June 2023 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – June 29/23 spotlighting new songs by @RyShepherdmusic & @HeatherJanssen @projectASTRO_io @AlexSavanin

I heard several instrumentals during the last week, and two are featured in this week’s report. Never underestimate the power of a good instrumental!! You won’t hear ’em on pop radio anymore.

Among the 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, whose choices this week sample the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. And I’ll take you back to my BILLCS Top 30 from this week in 2015 – hard to believe it’s 8 years for these songs already!

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

RYAN SHEPHERD, HEATHER JANSSEN, “Move It (Control My Mind)”

“Move It” is going to be one of this summer’s crowd-pleasing dance floor fillers. Once the song gets going it becomes irresistibly fun, and those who enjoy Fisher and Don Diablo will get into “Move It” quickly. The song teams up producer Ryan Shepherd, a regular visitor to this blog, with fellow Canadian, vocalist/songwriter Heather Janssen, whose previous collaboration “Who’s Gonna Love U” was a delight that reached #6 on my BILLCS Top 30 in 2019. Although it doesn’t slam as hard as other dance tracks, the rhythm is the key and “Move It” will help you keep your groove on.

ASTRO, “Runaway”

ASTRO is an electronic dance music collective who released their new album Los Angeles as an NFT earlier this year. It includes contributions from Reo Cragun, Tisoki, Pauline Herr, Mark Johns, Camoufly, and Lost Boy, with TWERL, Daniel Allan and helloworld all behind my featured track “Runaway”. It’s affecting, lyrical future bass-flavoured pop with a solid vocal by whoever is singing it, and ASTRO uses effects judiciously to foster the emotions in the song. Fans of Porter Robinson and Audien will particularly relish the vibe and get the most out of “Runaway”.

ALEX SAVANIN, KIRILL MALAHOV, BRANCHEY, “Strange”

“Strange” is a sophisticated-sounding slice of dance pop brought to you by Russian producer/songwriter Alex Savanin in collaboration with fellow producer and sound engineer Kirill Malahov, and Canadian singer/songwriter Branchey. The song is a co-write by Alex and Branchey, and although you may not have heard of any of these artists before, between them they have years of experience in the worldwide music business. The slick results are proof of this. Alex has written for film and TV and Branchey’s versatile and instantly appealing vocal transcends genres. “Strange” is classy and timeless, and a delightful surprise to add to your favourite pop/dance playlist.

FEATURING

AASH MEHTA, “The Prince”

When Chicago’s Aash Mehta isn’t writing complex and often romantic electronic pop, he can on occasion deliver a fun house bop, and when he does it’s a zinger, witness his 2021 release “Back To You” which got to #5 on the BILLCS Top 30. “The Prince” could easily have been quite the catchy affair just as an instrumental, as Aash uses a male voice to provide a melody without singing words over a swift house rhythm. But he aptly overlays the track with an uncredited soulful female vocalist singing a single line which is repeated, and becomes a second hook and focal point in the song that has lots of sync potential. With all of what’s going on inside, “The Prince” is toe-tapping ear candy that you’ll want to play again and again.

CID, TRUTH x LIES, “Caroline”

New York producers CID and duo Truth x Lies unite for the first time on the clever, rollicking house instrumental “Caroline”. Aside from its brisk pace, what sets “Caroline” apart from other tracks is the piano work, which is upfront and in your face, and as the groove develops you’ll find yourself completely immersed in the piano rhythm. Put it all together with its fast house beats, and you’ll know why house music started with emphasis on piano sounds back in the 80’s in its classic hooks and remixes. So “Caroline” is a fine, if perhaps indirect return to that sound, making it fresh and cool in a different way, in a collaboration that should be repeated.

CLOUDCHORD, “Shaka”

After many recordings of low-fi jazz/pop, Austin’s Cloudchord (aka masterful Emmy Award winning musician/producer Derek VanScoten) returns to dance music after a long absence for the instrumental “Shaka”. It’s actually more of a happy hybrid of both styles, leaning more in the dance vein because of its funky upfront bass playing. “Shaka” is light and refreshing, and will go down just fine on a hot summer day. It would also make superb theme music for a radio program or TV show.

