I have some basic tips for artists who feel they are getting lost in the current oversaturation of music. But before I get on with those, I want to say: Don’t give up! There are many ways to get your songs heard and noticed without having to play the algorithm game to start. Not that this isn’t important, but maybe not for your first few song releases, and certainly not until you’re ready to tackle it. Be strategic!!
- If you find yourself doing everything and not having the time to do anything else, get help. People in your life who are truly interested in some way will help you.
- Do some research in terms of eventually getting paid help from publicists or others in the industry, which will help you determine how much you want to invest initially.
- Seize opportunities to get your music heard by following others on social media in your genre(s) who look to help artists with demo reviews and such.
- Develop relationships with people in your genre(s) you meet online who are like-minded. It’s always good to surround yourself with people who are supportive.
- Find the right distributor for you. Many have different packages available to suit a variety of different needs. The more they can do for you for less, the better chances for getting exposure on streaming playlists and by tastemakers.
- Don’t dismiss the online print medium, such as blogs 🙂 Articles and reviews become searchable and will be online for as long as the author or service provider allows.
- You will know when you’re ready to go to the next level. Don’t force it or it will backfire.
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 all from the early 80’s. In case you missed them, you’ll also find out what songs 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.
HAYLA, “Embers”
Even if you don’t pay attention to credits or vocalists on dance music releases, you’ll immediately recognize the voice of British singer/songwriter Hayla from her appearances on three massive dance hits – Kx5’s “Escape”, and John Summit’s “Where You Are” and the current “Shiver” (the current BILLCS Top 30 chart-topper). Because of the overwhelming success of those songs, “Embers” is the first new solo music in two years for Hayla. I was lucky to see her perform it live last month at Miami Music Week, and I said at the time that she could be the next Annie Lennox with a voice as potent as hers. “Embers” is, naturally, much more produced with an intense flow. The producers take a few liberties with her voice but that doesn’t detract from such a compelling song. Don’t miss “Embers”, it’s only going to get even better for Hayla going forward!
HELLOWORLD, “Heartpiece”
With each successive release, L.A. electronic producer Helloworld unveils an unanticipated and positive new identity as Everyguy Indie Electronic Artist. He’s coming off of recent releases like “Planes”, a breakup song where two people are together on a plane but would rather be elsewhere, and “Weightless Feeling”, his collaboration with Throttle, about those rare times that you feel that nothing else matters in the world. “Heartpiece” is in stark contrast to “Planes”, a giddy and romantic, beautifully written love song that hits all the right strings in your heart. Employing similar production techniques to recent releases brings us to recognizable Helloworld territory, but I must say the effects near the end are not only cute but touching. I wasn’t expecting any of this from Helloworld which makes “Heartpiece” all the more worth your listening pleasure.
BENEDICT CORK, “Beauty Queen”
Hertfordshire-born Benedict Cork is on a roll with some fantastic storytelling, which started recently with songs as varied as “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)” and “Nice Guy”. With an album on the way next month called Notes On A Hopeless Romance, Benedict may have saved one of his best for us with “Beauty Queen”. It’s a song where he puts himself in the shoes of a beauty contest queen, who we imagine in typical style standing on stage looking proud and beautiful – and wanting to be loved. Any performer will relate to this song because, as Lady Gaga sang 10 years ago, “I live for the applause”. And any performer wants more and more applause, and more and more love from their fans and listeners. Benedict’s vocal is in dreamy-mode and by the time you’re listened to all of “Beauty Queen” you’ll be sated, smiling with contentment.
JERIN JAMES, “Dance Again”
Following up the imaginative “Broken Dreamers” and taking a few steps away from the romanticism of the songs in his EP The Wanderers, Southern California dance producer Jerin James offers up the bold and dashing sounds of “Dance Again”. It’s an elegant track with huge beats created by a variety of drum and percussion sounds, one to which you can visualize a complex choreographed dance routine. The spot-on, pleading uncredited female vocal is well chosen and doesn’t get lost in the maze of melodies and beats. Like with “Broken Dreamers”, “Dance Again” will appeal to fans of Odesza, Illenium, Seven Lions, Manila Killa, Timmy Trumpet, and other risk-takers on the more progressive side of dance music, and is a confident step forward for Jerin with his releases.
CHURCH OF TREES, “Lost In The Ether”
“Lost In The Ether” is a heavily 80’s influenced rock track by Canadian synth group Church of Trees. While the topic of watching a loved one pass away is never an easy one, Church of Trees’ vocalist/songwriter Bernard Frazer arrived at a unique lyrical approach that works, accompanied by his luminous synths, which transport us back to 80’s new wave, and a rock rhythm peppered with gripping guitar work by co-producer Jordan Zadorozny (Blinker The Star, Courtney Love, Lindsey Buckingham, Chris Cornell). While it’s as dark-sounding as some songs by the likes of Sisters of Mercy and Images In Vogue, you see rays of hope shine through thanks to an effective mix of harmonies by Heather Brazeau (who fronted the band’s recent unconventional take on The Ramones’ “Pet Sematary”) and Bernard. Add a myriad of new wave influences which could include A Flock of Seagulls, Spandau Ballet, Spoons and ABC, and you’ll find “Lost In The Ether” to be a sophisticated effort that you’ll be returning to for repeated plays. “Lost In The Ether” arrives ahead of Church of Trees’ 7th album called Transience.
ALFIE TEMPLEMAN, “Hello Lonely”
British singer/songwriter Alfie Templeman is growing with leaps and bounds with each of his releases. Singing in his higher register, “Hello Lonely” is a playful and uptempo track despite the theme of loneliness, something that Pet Shop Boys also decided to do with their same-named recent track. The production is busy and bubbly, and Alfie has a Jamiroquai-meets-Charlie Puth kind of vibe brewing that might just put him in his own lane for a while. As much as I enjoyed the Bedfordshire-born artist’s indie bedroom pop when he first arrived on the scene, it’s refreshing to hear Alfie’s music developing into something more intricate. His second album, Radiosoul, arrives in June.
EKONOVAH, “Need You Tonight”
Following up the ridiculously catchy “Find My Flow”, Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah (pronounced “echo-nova”) tackles a more straight-forward house track with “Need You Tonight”. It’s an original track albeit with similar intentions that Michael Hutchence sang about in INXS’ biggest same-named hit of their career. Sometimes less is more as the bouncy, echoey hook is delightfully infectious and will keep club-goers on the dance floor.
BEATMARTHz, DJ MIRKO B, “Ask me again”
“Ask me again” is the most recent collaboration between Italian producers BeatMartHz (aka Martino Tatalo) and DJ Mirko B (aka Mirko Boroni), whose releases have appeared regularly in this blog post over the years. “Ask me again” launches with an auspicious and direct synth melody, but quickly becomes a riveting slice of Eurohouse, thanks to the inclusion of soaring uncredited male vocal. It’s accompanied by a brisk rhythm and unintrusive but well-placed synth effects that make the song flow beautifully, wrapping up in just under three minutes and leaving you wanting more.
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.
It’s Rozalla with her cover of Nicolette Larson’s version of Neil Young’s “Lotta Love”
“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”.
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.
Virginia-based artist Nic D with “Atmosphere”
“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.
Donald Fagen – I.G.Y (What A Beautiful World) (1982)
Jim Diamond – I Should Have Known Better (1984, You Tube link)
Human League – Don’t You Want Me (1982)
John Mellencamp – Jack and Diane (1982)
J. Geils Band – Centerfold (1982)
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
John Summit and Hayla are locked in at #1 again with “Shiver”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
“Loneliness” by Pet Shop Boys (24-13) from their upcoming 15th album Nonetheless
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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