I’ll let the music do the talking this week. I hope you continue to enjoy the refreshing selection of new tunes I bring to you every 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 this week teleport us back to 1974. You’ll also find out what the BILLCS Top 30 looked like 23 years ago!
I’ve made one change to the Report. I’ve decided to no longer use the words “Spotlighting” or “Featuring” because in truth all of the songs are worth checking out, or else I wouldn’t be writing about them!
The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.
AUDIEN, “Superhero”
“Superhero” is bound to be a new festival favourite by electronic dance producer Audien, who continues to have another great year with releases following his #1 dance radio hit “Antidote”. If you know his song from last year, “Drifting Away”, you’ll instantly recognize the uncredited vocal – and why it’s uncredited is puzzling – of British singer/songwriter Joe Jury, who is also one of the co-writers. Joe’s vocal is delightfully dreamy and the early 2010’s throwback piano house melody is just the tonic that a lot of us need right now. Cue the cell phone flashlights, “Superhero” tugs at those emotional strings and should be taking over dance music charts anytime soon.
YEBBA, “Waterfall (I Adore You)”
She’s got one of the best voices on the pop scene since she emerged in 2016, with a Grammy Award to whit, and Nebraska-born YEBBA is back with her first new studio recording of 2023, the dreamy alternative pop ballad “Waterfall (I Adore You)”. It’s a welcome diversion from her often complex and personal songs, which formed the basis of her 2021 album Dawn. We all get caught up in the moment at the time and don’t want to change the mood, preferring it to linger as long as it possibly can. YEBBA knows that she has to follow her own lead and calls out naysayers right from the get-go. Her vocal is pristine and the song is a soulful foray into infatuation, supported by relaxing backdrop of bright melodies. Let’s hope that YEBBA doesn’t slip away for another year without more new music. “Waterfall (I Adore You)” definitely begs for more.
BENEDICT CORK, “Soulmates”
Following up his late 2022 release “Dream of You” (which peaked at #7 on the BILLCS Top 30), Hertfordshire-born Benedict Cork brings us the inspiring “Soulmates”. Benedict is now so recognizable as a singer, songwriter and pianist that “Soulmates” is really a sum of all of the best of what he does. His voice soars, the piano twinkles, and the words transport us elsewhere where we may just have a soulmate. For those of us who only dream of such a thing, the song is very fanciful, and for those of us who once had one, or thought we had one, it gives us hope that someone else is waiting for us. “Soulmates” is top notch stuff, and you can be assured you’ll be humming along all winter.
VION KONGER, LUSSO, “Wait For The Drums”
If you’re looking for a heavy banger that will test the power of your biggest speakers, then “Wait For The Drums” by Russian producer Vion Konger and rising NYC producer/remixer Lusso will leave you mighty satisfied. “Drums” has to be one of the hardest hitting deep house songs of the year, a relentless, loud production full of bounce that leaves no stone unturned. Think of producers like Hardwell, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Timmy Trumpet when they just let loose – “Wait For The Drums” is dynamic and fun, and will certainly leave you breathless on the dance floor.
KACEY FIFIELD, “Vegas”
“Vegas” is the latest release from Kacey Fifield, recently relocated to NYC from L.A., an edgier, more provocative electronic pop song than what we’ve heard from her recently. It follows the lead of previous single “Self Sabotage” and its refreshing, uncluttered and vulnerable story. Instead of self-reflection, “Vegas” focuses on the young playboys types who start sordid lives with gambling and drugs, and revealing them when they cheat on their girlfriends. The straight-forward melody is memorable, and “Vegas” is once again a stalwart collaboration between Kacey and Robbie Rosen, who also produced.
