Ananya - Happy [Music Review] October 11, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Electro Pop, Commercial, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “Written with Mental Health Day in mind, Ananya unleashes this Electro pop ode to taking care of yourself and cutting out the things that drag you down. The Zimbabwean pop star delivers the sharp writing with a steady, almost defiant brand of confidence despite the honest vulnerability of the writing and that combination brings this track to life.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Shriya - Her October 04, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Adult Contemporary, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “A big soaring Alt Pop track with singer/songwriter vibes, ‘Her’ offers a smooth and emotional build that speaks to the insecurities and fears many of us possess. WIth that said, this track avoids a wallowing kind of despair, delving instead onto an honest vulnerability that makes the lyrics feel real and of course the talented performance hooks the listener in from the very beginning.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Madison Taylor - Golden Image [Music Review] August 23, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Pop, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “The worn out cliche of love is blind is one we’ve all heard, but MAdison Taylor takes that idea farther with ‘Golden image,’ The track showcases Taylor’s talent and the idea that we all view our love interests with rose colored glasses rather than under the glare of reality is one that is true and this track puts an entertaining Indie Pop groove to the idea and perhaps the dangers of idolization.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger SoundCloud Block Enter a SoundCloud track, playlist, or profile URL. Learn more
Kenny Sharp - Coming Back To You [Music Review] August 04, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Adult Contemporary, Americana, blues Rating: 4 out of 5 “Kenny Sharp’s latest track ‘Coming Back To You’ was recently featured in the latest season of Love Island and I suspect you’ll be hearing the song in a lot of other places as well. Sharp has that vocal sound that is hard to defne to a single genre. A little blues, some roots rock, Americana, Pop. It’s all in there on this track, and the writing has clever word play as well as deeper meaning to ponder on subsequent listens.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Lillian Hepler - Famous [Music Review] August 03, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Pop, Commercial, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Lillian Hepler goes scorched earth on her ex in ‘Famous.’ While the them is reminiscent of many songs including Miley’s recent hit ‘Flowers,’ there is nothing derivative about Helper’s track. The arrangement offers just enough anger, but also has a bit of vulnerability in the quieter moments.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Alana Cruz - Telescope [Music Review] May 30, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Adult Contemporary, Americana, Commercial, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Alana Cruz has a sound that could be Country, could be Pop, could be an emotional singer/songwriter expressing their vulnerability and the good thing is great music transcends those type of labels and simply speaks to people’s hearts. ’Telescope’ is that kind of song. At times I heard Natalie Maines of the Chicks, Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mack and Brandi Carlile but in the end this is simply the talented Cruz, belting out her truths as she expresses what unrequited love and the yearning brand of hope that comes along with it truly feels like.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Shane Rennison - I Think It's You [Music Review] May 25, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Adult Contemporary Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “The writing and premise of this track caught my attention and held me for the duration. I did crave more vocal variation from Shane Rennison on the track as the delivery stays with that one melancholic tone for the duration.At its heart, ‘I Think It Is You,’ is a breakup song or at least one of self reflection that is going to lead to a breakup. Realizing the person you thought could be a long-term partner isn’t the one is a tough call and an emotional one a we first have to admit we were wrong in our original assessment. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
MICHA- DRUNK [Review] April 24, 2024 by Kreadiv Kesh in Singer/Songwriter, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “If you think about being drunk in love then this would fall into that category. Micha pours his heart out in this contemporary romantic track. The song has a country mixed with rock vocal tone however, the emotions are clear over the guitar strings. ” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Estella Dawn - If You Were In Love [Music Review] April 10, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Adult Contemporary, Alternative, Pop, Commercial Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “This piano led emotional ballad of unrequited love is haunting and beautiful. Estella Dawn unfurls evocative and vulnerable vocals to go with strong writing and a tight melody that adds to the emotions of the track. ’If You Were In Love,’ delivers heartbreak and pain that the listener can feel in every line. The tone is different, but the raw power of this piece reminded me in P!nk in several places.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
maryjo - Should Be Us [Music Video Review] April 09, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “The emotions runs strong and clear in ‘Should Be Us,’ from maryjo.A track about watching your ex move on faster than you are, this song captures that stunned bewilderment and the questions such a spark can conjure. Especially if the prior relationship went on for a long time and you are left wondering how much this new person truly knows about your ex. This feels like Commercial gold, and I expect to hear this one a lot this summer and beyond. Get in early and ride the wave.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Sterlen Roberts -Spoil You [Music Video Review] March 13, 2024 by Kreadiv Kesh in Adult Contemporary, Rap, R&B Rating: 3 out of 5 “The song has an old Contemporary R&B vibe to it. Sterlen Roberts plans the perfect night to”Spoil You”. The tempo is fast yet steady still creating a romantic rhythm. Around the 1:15 mark there’s a sample of Soulja Boy but the rapping and examples doesn’t take away from the track.