While I was glad to get away on a wonderful New England cruise, I wasn’t happy about coming down with the flu a few days after my return, which has kept me sidelined with next to no voice up till a few days ago. But I’ve still been listening to the new songs, though I admit to being a tad behind with some submissions. Nevertheless, I’ve cobbled together my thoughts about 10 new songs for you this week, including the top two songs at EuroVision. One of those songs is even “Big Daddy” Russ Horton’s pick of the week, and both will be played on this week’s edition of my online radio show “The Big 20”. So there’s plenty to check out – enjoy!
In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five take us back to songs from 1982-85, including two written by Canadian favourite Ian Thomas. If you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what song are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30!
The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.
Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.
GREYSON CHANCE, “Rearview Mirror”
Greyson Chance’s first new music of 2024 is an indie release that ponders the ages old question – “What if I had the power to go back in time?” That’s an elusive and emotional ask, and one that he tackles in his usual sincere and thoughtful way in “Rearview Mirror”. It’s an awful question to wrestle with because it leads to so many other ‘what if’s’ that would have happened had things been different. A more mature Greyson knows the answer to the question and doesn’t want to drag the listener through his and their painful memories. “Rearview Mirror” deserves attention from college and alternative radio as an indie release, and I think it will become a crowd singalong favourite in concert. It also starts an intriguing path for what’s to come from Greyson in the next while.
NEMO, “The Code”
I was travelling this year when EuroVision happened, and though I haven’t hear the breadth of entries like usual, “The Code” by non-binary contestant Nemo is a deserving winner for Switzerland. The 24 year old singer, who also plays violin, piano and drums, dominates an aggressive electronic production that stands out when pitted against the riveting visuals of the EuroVision performance (click on the photo above). One moment they sound like Mika, and in the next they’re rapping a smooth flow that fits so well in the song. EuroVision audiences seem to like flamboyance that comes from an earnest place, and “The Code” and Nemo have all that and more. Even better, Nemo co-wrote and co-produced the record – we’ll be hearing more from them.
TheFatRat, RIELL, “Myself and I”
TheFatRat is a German progressive electronic producer whose recent songs of “chapters” look like they are leading to a new album, which would be his first since 2021. Tied directly into gaming, his works are shining examples of how to meld electronic music with the gaming and video mediums. “Myself and I” is the sixth chapter, featuring go-to dance music vocalist RIELL, whose voice is stunningly showcased. The song features many familiar elements that align traditional classical music with progressive electronics, and its pacing and transitions are enticing. TheFatRat is one producer who is at the top of his game with what he is uniquely achieving and it will be intriguing to hear all of his chapters together when they’re all ready.
THE BOY FROM THE SOUTH, “Space Party”
Spain’s The Boy From The South returns with “Space Party”, an exceptional and melodic pop track about a voyage into outer space. The boy is aimable vocalist and guitarist Pedro Balañá, whose descriptive songwriting is delivered in his British accent with a rap-like flow that here immediately reminds me of Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” with a dash of Eminem and Beatles-esque whimsy aboard. The catchy keyboard hook gets immediately stuck in your head, but to get the full impact of the song, be sure to check out its video by clicking the photo above. Let’s just say the outcome of the voyage isn’t as much of a party as you might think. The Boy From The South has already appeared twice on the BILLCS Top 30 with the light-hearted tracks “Amazing-Man” (#3) and “Man Down” (#6), and “Space Party” is another unique showcase of his talents. Folks who were in Times Square in NYC in early May got to see a sneak preview of the video in Times Square! Big things are coming for The Boy From The South.
BABY LASAGNA, “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”
Baby Lasagna is a Croatian rock singer whose real name is Marko Purišić, and his song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” (which has no English translation) finished second in EuroVision this year. Even in recent years, EuroVision audiences have a taste for rock on the harder side, such as Maneskin, and Baby Lasagna delivers an infectious track with a powerful vocal against a backdrop of turmoil and stress in his home country. Again, the strong performance (click on the photo above) on the EuroVision stage had a lot to do with the high finish for “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”. European rock isn’t straight forward like North American rock, there are always surprises, and Baby Lasagna has delivered a strong release to make him someone worth watching.
