Frankie Bird - Unstuck [Music Review] May 12, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “The tight harmonies demanded my attention right from the start, and then Frankie Bird soared even higher with captivating vocals that definitely fly above the fray. ’Unstuck’ is an upbeat and uplifting track that carries you on the current of its spirit and liveliness. We’ve all been stuck in one way or another, and it is only after freeing ourselves that we have experience true euphoria. This track captures that sensation quite well giving us a soundtrack to go along with the joy of newfound freedom.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
EDIE - Lie to Me [Music Review] April 29, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Coming with a Pop Punk sound that has notes of 90s Grunge, EDIE unleashes her anger with ‘Lie To Me.’ Razor sharp lyrics cut to the bone in this break up anthem and EDIE’s vocals sell the anger and emotion start to finish. This track is perfect for anyone going through a breakup or needing that reminder about the liar in their past. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Born Runner - Lose Yourself Tonight [Music Review] April 17, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “A high-energy track that sort of feels like Bruno Mars meets Neon Trees.Born Runner delivers a unique sound so pinning them to any particular genre, or one direct comparison to another artist is tough, but I’ll call ‘Lose Yourself Tonight’ a Indie Rock Funk and say it is a perfect track for any motivational or party playlist because it delivers fun energy at every single turn.” — Travis Erwin ~ 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
Nolea - Room [Music Review] April 09, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “There is no dearth of musical talent in LA and now the band Nolea joins that fray with a an intelligent brand of introspections that is both chill and mentally provocative. ’Room’ is the kind of spacious song that allows the listen the rom they need to come to the emotion and lyrical build. There is an ethereal quality to the delivery and production dynamics here that simply allows you to freefall into the track.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
South of Nine -Fine Acids [Review] March 18, 2024 by Kreadiv Kesh in Alternative, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “ I like the vocal tone. The vocal tone creates a unique sound. South of Nine goes deep in the delivery with strong guitar strings to back it up. The sexy alternative rock song reminds me of a old school band like the Foo Fighters. This is defiantly a hit.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blogger]
Conflict Choir - The Real Thing [Music Review] March 17, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Conflict Choir nailed it when they described their new single, ‘The Real Thing,’ as ... it’s like Soundgarden had a jam with Jeff Buckley. The single has a hanting timeless quality and there are hints of multiple decades in the song. From the 70’s on up to today this UK band doesn’t feel derivative but rather like an evolution, and I can’t wait to hear more from this talented band. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Johnny Orlando - Vegas [Music Review] March 11, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Johnny Orlando is poised to take the reins from Beiber as Canada’s reining Pop king. His latest single, ‘Vegas’ shows his vocal range and depth of emotion. The track is an affirmation of love and will no doubt find its way into many a playlist dedicated to love and infatuation. The song has a self-aware, sensual feel as well as a vulnerability that comes though in Orlando’s talented performance.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
BOY LOCO - Slow Dancing [Music Review] March 08, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Indie Pop, Alternative, Pop Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “BOY LOCO delivers a nice, smooth track that emotes a nostalgic brand of reminiscences and motivates your heart to open up and feel. For me the track has a hint of regret, stemming from doubt that maybe the narrator did not hold onto the relationship the way they should have. Or perhaps there was a loss that ended things. Of course others may take this track as more of a post date type euphoria in that the singer simply cannot wait to get back together with their person for some slow dancing.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Jade LeMac - Pick A Fight [Music Review] March 01, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Jade LeMac toes the line between love and hate in her latest single, ‘Pick A Fight.’ The track has a decided Pop edge, but definitely comes with a lyrical sharpness as well that will make you think long after that infectious beat and chorus have subsided. The simply, yet effective video works perfectly to deliver the punch of the songwriting.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Lui Peng - Otherside [Music Review] February 27, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Pop, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Lui Peng deliver a pure Pop sound that has a Ed Sheeran meets the Weeknd vibe for me. ‘Otherside’ is an emotional love song that will no doubt make its way to a lot of shared playlists and dedications.Coming with a nice emotive energy and upbeat tempo the track has a feel good side to go with the romantic vulnerability. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Bex - Did I Do Something Wrong? [Music Review] February 27, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Pop, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Bex deliver the kind of vocal power and emotiveness that is rare individually but all the more so when found in tandem. ’Did I Do Something Wrong?’ offers a slow emotional build and conjured imagery all on its own. This lends the track a theatrical bent that cannot be ignored but here the drama does not feel manufactured simply real and genuine. The track has a modern Stevie Nicks vibe and could have been a Fleetwood Mac track back in the day but that is not to say it feels dated or even particularly retro. More like timeless in this case. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Caroline Romano - Used by You [Music Review] February 27, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Pop, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Caroline Romano has established herself as one of my favorite artists that routinely submits their creative efforts to LA on Lock and I look forward to catching her show May 2nd at the El Rey Theatre here in Los Angeles. ’Used by You’ is a an honest unyielding track about one sided relationship and the amount one party is willing to give while the other simply takes and takes. Catch this rising Alt-Pop star on tour at these locations.Caroline Romano Tour Dates:April 26 - Bend, OR @ Domino RoomApril 27 - Portland, OR @ Polaris HallApril 28 - Seattle, WA @ NeumosApril 30 - San Francisco, CA @ The IndependentMay 2 - Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey TheatreMay 3 - Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation RoomMay 4 - Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent BallroomMay 7 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues Cambridge RoomMay 8 - Austin, TX @ Antone’s Nightclub ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
The Ability - Constellations [Music Review] February 19, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “With strong imagery and a hard-edged musical arrangement, ‘Constellations’ from The Ability is the Alternative Rock track you didn’t know you needed to hear.There is an element of hope within this lyrical build, but there is also the peril and pain of the journey we all call life. The build almost feels hectic at times but then again, so does everyday existence so the vibe is perfect for the message the song is trying to convey. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
DUUNES - Emotional Damage [Music Review] February 19, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “it is tough to hear the term ‘Emotional Damage’ and not think of the internet meme voice, but DUUNES quickly transcends that stigma with this powerfully written song. THe soaring arrangement and strong Indie Rock edge erase the voice from my head and carry me away with a set of meaningful lyrics that hits right at the heart. I’ve given this single a few listens and with each one I feel more connected to the track. Songwriting as it should be!” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Casino Havana - All For Nothing [Music Review] February 02, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Alternative, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Casino Havana delivers this track with energetic Indie Rock energy and commitment. “All For Nothing’ is an anthem of jumping headfirst into the fray and both the sound and passion come through to sell that ideal. This is modern Rock with intent and passion. The music and the vocals are dead on in that pursuit. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Gonsofus - Vanilla Blue February 02, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Pop Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “This funky little number comes straight out of Slovakia. And perhaps that is why the sound is so tough to categorize. Ther eis a retro vibe the energetic arrangement but also a Contemporary emotional thread that captivated me. Gonsofus is a track that layers in the sounds and feeling and when the female vocals hit I knew I was hooked in for the full ride. GIve the quirky number that is ‘Vanilla Blue’ a shot and I think you’ll become a mit mesmerized as well.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Cloe Wilder - Fake ID [Music Video Review] January 30, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Seventeen is a sandwich year. The euphoria that comes with the freedom of a driver’s license has faded and the big bastion of adulthood, eighteen, is still off on the distant horizon so it is no wonder seventeen is the time or restlessness and yearning. ’Fake ID,’ by Cloe Wilder captures this with Pop perfection. The track, and accompanying video, are fun and entertaining, but they also harbor a hint of darkness as the naiveness of childhood is pushed aside by the hungry lust for adulthood. Of course everything in this world comes with a price which most of us do not learn until it is too late. This track layers int he fun and the the education these experiences give us as we transition in life.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
ANIKK - I Don't Wanna Lose Myself [Music Review] January 30, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Twenty-three year old Swiss artist, ANIKK gives us an Alt Pop ode to co-dependency with her track, ‘I Don’t Wanna Lose Myself.’ Co-dependency gets a bad rap and I get why, but most of us find ourselves there at some point in life and when it’s good it’s great. Of course the wheels an come off at anytime and that is always scary. The blend of emotions from such an intense relationship, vulnerability, hope, faith, love, lust, fear, and joy are all lurking here on this artful track and the performance makes you feel every last one of them.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Jade LeMac - Narcissistic [Music Review] January 29, 2024 by Travis Erwin in Lyric Video, Alternative, Pop Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “There are a ton of songs dealing with Toxic relationships, but most are delivered from a victim’s point of view and deal with the idea of emerging on the other side. Jade LeMac gives us an entirely different take. Told from a ‘Narcissistic’ POV, LeMac gives us the adrenaline rush. The thrill of knowing something is wrong and doing it anyway. LeMac evokes a wry bit of irreverence in this ode to passion.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger