April 2023 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – April 26/23 spotlighting songs by @Matoma & @JamesDroll @GreysonChance @Jesse_Clegg @DiamondCafe01 @GRAYTheBandd

I enjoy weeks like this, where there is an abundance of fine music that will carry me over to next week’s Report, however when it comes to whittling choices down for my next chart, that’s an entirely different story. Just call it new music blogger problems 😛 So there are five songs spotlighted in this Report instead of the usual four.

*********************

Among the other features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, which this week runs the gamut through the 1980’s. In case you missed it, you’ll find out what’s #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 and the Fastest Riser on my chart too.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

MATOMA, JAMES DROLL, “Won’t Follow You Home”

“Won’t Follow You Home” is one of Matoma’s more unconventional and dramatic productions, and I’m absolutely loving it as a new favourite! After releasing several well-received but more pop-oriented tracks in 2021-22, Matoma has come full circle and returned to making the most amazing dance music of his career. It started with “The Power” earlier this year (reaching #3 on the BILLCS Top 30), which was recently followed up with “Deeper” (featuring H. Kenneth). “Home” finds Matoma working with another American vocalist, Nashville-based, Ohio-born James Droll, who has recorded not only solo but with folks like Justin Caruso, Trove, and even a pre-“ABCDEFU” Gayle. And James delivers one of the most unique, memorable vocals I’ve heard this year, acting as a guide to the subject of the song to provide sage advice on how to keep moving forward.

GREYSON CHANCE, “Sex & Other Drugs”

“Sex & Other Drugs” is a new addition to Greyson Chance’s album Palladium in its recently released deluxe edition, which also features another new song “Herringbone”. I can only perceive how writing a song like “Sex & Other Drugs” must have been. It, like other songs in Palladium, are taken from a particularly rough patch in Greyson’s life from which he has moved on. It’s clearly about a relationship whose ultimate dependance boiled down to the need for sex and drugs, and from which it must have been tough to leave and put behind him. Like my favourites on Palladium which have graced the BILLCS Top 30 like “Black Mascara” and “My Dying Spirit” (which both reached #2), “Sex & Other Drugs” overflows with honesty and catharsis, making it both poignant and enthralling.

JESSE CLEGG, “Called To Hear Your Voice”

South African pop singer Jesse Clegg has created a thoughtful and comforting song in “Called to Hear Your Voice” that could only have come about as a result of significant loss. Of course, Jesse is the son of the late and legendary Johnny Clegg, who I was fortunate to see perform three times in concert, but Jesse also lost his wife shortly after his father’s passing. So if you peel away the vibrant melody, “Called to Hear Your Voice” is a song about healing and making sure that you live in the moment with those close to you. But when you put it all together and take the song in broad strokes, “Voice” is an uplifting release that celebrates life and love. Jesse has had several hits in South Africa and the rest of the world needs to discover “Voice”.

DIAMOND CAFE, “Body Weak”

I’ve been writing on and off over the years about Diamond Cafe, otherwise known as British Columbia singer/songwriter/producer Tristan Thompson. His latest release, “Body Weak”, is easily one of his best to date. It fully embraces his Prince/Michael Jackson/George Michael influences that can be heard on just about every one of his songs, but “Body Weak” veers into a danceable, funky, sensual territory that’s quite impressive and positively irresistible. At times it reminds me of some of Teena Marie’s records, with the bass sounds highly reminiscent of Motown’s best work of the early 80’s, with splashes of the Jam & Lewis style that made Janet Jackson’s Control and Rhythm Nation successful. “Body Weak” should not be missed and R&B-friendly radio stations would be wise to find a place for it on their playlists.

GRAYTheBand, “All Done”

A new name to get to know on the Canadian music scene is Edmonton’s Gray Ford, who leads an alternative neo-soul R&B collective called GRAYTheBand. I use “collective” because its band members are a cast of rotating artists who fit into Gray’s vision. “All Done” is the title track from a forthcoming album, and it’s an introduction to GRAYTheBand that packs a wallop and which you will find yourself listening to over and over. While its arrangement and melody recall a piano and percussion-led R&B ballad that you’d envision hearing at a jazz club, the song and the vocal offer a juxtaposition. “All Done” is about closing the door on a difficult chapter in one’s life. And while Gray’s vocal instills the emotion and uncertainty about closing that door, it also, through sheer dynamics and power, elicits hope, particularly through the surprising finale. “All Done” is a must for alternative and college radio stations, and for fans of songs that aren’t always easy to listen to, but offer many rewards in the end.

FEATURING

MARTIN JENSEN, KAREN HARDING, “Worship You”

“Worship You” features the intriguing pairing of Danish producer Martin Jensen – known throughout Europe for his 2017 smash “Solo Dance”, and for working with other artists like Ed Sheeran, Katy Perry, and James Arthur – and the reigning British queen of house music, Karen Harding. The results are nothing short of splendid featuring one of Karen’s most compelling vocals. The hook will remind you – probably deliberately – of Acraze’s “Do It To It”. But all in all “Worship You” is spiffy deep house that deserves play at clubs and dance music radio through the spring and summer months.

M. BYRD, “Only A Feeling”

German singer/songwriter M. Byrd consistently produces high quality music, which is culminating in the release of his Nettwerk Records album The Seed this coming June. “Only A Feeling” finds him in fine voice singing authentic lyrics set to a brisk melody. He clearly has a loyal following as he’s embarking on a European tour which will see him perform in the UK, France, and Amsterdam, among others, this year. Top notch songs like “Only A Feeling” need to attract the rest of the world, and I think a bigger promotion and social media campaign on behalf of team M. Byrd needs to happen so that perhaps he can perform outside of Europe and tap into other audiences in future.

MARLOW, “Over”

Essex, England rock quintet Marlow return with the encouraging and uplifting “Over”. Led by the mellifluous voice of Freddie Marlow, “Over” is about wanting something so badly – a relationship, or something else entirely – that you’re hoping the other person doesn’t let go or stop wanting as much as you. The lyrics want you to make the right decision for yourself and stand by it, but at the same time the protagonist doesn’t want “you to fall through my hands again”. The instrumentation is crisp, focusing on drums and bright synths to maintain the melody, which signal resilience and positivity when faced with a difficult decision. “Over” is culled from the upcoming EP Home, and we’ll be hearing a lot more of Marlow throughout the year.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

From her upcoming album Heavy Lifting, it’s Amanda Marshall with “I Hope She Cheats”, previously a Big Daddy pick of the week!

“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 stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

French electronic pop group Phoenix with American vocalist Clairo on “After Midnight”

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

Charlie Puth teams up with Dan + Shay for “That’s Not The Way This Works”

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Enchanté” by Lewis Thompson featuring Clementine Douglas

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

JIMIN’s gorgeous and emotional “Like Crazy” (English version) (22-5)

#BILLCSTop30 #664 – April 24/23

They say that Spring is a season of change, and the new edition of my chart certainly speaks to that. In fact, half of the Top 5 is replaced by songs on the rise, there’s a new #1, and four songs make their debuts.

REMINDER: As with the BILLCS New Music Report, I’m now embedding the video link in the artwork for the song or the artist, which hopefully will allow the blog page to load faster and smoothly. So you now have to click on the photos above the write up to hear the song or watch the video. Let me know how it works for you! I am also using Alt Text where possible to assist readers with visual impairments.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog. As most of you know by know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded.

Classic-90’s house peppers the new #1 song on the chart! UK producer Lewis Thompson and singer/songwriter Clementine Douglas grab the pole position with the divine “Enchanté”. Lewis has been to #2 before as part of Just Kiddin’ (“Good Things”, with Cedric Gervais, in 2019) and Clementine’s voice was heard on her co-write with Matoma earlier this year called “The Power”, which reached #3.

After being parked at #4, “I Go Dancing” by Toronto’s Frank Walker and UK singer Ella Henderson climbs to #2, making it one of several challengers for “Enchanté” in the coming weeks.

His album Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride is still on the way, but Jason Mraz’s funky ‘n fun “I Feel Like Dancing” rises 5-3.

The Fastest Riser on the chart, whether or not radio ever embraces it, is JIMIN’s gorgeous English language version of “Like Crazy”, from his album Hope, which soars 22-5 with all eyes on #1. Not being played on radio is just an epic fail by program directors to embrace a song that to me has “hit” written all over it.

Also moving up the chart briskly is Barcelona’s The Boy From The South’s first chart entry “Amazing-Man”, which bolts 13-7.

N i G H T S’ “Boyband” was actually recorded back in 2018, which was the last time they appeared in the Top 10 too with “Eyes”. “Boyband” moves up comfortably 12-8.

Kx5 (Kaskade and Deadmau5) and Sofi Tukker rise 11-9 with “Sacrifice”. It’s Sofi Tukker’s 5th visit to the Top 10, while for veterans Kaskade and Deadmau5 it’s their first.

Toronto duo Boy Aries climb 15-10 with “Drive”. Singer Jordan Radics was previously singer with the group BLAJK which got to #6 in 2017 with “Lethal”.

Eyeing the Top 10 in two weeks are the forlorn pop/dance track “City of Love” (above) by Seattle producer Surf Mesa with singer Selah Sol (18-11), and the spicy trance of “Never Temporary” (below) by NYC producer Greg Oakland with singer Tara Louise (19-12).

James Bay’s album track “Brilliant Still” from his third album Leap rises 24-16, and it’s definitely a song you need to check out.

As we get closer to the EuroVision contest, Loreen’s “Tattoo”, Sweden’s entry, rises 27-19.

Jay Bird’s deep house party track “All Night Long” wastes no time with lift off, climbing 29-22.

Toronto’s Amanda Marshall makes a big splash onto my chart for the first time with “I Hope She Cheats”, her new single from her upcoming album Heavy Lifting, as the Highest Debut at #25.

Also making their debuts on the chart are Connecticut dance producer Audien and British producer Codeko with their collaboration “Antidote” at #26. The song features prominent vocalist and songwriter J.T. Roach, and is already charting at dance radio nation-wide.

Although he’s had many releases since, Atlanta’s Niko The Kid returns to the chart as a lead artist with vocalist/songwriter MAYLYN on “Only One” at #27. Niko was previously featured on one of his first releases, DATABOY’s “When It Rains, It Pours”, which peaked at #7 in 2015.

Italy’s DJ Mirko B also returns to the chart for the first time since 2019 with his third entry, the intense dark house of “Sun Freezes Cold”, at #28. His last entry, “Even In Confusion” with producer Eric Zava and vocalist Daniel Gorash, reached #10.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Radio GTA

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my new “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

“The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays, and my “Retro Pick of the Week” plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules have been updated.

FM 108

You can also listen to my “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – April 19/23 spotlighting songs by @JonasBlue & RANI, Sophia Habib & The Cloud Orchestra, @Meduzamusic & @PoppyBask @FrancescoYates

On the topic of AI (artificial intelligence) in the music industry…

In the coming weeks, there will be a lot of discussion in the music industry about AI and how it is currently being used. Right now there are no boundaries, so some producers are using it as an opportunity to flood streaming platforms with prefab releases by fake artists in their attempts to make big bucks.

I think this will soon all come crashing down, as platforms add in checks and balances. I do wonder about You Tube, because this clearly doesn’t violate their current policies and could soon affect them greater than they imagined. I think if AI is used properly and some governance is established, then it will undoubtedly be amazingly useful. But to take advantage of it like a new toy is not what the better-than-average music listener wants or needs.

I urge the music industry and all of the platforms to move swiftly with those checks and balances, and leave the toying around to those bedroom producers that have the time for it. Humans for the win!

*********************

Among the other features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, which this week runs the gamut through the 1980’s. And you’ll also see what songs debuted on the BILLCS Top 30 from 2018 to 2022 too!

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

JONAS BLUE, RANI, “Finally”

As is becoming more frequent these days, “Finally” is a new original by UK dance producer Jonas Blue that is written around a familiar song excerpt from the past. The original source is from American singer Harvey Mason’s 1979 R&B/dance release “Groovin’ You”, but the dance community and most of the pop world will recognize it as the hook from Gusto’s 1996 smash – except in the US – “Disco’s Revenge”. But as is the case with exceptional production, that hook is just the icing on the cake as the original song beautifully sung by Rani can easily stand on its own. “Finally” should have no problem finding its way up the national dance radio charts and getting it on in clubs for the rest of the year.

SOPHIA HABIB, THE CLOUD ORCHESTRA, “Lifeline” (live)

If you enjoy your contemporary electronic pop mixed with a real orchestra, then lend your ears to Sophia Habib’s original song “Lifeline”. Yes, this is a live recording which you can witness in its video above, and you know when a singer sounds this good that she can pretty well write her own ticket for whatever kind of record she wants to record. Sophia is a Netherlands-based vocalist who studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory of Music. Her off-the-floor vocal here is pristine, and the first song to pop into my head for a comparison was Beyoncé’s “Dangerously In Love” and her ballads from that era. Then along came thoughts of Kelly Clarkson, Tori Kelly and others who have a lot of power in their voices, but can easily switch to softer and sometimes suspenseful singing. “Lifeline” is an unapologetic story about looking for love and not needing anyone’s approval. Its candor is very inviting and Sophia Habib clearly has much more to offer.

MEDUZA, POPPY BASKCOMB, “Upside Down”

Italy’s Grammy-nominated production trio Meduza steers away from their pop-house revelations for “Upside Down” in partnership with UK singer/songwriter Poppy Baskcomb, who has recently worked with Tiësto, Joel Corry, and Jess Bays among others. “Upside Down” is vibrant and fresh techno-house whose sharp and infectious synths will vibrate right through you. Poppy’s vocal basks in the confusion of the moment, and it will all work together marvelously late at night under the bright dance floor lights.

FRANCESCO YATES, “Thunderbomb”

With guitar ablaze again after the immensely enjoyable “Jimi”, one of my 10 faves of 2022, Toronto’s uber-talented Francesco Yates returns with another edgier song than previous releases, the appropriately and ferociously titled “Thunderbomb”. This new one will certainly sound fab in concert as Francesco rips through his impressive guitar work, and fans who enjoy anyone from The Jonas Brothers through to Bryan Adams will get a kick out of it. It’s obviously inspired by the likes of Prince, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and of course Mr. Hendrix, so be sure to crank “Thunderbomb” up to 11.

FEATURING

ALOK, SOLARDO, “Over Again”

Following up his recent high-powered collaboration with James Arthur, “Work With My Love”, Brazil’s Alok continues with a subtler house track, “Over Again”, in collaboration with UK producers Solardo, fresh off of their fan favourite from last year with Tiēsto, “I Can’t Wait”. Although “Over Again” isn’t a long song, I enjoy how it takes its time to get where it needs to go. The uncredited male vocal is supremely showcased in the first part of the song to help momentum build, and in the second part, it provides a much darker edge to “Over Again” which will simply slay club goers in the middle of a set.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL, “Frontier”

Because the video is available, you’re getting an advance taste of Montreal multi-talent Benjamin Russell’s new album Frontier, due on April 26 in the form of the title track. Frontier follows up his first release of 2023, Something In F Minor with fellow producer and musician Rob Stuart. And while electronics form the backdrop of “Frontier”, its fanciful story-telling vocal style will appeal to folk music fans too. “Frontier” actually revisits a song Benjamin released in 1996, and what’s appealing lyrically is the wonder in the protagonist’s “quest” for friendship and love. “Frontier” is ultimately a song that makes you feel good about yourself, and that your hopes, dreams and visions should not be ignored, particularly if eventually you wish to act on them.

MARK LEE, “Love To Be Loved”

Formerly of the Grammy Award winning band Third Day, Georgia’s Mark Lee is back with a gentle new original called “Love To Be Loved”, which might give you all kinds of misplaced déjà vu. I say “misplaced” because if it was released in the early 1980’s, the song would be keeping some great company in similar sounding smashes of the day by the likes of Dan Fogelberg, Paul Davis, or Christopher Cross. And that’s not a bad thing at all because Mark recovers a somewhat lost but successful pop sound and updates it in a solid new song. You’ll appreciate the genuine lyrics in “Love To Be Loved” about never ending love which fit like a glove over a chord progression which Mark says was waiting years for the right lyric.

K3SS, SALLY OH, “Please Don’t Lie”

“Please Don’t Lie” is an atmospheric, often taut mix of deep house and trance, which is the latest release for up-and-coming San Diego producer K3SS. American-Asian singer Sally Oh provides a versatile vocal that starts as a simple request of the title words, but as the song develops the tone becomes more directive – as in “if you keep lying, you’ll lose me”. The arrangement is full of stop and go that totally works, and deep house fans will be mighty happy with all of the big bassy beats.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

Melodifestivalen winner and EuroVision entry “Tattoo” by Sweden’s Loreen

“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 stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

Scooby-Doo fans rejoice! San Diego alternative performer Scoobert Doobert with “Gonna Go To Japan”

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

20 year old Australian-Thai singer/songwriter Gabe Watkins with “choose u everytime”

“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” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

George Harrison – I Got My Mind Set On You
Pet Shop Boys – Domino Dancing
The Police – Don’t Stand So Close To Me
Glass Tiger – Someday
Duran Duran – The Reflex

BILLCS TOP 30 CHART DEBUTS 2018-2022

2022:

27 PUNCHING BAG Victor Perry

28 don’t you wanna know Syence featuring Britt Lari

2021:

23 LEAVE THE DOOR OPEN Silk Sonic

25 I WANT LOVE (Cat Dealers remix) Gryffin

27 MOON Chris Blue

2020:

16 ALL ON YOU Super Duper

24 SO READY (The Brothers Macklovitch remix) Raphael Saddiq

26 BUMMED Chet Porter & Alison Wonderland

2019:

25 RECOGNISE Lost Frequencies featuring Flynn

26 KISS AND TELL Mokita

27 WEEKEND Saxity

28 WILD Final DJs featuring Bright Light Bright Light

2018:

22 BUTTERSCOTCH Robotaki featuring Jamie Fine & FALCXNE

25 BETTER WITH YOU Jesse McCartney

26 LOST IN JAPAN Shawn Mendes

27 BE LIKE YOU Whethan featuring Broods

28 HURT YOU The Weeknd featuring Gesaffelstein

29 CAUTIOUS (Famba remix) Tyler Shaw

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – April 12/23 spotlighting songs by @TheDiscoFries & @EchePalante @TheFatRat & @Shiahsings @TELYKast & @GeorgiaKu #BenEllis

In these blog posts lately, I seem to be zeroing in on upbeat, fun tracks, and seven out of the eight varied songs in this week’s Report are just that, while one creatively covers a well-established country-pop song in a way you’d be hard pressed to anticipate.

