The Report is back after a week’s absence, during which time of course I’ve been listening to lots of new music to keep them coming to you in this blog post week after week.
Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five pop hits which span the years 1978-1986. You’ll also see what songs were in my Top 5 in my BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20… years ago feature.
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
GT_OFICE, JAYEM, ALIX ROBSON, “Can’t Deny”
“Can’t Deny” is a fierce end-of-summer piano-house banger brought to you courtesy of Miami producer GT_Ofice, New York producer JAYEM, and British vocalist Alix Robson. GT_Ofice continues to rise in the dance/pop world after Top 30 North American dance releases with VASSY (which went to #1 in the UK) and ALWZ SNNY. The musicianship in “Can’t Deny” is particularly strong with JAYEM and Alix also both musicians (piano, guitar) and producers. I often enjoy my dance bangers tight and intense, and “Can’t Deny” delivers big time. This one is for club and festival DJ’s who want to keep the fast pace going and make their dancers really sweat.
THROTTLE, helloworld, “Weightless Feeling”
Following up his intriguing take on Canadian performer EKKSTASY’s “I Walk This World All By Myself”, Australia’s Throttle (aka Robbie Bergin) continues to broaden his reach within the alternative electronic world with “Weightless Feeling”, in collaboration with L.A. producer helloworld. This is a far cry from early Throttle pop/dance remixes and his work with artists like Galantis and Oliver Heldens. It continues a more experimental path which he started with his 2019 EP Where U Are, which remains a personal favourite of mine, with “Dreamer” reaching #1 on the BILLCS Top 30. helloworld (aka Drew Wilken) has been producing and remixing for the last decade, though has only been releasing music as helloworld for the last three years and is part of the collective ASTRO. Both Throttle and helloworld seem to be on the same creative page with the sound they want to achieve, which in “Weightless Feeling” is joyous and liberating, and includes vocals by both producers. Add in a guitar solo and additional production by San Holo and “Weightless Feeling” should become a favourite for those who enjoy their electronica slightly left of centre.
KAREN HARDING, “Wrong Places”
UK house music queen Karen Harding is known for her unique, soulful vocal style and sound, which is often either powerful or sultry, whether singing solo or collaborating with producers like Digital Farm Animals, Felix Cartal, and Sammy Porter. It’s taken nearly 10 years, but Karen’s debut album Take Me Somewhere arrives on September 29, and “Wrong Places” is the first taste of that album, which will also include many of her best singles. If you don’t already know, Karen co-writes almost all of her songs (as well as those for others, too) and that gives her a special status in the dance music world. “Wrong Places” veers a bit into the alternative pop realm while still being a dance bop. Karen provides an edgy vocal which suits this darker song well. It’s a bit risky but immensely enjoyable for dance music lovers, and leaves us to ponder about other new songs which will be included in the album.
MANILA KILLA, MYRNE, RUNN, “Center of the World”
“Center of the World” is another dance track that is loaded with rich talent – frequent visitor to this blog and American producer of Filipino heritage Manila Killa, Singapore’s enduring producer MYRNE, and L.A.-based vocalist RUNN. This release marks a slight shift in direction for all three performers, in a trance-flavoured deep house track enriched with shifting moods led by exceptional synth work that also showcases RUNN’s softer vocal breaks. Despite the song’s dark and adventurous overtones, club goers will have fun with it when mixed with similar songs from the Anjunabeats roster or Above & Beyond.
FEATURING
SPENCER LUDWIG, CAPITAL CITIES, “Summertime with U”
Two big talents reunite – Spencer Ludwig was the original trumpeter for Capital Cities who went on to a solo career, winning a Latin Grammy for his work with Colombian performer Fonseca a few years back. Spencer and Capital Cities work some breezy electronic pop magic again with “Summertime with U” that highlights slick production and synth work, as well as a refreshing trumpet solo. While “Summertime with U” doesn’t really offer anything new, you can feel the enthusiasm and good vibes, and that all goes a long way.
MAX EHRICH, “Backroads”
Max Ehrich is a name you might not associate with music, but you probably know from the acting world or from his engaging Instagram posts which also regularly show off his toned physique. The New Jersey-born talent, was 4 times Emmy-nominated for his role of Fenmore Baldwin on TV’s “The Young & The Restless”, and recently played the lead role in the film “Southern Gospel”. Max is also a dancer and has released other music but “Backroads” is his first in three years and marks a fresh start. It’s an R&B/hip hop flavoured track that will draw in fans of Justin Bieber or Justin Timberlake, with an easy-going rhythm and an alluring story. Even with some effects, you can hear the quality and natural ability in his voice, so this is no one-off. “Backroads” is good-natured, solid pop release that shows promise.
AUTOPILOT, “Unwound”
Autopilot is a three-piece alternative rock outfit from Saskatchewan, whose sound is broad enough to appeal to fans of Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nickelback, Arkells, and Monowhales, and everything in-between. They’ve found their footing and tight sound through frequent touring, and are about to release their first album in five years. It’s preceded by “Unwound”, which is a rousing, radio-friendly, anthemic rocker that’s a good introduction to anyone who hasn’t heard their music before. It follows up three singles which have received positive reaction from American radio stations. Featuring kick-ass drumming and urgent vocals, Autopilot delivers the rock ‘n roll goods that most of us enjoy in a live show, so watch for tour dates in a city near you.
JESSA, “Sleep with Boys”
Jessa is a new talent currently based in L.A. who has released her debut alt.pop single, “Sleep with Boys”. The lyrics put the protagonist in a love-hate relationship with herself, questioning why she does things which only lead to heartbreak. Fans of Olivia Rodrigo and Jessie Reyez will dig Jessa’s voice, and the clever melody is an affecting grower which will make you empathize with the situation. “Sleep with Boys” is co-written and produced by Pete Cho and college and alternative radio stations should latch onto it easily.
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 30 times/week on online radio stations around the world.
Felix Cartal and Karen Harding re-team for “Need Your Love”
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK
“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online 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”.
German producer TheFatRat with American vocalist Cecilia Gault and “Chasing Gravity”
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.
Reggae veterans Michael Franti and Spearhead bring you “Vibe Check (My Kinda Party)”
“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.
Toto – Hold The Line
Pete Townshend – Let My Love Open The Door
Sheila E – The Glamorous Life
Robert Palmer – Addicted To Love
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Kiss On My List
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 EVERYBODY NEEDS A KISS Benny Benassi & Sofi Tukker
02 BROKEN LOVE The Him featuring Parson James
03 GET DOWN RetroVision
04 I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU (Victor Dinaire/Bissen remix) Tony Moran featuring Jason Walker
05 BLACKLIST Lostchild
2013
01 BLACK LIGHT (Stormby remix) Kaden
02 AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME Ryan Adamés
03 REWIND Neverest
04 SKIRT Kylie Minogue
05 VOCAL Pet Shop Boys
2008
01 BEATING MY HEART Jon Mclaughlin
02 DREAM CATCH ME Newton Faulkner
03 VIVA LA VIDA Coldplay
04 CRUSH David Archuleta
05 BLACK AND GOLD Sam Sparro
2003
01 SIMPLY BEING LOVED (SOMNAMBULIST) BT
02 ABSOLUTELY ZERO Jason Mraz
03 I’LL DO ANYTHING Jason Mraz
04 SUPERFABULOUS BT featuring Rose McGowan
05 NEVER (PAST TENSE) The Roc Project featuring Tina Arena
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