Perhaps on another day, in a another moment in history, this track would not bring the relevance it does today. But hey, we all need a bit of cheer and hope right about now. And in the words of Alanis ... Isn’t it ironic, that it comes from a band called Federal Av?

Nevertheless, feast your ears and smiles on this soulful, uplifting track and forget about toilet paper shortages, cancellations, and the blight that has set all of the chaos into motion.

Go ahead, close your eyes and enjoy some fun music for a few minutes, because this crazy world is going to keep spinning faster and faster either way.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Jaycreux - Buggy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Jaycreux drops a soulful Hip-Hop flow that feels a bit stream of conscious in the mood, but also brings a nice groove in the beat and melody. His voice has just a touch of rasp, and the performance brings emotion and passion which keeps the single interesting, and makes it easy to connect with. The lyrics are complex and layered, making this is the kind of track you will pull new things from every single time you listen. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Valeree - "Any Other Way" [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“With this track, Valeree delivers with that same gut wrenching brand of soul that Amy Winehouse did so well. The two voices are clearly different, but the emotion and melody certainly bring the same kind of vibe.

’Any Other Way’ is a showcase for the oh-so-human condition known as ... I know I shouldn’t, but I am going to any way.”

The song builds and takes us for a ride through an addictive relationship, but the same ideas and sentiments apply no matter what your weakness may be.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

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)

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)

Alyza - Don't Ya [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Pure funky fun. A little bit of old school soul, infused with an hint of pop vocals makes ‘Don’t Ya’ an energetic single full of pep and vigor. Hard not to move and sing along with this one.”

— 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)

Reva DeVito - "Cali" {Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This song and video are both as smooth as falling in love.

’Cali’ is a single that just feels right and natural.

Reva Devito delivers a soulful performance in this easy going ode to spending a day with the one you love.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)