Among the other features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, focusing in on some big hits from 1971 this time. Plus I have my #1 song on the BILLCS Top 30 and the Fastest Riser on the chart.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

THE DISCO FRIES, ECHE PALANTE, “Give Me Your Soul”

The Disco Fries let the music do the talking and create an anthemic dance track around the words in its title, “Give Me Your Soul”. This one’s guaranteed to make you bounce and should be an instant festival hit this spring and summer. Nick and Danny have partnered this time with Miami producer Eche Palante, who has had a number of successes with remixes as well releases through Spinnin’ and Universal in the last decade or so. A few years back he tapped into some thoughtful and memorable house tracks in “The Lonely” and “Midnight”. So “Give Me Your Soul” is a well-rounded collaboration, and I would pitch it to fans of Showtek and Afrojack.

THEFATRAT, SHIAH MAISEL, “Out of the Rain”

German electronic producer TheFatRat creates some of the most imaginative music for gaming fans, as well as for dance music lovers who enjoy generally upbeat, fun and compelling songs. “Out of the Rain” is an intriguing collaboration with NYC vocalist Shiah Maisel which adds a light Caribbean flavour to the rhythm. The lyrics tell a story of a world besieged by rain and those who are determined to leave it for a brighter future, so it sounds like it might be the start of a series of conceptual songs (and maybe videos) from TheFatRat. “Out of the Rain” is one of his best recent releases that should find favour with electronic music lovers well outside of his fanbase.

TELYKAST, GEORGIA KU, “You Got Me”

As more and more dance songs draw increasingly from melodic house of the early 2010’s, you can always count on L.A. production trio TELYKast to create something mighty enjoyable without sounding derivative. Teaming up this time with go-to dance vocalist and songwriter Georgia Ku, “You Got Me” oozes positivity and will find favour especially with lovebirds on the dance floor. After their huge breakthrough early last year with “Unbreakable” (a BILLCS Top 30 #1), TELYKast continues to focus on making high quality productions and collaborations which have helped them secure big concert and festival gigs. I’ll be very happy with more like “You Got Me”, please!

BEN ELLIS, “Ed’s House”

Welsh singer/songwriter Ben Ellis has only released a handful of singles, but “Ed’s House”, as recommended in the Report last week by my music buddy Hunter Wilbur, is definitely is ticket to the next level. It’s a fun bop-and-a-half that recalls house parties as a teenager, with some interesting pop culture references – I think Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag” might have been released before Ben was born, though it fits well in the story! Ben and his mates who wrote the song definitely have a way with words and the melody is light-hearted with the right kind of feel-good vibe. Like other young UK artists such as Alfie Templeman, Ben Ellis has zeroed in on a “sound” early and I think it will take him far.

FEATURING

ANGEL X STAR, “Jolene”

Angel X Star is a brother-sister duo from Hertfordshire, England and they’ve done what many might feel is unthinkable, and turned Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” inside out and sideways – well somewhat anyway. But in doing so, their rendition works quite well as a bouncy Afro R&B track with the message of heartbreak ever-present, but knowing that the root of heartbreak is love. Angel X Star’s version of “Jolene” gets better with each listen, when you realize they are not messing with the song at all but providing an alternate interpretation. Both Angel and Star have fine voices and the uncomplicated production provides an earthy backdrop where much can be left to your imagination.

PLS&TY, LOST BOY, “Party In My Head”

Summer has arrived early with the cheery feels of “Party In My Head”, which is the first new release in two years for L.A.-based, Florida-born dance producer PLS&TY. And he’s brought along fellow L.A.-based vocalist/songwriter Lost Boy, who provides a fun pop vocal to carry the house rhythms of the track. “Party in My Head” features slick production and its good-natured, carefree energy reminds me of dance music from about eight years ago, particularly when Justin Bieber released his Justified album and collaborated with Diplo and Skrillex, which is a sound I think dance music lovers currently miss. The record is a fine welcome back for PLS&TY and I’ll welcome another collaboration with Lost Boy anytime.