MELØ, “Memento” (as featured in the short-film “Farewell For Now”, above)
Windsor-based alternative artist MELØ has released an EP and its accompanying short film called “Farewell For Now”. The film is about a life well-lived, obstacles (such as blindness), loss (specifically of his father), as well as hope, adapting and moving on. It’s beautifully shot and nuanced, taking its time to unfold its sad and touching story, a collaborative work by MELØ with his family and friends. The EP consists of three songs, “Sleep Alone”, the interlude “Exit Stage Light”, and “Memento”. The shift to “Memento” in the film is riveting, like those turning points in life where you abruptly realize that you simply must do something. The infectious guitar/synth melody reminds me of BT and Tori Amos’ “Blue Skies” meeting songs by new wave groups like New Order half way. It’s one of MELØ’s most compelling songs to date. There are a lot of take away’s from “Farewell For Now”, and “Memento” is an impressive bridge to whatever’s next.
MODERN MACHINES, “Brooklyn”
With a nod to his current home, NYC’s Modern Machines (aka Dimitry Mak) brings us “Brooklyn”, a fast-paced house track with an irresistible and invigorating melody. The use of an uncredited repeated female vocal sample here is effective and the brevity and euphoric nature of the song allow the repetition to work for the song rather than against it. Modern Machines has been honing his craft for the best part of the last decade, often as a remixer (such as for The Knocks and Foster The People’s “Ride or Die”) but also with his originals, which have been released on many of the biggest dance labels. This has allowed him to play the best of North American dance clubs and festivals while maintaining a steady social media presence, lately on the Threads app. “Brooklyn” is an enjoyable rave up that club DJ’s shouldn’t miss out on.
NOANNE, “Goodwill”
“Goodwill” is an unconventionally theatrical slice of alternative pop brought to you by Prague-based singer/songwriter/actress NOANNE. Choosing to be an enigma, she lets her music and images do the talking, and there is lots to talk about in the video for “Goodwill”. Based on the premises that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”, the story of love gone sour is full of dramatic and startling images, stunning cinematography (much of it through the use of AI), and compelling direction. In it NOANNE has a anti-hero presence like Madonna had in some of her videos, while her vocal tones at times recall the power of Annie Lennox. “Goodwill” is bold and fanciful, especially for those of you who enjoy their engaging pop songs with a strong dose of melodrama.
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.
“Real Love” by Martin Garrix and South African vocalist Lloyiso
“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”.
In their new album Hackney Diamonds, The Rolling Stones collaborate with Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder on “Sweet Sounds of Heaven”
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.
“Beyond The Sky” NYC electronic dance producer Deerock and vocalist Britt
“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. This week they’re all from 1974!
Al Wilson – Show And Tell
Hues Corporation – Rock The Boat
Roberta Flack – Feel Like Makin’ Love
Billy Swan – I Can Help
Helen Reddy – Angie Baby
BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2000
These are officially ‘golden oldies’ as we used to put it! As you’ll see I was crazy about Dido’s album No Angel, which had three new entries.
01 01 TWISTED TENDERNESS Electronic
03 02 CASE OF THE EX (WHATCHA GONNA DO) Mya
05 03 SHE BANGS Ricky Martin
02 04 NO MORE Ruff Endz
04 05 LET ME KNOW Jake
07 06 LATE AT NIGHT Electronic
NEW 07 HERE WITH ME Dido
08 08 RESCUE Eve 6
11 09 TAKE MY HEART AWAY Jake
15 10 ROCK DJ Robbie Williams
16 11 BEAUTIFUL DAY U2
13 12 MOST GIRLS Pink
17 13 MONEY JANE Baby Blue Sound Crew
06 14 PINCH ME Barenaked Ladies
NEW 15 YELLOW Coldplay
NEW 16 TAKE MY HAND Dido
12 17 VIVID Electronic
25 18 I’M LIKE A BIRD Nelly Furtado
10 19 BETTER LIFE 3 Doors Down
24 20 SILENCE Delerium f/ Sarah McLachlan
23 21 SAD EYES Enrique Iglesias
09 22 BANG BANG BOOM The Moffatts
NEW 23 MY LOVER’S GONE Dido
18 24 OOH IT’S KINDA CRAZY soulDecision
19 25 CAROUSEL Brattt Pack
21 26 PROMISE Eve 6
28 27 IF YOU’RE GONE Matchbox Twenty
29 29 STILL ON YOUR SIDE BB Mak
NEW 30 IF I AM Nine Days
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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