Micah Banks x Calabasas x Atom - Easy [Music Video Review] February 25, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, EDM, Contemporary R&B, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “This track tells a story, not only in the emotional and passionate lyrics, but also in a well crafted video. ’Easy’ dives into the dysfunctional rules of love and broken hearts. The fact it is easy to blame the other person when the one you loves strays. The song is nuanced and real, just as modern love tends to be, and the ride is emotional and genuine. Combining EDM with a Contemporary R&B brand of delivery, the single takes a few surprising turns in its arrangement and video presentation, but holds the listener throughout.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Kevonna Rose - That's Fine [Review] February 16, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 “When a relationship ends, we often tend to look inward and blame ourselves, unless of course you catch them cheating, but the fact is ... sometimes the other person is simply an asshole. This track realizes this and says ... ‘That’s Fine.’ be an asshole but I’m moving on.Kevonna Rose understands the need to break clean and delivers a smooth soulful groove to moving forward with such knowledge that you can’t change the other person. This is both a break up song, and a slow jam that anyone who has recently gone through the end of a relationships will certainly relate to.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Malan - Go with the Flow [Review] February 11, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Contemporary R&B, Electro Pop, Bedroom Rating: 4 out of 5 “A melodic track that truly does ‘Go With The Flow.’ Malan delivers the single with talented vocal precision, and a sweet tone that hooks and holds the listener. A calm steady build creates a tranquil vibe that feels like warm spring sunshine on your face after a long chilly winter. Settle in and relax as you let this track warm your very soul.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
sheyda - Wish I Could Want You [Music Video Review] January 19, 2022 by Travis Erwin in Music, Contemporary R&B, Electro Pop, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “We’ve all spotted that person that captivates us with their looks, only to be disappointed once that person opens their mouth. ‘Wish I Could Want You’ takes a lap around that emotional pool, but does so with powerful vocals and a wry set of lyrics that makes this track not only a smooth groove, but a stunning bit of sarcasm that lands all of its lyrical punches. The video will have you ready to hit the lake. Can’t wait to hear more music from this talented artist. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Dami x Messenger - All I Know [Review] December 13, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Contemporary R&B, Conscious, Hip-Hop, Rap Rating: 4 out of 5 “In the face of haters and naysayers, sometimes all we have to hang onto is our our own stubborn determination and personal belief that we can get there. ‘All I Know’ is all about having the confidence and stamina to persevere when others say — give it up. Dami and Messenger team up here to deliver this chilled vibe and laidback flow and in doing so they have proved any and all naysayers wrong, because they clearly have the talent and resolve to rise above the fray.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Bianca Jade - Everything I've Got [Music Video Review] November 23, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Neo-Soul, R&B, Soul, Contemporary R&B Rating: 4 out of 5 “Bianca Jade delivers her vocals in silky smooth confidence and while not many people ever get everything they want, Jade’s talent and delivery makes it easy to believe she will indeed get there because she truly is giving it “Everything I Got.’The groove and build here are as mesmerizing as her vocal talent and this track is one that will make you feel empowered as well. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
FALANA - Energy [Review] October 15, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Contemporary R&B, Neo-Soul Rating: 4 out of 5 “FALANA established a nice groove on this track and one might say the ‘Energy’ is exactly right. Riding a tranquil but expressive beat and melody, FALANA layers on an emotive set of vocals that drips with a sultry invitation that is hard to resist. This is Contemporary R&B with a vibe that simply wraps around the soul and pulls you along for the entire ride. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Apache Grosse x Ajani Jones - Bad In Threes [Review] October 01, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Contemporary R&B, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4 out of 5 “There is a definite throwback vibe to the build here, but Apache Grosse and Ajani Jones team up to bring ‘Bad In Threes’ to life. The cadence and lyrical build sync perfectly with the beat to form a groove that is is easy to ride with. The slow groove deeper in comes at just the right time to make the listener lean in even further and connect.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Gracie Ella - Butterflies [Music Video Review] August 30, 2021 by Kreadiv Kesh in Neo-Soul, Music Videos, Commercial, Contemporary R&B Rating: 4 out of 5 “In the world of Mother Nature artist Gracie Ella is seen walking through a garden playing her guitar. Using her talents to express her feelings and how she was given butterflies. Despite her new attitude on love she makes it clear that just like the transformation of a butterfly feelings are transformed as well.” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
Gianni Taylor - Down and Out [Review] August 25, 2021 by Kreadiv Kesh in Contemporary R&B, Commercial, Music Videos Rating: 4 out of 5 “Gianni Taylor’s new single “Down and Out” carries us through emotions of someone’s love life. With the lead bass in the beat being his actual voice the song is enticing yet fun at the same time. Gianni artistry is honest lyrics fused with smooth vocals.” — Kreadiv Kesh [LA On Lock Blog]