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.

It’s Gareth Emery with vocalist Maria Lynn in the Ben Gold remix of “Missing You”

“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. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”!

“Never Ending Song” by Conan Gray has grown on our own Big Daddy a lot!

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.

Ed Sheeran teams up with red hot country singer Luke Combs for “Life Goes On”

“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.

Smith – Baby It’s You (1969)
49th Parallel – Twilight Woman (1969)
Al Stewart – Year Of The Cat (1977)
Alan Parsons Project – Eye In The Sky (1982)
Moody Blues – I Know You’re Out There Somewhere (1988)

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2015

My how time sometimes seems like it flies by! And Francesco Yates, Cobi, and James Bay all have songs on the current BILLCS Top 30!

06 01 I WANNA BE (FREE) Brandyn Burnette
03 02 NO WORDS Erik Hassle
01 03 CHASING STARS Corey Niles Featuring Alex Lacasse
04 04 AERONAUT Parralox
05 05 I’LL BE THERE Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers
08 06 CAN’T DENY MY LOVE Brandon Flowers
07 07 MARVIN GAYE Charlie Puth Featuring Meghan Trainor
12 08 SENSATION Antonio Giacca
19 09 SHINE Years & Years
14 10 GHOST TOWN Adam Lambert
11 11 WE ARE THE NIGHT Steve Grand
17 12 DEJA VU Giorgio Moroder Featuring Sia
15 13 HEY NOW Matt & Kim
20 14 BEAUTY NEVER LIES Bojana Stamenov
16 15 ROADS Lawson
18 16 WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT Smashing Satellites
02 17 NO TALK River Tiber
23 18 GUILTY AS SIN Dan Talevski
25 19 BETTER TO BE LOVED Francesco Yates
26 20 WALKING THROUGH THE FIRE Cobi
24 21 THIS SUMMER’S GONNA HURT LIKE A MOTHER FUCKER Maroon 5
09 22 FEVER Jully Black
10 23 HOLD BACK THE RIVER James Bay
New 24 EAST SIDE BAY Mi Disguise
13 25 STING Eric Saade
New 26 UMA THURMAN Fall Out Boy
21 27 DESIRE Years & Years
22 28 SEE YOU AGAIN Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth
New 29 GIRL FROM SWEDEN Eric Saade
27 30 CHAINS Nick Jonas

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – June 21/23 spotlighting new songs by @SophiaFracassi #NicholasCampbell @SmalltownDJs

It’s been a busy week so far, but I still have six new songs for you to check out, four of them by my fellow Canadians!

Among the 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, whose choices this week span the 1980’s. In case you missed them, you’ll find out about the #1 song and the Fastest Riser in the latest edition of the BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

SOPHIA FRACASSI, “Dance with Myself”

Sophia Fracassi is definitely a new Canadian talent to watch, and this Alliston, Ontario born singer/songwriter is still a teen. “Dance with Myself”, which follows up last year’s debut EP Marathon, just oozes joy and confidence. It’s an upbeat anthem about doing things your way and being happy about it, even when others are not. It’s richly produced and vibrant, the kind of song with a story that the pandemic taught us spending many months in isolation, and is a good companion to the recent hit by Frank Walker and Ella Henderson, “I Go Dancing”. Sophia is opening for Amanda Marshall on her current tour, so be sure to arrive early to check out her set.

NICHOLAS CAMPBELL, “I’m Sorry”

While I seldom write about country songs, simply because it’s neither my genre of choice nor am I knowledgeable enough about it to write comfortably, on occasion songs that have crossover potential from some sub-genres of country will catch my attention. “I’m Sorry” is a rockabilly ballad by Peterborough, Ontario native Nicholas Campbell. And while this recording is pretty raw and imperfect, Nicholas has that beautiful aching tone in his voice that has served singers like Jack Scott, Robert Gordon, and Chris Isaak very well over the years. The song is earnest and with a simple, ear-catching melody. But Nicholas’ voice is the star, and we’ll be hearing more from him.

