The Blockchains - Videoblogger [Review] April 01, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “This is a fun song decrying the rise of the ... Videoblogger. Delivered in Pop glory with a hint of an 80’s retro vibe, The Blockchains give us a tongue in cheek track that pokes a bit of fun at these ‘Stars’ of today. The track kept me amused and entertained, though in today’s hyper sensitive world I do see the risk a band takes in possibly alienating the very folks that could help or hinder their exposure. Of course all bloggers, video or otherwise, are not creating equally and I like that the band is unafraid to speak their minds.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Anthony Vince - One of Your Shows [Review] March 27, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Commercial, Alternative Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Anthony Vince has true vocal versatility which allows him to sing with a Commercial vibe, and then slip seamlessly into a Hip-Hop flow. Both works quite well on this track. There is an element of 90’s Alternative to the sound as well. ’One Of Your Shows’ is lyrically about coping with the end of a relationship, and while the writing certainly has its moments, the strength of this track is Vince’s diverse vocal capabilities. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Chelsea Collins - Used to be (L.O.V.E.) [Music Video Review] March 27, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Electro Pop, Commercial Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Coming in with an almost childlike tone, Chelsea Collins delivers a vocal uniqueness that catches you off-guard. And just when you have made your peace with this surprise, she takes it to another level with an energetic Pop fused interlude. This is an artist with the power to captivate with a single line, and this is a track that manages to do exactly that over and over again. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
UPSAHL - 12345SEX [Review] March 27, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Electro Pop, Commercial, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4 out of 5 “Sometimes it is best to defer to the artist when trying to talk about the origins of a song. And UPSAHL says it best when she wrote about her thoughts behind ‘12345SEX’ ... ‘fuck it, I’m going to make a song simply about being horny and living your best life with no apologies.’ Evocative and alluring, ‘12345SEX’ lures you like a siren’s song with its sexy beat and tantalizing vocals. This is pure hedonist Pop that works because it is sultry and seductive in all the best ways. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
ISA - Gravity [Review] March 27, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “ISA gives us a catchy and energetic single in her latest track, ‘Gravity.’ inspired by hit songs, Slim Shady and Havana you can definitely detect hints of both in ISA’s arrangement for this release. Mesmerizing both in the vocal tone, and the melody, this is a single that will linger beyond the last note so beware you just might catch yourself singing along to these words for the rest of the day. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Carolina Rial - Know Me Better March 27, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Success at an early age can be both a blessing and a curse and far too often a person age can be sued to dismiss their perspective. This track is Carolina Rial’s almost defiant response to the very idea that you know nothing because someone else decided you haven’t made enough trips around the sun. The vocals are engaging and the melody energetic enough to get you moving to the beat.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Ellrod - All Day [Review] March 27, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “An ultra modern love song that keeps north of being predictable or corny. With a pure Pop sound, Ellrod will no doubt remind others of Justin Bieber. This particular track delivers an energy that sweeps you up and carries you through to the end. ‘All Day’ is the kind of track that sticks in your head and you find yourself singing along to hours later. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Flo Chase - Spinning Wheel [Review] March 25, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Flo Chase gives us a hopeful and energetic vocal performance on ‘Spinning Wheel,’ a track that feels at times like a cross between Coldplay and Mumford & Sons. The lyrics plays off of the fact our world, and thereby our lives, are taking a turn on this planet this making it all one big spinning wheel of chance and hope. Sometimes the wheel lands on a happy place that we world like hell to land on again. This song does a great job of capturing those magic feelings.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Alexis Roussiaux - Butterflies [Review] March 23, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Fluttering in on the wings of a beautiful guitar melody, ‘Butterflies’ is a soft and delicate love song that captures that flight of fancy our emotions and stomach goes on when we are near that special person. Alexis Roussiaux delivers a tender, Mayer esque, performance that couples can easily dance to, and/or add to their playlists dedicated to each other. Perhaps the song is made all the more romantic in that it comes from the French, Roussiaux.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Nonamus - Lean Back (Feat. Devonchyy) [Music Video Review] March 20, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Nonamus comes right at you in ‘Lean Back.’ An alluring beat and energy dominate this track which grabs you and pulls you along for a good time. The imagery of the video expresses this very thing and the melody shifts into a nice funky surf rock groove from time to time. The second flow featuring Devonchyy adds another engaging element to keep you on the hook for the whole ride on this one. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Elliott Taylor - Cali (feat. Cut Chemist) [Review] March 20, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Alternative, Rap Rating: 4 out of 5 “The vibe here pulls you in and holds you, especially if you are lucky enough to call ‘Cali’ home. The melody and beat have a few surprises, and I dig that old school scratch added in there. The vocals are soft and steady and deliver the message with a clarity that can only be expressed by true belief in what you are saying. This is a track to sit back and groove to why you smoke and reflect on your California lifestyle.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Pink Elefants - Rehab [Music Video Review] March 20, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Lyric Video, Music Videos, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “It is no secret that Addiction is tough on everyone that loves you. This track comes from the viewpoint of a lover trying to break free from a relationship to save themselves from being pulled down alongside the one that can’t stay clean. The track utilizes several vocal styles which do a good job of showcasing the various emotions and moods of the distancing process. Lyrically sharp, the lyrics are easy to stay focused in on, and to sing along with. It’s not a happy song, but one of true emotion with a hint of jaded bitterness to make it truly feel real.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Alex Scott - I Got it [Review] March 20, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Funk, Commercial Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Alex Scott is taking a swim in the pool Michael Jackson built and Bruno has been swimming laps in recently. ‘I Got It’ is Pop Funk that will no doubt remind some of Timberlake as well. Scott’s vocal talent shines bright with this performance and the energy is undeniable, making this a track worthy of your time and energy.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Lune - Wi-Fi [Music Video Review] March 20, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Lyric Video, Music Videos, Electro Pop, Commercial Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “This tracks bare and stripped back vocals hooked me early on. I listened in the way you watch a story unfold on the street, that you perhaps are not supposed to see, because the nature of this track is slightly voyeuristic in that it feels like an intimate conversation between friends. The Electro Pop vibe is subdued and the track progresses with that one single voice doing the heavy, emotional lifting. Though the track does have enough splashes production wise, to elevate it above the artsy status and give it just a hint of commercial flair.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Jillian Steele - No Expectations [Review] March 18, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Jillian Steele has a voice that pulls you in immediately, and her single ‘No Expectations’ is one that has more to offer than an engaging performance and intriguing melody. Co-written by Michel Heyaca and James Shelley (American Authors), the track was written during a period of uncertainty and confusion to narrate how things happens for a reason. in discussing the song, Steele reveals, ‘Life was happening around me and I was just in it without any control and through this song I gained insight that I do deserve things and I should have expectations of what I want.’ Taking control of emotions is what many artists hope to do with their work and Steele show that with her talent on this track.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Sophia Gripari - Clear to Me [Review] March 16, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Finding clarity in the midst of a relationship can be tough, because emotion clouds your judgement like nothing else. This track is about finding that clarity of mind, though through this piece you will have no trouble distinguishing Sophia Gripari’s talent as her vocals shine from the beginning of this single. The production is clean and matches the overall vibe of the song making this a single that is easy to connect to and groove along with beyond the final note.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Nya Crea - Only You [Review] March 16, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Nya Crea honors the 60’s soul singers that inspired her with this track inspired the idea of unconditional and everlasting love. The track certainly feels like a throwback early on, though the chorus delivers a decidedly contemporary feel that lends the track a modern spin along with the Pop-Soul sound of yesteryear. This is the kind of song that will be played for years to come at wedding receptions as a first dance for happy couples beginning their lifetime together, but is just at home on your personal playlist when you want to think about the one that speaks to your heart.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Federal Av - Brighter Days Ahead [Music Video Review] March 13, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial, Neo-Soul, Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 “Perhaps on another day, in a another moment in history, this track would not bring the relevance it does today. But hey, we all need a bit of cheer and hope right about now. And in the words of Alanis ... Isn’t it ironic, that it comes from a band called Federal Av?Nevertheless, feast your ears and smiles on this soulful, uplifting track and forget about toilet paper shortages, cancellations, and the blight that has set all of the chaos into motion. Go ahead, close your eyes and enjoy some fun music for a few minutes, because this crazy world is going to keep spinning faster and faster either way.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Camden West - Lie, Cheat, Steal [Review] March 13, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “This is an engaging Pop song that could fit in today’s definition of Mainstream Country Music which has increasingly gone to the pop side of things. Don’t get chased away by that, because this is not a country song. I repeat this is not a country song, but rather a damn good Pop song with solid emotional engagement and a top notch vocal performance. True to life lyrics and an energetic melody give the song an upbeat fun vibe. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Onk Lou - Grey Goose [Music Video Review] March 13, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “When an artist is having fun expressing themselves it shines through in the project. Make no mistake, Onk Lou is having a hell of a lot of fun in the video for ‘Grey Goose.’ But of course when you have the mad talent that Lou possesses, it is easy to have a good time unleashing your creativity upon the world. Just when you think you know what this track is and how it is going to progress the vibe shifts and surprises.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)