D’AMICO & VALAX, FAYZONE, “Mirage of My Heart”

Italian dance production team D’Amico & Valax are on a roll with their latest melodic deep house track, “Mirage of My Heart”. American singer/songwriter Fayzone has a boy-next-door voice that works well in this song, particularly as it goes along. The seductive mystery of the song also becomes more apparent as the production becomes increasingly layered with synths and effects. “Mirage of My Heart” will fit in nicely on playlists next to songs by Meduza, Gryffin and more.

JAKE HUFFMAN, “Babe”

Following up his single release from earlier this year which I wrote about called “Martyr”, Connecticut musician Jake Huffman returns with a song that will have you humming or toe-tapping called “Babe”. Jake wrote the song with intentions of creating a dark romance inspired by horror and sci-fi movie. And while the song has elements of that, particularly at the start, its lyrics are broad enough to fit a myriad of situations. “Babe” does have an undeniably catchy chorus though which will leave the song firmly planted in your head.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 25 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Brilliant Still”, an album track by James Bay from his third album Leap.

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio show and the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“I Hope She Cheats” by Amanda Marshall from her forthcoming album Heavy Lifting.

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

Maryland rockers All Time Low with “Sleepwalking”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Rod Stewart – Maggie May
Janis Joplin – Me And Bobby McGee
Carole King – It’s Too Late
James Taylor – You’ve Got A Friend
Melanie – Brand New Key

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“The Only One” by Cerrone & Mercer featuring Brendan Reilly

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“I Feel Like Dancing” by Jason Mraz (20-5)

#BILLCSTop30 #663 – April 10/23

After a significant change-up at the top of the chart two weeks ago, the songs at the top settle in, as a new groundswell of activity forms further down. And I really fought a battle with myself with some of the songs that debuted this week, so I suspect that the ones that didn’t will follow suit in two weeks.

REMINDER: As with the BILLCS New Music Report, I’m now embedding the video link in the artwork for the song or the artist, which hopefully will allow the blog page to load faster and smoothly. So you now have to click on the photos above the write up to hear the song or watch the video. Let me know how it works for you! I am also using Alt Text where possible to assist readers with visual impairments.

Sitting comfortably at #1 for a second time is “The Only One” by the comeback kid himself, 70’s disco producer, with fellow French producer Mercer and UK vocalist Brendan Reilly, from the album Cerrone By Cerrone. Long may Cerrone continue to make music! At 70 years old, I do believe he is the second oldest artist to reach #1 on this chart. Bettye LaVette, at 76 last year, technically holds that record with “The Last Goodbye” with Odesza, though she was a teenager when she recorded her original “Let Me Down Easy” in 1965.

“I Go Dancing” by Frank Walker and Ella Henderson holds tight at #4, above. Frank has a new one out now, teaming up with Stephen Puth again, for “Waiting”, below.

“I Feel Like Dancing” by Jason Mraz (above) puts the kapow in the chart this week by soaring 20-5 as the Fastest Riser for a second chart in a row, throwing it immediately into contention for #1 along with the four songs above it. Jason also has another preview of his upcoming album Mystical Magical Rhythmical Radical Ride available called “You Might Like It”, check it out below. “I Feel Like Dancing” is Jason’s 5th Top 5 entry.

Also landing in the Top 10 are two very different songs back to back. The progressive melodic electronic track “Hollow” (above) by Dabin, Kai Wachi and Lø Spirit climbs 13-9, becoming Dabin’s second Top 10 entry. And UK-born artist Waiting For Smith’s gentle, feel-good track “Heal” (below) rises 12-10.

In any other week it would have been the Fastest Riser, but Spain’s The Boy From The South is Top 10 bound with the jaunty “Amazing-Man”, which vaults 25-13.

Toronto duo Boy Aries breaks loose of the lower reaches of the chart and their song “Drive” and its insanely catchy verse “turn the car around” leap 22-15.

“Memento” by St Humain is another track with a strong melodic hook and it climbs 27-21, from his new EP Metadramatic.

For the next several weeks I’ll continue to rave about JIMIN’s track “Like Crazy”, whose English version deservedly debuted at #1 last week on the Billboard Hot 100. I’m certainly wasting no time putting it on my chart at #22. JIMIN’s parent group BTS had one entry on this chart with “DNA” back in 2018, while fellow band member SUGA was featured on MAX’s “Blueberry Eyes” in late 2020. Both of the latter songs reached #13. “Like Crazy” really deserves to be a Top 40 radio hit too.

Returning to the chart for a fourth appearance is UK singer/songwriter James Bay with a track from his new album Leap called “Brilliant Still” at #24. It’s a heartfelt song about helping out someone close when they need it. The album has had an inauspicious debut but James Bay fans are certainly digging it. All of James’ previous entries on this chart have reached the Top 10, with 2018’s “Pink Lemonade” getting to #2.

Lorine Talhaoui, the Swedish singer otherwise known as Loreen, has had a nearly 20 year career in her native country, which culminated in her winning EuroVision in 2012 with the still-vibrant “Euphoria”. Two albums and several awards later, and Loreen won Sweden’s Melodifestivalen contest again in March to represent her country at EuroVision for a second time. The song is “Tattoo”, with its wonderful taut and dramatic arrangement that showcases Loreen’s voice, and it arrives at #27.

Jay Bird returns to the chart for a fourth appearance with the fun deep house party track “All Night Long”, which debuts at #29. Fans of the genre who enjoy Fisher, Hugel, John Summit or Acraze will totally dig this one. Jay Bird’s last chart entry, “Float”, peaked at #3 in early 2022.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Radio GTA

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my new “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

“The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays, and my “Retro Pick of the Week” plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Addictive Energy

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules have been updated.

FM 108

You can also listen to my “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – April 5/23 spotlighting new music by #JIMIN @TheMarshallmix @SleepyBenjamin @Matomaofficial & H. Kenneth @kenfleet @itsAMNES & @ArtemisxOrion

I don’t normally write about huge name stars or huge records, but I don’t want to miss saying something about the out-of-the-box success of JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” (English version). For those of you not familiar with him, he’s one of the seven members of BTS, who all seem to be creating their own solo work right now. JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” is simply a beautiful pop song with a great vocal, and it’s completely unlike the songs of BTS. This deservedly debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and JIMIN is the first South Korean solo act to do so. Radio should jump all over it within the next few weeks. Check it out above.

Among the other features, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, citing five going back to 1972/1973 for this bunch. Plus I have the songs that were at the top of the BILLCS Top 30 for each of these past 25 years!

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

AMANDA MARSHALL, “I Hope She Cheats”

Many years of trying to get out of deals with your record label and your management had to be so self-defeating that you would never want to record new music again. Fortunately that’s not the case with Amanda Marshall, who returns with new music for the first time in over 20 years for Coalition Music, with her long-awaited fourth album on the way called Heavy Lifting, which has been in progress for the last 10 years. Her new single is a cover of a song by ex-Floetry member Marsha Ambrosius called “I Hope She Cheats”, whose original title is “I Hope She Cheats on You with a Basketball Player”. And it’s like time stood still in the music world for those 20+ years, with Amanda sounding in great form, invested and compelling in her soulful interpretation. “I Hope She Cheats”, with its forthright and biting contemporary message, should be a no brainer for Adult Top 40 radio, since her many fans (judging from social media reaction) have missed her, and she can continue make her presence as one of Canada’s finest vocalists. A Canadian tour has also been announced, so 2023 could indeed be Amanda Marshall’s year.

SLEEPY BENJAMIN, “Stuck”

I’ve got to hand it to Australia’s Ben Beamish for putting a lot of personal mental health cards on the table with his new release under his Sleepy Benjamin moniker called “Stuck”. The song seems to be rooted in a folk-storytelling mood, which gives it a whimsical feel as in recent releases that I’ve enjoyed by Jason Mraz and The Boy From The South. So the melody makes the song really easy to groove along to, while some of the more direct lyrics get to stand out or make their points clear and Ben sings one of his best vocals. It’s not easy for anyone to deal with ongoing issues often outside of their control every day, and the song could be quite helpful. Sleepy Benjamin’s “Stuck” is out there to let those affected know through song that you’re not alone, plus that it’s one cool song which even features some lyrics sung in Japanese (Sleepy Benjamin is set to play in Japan throughout May).

MATOMA, H. KENNETH, “Deeper”

Coming off of a very successful several months of touring throughout North America, Norway’s Matoma follows up his smashing house track “The Power” with the soulful and edgy “Deeper”, featuring vocals by co-writer, Nashville’s H. Kenneth. It’s a worthy follow up to “The Power”, with a similar, taut arrangement but H. Kenneth’s soaring and urgent vocal turns it into something equally special. You can feel the festival and late night club vibes just oozing from “Deeper”, which continues a series of terrific releases from Matoma.

AMNES, artemis orion, “Stamina”

“Stamina” makes a great case for creating a song that would be called “future house” in these days where that style isn’t necessarily at the tip of people’s tongues. This invigorating song (as the title suggests) is brought to you by Belgian producer AMNES (also a part of the production collective Hooders) and L.A. singer/songwriter artemis orion, a new name on the scene who has already got over 10 million streams with just a handful of pop/electronic releases. “Stamina” straddles the edge of progressive electronic music with interesting synth effects but quickly comes back into full dance mode with walloping, bouncing house rhythms. The song will be included in AMNES’ upcoming debut EP.

