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
“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”!
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
“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 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)
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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