SMALLTOWN DJ’s, “Concorde Groove”

Smalltown DJ’s are the veteran Canadian duo of Mike Grimes and Pete Eves, who are also former nightclub owners and have a refined, classic house sound in “Concorde Groove”, released on A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold label. It’s a brisk and funky instrumental with disco flourishes that could be easily interspersed in a mid-evening club set and will keep dancers on the floor. “Concorde Groove” has an ideal mesh of contemporary and retro sounds. Smalltown DJ’s have played numerous festivals and clubs over the years. “Concorde Groove” dazzles without too many effects and provides a strong emphasis on melody.

FEATURING

JOSH RAMSAY, RIA MAE, “Perfect Mistake”

Josh Ramsay, the Grammy-nominated lead singer/songwriter (and my birthday mate) of Juno Award winners Marianas Trench, released his debut album The Josh Ramsay Show over a year ago. And it’s interesting how time can work in our favour sometimes, but after leading off the album with the rocking first single “Lady Mine” with Chad Kroeger, the third single, the more pop-flavoured “Perfect Mistake” with Juno-nominated Halifax-born singer Ria Mae (who I saw open for Scott Helman in concert a few years back), seems to have the charm and has started breaking at Canadian radio. It’s a solid collaboration, with Josh and Ria’s unique voices blending well, and could reignite interest in the album, which has perhaps underperformed despite the appearances of other popular Canadian performers like Tyler Shaw and Fefe Dobson. A good song is a good song and with Marianas Trench too long absent for almost 5 years from pop radio, Josh’s familiar voice should bolster the appeal of “Perfect Mistake”.

GUZ HARDY & J LUKE, ROBBIE ROSEN, “On My Mind”

“On My Mind” is a slice of deep Eurohouse from Sicilian duo Guz Hardy & J Luke that features the prolific Robbie Rosen on vocals. It’s a darker song than usual for Robbie, which allows him to reach into an affecting, expressive vocal with intriguing post-relationship lyrics where the protagonist just can’t let go of thoughts about a previous lover. Guz Hardy & J Luke have been on the European dance music scene since 2020, but are new to me and their work on “On My Mind” is high calibre – Guz Hardy (Gianluca Guzzardi) is the DJ/producer while J Luke (Gianluca Viglianisi) is the songwriter. “On My Mind” works as a slick collaboration and could easily be repeated.

LOVE & LOGIC, BORN I, “Before I Go”

“Before I Go” is no-nonsense soulful hip-house from NYC’s Love & Logic (Chris Love and AB Logic – you’ll remember the 90’s techno dance smash “The Hitman”) and Washington DC rapper Born I (Ofosu Jones-Quartey). It’s got a familiar, retro sound and will work better in club mixes than some of the more contemporary blends of house and rap. Born I’s smooth flow works compliments the seamless and catchy, funky backdrop created by Love & Logic. “Before I Go” is a sweet surprise so don’t sleep on it!

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.

Retro melodic house for the win with Alesso’s “Without You”

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

Toronto quartet New West with “Those Eyes”

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.

L.A. electronic dance producer Home By Dawn and Michigan vocalist Hannah Zhao with “Wild”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

George Michael – Faith
Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
Bob Seger – Shakedown
Prince – Little Red Corvette
Maxi Priest – Close To You

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” (English version) is #1 for a third appearance!! BTS fans are loving it.

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

It’s two charts in a row for Matoma and James Droll with “Won’t Follow You Home” (18-3)

#BILLCSTop30 #668 – June 19/23

Have you decided on what your summer song of ’23 will be? Or maybe you’re waiting for a release to arrive soon? Last summer I had three songs that continuously had my ears perked up – “Daydreaming” by Harry Styles, “Dusk” by Manila Killa and Lights, and “Superstar” by Darin. This year, one of those songs is definitely my current #1, with at least two others in the running, but I think I’ll have to wait till mid-summer to decide.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog. As most of you 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.

Once again it’s “Like Crazy” (English version) by JIMIN (above) which rules my chart, getting a third appearance (sixth week) at #1. There are others making noise on the chart, but “Like Crazy” could continue at the top two weeks from now. What other songs might join it as one of my songs of summer? One that’s not even on the chart that also features JIMIN is “Angel, Pt. 2” in collaboration once again with JVKE and Muni Long from part one, but this time Charlie Puth is on board. And it’s just wonderful! Check it out below.