FEATURING

ALTÉGO, “Bling Bling”

Those zany British twin DJ’s of boundless energy, ALTÉGO, are back with the short but fun “Bling Bling”. Riding the current trend of producers having lyrics put to familiar instrumental tracks – usually their own, but ALTÉGO are still new, so… – the lads (Lukas and Michael Fernandes-Pendse) take some liberty with the hook from 80’s smash “Axel F” (from “Beverly Hills Cop”), add a solid uncredited female vocalist and new lyrics around it, and BOOM it’s stuck in your ears! What’s best is that the production isn’t overdone with effects, allowing that instrumental hook to be the focal point, to the general amusement of those not young enough to remember or recognize it. With release by Arista/Sony, you may just be hearing “Bling Bling” all summer long.

MARTIN LUKE BROWN, “**it gets better”

Leicester-born Martin Luke Brown returned to the recording scene last Fall with the soulful and gritty “grateful”. He has a new EP coming in May called “damn, look at the view!”, which sounds like it could be a lot of fun if new single “**it gets better” is any indication. It’s taken a few years of being away from performing and concentrating on songwriting – he co-wrote “134340” with alt.pop favourite Orla Gartland for BTS’ Love Yourself: Tear album, and has co-writes with Yungblud and Galantis coming this year too – for him to find his groove again, and “**it gets better” finds him coming back on a high note. It’s no-nonsense pop/rock – guitar, bass, keys, drums – that takes a Coldplay-ish sound and scales it back a few notches. Plus, the song is guaranteed to put you in a great mood, and we need much more of that in 2023!

JJ BRAVES, “The High Dive”

JJ Braves records pop/rock music that are heavily inspired by songs of the 80’s and 90’s. The great thing is that he doesn’t sound like anyone in particular, though artists like Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Kenny Loggins come to mind. “The High Dive” is about the need to getaway when you’re spinning your wheels. Though the song is spawned by the difficulties musicians face in the industry, its urgency in its message is universal – to do what you need to do to support your well-being. “The High Dive” is solid and JJ’s vocals are personable and have an authenticity that will grab you at key points in the song.

bexx, “Stupid”

bexx is a new British singer (aka Becky Pinnington) with an energetic electronic pop sound that would fit right alongside songs by one of her inspirations, Carly Rae Jepsen. She takes on a lover who doesn’t miss her in “Stupid”, which conveys many of the thoughts that we all have when we’ve encountered this kind of situation – suddenly everything about them is just “stupid”. The song comes from bexx’s new EP Sucker, which is full of anti-love songs that will appeal greatly to those who are tired of getting into a rut while dating. “Stupid” is refreshing and upfront, which will make you want to hear more from bexx.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 25 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

Singapore-born, Australia-based singer/songwriter St Humain with “Memento”

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio show and the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

Canadian supergroup Feel Out Loud – featuring Serena Ryder, Tyler Shaw, Preston Pablo, Fefe Dobson and many others – with “What I Wouldn’t Do/North Star Calling” advocating for mental health care

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

Welsh pop singer/songwriter/guitarist Ben Ellis with “Ed’s House”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Don McLean – American Pie
Nilsson – Without You
America – A Horse With No Name
Tony Orlando & Dawn – Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree
Jim Croce – Bad Bad Leroy Brown

25 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 25 years.

1998 HEAVEN Jai
1999 MILLENNIUM Robbie Williams
2000 THERE YOU GO Pink
2001 HANGING BY A MOMENT Lifehouse
2002 TAKE A MESSAGE Remy Shand
2003 ROCK YOUR BODY Justin Timberlake
2004 THIS LOVE Maroon 5
2005 COLLIDE Howie Day
2006 WATCHIN’ Freemasons featuring Amanda Wilson
2007 RUBY The Kaiser Chiefs
2008 NO AIR Jordin Sparks featuring Chris Brown
2009 RUN AWAY Sam Taylor & The BBC Orchestra
2010 BEAT DROP Simon Curtis
2011 LOVE 2 BABY Christian TV
2012 SOMEDAY River Tiber
2013 LIFTED Kwik Fiks & Bongiovanni
2014 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE) Showtek & Justin Prime featuring Matthew Koma
2015 KING Years & Years
2016 KISS THE SKY The Knocks featuring Wyclef Jean
2017 SOMETHING JUST LIKE THAT The Chainsmokers & Coldplay
2018 BREATHE Mako
2019 i’m so tired… Lauv & Troye Sivan
2020 ALL IN MY HEAD Whethan featuring grandson
2021 NOT WATCHING ANYMORE Mahalo
2022 THE LAST GOODBYE Odesza featuring Bettye LaVette