Recently, Spotify announced that it will demonetize tracks with 1,000 plays or less, which will come as a shock for those folks who have got used to casually adding their latest work to streaming platforms for listeners to find. I think this is a good thing because there are other platforms for independent performers to grow their audiences, to the point where their songs can attract enough people on streaming services to make a bit of money. Another new policy also puts a stop to individuals spamming Spotify’s platform with other recorded stuff that isn’t music, as well as fining distributors and labels for adding fraudulent product to the service.
Independent artists struggling to get 1,000 plays on a song will have to resort to more promotion of their music to blogs and influencers as a prelude to streaming platform play. Those who are serious about it will not give up. Those who have been adding their songs to Spotify just on a whim will need to do a rethink.
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 take us back to the 1986-87 era. And in case you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the latest BILLCS Top 30.
As you may have noticed last week, 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.
COBI, “Where We Belong”
“Where We Belong” is the powerful ballad companion piece that I’ve been awaiting from L.A.-based singer/songwriter Cobi for his song “Telepathic Powers”, the dreamy, bluesy release from earlier in the year which reached #5 on the BILLCS Top 30. “Where We Belong” is the kind of song that draws a hush over a crowd. With the majority of the song solely piano and voice, its grounded story is comforting and reassuring to those who are feeling lost and alone, driven by Cobi’s passionate vocal. And just wait for Cobi’s lucid guitar work later in the song to really lift it up and bring it home. Don’t miss this one.
TRANS-CANADA HIGHWAYMEN, “Undun”
The Trans-Canada Highwaymen is a new Canadian supergroup comprising biz veterans Moe Berg (Pursuit of Happiness), Chris Murphy (Sloan), Craig Northey (The Odds) and Steven Page (ex-Barenaked Ladies), which means that their album of covers of largely Canadian hits, appropriately titled Explosive Hits Vol. 1 (love the K-Tel-inspired cover art!), is well worth checking out. While these talented guys put their spin on a variety of pop songs by April Wine, Michel Pagliaro, Paul Anka, The Stampeders, and even a well-done update of the DeFranco Family’s 1973 smash “Heartbeat – It’s A Lovebeat”, it’s their take on The Guess Who’s 1969 international hit “Undun”, with lead vocal by Steven Page, that stands out the most. The spirit and urgency of the original are there, minus the psychedelic undertones of that era, and Steven’s vocal is outstanding. All of the guys get their opportunities to shine on the album, which is highly recommended for any of their fans as well as lovers of Canadian music in general.
NERO, “Truth”
For many long-time electronic music fans, British trio Nero ranks with the best artists in the genre. They’ve been together for over 20 years, and their most recognizable work appeared over a decade ago, culminating in a Grammy (along with pal Skrillex) for best remixed (non-classical) recording of their UK #1 smash “Promises”. Their second album Between II Worlds became a North American #1 electronic dance chart hit in 2015, and after that members worked on solo projects and raised families. Only last year did they surprise fans and resurface on Deadmau5’s tour, and have since started releasing new music again. The propulsive dubstep banger “Truth” follows up “Renegade” (with R.L. Grime) and comes from Nero’s upcoming long-awaited third album Into The Unknown. It’s a busy, clever track that will jar you with its push-pull rhythm and otherworldly vocal. “Truth” is a gleaming, futuristic forecast of what electronic music has in store for us.
MATT BOYLAN-SMITH, “The Only Eyes I’ve Ever Known”
It’s been a while since I first introduced you to indie Australian singer/songwriter Matt Boylan-Smith, who is back with his lovely tribute to family, “The Only Eyes I’ve Ever Known”. As much as it fits alongside the folk-pop of artists like The Lumineers, “Only Eyes” has wider appeal, a cross between Newton Faulkner and Ed Sheeran with a few dashes of The Waterboys and The Proclaimers. Matt’s songwriting leaves you hanging on each verse as his story unfolds, and the chorus becomes a singalong that you’ll wait to hear again and again. Folk-influenced pop has been making great strides these past few years to get back into the public consciousness and stay there, instead of being led by a handful of successful one-off’s, and artists like Matt will help it get there.