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Lauren Minear- Chasing Daylight [Music Video Review] March 06, 2024 by Kreadiv Kesh in Adult Contemporary, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 5 out of 5 “Lauren Minear takes us on a journey of discovery. She visually shows us how she wears multiple hats in this heartfelt track. Instead of being in a dark setting she chases daylight. This symbolically tells us she no longer wants to live her life in darkness.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Dan Johnson - Along the Way [Music Video Review] February 21, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Singer/Songwriter, Indie Rock, Commercial, Americana, Adult Contemporary Rating: 5 out of 5 “Dan Johnson boldly sings the line ... I’d rather be a fool tomorrow, than a coward any day ... in his new single, ‘Along The Way,’ and in that simple brilliance, can be found both an idea and an ideal on how to live life.Putting yourself out there, risking yourself in the name of love is dangerous and leaves us all vulnerable. Though of course not doing so, not allowing others to truly know who and what we are, leaves us isolated and alone. This uplifting track is a reminder to us all — you can’t truly live without taking some risks along the way.The earmark of a great song is playability. A good song you can listen to a few times and be content, but a great song soars to life and compels you to listen time and time again. And with each listen you feel the emotion and come to a personal understanding that very well may transcend beyond the artist’s original intent as you layer in your own experience with the sentiments being sung. This is that type of song.The genre is tricky here ,as the track defiantly and artistically straddles a many different lines. Big and theatrical. the single comes with elements of Indie Rock, Americana, and Gospel. At times it conjured thoughts of the Lion King with the chants and uplifting mantra that would be right at home on any Broadway stage or musical soundtrack. But gerne is a marketers game anyway. For we consumers the lines are simple ... not for me, good, or outstanding.And this track lands square in the latter category for me. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Marcy Brown x Anne Christine Dekker Xmas Each Day (feat. Anne Chris) [Review] December 18, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in R&B, Adult Contemporary Rating: 2 out of 5 “The beat gives a classic yet soulful melody. My disconnection came from the vocal delivery. The artist didn’t put all of her emotions in so you can feel the song in your heart. It makes you want to snap along with it.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Lauren Woo - Gold Plated [Music Review] December 08, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Pop, Commercial, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “There are solid gold people and then there are the ‘Gold Plated’ among us that can but on a thin veneer for a short time before the truth beings to show through. Lauren Woo lifts the veil on these fakers with her new track which was inspired by wisdom gained from her grandmother.Lauren Woo shared, ‘This song is a tribute to my incredible grandmother, a woman whose wisdom has been a guiding light in my life. She once told me that in life, you’ll encounter people who are ‘gold plated’ and not solid gold. It’s not always obvious, and you’ll experience highs and lows where true colors are revealed. In those moments, it’s crucial to stand firm in your morals and recognize when it’s okay to let go of relationships that aren’t meant to be.’The overall sound is a melancholic Pop vibe with a slight theatrical edge.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock
KJ(!) - Good Day [Music Review] November 21, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Pop, R&B, Adult Contemporary Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Looking for something different? Look no further than KJ(!)’squirky track ‘Good Day.’ Riding a funking beat and simple, yet catchy lyrical hook the track is simply infectious in the best ways. I couldn’t stop listing the first time and the same has hel through multiple listens though I am hard-pressed to explain why.The track has a friendly vibe like a bit of advice from a friend telling you not to let the world grind you down and the arrangement is simply fun. The talent is there though the track has a simple brilliance to it that carries the day. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Flora Cash - HOLY WATER [Music Video Review] October 24, 2023 by Travis Erwin in Music, Electro Pop, Adult Contemporary Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Right in time for the season, Flora Cash sprinkles some dark ethereal ‘HOLY WATER’ into your ears. Let me share a few words direct from the artists before I say more msyelf ’As the veil between worlds thins approaching Halloween, this track tells a story of timeless connections and souls reuniting, merging mythic themes with contemporary Indie Pop nuances. Shpresa Lleshaj’s haunting lead vocal and Djordje Milanovic’s mournful violas stand out above a dynamic and almost operatic production.’ ~ Flora CashThe haunting vocals mesmerize, as does the violin accompaniment. Far too many seasonal songs take a cliched and often kitschy angle, but this track is a perfect balance and is artistic in a way few such songs pull off. So much so, I hesitate to call it a holiday track as it is something I will be listening to year round.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
A-Zal -Lonely Town [Review] October 18, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Adult Contemporary, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4 out of 5 “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.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
First NLR Worship - Hope (feat. Tim Hill) [Review] September 18, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “A song of pure inspiration. First NLR Worship delivered a spiritually chilling song that gives exactly what the title suggest “Hope”. Simple but powerful drums that weight in as the heart beat of the production which angelic vocals being delivered by Tim Hill. This is the type of song you listen to when you need that extra boost to go on with life and all its’s worries and sorrows. Masterful, powerful, music. ” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Ellisa Sun - Once Upon a Time [Review] September 18, 2023 by Kreadiv Kesh in Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “Ellisa Sun’s “Once Upon a Time” is chilled track that you can lay back and listen too. The Jazz melody pulls you in with a contemporary R&B tempo. The food analogies that she incorporates into the track makes you truly feel the emotions in the lyrics. This song is about letting go and feeling ok about it.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]