Joan & The Giants - BEG [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Sadly many realtionships are lopsided in that one side is forced to wrk way harder than the other. ‘Beg’ from Joan & The Giants takes onthat phenomenon and digs in emotionally. The track had a vintage Fleetwood Mac vibe for me and is best summed up by the artist.

Reflecting on the origins of ‘Beg’, Grace Newton-Wordsworth shared, “‘Beg’ was written about a breaking point in my own relationship where we had two choices: either fight to make it work, or it’s over. You shouldn’t have to beg for someone’s love, and this song is about those last moments when you really don’t want to walk away from the person you love most in this world, but everything in your body and soul is telling you, you might have to.”

The track feels true and genuine in every way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Kat Cunning - Bedroom Angel [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Sometimes the creator of a track articulates their intent in a way I never could. That is the case with Kat Cunning and her single, ‘Bedroom Angel.’

”When I wrote Bedroom Angel I imagined being closeted in a small town and praying at the foot of my bed for some sapphic apparition to burst through the ceiling and show me the way. I hope this song serves as redemption and celebration bursting through your ceiling to give you that same nudge toward owning what you want and who you are. Queer people are angels, pleasure is political, and you are my favorite ghost.” - Kat

This track is delivered with smooth silky vocals that emote the passion behind the writing, creating a meaningful and entertaining song.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Will Conn - Marathon [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Love is a marathon that often causes you to fall off track. Will Conn’s single “Marathon” builds up a storyline and guides you through relationship issues. The tempo stays consistent which allows us to follow his determination and emotion to mend his relationship. As a singer songwriter he truly knows how to express hisself through each verse. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Mattyice1990- Maserati [Review]

Rating: 3 out of 5

“Mattyice1990 takes his time with this one. He delivers a raw yet emotional track as he takes us through his fight with his demons and his dreams. The soft piano keys aligns with his flow which keeps you listening to his story and understanding his pain. Life keeps throwing things at him which is painful to deal with yet he still has hopes of being successful and getting his Maserati.”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

Svetlana Toropoviene -Only Light [Review]

Rating: 5 out of 5

“To blend Electro Pop, Poetic Rap, and Latino will make anyone want to dance. Svetlana Toropoviene’s “Only Light” allows a listener to be pulled in by the melody and let the music take over their body as they dance the night away. This song will speak to your heart and allow a ray of light to be shown. If anyone was sad before listening to this song they will defiantly be happy afterwards. ”

— Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]

HAHA - No Promises [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 put of 5

“A true 80’s throwback, HAHA delivers despite making, ‘No Promises.’

The smooth vocal harmonies and lyrical wordplay is fun and evocative at the same time. The 80s might be gone but the music continues to inspire and live on and this danceable track is full of nostalgia for that era but still works as a contemporary track lyrically.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

NonSense - The Audacity [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“NonSense caps off a prolific year with his single ‘The Audacity.’ NonSense had this to say about his creation ... “The track is about standing tall atop your mountain despite those who feel they can stand in your way. Being the very best version of YOU and you alone at the behest of naysayers.”

Delivered in an old school Boom Bap style, the lyrical flow hits and the writing comes with a punch. The Carson, California native channels many of his musical heros in this diverse build and sound. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

BeauxX x Cypress Moreno x Big Sad 1900 - I Need That [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Beauxx, Big Sad 1900, and Cypress Moreno drop their third collaboration together, ‘I Need That.’ The track preempts their forthcoming collaborative EP.

Inspired by the West Coast sound this single offers a laidback R&B style groove and of course accentuates the trios various vocal talents.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

San Salinas - Hold On [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“When a passion is truly in your blood you never can quite it. Be it a person or a creative endeavor. Matt Gibson of San Salinas thought he was done with music, but after a life of hardships and addictions, he cleaned up and rediscovered the dormant passion.

’Hold On’ is a soaring rock tribute to that reawakening!”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Cold Weather Captains - Line of Fire [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a funky little bass line, before the track hits that Rock and Roll edge with intricate guitars play and classic vocal delivery, Cold Weather Captains delivers a nice energetic Alt Rock track .