One of those songs making noise and a contender for a song of summer is “Won’t Follow You Home” by Norwegian producer Matoma and American singer/songwriter James Droll. The song soars 18-3, matching Matoma’s highest peaking song to date, “The Power”, which got to #3 earlier this year. Matoma is indeed having a very good year, making the best music I’ve heard from him to date.

I’m looking forward to seeing his show in my city in August, and James Bay climbs 6-4 with “Brilliant Still” from his third album Leap. It’s his third song to reach the Top 5, following “Pink Lemonade” (#2) and “Chew on My Heart” (#5).

Jonas Blue’s “Finally” (10-6) featuring RANI is another great summery song, thanks to its bass synth hook popularized in the 90’s by Gusto’s “Disco’s Revenge”.

Also new to the Top 10 are songs that are personal chart bests for both artists. DJ Mirko B climbs 11-8 with the deep Eurohouse of “Sun Freezes Cold” (above), while American bluesy rock singer Cobi rises 16-9 with the ear-catching and beautiful “Telepathic Powers” (below) from his album Love In The Wildwood. It’s Mirko’s 2nd Top 10 entry and Cobi’s first, though Cobi’s previous band Gentlemen Hall also got to the Top 10 twice.

Conan Gray’s “Never Ending Song” is another smoking hot song right out of the gate, and zips up the chart 24-13. I’ll be very happy if his next album release contains more uptempo songs like this one.

“Wildfire” is a fun deep house track by my fellow Torontonians DLMT, Luis Torres and Rico 56, and it climbs 23-18.

Emirati dance producers Revelries’ dark deep house track “Down on You” is off to a great start and it rises 26-20.

Leading the trio of new releases is Alesso’s “Without You”, which arrives at #26. It’s Alesso’s fourth visit to this chart with his best showing to date being 2017’s “Falling” (featuring an uncredited vocal by Tove Lo), which peaked at #4. With its sensational and uplifting retro melodic house vibe, I think “Without You” will soon find its way to the Top 10.

Next at #27 is “Substitution” by German Grammy Award winning dance producer Purple Disco Machine – he won last year for remixing Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” – and French dance producer Kungs. It’s Purple Disco Machine’s first visit to the chart, and Kungs makes his second appearance following 2021’s #2 “Never Going Home”. What, you mean I never charted his classic “This Girl” in 2016″? Well, uh, nope – somehow it never resonated with me until long after it peaked, so it missed the chart. Fortunately there aren’t too many like that over the last 25 years!

The last new entry at #28 is the shimmering “Missing You” by Gareth Emery featuring singer Maria Lynn, which sparkles even more in its rousing Ben Gold remix. It’s Gareth’s fourth chart entry, and his now signature song, “You’ll Be OK”, was #1 on this chart exactly three years ago.

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.

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.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules are up-to-date.

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – June 15/23 spotlighting new songs by @JohnnyOrlando & @AliGatie @GATTUSO_music & @Jaljaofficial Tim Young @soundslikeTim @ChetPorter

Every week, I listen to 30-40 new songs for the BILLCS New Music Report and perhaps eventually for my bi-weekly BILLCS Top 30 chart. Some songs may carry over for a few weeks until I make my decision about them. I pay careful attention to the “growers”, because I can’t decide on some songs until after more than two listens. The songs are usually listened to playlist-style, so in a way they are competing with each other for attention, and to determine how well they would be played in a mix of songs. So that’s my weekly strategy to bring you some great new tunes!

Among the 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, whose songs are from 1977-78 this week. You’ll also see what songs were in my Top 5 in my BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20… years ago feature. There are a few nice surprises on these charts, and in two of those years, Armin van Buuren had the #1 songs!

