“Songs about people, (actual or fictional) can be tricky, but his one works in that it also feels like true tangible history as much as a fictionalized account. The American Dream isn’t the same for everyone and isn’t easy for anyone, and the lyrics here give us a taste of that dynamic.
This track from Rally 4 Reality is a tribute and ode to Robert Jebediah Freeman the Grandad from Adult Swim’s ‘The Boondocks.’”
“The one night stand is often romanticized and for good reason. The thrill of carnal excitement, and the potential of where it could go are boundless. ‘Let Your Hand Slip’ captures those emotions and feeling and the hard vocal edge of Fletcher Moudy sell it well here. The arrangement is a bit erratic, just like a heartbeat in such situations, and the resulting song sweeps you in just as if lust were leading you along.”
“The world can be an overwhelming place and that is exactly what king dem0’s track ‘coma’ is all about.
The song somewhat reminded me of Beck with a British accent, though with more of a vocal groove and flair to that side of the the production. The arrangement and musical side is a bit funky and blurs the lines of genre which adds to the track’s almost chaotic vibe which is the perfect way to express the intent of the song.”
“Some tracks are simply a groove and vibe. ‘Ran It All Up’ from KYO! is such a song. Riding a smooth flow and steady beat KYO! delivers an emotional ode to growing up and taking care of your business no matter the missteps along the way. It is the song of life so to speak, with the ups and downs and the perseverance to keep laying it out there while you chase your goals and dreams.”
“Lily Kershaw comes in with heartfelt and vulnerable vocals that reminded me of vintage Emmylou Harris.
’Depreshmode’ is as tenderly written as it is performed. The emotion and gritty realness of depression is perfectly rendered and delivered. A song that will speak to all of us that have experienced dark times and deep holes and kept on battling through to the other side.”
“A dose of truth and honesty is always a good idea, and here Jay Dutch delivers exactly that as he lays out the difficult road to success in the music industry, and in a broader sense the world.
Haters gonna hate and doubters gonna doubt, and when given the chance, the hustlers are gonna take what they can from you.
’About That Time’ is about believing in yourself and holding that hard line until you rise above all those looking to drag you down. ”
“Today is not tomorrow or yesterday. Halover’s “Better State of Mind” is a sad yet energetic Indie Pop song. It reveals the type of mood someone can be in but also provides affirmations that tomorrow will be better. Anyone that listens is able to follow the range of the guitar strings and pick up on every mood Halover has. ”
“I like the amazing sound of the chorus. It gives you a Caribbean yet Gospel tempo. It also gives you a powerful and uplifting vibe to want to be loved. However, despite the positive energy in the production I didn’t truly grasp the powerful message.”
“We always wonder how someone started their career. A-Zal takes us on his personal journey from being a New York subway musician to writing sound tracks for Marvel Studios. “Lonely Town” is the story of an underdog and his breakthrough. The soft delivery makes the song sound sad but it creates a relax comfort of accomplishment.”
“Hana Lili hooked me from the onset on ‘Small Talk,’ an anthem for anxious over-thinkers everywhere.
Hana says, “I wrote ‘Small Talk’ because I realised it was something I find difficult sometimes, ‘Small Talk’ is a song about hiding behind small talk in conversation to avoid being vulnerable.”
Lili’s emotive vulnerability is what first drew me tot he track and with each listen I still feel it giving the track a lasting power and a permanent place of several of my playlists. ”
“This track was an enigma for me. I loved the smooth groove and rhythm of the track, both musically and vocally, when it is going, but some of the breaks and pauses shook me. Lyrically, I was the same. There are great lines that forced me to lean all the way in, and then a few times the writing moved out from under me and left me confused. Then the trak abruptly ended.
Overall, a solid track that kept me on my toes so to speak, though I would like to see more consistency and a tidier ending.”
“Easy Bear brings the 90’s vibes on this track. Reminding me a bit of Cake, or The Presidents of the United States of America the high-energy offering of ‘In My Head’ comes with a chorus that is impossible not to join in and sing along.
I did find myself wanting more as the song was over far earlier than I’d have liked.”
“Courtney Farren has the rare combination of songwriting talent, and emotive vocal power to convey the words she’s written. ‘I Must Like It’ is a thought or idea we’ve all had as we find ourselves repeating mistakes or at least find ourselves back in familiar situations that we had not exactly been planning for ... leading us to wonder if maybe this is what we want despite ourselves. The writing is nuanced and is the kind of song you can glean something new from with each listen.”
“The vocal prowess of Katie Gregson-MacLeod elevates this track and makes it impossible to skip ahead or drift away from her delivery. Lyrically the emotions are strong and tangible and the intricate delivery kept me leaning in and intrigued for what came next. This is one I will listen to for years to come as the combination of unique talent and human realness give it a timeless quality that will always speak to me. ”
““Relationships tend to ebb and flow, and while both parties might remain in love, there are times the only way to find ‘Clarity’ is to take a step back and reassess your emotions. Lewis Fitzgerald tackles this dynamics on this Electro Pop track.
I suspect some will label Fitzgerald as a Brutish Post Malone, given his look and sound, and while that designation has merit because there are definite similarities, this isn’t the first time I’ve experienced Fitzgerald’s talent. So I am confident that he has the artistry and talent to stand on his own and shed any notions that he is a derivative artist and not a talent in his own right.”
“This Deep House collaboration brings together the talented trio of TORQ, James O’Hea and Derran Day. The smooth vocals of Day, do a great job of delivering TORQ’s story driven lyrics on this track. Meanwhile, O’Hea’s production dials in on both the emotion and musical build, to bring it all to life.
A fun track that grows on me with each and every listen. ”
“Olivia Lunny is as talented as they come and here she is joined by Bryce Vine. The vocal duet is stunning and emotive and you feel every last, heartbreaking word of the track.
’Fix This’ is the kind of track that will help people get through their own hard times or even facilitate conversation for couple in need of a good heart-to-heat to turn the ride of a sinking relationship. An engaging and entertaining track with the ability to effect actual change in people’s lives, what’s not to love?”
“Ashley Elle proudly uses the term Sad Girl Pop and she just might be the Queen of the genre. Her emotive delivery and vulnerable lyrics pull the listener right into the heart of this track but she expresses the song’s intent well herself ...
’I moved to Los Angeles four years ago to attend college and pursue music,” explains Ashley Elle. “While I love it out here, there are many moments where I wish I could run home to my small town in Wisconsin. ‘Death of Me’ is a song to LA - a place full of dreams and possibilities wrapped in competition and insecurities.’
Truer words have never been said about Los Angeles and all that emotions she gives those who come here in search of something new and different.”
“Estella Dawn has fast become one of my favorite contributors here at LA on Lock. The New Zealand born/ San Diego based Pop artist often surprises me with unique lyrics and a diverse sound that always delivers talent to go with the the surprises.
’Yes Chef’ is a tribute the the friends-with- benefits dynamic and how anyone could not say yes to this starlet is beyond me. This is a sensual and fun track right at home in today’s Pop landscape. ”
“I am a sucker for a good story song. And a story song with a gut-wrenching twist of the knife ... YES PLEASE!
Butter the popcorn and settle in because Movie Night latest track, ‘Haunted’ is ready to carve up your emotions with this Pop Rock anthem to closure and that impromptu final meeting with your ex to try and wrap thigs up in a nice little box to stoae away. Of course life doesn’t work like that, and neither does this excellent song.”