CAPITAL CITIES, “Skeleton Man”
L.A. based duo Capital Cities follow up their first releases in about 5 years, “Together” (with Bobby Nourmand, reached #12 on the BILLCS Top 30) and “Summertime with U” (with former member Spencer Ludwig, which I also wrote about a while back), with the danceable bop “Skeleton Man”. Its bright and funky synth pop melody accompanied by trumpet – courtesy once again of Spencer Ludwig, who may as well use “Safe and Sound” as his middle name – as well as xylophone effects that are part of a bounty of sounds and flourishes for you to absorb. Ryan and Sebu keep it light with bone references throughout. Smooth production and fluid harmonies make it easy to invest some time with “Skeleton Man”. The group has made the song available on their website for free download for now so get it while you can by clicking on the following song title: “Skeleton Man”.
JERIN JAMES, “Wildfire”
“Wildfire” follows up L.A.-based electronic producer Jerin James’ recent release “Fly Away”, which I wrote about a while back, and both come from his forthcoming album. “Wildfire” is an imaginative and melodic track featuring an uncredited female vocalist singing a brief set of lyrics that frame the song. It has loads of sync possibilities for scenes in video games, action films or documentaries. “Wildfire” develops a distinct impression for the listener as the vocal evolves into a convincing and compelling distorted effect, and ultimately lets us conjure up whatever appropriate imagery will go with the flow.
LOUIS PAX, “this is not america (i heard it on the news)”
Swedish pop/rock trio Louis Pax return with a new EP called in case I don’t see ya, pt. 1, which includes the previous singles “The Road Back” and “in case I don’t see ya”. “this is not america” is a thought-provoking song depicting contemporary America as seen through the eyes of Europeans on the news. America is often seen as the example to follow for the rest of the world, and the song is critical about whether or not that should be the case. Sometimes the most obvious path is not the one to take and we need to reflect and choose what’s right for us regardless of popularity. So yes, “this is not america” seems a little more downbeat than usual to start, but the melody and Oscar Reingsdahl’s vocal make it rise part way, allowing the song to finish on a high, upbeat note. Louis Pax continue to portray themselves through their music as a tight often introspective band that wears its good intentions on its sleeves.
KOUSS, ANNA KLINE, “Can’t Go Back”
As readers of this blog will know, you were first tipped off to “Can’t Go Back” by my online radio buddy Hunter Wilbur, who designated it as his Pick of the Week a few weeks back. And with repeated plays at my end, I’ve found that I’ve been enjoying it too. Kouss is a DJ/producer and multi-instrumentalist from south Florida who experienced being signed to a major label as part of a band. An accident in 2020 left him unable to play drums for an extended period, during which he developed his production skills. “Can’t Go Back” is actually Kouss’ debut release, a slick pop/dance single for him featuring a fine vocal from Nashville-based, Ohio-born Anna Kline, who has written hundreds of songs and is a sought-after top-liner. The result is a catchy slice of ear candy that you’ll find yourself playing on repeat. It’s always nice to be in on a debut single and “Can’t Go Back” is off to a solid start for Kouss.
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.
“Curfew” by Australian indie rock quintet Moonwood from their EP Curfew Hours
“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”.
“Gone Forever” is by Windsor, Ontario artist MELØ
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.
“Big Sky, MT” is by Nashville-based acoustic trio The Arcadian 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.
Robbie Robertson – Somewhere Down The Crazy River (1987)
Billy Ocean – There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry) (1986)
Bruce Hornsby and The Range – The Way It Is (1986)
Atlantic Starr – Always (1987)
Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam – Lost In Emotion (1987)
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Steve Angello & WH0’s “What You Need” is the chart’s new #1
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
Bright Light Bright Light’s “Down To One”, accompanied by a fun horror movie-themed video, rises 12-5 as the Fastest Riser for a second chart in a row
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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