“Riding a nostalgic 80s vibe at times, Fast Money Music, launches ‘Space Opera’ into orbit, and the fun offering is one with some true gravitational pull.
New Wave synths, horns, an indifferent brand of attitude and defiance permeates the entire thing. Unique in all the best ways this track is simply a vibe start to finish.”
“Trains are a bastion of Country Music but that lonesome whistle can conjure emotions for us all, at least those if us who grew up near tracks listening to that low rumble and horn deep into the night.
This Indietronica/ Indie Rock track taps into that brings the train nostalgia to underserved genres. Here the sounds are a catalyst for thinking about leaving home and starting over despite a need from those you left behind to have you close. A haunting track of memory and regret doing battle with hope and the need for new beginnings.”
“English band, Sarpa Salpa unleashes this track which has a Maroon 5 meets late 80’s early 90’s vibes. An energetic track about chasing joys and happiness in the chaos that is modern life. The ever-elusive concept of true contempt is tough to hold on to but great music certainly gives us a taste of the ‘Simple Pleasures,’ we all crave. ”
“We all know that ‘Blind Dates’ can be hell, and if you ever find yourself out on one with a true narcissist, then this track will be your personals anthem.
Even if you never find yourself in this unfortunate position, you will enjoy the talent and razor sharp wit of the writing on this song. RVKAH unfurls this track with a snarky righteousness that hits with precision and deliberate aim.
Like Britney at her best.
The lesson hear is never fuck with a songwriter. ”
“We all grow as we age and mature, and at times, two people who were once madly in love grow in different directions leaving an emotional chasm between them. Chris de Sarandy laments such an evolution on his track, ‘Who I Once Knew.’
The song reminded me a bit of Coldplay with more of an Indietronica vibe pushing it forward. The vocal performance is spot on, delivering passion and emotion that the listener can easily feel and connect with.”
“All too often duets feel a bit forced, but here Hanne Mjøen teams with Ryland James to give us an emotionally vulnerable track where both sets of vocals play perfectly off of each other.
The track is romantic yet real and genuine which is never an easy feat to achieve. The authenticity is rooted in an emotional honesty and a willingness to stand in the spotlight of our faults while opening up. The good, the bad, and the ugly, because any lasting relationship will see a bit of it all. ”
“Art is often born of heartache and despair and this track certainly has that feel. ‘Flashbacks’ is all about reflecting on the past and dealing with the mix of regrets and missteps we all make. The back and forth nature of the two sets of vocals play well off each other and makes the emotion truly tangible int he way few Pop songs manage to pull off. ”
“Wake The Wild does a great job of straddling that line between fresh contemporary sound and a classic retro sound. ‘Need Your Love’ builds slow like a 90s R& B track but backs the build with a rhythmic Electro Pop beat that still reminded me of the Weeknd at times. An emotional build and strong arrangement makes this track shine in a subdued emotional kind of way. ”
“Alisa Xayalith steps out from her role as frontwoman of New Zealand’s The Naked and Famous and takes the emotional forefront all alone on her first solo project. “Devil I know’ is a Pop track with strong songwriting and of course stellar vocal talent. The track is insightful in it’s approach to how our minds and hearts work to move us forward through life and relationships.”
“It is so easy to embrace the ‘I’m At A Loss’ attitude in todays’ world. and Alta Falls does a masterful job of capturing the hopeless and/or overwhelming feeling of how to move forward. That alone helps as we listen and understand we are not alone in these feeling, but the track has incredible talent behind it giving it that extra edge.
There are Retro 80’s vibes to the sound and that somehow adds to the dynamics with very contemporary ideas pushing the lyrics, and a nostalgic vibe that lends almost a haunting quality of the past to the mix. ”
“Estella Dawn has the kind of sultry and inviting vocal style that is timeless and easy to fall all the way in on right from the start. This track has a slow build but it comes with an intriguing build that holds the listener close. Lyrically, the track holds surprises and there is nuance to dig in on that will keep you coming back time and time again. ‘Winners’ is a vibe that grips you hard. ”
“I loved the writing of this track above all else but that is not to say the vocal talent doesn’t shine as well. There is an honest almost conversational vibe to the lyrical build and the emotive delivery feels every bit as genuine.
Dark and light at the same time this single really simply felt honest and true the way few artists can pull off. Add in a unique vocal tone and songwriting that didn’t really hit me as similar to things I’ve heard before and I was hooked by the talent and uniqueness. ”
“Gwyn Love has the kind of emotive voice that hooks you from the first word. This track has some Pop Punk elements that have a 90s nostalgia feel but also some Contemporary Pop vibes that make it feel modern and timely. Almost in the vein of Taylor Swift collabs with Green Day. Well-written and sneakily pointed the track keeps you leaning in and eager for the next line. ”
“A soft vulnerable track that hit me like Adele, if she had been a Pop Diva in the 80’s.
Oliver Nelson and Lilla Vargen combine forces to bring this engaging track to your ears. A track that would be perfect for the quiet montage after a break up in a Rom Com, ‘Long Summer Nights’ is an sensitive ride that pulls at the heart strings. ”
“SEKI delivers a soft emotive set of vocals to usher in the track, ‘Need A Moment.’ there is a hint of the 80s in the build but the vocal delivery feels entirely contemporary and the track has that calming inspirational vibe that leaves the listener feeling positive and and uplifted.
A track to celebrate the ones you love and the joys of this world. ”
“Riding a groove that is musical, yet spoken word poetic at the same time, Skuff Micksun delivers a passionate flow that feels honest and true in a confessional sort of way. The best art lays the artist bare, and that is what this track does.
Short and to the point, ‘Magnificent’ is hard to categorize, but that doesn’t really matter because the words are clearly poured straight from the heart.”
“Finally a break up song that feels as random and abstract as our minds tend to get after such a painful experience. The emotions are real and tangible here on this track and the writing is spot on brilliant. The track is short, but packs in everything it needed to in just under two minutes. A brilliantly crafted song that comes with a different angle than most artists are capable of delivering. ”
“Longtime fans of LA on Lock are no stranger to Ryan Cassata’s talent as we have featured several songs from this songsmith.
’CLOSER’ is the latest track from the artist and once again Cassata has tapped into an emotional energy that sells the lyrics with precision and verve. This track is a bit more energetic than the others we’ve featured, but the groove and rhythm really help bring this one to life.”
“Light and upbeat, ‘Never Alone’ from Ian Oshér is one of those songs that grabs you in immediately and refuses to let you go. The LA artists rides a nice calm wave to deliver the track. There is a subtle energy and spark without the track resorting to gimmicks or over production. The simple, straightforward lyrics and arrangement work quite well. ”
“This track won me over with clever writing and the power of an apt metaphor. Of course the vocal talent also shines, emoting the feelings behind those well-written lyrics.
Musically this one could have delivered more punch or a unique spin, but the other elements are so strong I stayed intrigued and on the hook for the duration. The video adds a bit of humor and fun. ”