Tessa Violet x MisterWives - Bored [Music Video Review] June 26, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Indie Pop Rating: 4 out of 5 “A fun ode to boredom which most have us have lived in recent months. This song does not overtly refer to the pandemic or being isolated and stuck from friends, but of course that is where the mind goes even without a direct reference. The arrangement here is fun and engaging while still managing to express the disenfranchised and untethered state we’ve all been in though these times. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Armaan Malik- Next 2 Me [Music Video Review] June 23, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos Rating: 3 out of 5 “In a colorful cartoon visual Armaan Malik’s new single ‘Next 2 Me’ is pop to my ears. The singer songwriter tells a story of how he misses his love. He goes around in circles holding on to the memories by looking at photos and listening to her favorite songs. He hopes to bring her closer but just keep her next to him.” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
David Lyn - Can't Breathe [Music Video Review] June 23, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos Rating: 4 out 5 “We aren’t born to hate, but just like fashion history seems to repeat its self. Through all the training to protect, police brutality still exists. David Lyn’s new song ‘Cant’ Breathe’ is poetry in musical form. In a one shot visual he tells the story of America from his perspective and his take on the issues that exist.” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
Kendra Kay - Steady [Music Video Review] June 17, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4 out of 5 “ Singer Songwriter Kendra Kay starts off ‘Steady’ in her new single. Her new visual is country meets soul as she is on a farm singing about how crazy love can be. Despite the things that can be thrown at love good or bad., things will go back to being steady. The interchangeable sky toward the end is an example of how life changes but it can be displayed that the light of love still shines. ” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
Lawson - Animals [Music Video Review] June 16, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial, Alternative Rating: 4 out of 5 “In an absolute absurd brand of fun, the video for ‘Animals’ is almost a tongue-in-cheek reprimand for anyone that takes songs too literal. That is exactly what the video does and here it makes for a good bit of humor. As a band Lawson is wiling to have a bit of fun at their own expense while giving us a visual representation of their track about the infatuation of love. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Ulrik Munther - C’est La Vie [Music Video Review] June 16, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Singer/Songwriter, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “This is a very well written song, made all the more special by the home movie clips of the video. Reconnecting with our inner child and finding the things that inspired us in our purest form is a a way to shake off the burdens adulthood straps to our backs. This song is all about that, and it comes with a joyful melody and a nice light, but emotionally engaging vocal performance.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Goldkimono - To Tomorrow [Music Video Review] June 15, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Singer/Songwriter, Commercial, House Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Inspired by his time in Venice Beach California, the Netherland’s Goldkimono delivers a sound that hints at Red Hot Chili Peppers with an island pop style, and a crunch of a Dutch stroopwafel. Known for writing the iconic Kygo - Firestone, Goldkimono describes his sound a lot like his clothing style, ‘Take a handful of sunshine and throw it into a boardwalk thrift shop, walk out with some comfy colorful pants and a Levi’s Sherpa jacket and don’t turn back.’ ‘To Tomorrow’ brings the carefree spirit of youth with little regard to what happened yesterday, because you believe in the present and tomorrow so damn much.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Focus The Truth - Survivor's Guilt [Music Video Review] June 14, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious “Powerful! Both in the immediacy of the video, and in the vocal flow that comes straight at you. Lyrically, the track is strong truth delivered with passion and verve. An old school beat backs the vocal flow and I especially like that retro 70’s flair added into the musical layer. The words and lyrics and overall vibe is contemporary, but the layers add a depth to the history of the systemic racism, generations in the building. The writing and performance is an intelligent thought provoking response and counter statement.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Dzeko - “Both Still Young” (feat. Keith Urban) [Music Video Review] June 13, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, EDM Rating: 4 out of 5 “Dzeko and Keith Urban combine here to give this track true life. The powerhouse DJ producer and the iconic Country guitarist and star come together to give us “Both Still Young.’ The beat and progression are energetic and uplifting whereas the vocals deliver Urban’s trademark sound in a slightly different light than most of us are use to. Lyrically this is a track about the power of love that comes with a pledge to never let those embers die. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Fionn - Modern Medication [Music Video Review] June 12, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Commercial Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Lyrically sharp, Fionn has delivered a track of social commentary on Gen-Z. The production of the track has a bit of a throwback vibe, and yet the songs delivers a very modern vibe and mood. The vocals are alluring and evocative, as are the lyrics. The imagery of the video is fun and yet punctuates the commentary of the song quite well.