Otev - In My Head [Music Video Review] August 06, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Contemporary R&B, Autotune, Alternative Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “The build and progression of this track worked for me, both vocally and the beat production. Lyrically this is one that simply resonated and made me nod my affirmations as I listened. The R&B groove gives the arrangement an easy flow and the production dynamics add just enough to give the while thing a contemporary feel.I was left wanting a bit more as the song felt short overall and could have went deeper in the writing, but all art should leave you wanting more and this one certainly did that for me.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Paul Oakenfold - I'm In Love ft. Aloe Blacc [Review] July 20, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, EDM, Commercial, Contemporary R&B Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Paul Oakenfold and Aloe Blacc. What could possibly go wring with such a talented pairing?Absolutely nothing judging by the first single to be released from Oakenfold’ upcoming album. ’I’m In Love’ is the first taste from the album to be titled, Shine On, and shine it does with rich textures and a smooth build and progression that epitomes the dance music sound to perfection. This might be the first time you are hearing the track, but it won’t be the last. Add it to your playlist early and tap in on the infectious sound whenever you like.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Adeline x Joshua J - Eternity [Review] July 09, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Neo-Soul, Contemporary R&B, Funk Rating: 4 out of 5 “This track is not an easy one to categorize as there is a little bit of of Funk, some soul, a hint of R&B, and all of it comes with good a blend of retro and new vibes. Adeline gives us a groove and a ride here that is easy to fall in and stay with for the duration. ‘Eternity’ captures the sentiments of summer, and especially this summer, very nicely. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Hunter Falls - Pain [Review] July 07, 2021 by Kreadiv Kesh in Commercial, Contemporary R&B Rating: 4 out of 5 “Hunter Falls new single “Pain” defines that no one is perfect. Over deep piano keys he express the emotional pain he is feeling. Some people like to use pain and hurt to escape emotion but he doesn’t want to choose that route. The collective chorus is an example or revolution and clarity. ” — Kreadiv Kesh ( LA On Lock Blogger )
ASTN - It's Not That Serious [Review] June 04, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Neo-Soul, Contemporary R&B, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Wavy guitar licks and a smooth sultry vibe ushers in this track from ASTN. ‘It’s Not That Serious’ offers a timeless sort of sound that lures the listener in and wraps around them like a warm blanket on a dark chilly night. Call it soulful R7B with just enough of a pop undertone to keep the track relatable for music lovers. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Trip Carter - Freshout [Review] June 04, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Hip-Hop, Indie Pop, Contemporary R&B, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “Trip Carter’s somes with a distinct raspy vocal style that emotes the light but direct attitude of this lyrical flow. He shares, ‘This song is about the feeling you get when you’re finally out of a bad situation. When you’re fresh out of jail, work, quarantine, or a toxic relationship, the energy is unmatched. You can finally breathe, blow off some steam and look forward to new possibilities.’The track is a genre ender but comes with a steady easy groove that pulls you in and holds you there. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Charmaine - DOUBLE DUTCH [Music Video Review] June 01, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Commercial, Contemporary R&B Rating: 4 out of 5 “Some tracks and artists are all about the attitude. Charmaine is such an artist and ‘DOUBLE DUTCH’ such a song. With a repetitive hook and strong in your face verses, the track unfolds like a challenge, or at least a declaration that Charmaine ain’t up for any bullshit. This is one of those singles that sneaks inside your brain and turns into an earworm, but the experience is entertaining and that’s what counts most. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
UglyFace x Aric Jones x Andre Mosley - By The Pound [Review] May 21, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Funk, Contemporary R&B, Rap Rating: 4 out of 5 “A smooth West Coast vibe ode to puff puffing by the pound. THis is a track to add to that playlist when you are partaking with your people and enjoying the laid back vibes as a result. Roll you one up and find your groove.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
j.aaron - Ah Lyke It [Review] May 07, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Contemporary R&B, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “We all know that person who is quirky and different in all the best ways, and that completely owns the fact without apology or explanation. This is the soundtrack to that type of person and the vocals here match the person as quirky and fun and unapologetic as well. The energy carries the day on this fun groove. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Kai Straw - Bleeding Out in the 415 [Review] April 30, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Soul, Contemporary R&B, Alternative Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Hailing from the Bay Area, Kai Straw has the kind of voice that refuses to let you turn away. Raw and vulnerable, while still holding a dark edge, this track unfurls a mesmerizing story. If the movie Sin City was smashed together with The Weeknd along with some kind of dark-side Flume, they’d sound something like this. This is the kind of song that will stick in your mind long after the last note has faded.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger