Could 2024 be on the tip of some more sophisticated-sounding music? It reminds me of the gradual lead-up to the disco era in the 1970’s, when the R&B/soul sound got increasingly more sophisticated, and with the addition of synthesizers, the overall sound became full and sharp. A number of the selection in this week’s Report offer some kind of sophistication whether it’s in the vocals, arrangement, or rhythm.
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 transport us back to 1979. In case you missed them on Monday, you’ll also find out what’s #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30 this week.
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.
Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.
GREAT GOOD FINE OK, “Breathing”
The NYC electronic pop duo of Jon Sandler and Luke Moelmann have released a double-whammy of cosmopolitan tunes, with “Breathing” following hot on the heels of “Blame”, currently rising up the BILLCS Top 30. While “Blame” is more of a contemporary R&B-flavoured pop song, “Breathing” draws from an early 80’s R&B sound that you don’t hear revived too often – think George Benson’s “Turn Your Love Around”, Al Jarreau’s “We’re In This Love Together”, or even early Level 42 with “Starchild” – and you’ll get no complaints from me! “Breathing” is moving, delightful stuff with another smashing vocal by Jon. Check out the imaginative video for “Breathing” by clicking on the photo above.
TYLER GARRETT, “Holding On”
L.A.-based indie singer/songwriter Tyler Garrett has taken on production duties for the first time with the emotional electronica of his latest release “Holding On”. And this is one shimmering beauty of a song, a deeply warm and genuine story about a couple who were once in love, but separate, leaving the protagonist fighting the complexities of being alone but in some ways still being in love. Many of us have been through such experiences, which then gradually become memories, trying to remember and retain the good times and not the bad ones. Tyler’s vocal in the quite danceable “Holding On” is one of his best and his mix of electronica and effects isn’t too busy but complimentary to the story. It offers no resolution but remains very satisfying, allowing the listener to draw their own conclusions while you sway to the rhythm. Click on the photo above to see an in-studio performance of “Holding On” by Tyler.
KAYTRANADA, ROCHELLE JORDAN, “Lover/Friend”
Quebec-raised Haiti-born producer, rapper, and vocalist Kaytranada has one of those star-studded, awards-soaked success stories – two Grammys and four Juno Awards to date – that many artists can only dream of attaining. Yet despite all of the critical claim and success of his albums, he has yet to have a hit single, in terms of the pop charts and radio play. That’s in the process of changing with the release of “Lover/Friend”, a silky R&B/pop duet with Rochelle Jordan, a fellow Canadian who has sung with the likes of Childish Gambino and KLSH. It follows up Kaytranada’s 2023 album collaboration with rapper Aminé called Kaytraminé. “Lover/Friend” also brings some 90’s flavour, with inevitable vocal comparisons for Rochelle to Aaliyah or Brandy. The propulsive mid-tempo rhythm is infectious and I’d love to see Top 40 and R&B radio stations grab “Lover/Friend” and make it a first really big hit song for Kaytranada.
NORMA JEAN WRIGHT, “In Love Again”
2024 has kicked off with a nice surprise – “In Love Again”, the first of two releases (the other being “Around Me”) in many years for former CHIC vocalist Norma Jean Wright. 1970’s disco fans will recognize the beautiful tone in her voice from many a CHIC hit, as well as her solo disco hits like “Having A Party”, “Saturday”, “Sorcerer” and “High Society”. Norma Jean has been touring as one third of The First Ladies of Disco with Martha Wash and Linda Clifford in recent years which has obviously kept her voice in great form. “In Love Again” is a step forward in time though, it’s disco done 2024 style packed with all of the elegance and grace that came with that era.
REAL ESTATE, “Water Underground”
Real Estate is an indie rock quintet from New Jersey that has been around for just over a decade. From their upcoming fifth album is “Water Underground”, a gentle rocker led by a catchy acoustic guitar melody. There’s not a whole lot new happening here, but Real Estate’s overall performance featuring delightfully chill vocals by Martin Courtney make the song stand out. Sometimes a song doesn’t need a lot of bells and whistles to get your attention, and often a soothing mix of melody and rhythm will do the trick. “Water Underground” sends me back to the 90’s for songs by bands like The Rembrandts, Toad The Wet Sprocket, and Soul Asylum, and Real Estate’s unassuming, relaxed style is very welcome in the over-stressed out times of the 2020’s.
SUKI WATERHOUSE, “OMG”
“OMG” is punchy rock ‘n roll from British singer, songwriter, actress and model Suki Waterhouse. I’d pitch “OMG” to fans of Garbage, Alanis Morissette and Courtney Love with its jagged guitar sound in contrast to Suki’s polished and restrained vocal. Many people know Suki as a model for just about every major designer in the last decade, but she branched out into music and acting, scoring most recently as keyboardist Karen in TV’s “Daisy Jones & The Six”, as well as in films like “The Divergent Series: Insurgent”, “Pride & Prejudice & Zombies”, and even “Pokémon: Detective Pikachu”. Never knock a multi-talent, Suki Waterhouse’s music has all the right stuff to win over alternative rock fans.
MATTHEW HOLTBY, “Goodbye Song”
Last summer, I introduced you to Canadian rock singer/songwriter Matthew Holtby, who hails from the Campbellford, Ontario area, a seasoned performer gone solo after years of playing in bands. Matthew’s released some new music lately, and “Goodbye Song” is the title track from his three-song EP. The song draws you right in with its story of being torn – attracted to someone who lies but yet you don’t want her to leave. “Goodbye Song” features an engaging vocal and a nifty guitar bridge in an arrangement that doesn’t let up, making four well-spent minutes go by in a flash.
PLS&TY, TUDOR, “Yours” (Cat Dealers remix)
Never knock remixes that can give added dimension to your songs! To me, last year’s original version of “Yours” by L.A.-based dance producer PLS&TY is a super song missing something in the arrangement, so I was happy to see a few remixes surface to send me back for another listen. Brazil’s Cat Dealers have a recognizable deep house sound that has won them favour all over the world, and their remix of “Yours” heightens the mysterious vibe of the song, conveyed largely by Welsh vocalist Tudor (who has also sung on recent releases by SNBRN, Discrete, and Zack Martino among others), as well as accentuating the techno-influence, which was a little too slight in the original. Fans of artists like Vintage Culture and Morgan Page will especially enjoy this skillful remix of “Yours”.
BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK
My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world.
The Knocks and Sofi Tukker reunite for their fun indie collaboration “One On One”
“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”.
Brand new from The Black Keys, it’s “Beautiful People (Stay High)”
HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK
Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio show “Modern Hype” which can be heard on several online stations including Energy 885.
Hailing from L.A., originally from Wisconsin, it’s Hannah Connolly with “Reno”
“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.
Dire Straits – Sultans Of Swing
The Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes
Bee Gees – Tragedy
Claudja Berry – (Boogie Woogie) Dancin’ Shoes
Pointer Sisters – Fire
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
“Lovin On Me” by Jack Harlow continues at #1
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
Check out Todd Terry’s house track “What You Do” (18-10) with sampled vocals by Gene Chandler
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
You must be logged in to post a comment.