Andi - Money [Review] September 17, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Commercial, Electro Pop, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Andi infuses passion and attitude in every line of her performance of ‘Money.’ The keys add a brooding beat to this sultry track about the lure and dark side of money. The track has a clear message, but makes said point with a dark, siren-like tone and Electro Pop vibes so that the message does not feel like a warning or lecture as much as simply a statement of observance that the listener can take or leave as they see fit. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Nic Darwin - Fit [Review] September 17, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Adult Contemporary, Indie Pop, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4 out of 5 “Nic Darwin wrote ‘Fit’ about the struggle of trying to fit in with the so-called norms when you are the kid others have labeled as weird. Of course we all know the creative and imaginative side that pushes people to the outside of society are the very same traits that make them creative artists. And once they find success there, then suddenly those who mocked the same attributes are their biggest fans. It is an odd dynamic and this track captures all of that very well. ” — Quote Source
Tedious & Brief - Not That Deep [Music Video Review] September 17, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Lyric Video, Pop, Rock, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “It is easy to write those breakup songs when the heartache is fresh and real, but what happens once the artist gets over the breakup and is then forced to relive it by performing the slate of songs over and over. The artistic struggle is a complex one and this song has a bit of fun with that by bringing to the forefront the meaning behind such tracks. Tedious & Brief do a masterful job of putting a unique twist on a well-worn subject. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Confetti - Emo [Review] September 17, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Indie Electronic, Indie Pop, Indie Rock Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Confetti gives us a track that speaks to the age when you are caught between the free spirit of your early 20s and the stage where responsibility and obligation leave you wondering when and why life went wrong. The lyrics are wryly poignant in their humor but they land with deliberate emotion as well. ‘Emo’ is that song that feels like it was written specifically for you when in fact, it delivers a near universal appeal. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Chloe Lilac - 10 Things [Music Video Review] September 03, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Music Videos, Electro Pop, Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Chloe Lilac does not pull any punches in her latest single, ‘10 Things.’ Never piss of a writer and especially a songwriter as they can and will use those emotions to fight back. The writing here is strong and the emotion behind the delivery works well in this revenge track of sorts. There is a Pop, almost Punk vibe that hooks the listener in and keep them invested in the lyrical build. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Nadia Kamrath - Confessions [Review] August 22, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Pop, Folk, Americana Rating: 4 out of 5 “Nadia Kamrath possesses the uncanny talent to perfectly convey emotion with only a few words. ‘Confessions’ is an emotive singer/songwriter vibe reminiscent to Phoebe Bridgers in style, but Kamrath certainly has her own tonal quality and style that stands out. The track is about one friend catching deeper feelings and offering up the emotions behind such a realization. The sentiments ring true and genuine and it is an easy track to fall in on.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Elephant Castle - French Food [Review] August 21, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Rock, Indie Pop Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “We all spent some time daydreaming about food and dining out during isolation, and this track is a fun dreamy ode to wishing for something we can’t have at the moment. Elephant Castle delivers a unique take and spin on the difficulties of quarantine and how we as society are use to instant gratification. The smooth build and chantlike vocal arrangement pull the listener along and leave you hungry for some savory ‘French Food.’ ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Estella Dawn - Pretty [Review] August 20, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Adult Contemporary, Commercial, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Appearances are superficial but how we feel about ourselves and our appearance goes deep to the bone and this track is about finding the beauty within ourselves and being comfortable with that outer shell as well, because it all goes hand in hand. Estella Dawn has a big powerful voice and an emotive delivery to bring out the emotions of this well-written track. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
George McBride - Pink Paisley [Music Video Review] August 13, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial, Indie Pop, Indie Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “As a writer myself, I am sucker for a good storytelling song, and George McBride has given us exactly that with ‘Pink Paisley.’The story of addiction, and the myriad of struggles that comes with it, is one that sadly many can relate to. The overall vibe is of a Indie Rock track and the video does an admirable job of accentuating the writing with strong imagery. This is a track that feels true to life and the emotions come through in the writing and performance.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Brandon Birdwell - Wasted Days [Review] August 13, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Indie Pop, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “If Elton John and Ed Sheeran teamed up to write an Americana track, the resulting song would surely sound a lot like this. Luckily for us we don’t have to wait for such a collaboration, because Brandon Birdwell already possess the talent and skill to create that exact sound. And here it is — ‘Wasted Days,’ is no waste of your time or energy so give it a listen and add it to your playlists.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Sofia Lainovic - I Will Not Bother Anymore [Review] August 08, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Singer/Songwriter, Rock, Indie Pop, Indie Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Sofia Lainovic infuses a sultry rasp into her vocals that reminds me some of ZZ Ward. ‘I Will Not Bother Anymore’ is about moving on from that person that hurt you and no longer allowing them to occupy your headspace or emotions. The track has a Rock vibe to the melody and build though it uses elements of Blues, and Pop to blend the overall sound into an engaging ode to moving on.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Elsewhere! - Overrated [Review] August 05, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Pop, Rock Rating: 4 out of 5 “Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.” — Quote Source “Elsewhere! has dropped the new single, “Overrated,’ which is an ironic title, because the song and talent are anything — but over rated. Coming with a pure Indie Pop sound, the track has a bit of Bieber vibe vocally, and comes with a nice groove behind it that conjures comparisons to The 1975. This is an easy build to fall in and join if you feel like belting out the words along with the performance.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Grace Otto - You're The Worst [Review] July 26, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Electro Pop, Indie Pop Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Grace Otto is a burgeoning Pop queen. The talent, confidence, and star factor emit in every line she delivers on this breakout track.’You’re The Worst’ is a big Pop track that feels like Katy Perry, Pink, and Miley Cyrus meshed into one, brand new bad-ass goddess ready to take on the musical world. This is one of those track you just have to hit play to fall in and become immersed in the jaded anger and righteous payback. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
WYATT - hurt u this much [Review] July 23, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Pop, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “WYATT drops this brutally honest track. Sometimes a persona does not have bad intentions, but simply is prone to succumbing to bad decisions and it is their weaknesses that lead them to hurt those they love. ‘hurt u this much’ is an ode to such poor decision making and the impact it has on others. The track comes with a decided Pop vibe and is easy to fall in and and connect.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Devon Again - Suburbia [Music Video Review] July 23, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Sure, life in ‘Suburbia’ has a well-earned reputation for the bland routine, but people are people, and underneath the glossy exteriors lurks desires and dreams and hopes and fears. and eventually, all of that is going to come out no matter the zip code .This track from Devon Again put a sultry and secretive sexy spin on one such take. The video and song together weave an engaging story that is hard not to fall in and lose the world around you.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Evan Blair - Sleepwalker [Review] July 17, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Alternative, Indie Rock, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Watching someone you love suffer and twist in the wind is a tough experience. Evan Blair was in such a relationship, only he was the one stuck in a bad place and despite his efforts to shake off the doldrums he remained a ‘Sleepwalker’ despite their best efforts to pull him out. This song is his Indie Rock ode to that time and experience. There is a bit of 90’s nostalgia, but the track still feels relevant and contemporary as well. Reminded me a great deal of Weezer, with feeling overtly derivative. ” — Travis Erwin ~LA on Lock Blogger
Rachel Bochner - hating myself in the summer [Review] July 15, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Electro Pop, Commercial, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “I like the fact this otherwise light and airy Pop track takes on a complex personal issue such as body image. Rachel Bochner captures the anxiety and fear that summer time and swimsuit season brings on for a lot of people. Her vocal tone is engaging and the writing pointed, without ever slipping into a heavy handed kind of message. This is a nice entertaining track, with something vital to say. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
AJ Smith - Double Vaxxed [Review] July 09, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Indie Pop, Electro Pop, Adult Contemporary Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Hot Vax Summer, finally has an anthem! AJ Smith drops this catchy track that at times reminded me of Jack White, and of Prince at others. This track is simply fun and energetic and well-written in a punny and ironic sort of way that works, because it mirrors the times we are in. The world might not have known it needed a ‘Double Vaxxed’ Electro Pop song, but now that it’s here ... we clearly all needed this release. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
Claire Rosinkranz - Hotel [Music Video Review] July 09, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “Claire Rosinkranz has created Indie Pop gold with ‘Hotel,’ her ode to secret rebellion. This track perfectly captures the fun and excitement of sneaking off to explore and have fun with your friends on your own. It is the escape of family and the expectations that come with them, and simply letting loose and trying new things. Of finding your way in the world and navigating through the various pitfalls to arrive on the other side when you can smile and fondly recall the good times you are lucky to have survived. ” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger
TITUS BANK - Hide Me Like You Do [Review] July 08, 2021 by Travis Erwin in Music, Electro Pop, Indie Pop, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4 out of 5 “Titus Bank captures the emotional distress of a lover not as fully open and committed about your relationship as you are. The track has a tender Pop build and feel, with an emotional underscore that feels very real and vulnerable. Making a comparison to another artist is not easy as I do hear subtle influences, but nothing that overshadows Bank’s own talent and spirit. This is a well-written track that hits ground not a lot of other music covers.” — Travis Erwin ~ LA on Lock Blogger