“Young love is a theme often seen in music, but despite travelling that same road, nothing about Simone’s track feels cliche or stale. The emotions of ‘everything/nothing’ are up front and present, and oh-so-real, even if it has been years since that first young love of your life. You can feel this relationship unfold, and in that you have no choice but to think back on your own life.”
“Vocally, Tassia Zappia lands somewhere between Elle King and Amy Winehouse, and in that the talented Aussie is keeping some serious company. ‘You Don’t Want Me’ is an attitude-filled slow roll, that churns with passion in the form of a pissed-off frustration that is damn near tangible within the performance. Bluesy, yet still Commercial in sound, this track is one far too many of us can relate to after being in such a relationship.”
“Icon South teams up with Indie Artist, whynotcordell on this melancholic track. “My Script’ utilizes an almost monotone delivery to drive home the emotion and power of the writing. The beat is straightforward, but a perfect match for the vibe of the lyrics. This songs puts that disenfranchised angst we’ve all felt, into a tangible art form.”
“This track definitely spoke to my Texas roots. Folk, reminiscent to a blend of the late great John Prine and Todd Snider, the soft tone comes with lyrical punch and a wry bit of emotional twist. This track is not as Commercial in its sound as most of the music we share on LA on Lock, but don’t let that deter you from taking a dive in on this well-written ode to the selfish people we all know.”
“I might be a day late sharing this one, but hey, 4/20 is way more a way of lifestyle than a date on the calendar. Matt Nye drops this smooth easy flow that bends and curls like the sweetest smoke with its pungent wordplay and mystical beat production. There are Mac Miller vibes to be made, but this one just feels right no matter who you wanna compare the style to. ”
Social Media: DaRealFlexx
“Picture rolling in the car and not knowing what the day holds until you get to a party.
”Deep End” is a song you can vibe to with the top down or kick it at the crib.
Coming out of Costa Mesa, California, Da Real Flexx’s delivery is smooth yet energetic and the beat is a classic vibe. We knew this was a hit because his lyrical delivery is straight to the point with no chaser. As you pay close attention to what him and Vince Knight are saying you are sure to have the urge to hit the deep end even if it’s for the weekend. ”
“Smooth West Coast vibes dominate this flow and beat. Heretixx adds a touch of Trap to the mix to give this track a slightly different feel than a lot of West Coast Hip Hop. The flow is mesmerising as it slithers through a nice lyrical build and progression. ”
“A little Bruno, a splash of Timberlake, and you have a good idea of what this funky little summer track from Dylan Rockoff sounds like.
’Magic’ has that timeless sound and quality that fits well with the sounds you would hear on the radio. This one will be perfect for your summer pool party list, or for a low key groove on the dance floor. ”
“Kath Myers is a bit of an enigma. Launching her foray into the music business at thirty-one, she brings a different perspective to the her writing and ‘According to the Law’ deals with the emptiness and social stigma of dating someone considerable younger.
Written about a relationship she had with a person 15 years younger than herself, and with a view into a perspective not often represented in contemporary American music the song stands out in a unique way ... You were born too late / You’re just a baby / By the time you’re in your prime I’m gonna be an old lady / But I’m in my prime today so let’s do it anyway ... she sings over sparse piano, guitar, drums and a deep seated bass line that sit back and set a deceptively grand stage for Myers’ incredible vocals to shine with a sheen that belies her relative lack of experience behind a mic.”
“Trying to help someone you love who isn’t quite ready to be helped, can be frustrating and heartbreaking. Charlotte Jane tackles that very scenario in her new single, ‘Refuge.’
Jane says of her track, “At its core ‘Refuge’ is about the frustration of wanting to love and support someone through a tough time, but how you can’t force someone to open up to you. Especially when it’s a mental health struggle or aftershocks from a past trauma, supporting someone can feel like a spectator sport sometimes. You can see the pain playing out but you can’t get involved unless they invite you. I thought I was writing it about other people, then realised I could, subconsciously, be talking to myself.”
The track is delivered in tender, but raw vocals that enable the listener to feel every word of the frustration, pain, and hope.”
“The video for ‘Butterflies’ is interesting and held my attention, though for me the imagery felt oddly paired with such an emotionally personal song.
James TW clearly has the vocal chops to deliver the proper impact on this well-written song about the regret of letting that special someone slip away. Smooth and soft in that Pop singer/songwriter way, this track captivates.”
“Gabriel Black might be the ‘King of Nosebleeds,’ or he might be king of the Alt Pop Folk sound. Or the case can be made after this track that he is both at the same time.
This well-written track couples great writing with an emotive vocal performance that captures the sentiments to a tee. This song simply speaks to the soul.”
“Sometimes we find ourselves in a relationship more of convenience than true love and passion. And sometimes while stuck in such a staid relationship we come across that spark of life that lets us know the we need a change. ‘Girl of My Dreams’ is about such an encounter and the daydreaming that comes with such a discovery. ”
“Mia Mormino is no strangers to us here at LA on Lock as we have featured her work on several occasions. Along with stalwart vocal talent, Mormino brings emotion to the writing as well as the delivery. ‘Rapunzel’ deals with the envy we all feel when comparing ourselves to others be it in person or social media, and the stark honest writing coupled with the talent makes it easy to fall in on this track. ”
“Julian Lamadrid conjures up the style of Prince, the vibe of Timberlake, and the energy of Bruno here on on this track. ‘15 Minutes’ is an energetic Electro Pop joy ride with an artistic flair that is undeniable. This is a track you will be hearing a lot of this summer and beyond.”
“If you are a sucker for that timeless smooth groove of a soulful crooner, then Kristopher James is an artist you want to know. ‘Feelings’ takes you for a ride that feels like a drive on warm Sunday afternoon down a wide open stretch of road. It is the musical equivalent to the warm scent of sugar cookies fresh from the oven. It is comfort music in every sense of the word. ”
“From the very first word, Chris Murphy demands you listen to what he has to say on ‘Mr. Mister.’
Bluesy and direct, the vibe here is haunting and dark and oh-so-honest. Self-doubt can be a killer, but we all take those deep dives in sometimes. A track like this can make it easier by allowing us to see into the mind of another and realize we are all traveling the same rocky roads.”
“Hooks for days. The beat, those lines, the imagery of the video ... all of it works here on this track. Brandon Bill$ and DaniLeigh team up to deliver the track with a nice balance and swagger that brings out the vibes. I did wish the track went a touch longer, as I definitely wanted more when it was over. ”
“At only 18 years of age, Loi already has the vocal power to soar far above where most others are able to go. ‘I Follow’ is a big bold ballad type of song that has a Pink sort of vibe. This German talent is one to watch as she is just launching her career and if this track is any indication I expect it to be a long fruitful one.”
“Some voices simply invite you in, and Suzie Ungerleider has such a talent. Formerly performing under the name Oh Susanna, this American -born, Canadian raised singer/songwriter has long been recognized as a purveyor of deeply emotional and tender offering that land in your soul. This latest track is no exception.
’Baby Blues,’ a song about how the traumatic events we witness when we’re young can haunt and indeed shape our older selves. It’s a deep subject with an upbeat punchline. “Like ghosts,” Ungerleider says, “sometimes you just need to just sit with them, feel their power, and, because they feel seen, they release their hold on you for a little while.”’”