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

JOHNNY ORLANDO, ALI GATIE, “When I’m Gone”

“When I’m Gone” is a bit of a grower, which is perhaps why Canadian pop radio hasn’t latched onto it as hard as past Johnny Orlando and Ali Gatie releases. But it’s a fine, particularly well-produced song with some familiar bits, and two voices which offset each other nicely. 20 year-old Johnny, a Mississauga, Ontario native, especially sounds super, more soulful than past releases, while Toronto-based Iraqi-Canadian Ali’s voice is instantly recognizable. At times, the melody reminds me of Mario Winans’ early 00’s hit “I Don’t Wanna Know”, but that’s where the comparisons end. Give “When I’m Gone” some time and it may just be one of your new favourites. To me, it’s a song-in-waiting as an international breakout for both artists.

Johnny Orlando plays the 1MX Music Festival at Dockyards in London, England on July 8th.

GATTÜSO, JALJA, “Out Of My Mind”

NYC-based, Israel-born dance producer GATTÜSO is back with some crisp deep house with “Out Of My Mind”, featuring rising British vocalist Jalja, whose voice is finding its way onto a number of dance releases as of late. “Out Of My Mind” is definitely one for the dance clubs, an ideal late night track about those times when you regret making certain decisions. Jalja has a dynamic voice that I’m sure we’ll continue to hear more of, and GATTÜSO offers a lot of fresh synth sounds which set “Out Of My Mind” apart from the rest.

TIM YOUNG, “Lavender”

“Lavender” is an engaging, loud, no-holds-barred track by Grammy-certified NYC singer/songwriter Tim Young (for his work in the film “The Greatest Showman” and the stage play soundtrack for “Dear Evan Hansen”). Despite the song being, as he says “gay AF” because of his own experience with the smell of lavender, many of us have had times in our lives that when someone leaves a relationship, or even a room, their scent is left behind. And that smell also gets stuck in your head and messes with it too. Tim’s vocal is alternately sensitive and wild in a busy but successful arrangement, and ultimately “Lavender” gets snugly under your skin.

CHET PORTER, “222”

Quickly following up the dazzling “Today, Tomorrow, Forever”, Canadian electronic producer Chet Porter brings us the busy and lush “222”. This instrumental is a real soundscape of synths. There’s so much going on here that it takes a few listens before your ears can figure out where they want to focus. “222” is essentially a symphony of sorts unto itself, with all of the synths and effects providing a futuristic overall sound. If a variation of “222” was played on traditional instruments, it would probably be a progressive classical piece, so you’re bound to enjoy its musicality as well as all of the additional sound flourishes that Chet provides.

FEATURING

OSVALDO SUPINO, “Drip Drop”

Following up his recent pop delight “Stuck on This Feeling”, Italy’s Osvaldo Supino continues to preview an upcoming album with the darker house sounds of “Drip Drop”. In it, he muses about being free of many distractions in order to focus on what’s going on and being authentic. “Drip Drop” has a hypnotic rhythm and a vocal by Osvaldo that gently seduces you to surrender to real living. Lucky European and UK fans will have a chance to see talented Osvaldo performing live on a summer tour that begins next month.

XANA, “babyblue”

Following the acoustic “bet you’ll get off on this”, Vancouver singer/songwriter Xana returns with the driving, emotional alt.pop of “babyblue”. Whereas with “get off” Xana channeled singers like Jewel and Brandi Carlile, here it’s a mix of them along with Melissa Etheridge and Alanis Morissette. “babyblue” is a promising track that’s the aural equivalent of pouring through old yearbooks, photos, and journals, and realizing what kind of a life you’ve had so far, but also reminiscing about those who are elsewhere in the world, or even gone from our lives, and wondering if they’re still okay. The vocal effects at the end of the song – reminding me somewhat of Laurie Anderson’s early 80’s songs – represent an outpouring of the mixed emotions of the song, but overall the creativity of “babyblue” leaves you satisfied and smiling.

LEXI MARIAH, “No Worries”

“No Worries” is a fun electronic dance bop that will keep your ears perked up while you pay attention to the relatable lyrics in this original co-written by Connecticut singer Lexi Mariah. It’s a welcome slice of energetic dance pop from this singer, whose voice I have mentioned previously would sound great next to songs by Dua Lipa, Bebe Rexha and others. “No Worries” has dashes of Britney and Miley that will extend the appeal of the song, which is about brushing off your worries without appearing to feel slighted, but masking those feelings deeper inside. Stick with “No Worries” and you’ll be happy you did.

CLAUDIA CAPPELLETTI, “Mine”

Italian singer/songwriter Claudia Cappelletti brings us a powerful new song that speaks to women’s rights in particular called “Mine”. Claudia has a commanding, convincing, almost Broadway-styled voice that exudes passion for her subject. For a lot of women, “Mine” could also be about realizing that you are unique and worthy as a person. But anthemic qualities and direct lyrics that Claudia has created in “Mine” are sure to grab you and make you think, especially of the women around the world who even today have little rights in their own countries because their societies refuse to change, for reasons often pointing at religion. Claudia has had so far only a handful of releases since 2020 and I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more from her.

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.

Emirati dance duo Revelries are back with “Down on You”

“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.

UK’s The Kaiser Chiefs have released their first new music in 4 years with “How 2 Dance”

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.

Former American Idol top seven finalist 23 year old Catie Turner with “Hyperfixations”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Cheap Trick – I Want You To Want Me
John Travolta & Olivia Newton John – You’re The One That I Want
Player – Baby Come Back
Fleetwood Mac – Dreams
David Soul – Don’t Give Up On Us

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2018

01 SATISFY Mercer featuring Ron Carroll

02 EVERYBODY HATES ME The Chainsmokers

03 17 MK

04 BABY I’M A QUEEN Sofi Tukker

05 BUTTERSCOTCH Robotaki featuring Jamie Fine & FALCXNE

2013

01 BLUE ELECTRIC ROSES Travis Garland

02 GET LUCKY Daft Punk featuring Pharrell Williams & Nile Rodgers

03 OUTTA MY MIND Matt Blue

04 VOCAL Pet Shop Boys

05 SOMEBODY TO LOVE ME Eli Escobar featuring Nomi Ruiz

2008

01 GOING WRONG Armin van Buuren featuring Chris Jones

02 AMERICAN BOY Estelle featuring Kanye West

03 MERCY Duffy

04 LET GO Paul Van Dyk featuring Rea Garvey

05 AFTER TONIGHT Justin Nozuka

2003

01 YET ANOTHER DAY Armin van Buuren featuring Ray Wilson

02 BRING ME TO LIFE Evanescence featuring Paul McCoy

03 CLOCKS Coldplay

04 THE REMEDY (I WON’T WORRY) Jason Mraz

05 DUST.WAV Perpetuous Dreamer [aka Armin van Buuren]

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – June 7/23 spotlighting songs by @FrancescoYates @MattDusk Victor Perry @wallflowerperry & @Braatenmusic & @ShaunPmusic @Rithosworld

Let’s hear it for the gents this week. It came to my surprise that some familiar voices who are frequent visitors to this blog, as well as some new ones comprise, my eight song choices in this edition of the BILLCS New Music Report.

Among the 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”, which happens to be a new K-Pop delight. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, which zooms in on the 1978-79 pop/new wave era. In case you missed them, I also have the BILLCS Top 30 #1 and the chart’s Fastest Riser.

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

FRANCESCO YATES, “Little Rockstar”

Toronto’s Francesco Yates recently released a new EP called Little Rockstar, which has been preceded by three rollicking singles, “Jimi”, “Thunderbomb” and “Chanel”. Francesco’s mix of pop/rock with his dynamic guitar playing continues to be alluring enough for me to dive deeper into the title track from the EP. “Little Rockstar” has a great melody that’s aided by an infectious ad-libbing style that made big hits like America’s “Horse With No Name” highly memorable. While I’m dating myself with that example, “Little Rockstar” is fresh and fun and well worth investing in the EP beyond its fab singles.

MATT DUSK, “Y2K”

Toronto-based crooner Matt Dusk has switched gears into pop/dance mode for his new release “Y2K”. Though immensely popular for his live shows and interpretations of songs by Frank Sinatra, Chet Baker and many others, pop/dance is not exactly where I would expect to find a new Matt Dusk song, but it works splendidly. I’m also not used to hearing his voice altered by technology, and because “Y2K” is such a warm and inviting song with an emotional side, the effects suit the setting. “Y2K” is about living life to the fullest with someone special, and the allusion of course is to the “end of the world” notion that was attached to the year 1999. Instead, Matt takes a cue from Prince, and with house rhythms in tact, we can all keep dancing happily into the night. If Matt and his team want to take the song further into a clubbier direction, I think it could benefit from some DJ remixes.

VICTOR PERRY, BRAATEN, SHAUN P, “Breathe”

NYC-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry is back with a new pop/dance original, “Breathe”, in collaboration with American producer Shaun P and Norwegian producer Braaten, who has worked with Victor on some of his most successful releases to date including “Losing Myself” and his cover of “Big Jet Plane”. “Breathe” is about being trapped in a relationship that started out promising, but instead led to loneliness. The melody is hopeful and the rhythm is mainly up-tempo, with some nice subtle production touches when the beats stop temporarily and at the end. And as you might anticipate, Victor’s delightful vocal is soulful, vibrant and touching.

RITHO, “Fantasising”

New 23 year old British multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Ritho has a lot happening in a unique way on his new single “Fantasising”. Ritho’s vocal style is the star of the show, sometimes drawing on a playful hip hop style, and at other times in an affecting head voice that gets under your skin, making the song, as its press release states “as infectious as it is vulnerable”. It’s a relatable track that muses about having a relationship and ultimately a life with someone you just got to know, when we get lost in our deepest thoughts. Ritho sees his music as part of the ‘dream pop’ sub-genre and “Fantasising” will certainly draw you in and lift you up.

FEATURING

BIJOU, MAHALO, “The Way We Touch”

Phoenix dance producer Bijou and L.A. dance producer Mahalo join forces for “The Way We Touch”. It’s a tantilyzing, mysterious track that recalls a late ’10’s deep house style that I recall particularly in some Mahalo tracks like “Perfect” and “Go Ahead”. When you don’t hear songs in this style much, it becomes appealing in a throwback kind of way. “The Way We Touch” is dark and bassy, and deep house fans and club DJ’s will enjoy it.

MICHAEL MEDRANO, FUNK LEBLANC, “LSD, Pt 2”

“LSD, Pt 2” follows up L.A.-based singer/songwriter Michael Medrano’s album release LoveSexDrugs, which includes previous single releases “Fluids”, “Naked”, and “Do Your Thing, Babe!”, another collaboration with producer Funk LeBlanc. “LSD, Pt 2” takes a late 70’s, early 80’s lite funky yacht-rock vibe popularized by artists at the time like The Doobie Brothers and Michael adds his own kind of sleaze into the lyrics, music and rhythm, becoming a playful party anthem of sorts. There are a few too many vocal effects – because Michael’s vocals are always worth savoring as is – but “LSD, Pt 2” easily succeeds on its own terms.

MICO, “Bad Note”

He’s already had a Top 40 radio hit in Canada with “Cut My Hair”, and the success for Mico (aka Toronto’s Miguel Veloso) should continue with “Bad Note”. It’s about learning how to deal with the near-end of relationships, despite fighting and other factors that have led there, and taking the high road out instead of dwelling over what went wrong. Mico has a solid, memorable voice and this well-produced release goes down easy like a good pop song should.

JACK & JACK, “Stuttering”

It’s been a while since I had heard something new from social media stars Mssrs Johnson and Gilinsky, but “Stuttering” is infectious and engaging enough to keep Jack & Jack on the pop map. It’s only their third recent release, so I’ll bet they’ve had to serve out the terms of a record contract deal after their 2019 album A Good Friend Is Nice, which contains their smash “Rise” with Jonas Blue. “Stuttering” captures relatable lyrics about those important times when words unfortunately just get in the way. The rhythm is peppy and urgent, and there’s a staccato rap part of “Stuttering” that works well.

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.

“Never Ending Song” is brand new from Conan Gray

“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.

Pet Shop Boys with “I Will Fall” from their EP Lost

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.

It’s a K-Pop bop from B.I. featuring Big Naughty, “Dare To Love”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Chris Rea – Fool (If You Think It’s Over)
Chuck Mangione – Feels So Good
Billy Joel – Just The Way You Are
Devo – Whip It
The B-52’s – Rock Lobster

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” (English version) gets a second appearance at #1

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

Matoma and James Droll with “Won’t Follow You Home” (25-18)

#BILLCSTop30 #667 – June 5/23

The new chart is loaded and there are five debuts. There are just so many songs I’m enjoying right now that deserve to be on the chart, so some songs may go up and down the chart faster than usual in the next while. That’s not a bad thing, I just want to give all of the ones that resonate with me their due! This week, songs 8-19 are all on the rise, so there’s a bit of a log jam happening which should shake loose in two weeks.

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

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.

But here we are once again and BTS’ JIMIN scores a second appearance at #1 with the simply stunning “Like Crazy (English version)” (above), certainly one of my faves of ’23 so far. “Like Crazy” is so unlike anything out there right now that it stands out whenever it plays among a bunch of other songs. You may also have caught JIMIN’s appearance on “Angel Pt. 1” from the “Fast X” soundtrack, below, which also features JVKE and Muni Long.

Climbing 4-2 is another worldwide fan favourite, Loreen’s EuroVision winner “Tattoo”. I’m hoping a new Loreen album is in the works.

I’m not sure why Universal hasn’t championed James Bay’s top notch new third album Leap, which another one that fans are running with. The beautiful “Brilliant Still” should be a single and it rises 9-6.

New to the Top 10 are “Only One” by Niko The Kid and MAYLYN (12-9, above), a really ear-catching slice of deep house, and “Finally” by Jonas Blue and RANI (16-10, below), a new song revolving around that bassy sample popularized in Gusto’s “Disco’s Revenge”. It’s Jonas Blue’s 6th song to reach the chart’s Top 10.

Climbing 17-11 is the dark and danceable “Sun Freezes Cold” by Italy’s DJ Mirko B, who looks to score a new personal best on my next chart.

I’m pleased to see that “Forget You” by former Eleven Past One singer Daniel Richter (22-17) is bubbling under deservingly at national radio in Canada, with lots of support coming from Quebec radio stations.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is another unique one that’s going to quickly find its way to the upper reaches. Norway’s Matoma is having a fantastic year for dance music and this collaboration with US singer James Droll, “Won’t Follow You Home” rises 25-18. Watch for Matoma on tour in US cities.

Also moving up steadily is Welsh singer/songwriter Ben Ellis’ enjoyable pop track “Ed’s House” (above), which jumps 23-19. Ben has also released a follow up about meeting someone with matching tattoos called “Sofia” (below).

Making the big splash onto the chart as the Highest Debut is the latest from Conan Gray called “Never Ending Song” at #24. He sounds a lot like Brandon Flowers of The Killers to me, and it’s a fun, new wave-tinged track co-written and co-produced by Max Martin. It’s Conan’s fourth visit to the chart and follows last year’s #1 “Yours”, which was also my # 7 song of 2022.

Emirati dance producers Revelries get their 6th appearance on the chart with their fine recent deep house release “Down On You” at #26, which follows up last year’s #6 “Pulling Me Down”.

Jessie Ware’s new album That! Feels Good is a must-hear for fans of dance music with sophistication and flair, and it truly sounds like she has found a niche in pop music that fans love. “Begin Again” arrives at #27 and it’s her 13th visit to the chart overall.

Talented Swedish pop/rock trio Louis Pax return with their third chart entry called “The Road Back” at #28. While the band writes melodies that could be taken right out of the 80’s, “The Road Back” often reminds me of early 2000’s rock acts like McFly or Simple Plan. Louis Pax had my #5 song of 2022 with the #1 “Bad Things”.

Rounding out the new entries is Toronto’s Francesco Yates at #29 with “Thunderbomb”, another raucous, guitar riff-laden tune that follows up last year’s #1 “Jimi”, which was also my #8 song of 2022. It’s from Francesco’s new EP called Little Rockstar, and is his 7th visit to the chart.

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.