Annie of the Canyon - Heart of Stone [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Annie of the Canyon is not a stranger to LA on Lock readers, but if you have missed her previous features here on the blog it is never to discover her emotive and tender vocals. There is a mysterious allure to her tone and the emotion of her writing and delivery never fails to engage the deeper senses of my psyche. Like a modern Stevie Nicks, Annie of the Canyon has that odd combination of fierce determination and soft vulnerability that is both alluring and inviting. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Darragh Chaplin - Honestly [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I hear a lot of songs about anxiety, so it is very tough to hit that theme and stand out, but Darragh Chaplin was able to do exactly that with the single, ‘Honestly.’

The writing dives into the mental dynamics of envying others for their so-called ‘normalcy,’ and losing who you are as you try desperately to emulate the societal norms. The delivery has talent and passion and you can feel the struggle in a way that makes the track very relatable no matter if you suffer from anxiety or not.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Artikal Sound System - You're An Asshole [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes the high road is no fun at all and Artikal Sound System has taken that idea tot he next level with ‘You’re An Asshole,’ which tells it exactly like it is.

Far too often the assholes of the world skate along from victim to victim without ever being called to the carpet. This track lays it all out there, and will no doubt be sent as a ‘dedication’ to more than one taker in this world on their way out the door after being found out. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

The Satellite Station - Trouble [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The emotional vocal delivery grabs hold from the first word and as the lyrical build unfolds the performance only draws you in deeper. The Satellite Station brings a timeless songwriter vibe and combines that with a folksy Indie Rock sound that is almost tangible in its powerful emotional resonance. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock blogger

$cholah - Attention [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I instantly fell for the groove on $cholah’s single ‘Attention.’ I did feel like the emotions was rushed by the tempo at times, but the smooth vocal tones and good vibes overcame my sensation that the song was rushing by and allowed me to settle in and find my groove. With each listen I grew to appreciate and connect with the track more and I can safely say this is a a track I won’t get tired of hearing over and over again. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

GRAACE - Sentimental [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Melody and vocal tone are powerful when perfectly matched and that was the case on GRAACE’s latest single, ‘Sentimental.’ From the first guitar note to the final emotive line delivered, the track feels spot on. A songwriters sentiments with a commercial vibe that lifts the track above the emotional fray and into a realm not many songs ever reach. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Elle Baez - Stereotype [Music Video Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“This world is full of stereotypes. However, Elle Baez is living her truth and showing her beauty. Surrounded about so many other beautiful women like her they are living free of stereotypes. Life is about having fun and not being anyone’s snow white with tight jeans. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Nate Fenn - Cashier [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“We all want to break free from life choices. In Nate Fenn’s new single “Cashier” it is about wanting to be more than your hometown. Everyone want’s a different outlet or a plan to get them out of where they are. The song has a relaxed tempo but allows you to vibe with it.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Merlaku Ra - Heaven [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

Merlaku Ra is a multi-talented artist, producer, songwriter, and rapper. Born in Atlanta, raised predominantly in South Carolina, now in Los Angeles. He has been singing his whole life as he was raised apart of a church choir. He wrote his first song at 13 years old. He has always explored his love for Hip-hop , Blues, Gospel & Trap given his deep southern roots.

“Do you believe in heaven? Delivered in a deep undertone Merlaku reveals to us the dynamics of his vocals in this poetic yet emotional track. “Heaven” is about going beyond the clouds and spiritual energy. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh [ LA On Lock Blogger]

Liam O'Brien & Killers to Lovers - Us [Official Video]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sometimes we try to escape from the memories but the memories are still in our head. Liam O’Brien’s new song “US” is about not wanting to think about someone but there are triggers. Triggers that have you thinking of them. Using a fan to represent the song is pure classic. Most fans spend time in their room singing anyway.”

— Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)

Nazzy the Mic - Tired [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sixteen year old rapper, Nazzy the Mic comes with a smooth honesty that brings her flow to life. This Philly native is about the catch fire and ‘Tired’ could be the very track that lights the flame for this young rapper. The writing is strong and her delivery sells the words very well. There is no substitute for real genuine emotion pushing a flow, and this track boasts that very thing. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Chaii - Get It Done [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Chaii is clearly feeling it on her new track, ‘Get It Done,’ and that confidence is infectious as it hold the listener to this groove. The flow here permeates with attitude and verve and the cadence works well with the sultry purr of her tone.

The world is full of bad ass women and this one comes to you straight out of New Zealand.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Cassie Rytz - Made It [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Cassie Rytz is coming with a bit of British attitude and a true Grime vibe that hooks and holds. The flow is delivered with speed and precision and the writing is sharp enough that you will need to give this one a few listens to catch all the bombs being dropped right into your lap.

The accent could make it tougher for some to dial in, but trust me the effort is worthwhile and the voice is unique enough you won’t be sorry.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

JC Stewart - Don't Say You Love Me [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“JC Stewart hits on a simple yet complex theme. “Don’t Say You Love Me’ ... just to keep me from leaving is a brilliant line, and comes with a set of emotions that most of us have felt at one time or another. The performance from this Norther Ireland native emotes the passion behind the writing and comes with a blend of anger, resentment, and dismay. All of which is the exact mix such a false declaration instills when tossed out in desperation.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Karras - Delusional (Jack Lim Mix) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I heard a few different mixes of this same track and this one really spoke to me. The keys helped bring this cut to life for me and tied the smooth groove of the flow together for me in a way the others did not. The strength of the timing and delivery worked well with this arrangement. Definitely a track that establishes a mood and vibe easy to ride with.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Belaver - Mount Misery [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Strong writing, backed by an emotive and heartfelt delivery, will always find a place in the musical landscape and that is what Belaver gives us with the single, ‘Mount Misery.’

The track unfolds in low key fashion that is easy to digest and fell but the delivery is spot on in tone. The writing delivers punch through the entire progression making this is the kind of track that sticks with you long after the last note has faded.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Leah Kate - Shit Show [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Leah Kate is anything but a ‘Shit Show,’ but that does not stop her from regaling about the chaos of a wild and fun night. Or poking a little fun at herself and state of affairs she often finds herself in.

The track is pure Pop gold and the energy and vocal talent makes it easy to fall in and connect with the fun. All of our lives digress into that shit show scenario from time to time so it is easy to buy in and sing along with this one.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jenny March - SCREAM (Remix) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“I was leaning in on this one from the start as Jenny March delivers an emotive energy that speaks to her own passions. The build is varied and hooks you in bringing an EDM almost Disco vibe at times. Other sections of the track come with more of a Pink vibe giving it a Pop quality.

’SCREAM’ is a track we can all relate to not only because of the last year and a half, but simply as a result of life’s demands.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Elodie Rêverie - Red Carpet(Kony Remix) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“LA based Elodie Rêverie is not a stranger to this blog and now she’s back with a remix of her single ‘Red Carpet.’ Rêverie’s trademark vocal sound is as always intoxicating in a sensual and alluring kind of way. The overall arrangement feels enchanted and exotic in a modern way while paying homage to bands like Roxette and Ace of Base that also brought an alluring sexiness to everything they did. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Gwyn Love - glow'd up [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track has a light, almost bubblegum feel and I wanted to dismiss it early on for that reason, but the vocal talent shines and that held my attention until I realized that the writing is actually wryly sharp and pointed.

That combination makes this song infectious in all the best ways, and I stayed leaning in to hear what she would say next all the way through. I can see why all of Gwyn Love’s exes would keep hitting her up, because she has that extra it factor that is hard to let go of.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger