I don’t generally go to many concerts in the colder months, so the only concert I have left scheduled for the rest of this year is Jessie Ware’s first show in Toronto in 9 years on October 23. If I travel to warmer climates then usually a show or two will happen, but I have nothing planned at this time. Otherwise my next show is in March for Gareth Emery’s LSR/CITY new concert laser experience (see first spotlighted song below)! I have missed Gareth the last two times he’s played Toronto, so I think this one will be quite special.
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 of southern 70’s rock (yee-haw!). I also have a flashback BILLCS Top 30 for you, this time from the formative year 2016!
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
LSR/CITY, ANNABEL, “Like A Prayer”
LSR/CITY is the new project launched by producer Gareth Emery to coincide with his upcoming mega-laser concert extravaganza of the same name. It’s kickstarted with a fast-paced trance cover of Madonna’s 1989 smash with a huge, dramatic arrangement that is offset by the soothing vocal by Annabel, whose voice gave us plenty of feels on Gareth’s “You’ll Be OK” (a 2020 BILLCS Top 30 #1). This refreshing redo of “Like a Prayer” does the original justice and trance music fans will revel in the complex layers of Gareth’s production. I can’t wait to see what kind of laser effects accompany this song when it’s played in concert in my city on March 9! Check out the extended visual mix by clicking on the above photo.
LOHRASP KANSARA, NORMAN ALEXANDER, “Follow Me”
Although it didn’t become a bonafide dance club hit until 10 years later in a Full Intention remix, the original 1992 version of “Follow Me” by New Jersey R&B/dance outfit ALY-US left its imprint on the house music scene with its uplifting lyrics and melody, and even scored pockets of radio play. NYC dance producer Lohrasp Kansara puts a reverent, contemporary spin on “Follow Me”, long a personal favourite of mine (I have the original cassette single!), with a convincing and fresh vocal by Norman Alexander that matches Eddie Lewis’ original. Despite being revived several times over the last 20 years in different forms, in the hands of the right club DJ’s and promoters, this version of “Follow Me” could not only find its way to big clubs and festivals, but could also be embraced by dance music radio all over again.
VASSY, “Krazy”
Australia’s sensational VASSY returns with an anthemic track that has its sight on dance music radio domination again called “Krazy”. A familiar house music instrumental hook certainly helps tease the listener in, and VASSY’s trademark vocal belt kicks in within 30 seconds for the chorus. You’ll also be impressed by the rest of her vocals, which passionately let a story about overcoming obstacles unfold. While it might be a cathartic kind of song, it’s also loads of fun for the listener and club goer, and will undoubtedly please fans who have been waiting for more from VASSY.
KAREN HARDING, “Wild Wild Water”
Karen Harding’s debut album Take Me Somewhere is finally here, and it’s a generous 13 song package, nearly 10 years in the making, including her best known hits “Say Something” and “Undo My Heart” among the songs previously released, plus six new songs. The album was preceded by the alternative dance pop of “Wrong Places”, and “Wild Wild Water” finds Karen dabbling in drum ‘n bass territory. The arrangement gives her voice a workout like you really haven’t heard it before. The songs within the album reinforce Karen’s strength as a gifted songwriter, and they offer her voice in a variety of settings, whether as a deep house belter or a more conventional pop/dance artist. Like “Wrong Places”, “Wild Wild Water” is a highlight of the new songs that you’ll want to check out.
FEATURING
MELØ, “Gone Forever”
Windsor’s MELØ continues to show his versatility with each release, this time with the hopeful alternative synth pop ballad “Gone Forever”. It’s a heartfelt, straight-forward song that reminisces about a past love, but knowing that it’s long over, and time to move on. The ear-catching layers of harmonies really give “Gone Forever” a huge choral lift. From dance pop to alternative rock, MELØ nicely comes full circle with “Gone Forever”.
WAITING FOR SMITH, “White Light of Love”
You have to hand it to Harry Lloyd, the Netherlands-based British force behind Waiting For Smith, and how he manages to spread goodwill and love through his recent songs like the latest, “White Light of Love”, without even a hint of preaching. Written while on a trip to South Africa, the song makes you truly wonder what that white light feels like, and if you’ve ever really felt it before. It’s something only an individual knows, but whatever it is, Harry has a handle on it and why it’s out there. The gentle story-telling behind “White Light” set to an acoustic arrangement is captivating and those of you in the UK can catch Waiting For Smith on tour this month in a variety of cities (check out his IG for further info).
OSVALDO SUPINO, “It Takes A Fool To Remain Sane”
With the emotional pop of “It Takes A Fool To Remain Sane”, Italy’s Osvaldo Supino once again shows off his skills as an interpreter in his latest release. Some of you may know versions of this song by Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs or Venezuela’s Omar Rudberg, but with his charming and thoughtful vocal, Osvaldo makes the song his own. “It Takes A Fool” is a breezy, bright slice of pop, and the arrangement and vocal give it a lovely sense of urgency.
LATCHMERE, “Fire In The Sky”
After a three year break, it’s a big welcome back to Australian producer Latchmere (aka Shaun Galvin) with his new EP Fire In The Sky, from which I’m highlighting the title track. The song is a brisk mix of pop and deep house that in the aftermath of a love affair seems to reflect on when that love burned at its brightest. Latchmere once again provides his own vocals, which shift from intense to reminiscing. The production balances all of the elements, imagery and emotions which make “Fire In The Sky” memorable.
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.
Following up his third album Leap is “Goodbye Never Felt So Bad” by James Bay
“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”.
From the upcoming album Hackney Diamonds, it’s “Angry” by The Rolling Stones
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.
“Greatest Mistake” by County Armagh, Ireland born singer/songwriter Ohdrán Murphy
“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.
ZZ Top – Tush (1975)
Charlie Daniels Band – The Devil Went Down To Georgia (1979)
Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama (1977)
Doobie Brothers – Long Train Runnin’ (1973)
Eagles – Desperado (1973)
BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2016
Many performers on this chart from 7 years ago continue to visit the chart regularly such as The Chainsmokers, MAX, Charlie Puth, Victor Perry, Adam Lambert, Matoma, The Disco Fries, Chet Porter, Martin Garrix, Brandyn Burnette, Bright Light Bright Light, and The Weekend!! A formative year for me for sure!
01 01 CLOSER The Chainsmokers F/ Halsey
02 02 NATIVE SON PREQUEL (Jenaux remix) Gramatix F/ Leo Napier
06 03 BALANCE The Him F/ Oktavian
04 04 REST OF MY LIFE Electric Bodega F/ Matt Beilis
09 05 LIGHTS DOWN LOW (Two Friends remix) MAX
07 06 WE DON’T TALK ANYMORE Charlie Puth F/ Selena Gomez
08 07 RAINBOWS Victor Perry
05 08 SHY The Magician F/ Brayton Bowman
12 09 BROKEN Tritonal & Jenaux F/ Adam Lambert
13 10 FALSE ALARM Matoma F/ Becky Hill
11 11 BORN READY The Disco Fries F/ Hope Murphy
03 12 HER AND HIM Mi Disguise x Rouse
14 13 ELEVATED (Joe Mason remix) RKCB
16 14 STAY Chet Porter F/ Chelsea Cutler
22 15 HIGH (Young Bombs remix) Jesper Jenset
20 16 IN MY HEAD Steve James F/ RKCB
18 17 IN THE NAME OF LOVE Martin Garrix & Bebe Rexha
19 18 CLOSER (Sean Turk remix) Brandyn Burnette
21 19 LOVE ON THE BRAIN Rihanna
24 20 LUMINARY Liquid Diet
26 21 I ONLY WANT TO PLEASE YOU Bright Light Bright Light F/ Ana Matronic
27 22 JUST A DREAM Molly Moore F/ Brandyn Burnette
New 23 PLANS Elephante F/ Brandyn Burnette
New 24 STARBOY The Weeknd F/ Daft Punk
10 25 WORSHIP Brandyn Burnette
15 26 SO HAPPY Tony Moran F/ Jason Walker
New 27 UNDERTOW (Anden remix) Satchmode
New 28 VAGUE (Stan Sax remix) Fabian Luttenberger
23 29 DANGEROUS Built By Titan F/ Jesse McCartney
25 30 TAKE ME APART LZRD x Spirix F/ REMMI
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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