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Da$Htone - "Someday" feat. Alma Cook & Ethan Butler [Music Video Review] June 11, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 5 out of 5 “This is the very song we all need right now. As a stand alone single, ‘Someday’ would be a fun uplifting listen from a talented artist, but Da$Htone did not stop there. In a video that incorporates all of his community of greater Chicago, Da$Htone enlists the help of everyday folks and that took the spirit of this track to new heights. The takeaway is a feel-good vibe and an engaging fun track that simply strikes the perfect tone right about now.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Dax - BLACK LIVES MATTER [Music Video Review] June 09, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap, Hip-Hop, Conscious Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Dax is no stranger to LA on Lock, nor has ever been one to hold back or stay quiet. His take on what the world needs, ‘BLACK LIVE MATTER’ is a triumph of hope and truth. Listen and feel these words. Listen and be part of the solution. Listen and demand more from your self, and from society. Racism is ugly, music and compassion, and society that does not stand for bigotry are beautiful. Kudos for Dax on spreading beauty and love.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Eric Leon x TroyBoi -Lemme See [Music Video Review] June 09, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos, Rap Rating: 4 out of 5 “Lemme see what you got. I heard your momma raised a Thot.” Despite the choice of words this verse is catchy AF. Eric Leon x TroyBoi give us a new single that is full of energy. As you listen to the song the lyrics sound like he is saying the first thing that comes to his mind but putting a beat behind it, this is what makes the song so interesting” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
Selli - Sober Kid [Music Video Review] June 09, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Hip-Hop, Conscious, Autotune Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Breaking up with someone you deeply care about, not because you want to, but because you have to, is a tough situation. Addiction ruins lives in so many ways and here on ‘Sober Kid,’ Selli details such a relationship. Along with the regret that comes after such a necessary act. The imagery of the video is powerful, and the track itself shines brightest in its quieter, pensive moments. The writing is spot on, and though at times the autotune filters out some of the emotion, the overall performance remains quite gripping.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Theo Blue - The Same [Music Video Review] June 05, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos Rate: 4 out of 5 “ With so many deaths to unarmed African Americans, Theo Blu is finding ways to bring awareness through music. The visual for ‘The Same’ starts out with a recap and leads into a poetic flow of awareness and empowerment. Shot in black and white to depict how the world should be but isn’t.” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
An-G - BAAQ [Music Video Review] May 29, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Rap Rating: 4 out of 5 “Let the coronation commence! An-G declares herself Queen in this, punch-you-in-the-mouth flow. Proclaiming to the world that she can do whatever the hell she wants, An-G is not shy on bluster be it with your man or otherwise. Brazen, and blazing, she ain’t talking trash, she is talking facts, at least in her mind. Listen and scope out the video to judge for yourself if you think she can back up the swagger.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Sarah Barrios - Mourn The Living [Music Video Review] May 29, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Singer/Songwriter, Commercial Rating: 4 out of 5 “Mourning is accepted when it comes to those who have passed on, but it often seems like we as society tell people to get over it and move on when they are mourning anything else but the dead. With ‘Mourn The Living,’ Sarah Barrios gives is a heart-wrenching Pop ballad to the loss of relationships, friends, and even times gone by. The vocals deliver the sense of loss with a tender almost ragged emotion that hits hard.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
Brooke Alexx - Stole My Heart - Acoustic [Music Video Review] May 29, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Singer/Songwriter Rating: 4.5 out of 5 “Brooke Alexx steps away from a big Pop production with this raw emotional track. ‘Stole My Heart’ is a tender love ballad of heartache, hope, and fear. Lyrically the song is about that one person that you can’t forget even though both of you have moved on, proving time and distance are sometimes not enough to repair the cracks true love leaves behind. Sometimes the journey is not what we expect and this tack captures that realization with grace and talent.” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)
N-Trigue Da Incredible- Way Out [Music Video Review] May 29, 2020 by Kreadiv Kesh in Music Videos, Rap Rating: 3.5 out of 5 “Everyday is a hustle. For most people their hustle consist of doing what they have to do to survive, They are driven with the ultimate goal of finding a way out. N-Trigue Da Incredible’s new single’ Way Out’ drops a hard beat with a smooth visual of cruising the streets telling the stories of life and the hustle” — Kreadiv Kesh (LA On Lock Blogger)
Icarus Moth x Wit Blu - Perfect Outfit [Music Video Review] May 29, 2020 by Travis Erwin in Music Videos, Electro Pop, Contemporary R&B Rating: 4 out of 5 “Make up sex! This track is the softest smoothest ode to angry smashing that you will ever hear. The lyrical build is magic and the talented vocal performance oddly pop-like given the message being delivered. Somehow the mismatched combination is quite evocative and intriguing. But I suppose that is how love goes. Passion runs hot and cold, and is especially abrupt after making the corner after a big fight. So perhaps, this song has only captured that dynamic in perfect, musical bliss. ” — Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)