STEVIE HOWIE, “vampiress”
Stevie Howie is a rising L.A.-based indie singer/songwriter originally from Tennessee who only emerged a few years back on social media, and has already won a dedicated following with his originals as well as covers of “Seven Nation Army” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which have ultimately led to live shows in the US and the UK. He’s got one of those brash Eddie Vedder-esque voices which can stand out among the noise, and “vampiress” is an impressive and fun original for you to get to know his edgy sound better. In the song, the singer has fallen under the spell of the title persona so much that he doesn’t come out till after midnight and can no longer see himself in the mirror. Those are great ideas of course that allude to finding the right person for yourself, except you don’t have to become undead in the process. But it will make you want to watch for the next Stevie Howie release.
CAROL MEDINA, “Rules”
It’s a big welcome back to Toronto-based, Australia-born R&B/pop singer Carol Medina, who was all over Canadian pop radio in the 90’s with the Juno Award-nominated “And The Song Goes”, “Secret Fantasy”, “You Don’t Know (Where My Lips Have Been)” and “Tell Me You Love Me”. “Rules” is her first new music in about 10 years, and it’s a slice of elegant jazz pop that will appeal to fans of Sade, Norah Jones, and Toni Braxton. The production is silky-smooth and laid back, and Carol’s vocal is warm and assured. Canadian AC radio stations looking for something new and inviting should look no further than “Rules”.
ERIC RIVERO, ROBBIE ROSEN, “The Other Side”
Chicago-born, L.A.-based dance producer Eric Rivero and NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen team up once again after the beautiful, recent “Lost In Love” for the deep house track “The Other Side”. It’s a reassuring song about looking for hope and possibility before giving up. There have been many songs written about ‘the other side’ but Eric and Robbie commit to it with zest and polish, and it will be a happy find for dance music fans looking for substance and sparkle. I hope Eric and Robbie continue to collaborate because these kinds of repeat performances are worth the wait.
TRAVIS GARLAND, “Tumbleweeds”
L.A.’s Travis Garland recently promised on social media to be releasing more music more frequently after a protracted absence, and that began with “Playing With Fire” a few weeks back. “Tumbleweeds” is a sultry and atmospheric track accompanied by some nice electric rock guitar. And while Travis’ invested vocal and the ear-catching production linger with me more than the actual song and subject matter, those of us who were wondering about what was next for Travis will be getting sated by these new songs. It’s great to have Travis back.
PETER WILSON, “Heard It In A Heartbeat”
Australian singer Peter Wilson, about whom you’ve read several times in this blog, is a reliable source for effortless 80’s flavoured electropop, for which there continues to be demand throughout the world. “Heard It In A Heartbeat” reminds me particularly of early 80’s Eurohouse, so fans of songs by Erasure, Alphaville and Modern Talking will be right at home. “Heard It” also benefits from a dramatic arrangement that allows Peter’s vocal power to be unleashed. Sometimes diving into new Eurohouse can be refreshing, and “Heard It In A Heartbeat” will appeal to even casual fans of the genre.
BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK
My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world.
Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah brings you his catchy house track “Find My Flow”
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK
“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”.
It’s “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” by Baby Lasagna in its official video!
DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK
DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885.
“Secret” by Australian singer/songwriter Peach PRC
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.
Frankie Goes To Hollywood -Relax (1984)
Nik Kershaw – I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (1984)
Prince – Raspberry Beret (1985)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Runner (1984)
Santana – Hold On (1982)
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
It hasn’t changed yet! John Summit and Hayla are #1 again with “Shiver”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
Marcus & Martinus make the most of their 9th place Eurovision finish with “Unforgettable” (13-7)
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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