’Line Of Fire’ has the backbone to serve as a motivational hype track, or to simply be a nice jam you can groove to while motoring down a dark stretch of highway.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock blogger

Shannon Dooley - I’m Me [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Shannon Dooley has built a career but being talent and a touch defiant in that she doesn’t follow the norms with her sound. This gives us a unique sound that break many of the Pop/Commercial music molds while still having the appeal to fans of those genres.

’I’m Me’ highlights this aspect of Dooley very well, and almost seems to declare her fierce independence and talent for the world to hear. An artist willing and able to do it her way.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

PB Mogul x JayceeDai - Ante Up [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Throwback Old school emcee driven hip-hop is a rare animal these days. Here PB Mogul fits the bill along with a hard hitting JayceeDai, who brings the attitude in every word.

Ante Up is an up-tempo, high energy song full of fun and bars exchanged between the two Utica, NY Natives. With a catchy hook and undeniable chemistry, Ante Up is a bonafide banger!

This one hits.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Cloud House - Photographs [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written after the death of lead singer, Conor’s mother, ‘Photographs’ is part nostalgia and part motivational inspiration. Delivering a classic Indie Rock sound, Cloud House puts their energy and emotions into this track which serves as the Glasgow bands lead single on a brand new EP.

The vocal and musical talent allows the band to feel emotive and powerful and this track is but one that promises to deliver a punch straight to your gut. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Highline - Feel Like New [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Highline has come a long way from their roots ... as four friends forming a band after playing in the High School Jazz band together.

They traded the Jazz licks for a sound that utilizes Indie Rock guitars and a sound that could be anytime from the 90’s to today. Timeless in other words.

This is Indie Rock as it should be! ‘Feel Like New’ doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it certainly rocks and rolls the way it is supposed to. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock BLogger

Makena - Rinse & Repeat [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Some live for the chase and nothing more. Serial daters who toss aside their quarry not long after getting that person to fall for them.

Rinse & Repeat’ is told from the pained view of a castaway that mistakenly thought they were more than a pawn in the game. Makena delivers the Alt Pop track with an energetic vulnerability and anger that is the perfect combination of emotions to bring out the lyrical build.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Dax - Dax-To Be A Man (Ft. Darius Rucker) [Music Video Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Dax is a versatile talent that can come with a hard-edged Hip-Hop flow or a theatrical horror core track and then here on this track, Dax deliver offers an earnest ballad along with Darius Rucker.

’To Be a Man’ is an ode to the emotions and pressures of being a man. Not just any man but a responsible hard-working man trying to do his best despite the pitfalls and stresses that we face.

Dax and Rucker’s voices blend and play off each other well on the track and the emotions carry the day on this honest and vulnerable look at a side of being a man that often is overlooked. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Jade LeMac - You're Not A God [Music Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Jade LeMAc ahs that ‘It’ factor. It drips from her vocals and audio presence like a a sweet elixir that just might intoxicate you with a single drop.

From Jade ... “‘You’re Not A God’ is for that one person who thinks they’re better than everyone. We all know the type! It’s an anthem for the underdogs, and a big middle finger to those who think they can push people around.”

There is a hint of Billie Eilish in the attitude and tone but, LeMac’s talent shines on its won and this track delivers an edge and intricate build that hooks and compels you to hit repat and listen all over again. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

Penny Roox - By My Side [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“Dutch songstress, Penny Roox expertly delivers ‘By My Side’ over the top of a richly layers track full of soaring strings and a mellow piano.

The emotive performance borders on theatrical at times but stays in a more Commercial style with heartfelt writing and the vocal power to make you feel every word.

Tranquil, yet evocative.”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

John Smith - The World Turns [Music Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“John Smith delivers this low key love song in heartful fashion. Vocally this felt like Ed Sheeran meets Eddie Vedder. The steady beat and delivery sell the unrelenting love he feels. ‘The World Turns’ no matter what and yet we all keep doing the best we can for ourselves and those we love and that is what this track is all about. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger

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Newport - Get Back To This [Music Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“New Port give is this smooth Bed Room Pop track about trying to return to the vibe you want. ‘Get Back to This’ is a tranquil track of regret and hope that has a longing nostalgia as the driving force.

The smooth build gives a calming tranquility that serves the lyrics well. My only quibble would be the quick cut off at the end of the track. ”

— Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger