May 2024 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – May 29/24 with new songs by @JayB1rdmusic & TEGI, DE FACTO!! & DJ Fruit Salad, @TELYKast & @x_o_anne, @NatalieShay_, Ben Ellis, @TylerGarrettusa, @ColinMansn, and Ryan Wright @rywrightmusic

The variety of music in this week’s Report speaks for itself, from pop/folk through to electronic dance music, with two picks of the week from the country genre.

In the Report, you can also 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 DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five take us back to a handful of pop ballads released between 1981 and 1986. Plus, you’ll find out what songs sat atop the BILLCS Top 30 during the last 26 years! And there are at least six artists with songs currently on the BILLCS Top 30 who were NOT born when my chart began!!

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.

JAY BIRD, TEGI, “Dancing”

“Dancing” is a fresh sounding, fast-paced new house track by San Jose’s Jay Bird, frequently featured in this blog, along with newcomer TEGI, and it’s the first release on Jay’s label The Birdhouse Recordings. The label is intended to showcase music from Jay’s collective of new producers and artists also called The Birdhouse. “Dancing” has a clean sound which is quite European in nature, with a quirky rhythm that takes the basics from Daft Punk’s melodies and revs them up a bit. “Dancing” is a calling card for DJ’s to get their evening started with something clever, and Jay Bird and TEGI deliver the goods and more.

DE FACTO!!, DJ FRUIT SALAD, “Ur So Good (Everything I Need)”

Out of Australia, two producer/DJ’s, De Facto!! and DJ Fruit Salad, will give your day a lift with the relentlessly perky “Ur So Good (Everything I Need)”. It’s a catchy and not overly complicated pop-house mix. I normally wouldn’t care for this kind of track because of its altered vocal, but it’s an almost-cheesy dance floor filler with a contagious, happy vibe. De Facto!! and DJ Fruit Salad seem to be keeping themselves off of the major social media platforms while “Ur So Good” – which sounds like it’s based on a sample that I can’t place – has been given major props on Tik Tok by Australian radio station TripleJ. “Ur So Good” is too good not to be at least a worldwide dance hit, reminiscent in some ways of LF System’s “Afraid To Feel”, so perhaps the talent behind the record will come out of hiding to promote it. The songwriting credit is given to Harvey Miller, who is half of Australian duo Client Liaison, so that may be part of the puzzle too.

TELYKast, x.o.anne, “Free”

L.A. dance producers TELYKast keep the hits flowing with “Free” which features London-based, California-born singer/songwriter x.o.anne (aka Anne Tello), who has written for Dillon Francis among others. TELYKast frequently mixes it up with their releases, sometimes with progressive deep house flavours and at other times more on the pop/dance tip. “Free” is one for the latter category, featuring a brisk rhythm and a vocal by Anne that will appeal to fans of Florence Welch and Annie Lennox and that you can put next to rising star Hayla. “Free” is relatable ear candy that should have no problem pleasing club and festival goers.

NATALIE SHAY, “Love Me Too”

For the last few years, UK singer/songwriter Natalie Shay has covered a lot of ground in her songs, largely based on personal experiences with others, often sitting comfortably on that pop-country line that Taylor Swift decided to cross many years ago. With songs on Natalie’s new EP Champagne now making that transition, its lone previously unreleased track “Love Me Too” is one of her best to date. With lyrics full of conviction and confidence, the song is about understanding that you must love yourself completely before you decide to share your love with someone else. Natalie’s expressive vocal is bubbly and sincere while the arrangement and melody flow naturally. Other songs on the EP like “The Edge” and “Love You Boy” have received some worthy attention, but “Love Me Too” is one song that Natalie Shay’s fans as well as those of Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves or Kelsea Ballerini will wholeheartedly enjoy.

BEN ELLIS, “No One Sleeps In Hollywood”

Indie Welsh singer/songwriter Ben Ellis seems to have a lot of gems up his sleeve, and one of them is “No One Sleeps In Hollywood”, which follows up his fine EP from last year, Ed’s House, whose title track and “Guys That Look Like Me” both landed on the BILLCS Top 30, with “Ed’s House” reaching #8. “No One Sleeps In Hollywood” has a steady, ear-catching and unpretentious melody set against lyrics which seem to second-guess the kind of success that might be in store for indie artists like Ben, with the fear that a bigger taste of success might not be all that it’s cut out to be. Ben’s earthy guy-next-door approach goes a long way, and while there might be a modicum of truth to the lyrics in terms of the social media attention that Ben gets these days, let’s hope that Ben might be able to look back upon the thoughts expressed in “No One Sleeps In Hollywood” someday and say that they never actually happened.

TYLER GARRETT, “Lean On Me”

For once, a song called “Lean On Me” has nothing to do with Bill Withers’ 70’s pop classic, and L.A.-based singer/songwriter/producer Tyler Garrett has released a compelling follow-up to the gorgeous “Holding On” from earlier this year. The production is very layered, with a riveting bass synth line throughout, and lots going on to draw you in to unleash a veritable sea of emotions. Like with “Holding On”, Tyler’s vocal performance here is a passionate one, which you can see in his in-studio take of “Lean On Me”, which you can watch by clicking the cover art above. And like a lot of Tyler’s songs, it’s a bit longer than the usual pop/dance confection at just over 5 minutes, but “Lean On Me” is sure to hold your interest.

COLIN MANSON, “Sea Son”

If the music of Scottish singer Colin Manson sounds more like Irish folk than anything else, it’s because Colin was raised on the west coast of Scotland, hence the strong Gaelic influence that you hear in “Sea Son”. It’s a dreamy, easy-going slice of folk pop that I would describe as early Hozier meets Duncan Sheik, but the soft and deliberate tone of the song makes me think other influences could come from as far back as Nick Drake, as well as of course Irish and Scottish traditional folk. Colin’s vocal goes down easily and helps tease you into listening, and you’ll hear sounds of stand up bass and violin to flesh out the melody as well as ethereal female vocal harmonies. The theme of “Sea Son” is that there is the whole world waiting out there for you, but he doesn’t try to persuade you to act on that opportunity, leaving it up to the individual to take everything in before making a decision.

RYAN WRIGHT, “Quarter Life Crisis”

Ryan Wright is an indie artist from Virginia who shifts gears into edgier, punk-influenced pop/rock on her new single “Quarter Life Crisis”. Having heard some of her previous work, but not writing about it, I think this is a solid and positive new direction for her. “Quarter Life Crisis” is about rationalizing those moments in your 20’s where you’re leaving behind youth and faced with 30’s adulthood. Her vocal puts her alongside Olivia Rodrigo, Mitski, and Blondshell, with a dash of Chrissie Hynde, and there’s some deft guitar work that happily pervades the sometimes tongue-in-cheek song. “Quarter Life Crisis” is a great introduction to Ryan and moves along at a nice clip given its five minutes + length too.

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, and debuts each Tuesday at 6pm EST on The 3D Variety Show on Xstreamrockradio.

Calgary’s Kiesza is back and dance music’s got her again with the fun and wacky “I Go Dance”

“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 station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Russ’ pick of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

“Rockstar” is by award-winning Nashville-based country singer/songwriter HARDY.

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885. Hunter can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio. Hunter also has a Bop of The Week which can now be heard each week on “The Big 20”, but for now it may not necessarily be the same one featured below.

It’s Nashville-based country rockers Eddie & The Getaway with “Wake Up Without Me”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Partland Brothers – Soul City (1986)
Dan Fogelberg – Make Love Stay (1983)
Jim Photoglo – Fool In Love With You (1981)
Bertie Higgins – Key Largo (1982)
Chicago – You’re The Inspiration (1985)

26 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 26 years. All of the following artists currently with songs on the BILLCS Top 30 were NOT yet born when my chart began: Conan Gray (two #1’s so far), Diamond Cafe (1 #1 previously as Tristan Thompson), Benson Boone (2 #1’s so far), JVKE (2 #1’s so far), Will Swinton and Marcus & Martinus!!

2023 LIKE CRAZY (English version), JIMIN

2022 ARETHA, Mercer

2021 NO MORE LOOKING BACK, Idris Elba, Inner City, Steffanie Christi’an

2020 GET YOUR WISH, Porter Robinson

2019 WHITE LIES, M-22

2018 SATISFY, Mercer, Ron Carroll

2017 FILL ME IN (SOMETHING TO SAY), Loud Luxury, Ryan Shepherd

2016 LOST (Young Bombs remix), Connor Phillips

2015 CHASING STARS, Corey Niles, Alex Lacasse

2014 STAY WITH ME, Sam Smith

2013 BLUE ELECTRIC ROSES, Travis Garland

2012 WAITING FOR THE FEELING, Bright Light Bright Light

2011 POPULAR, Eric Saade

2010 THE WORSE IT GETS, Penguin Prison

2009 YOU FOUND ME (Lenny B mix), The Fray

2008 AMERICAN BOY, Estelle, Kanye West

2007 MAKES ME WONDER, Maroon 5

2006 OVER MY HEAD (CABLE CAR), The Fray

2005 JERK IT OUT, The Caesars

2004 AMAZING, George Michael

2003 BRING ME TO LIFE, Evanescence, Paul McCoy

2002 THE MIDDLE, Jimmy Eat World

2001 DREAM ON, Depeche Mode

2000 BENT, Matchbox Twenty

1999 LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA, Ricky Martin

1998 TOO CLOSE, Next

BILLCS New Music Report – May 22/24 with new songs by @GreysonChance, Nemo, @thefatrat & RIELL, The Boy From The South, Baby Lasagna, Eric Rivero & @RobbieRosenlive, @TravisGarland and Peter Wilson

While I was glad to get away on a wonderful New England cruise, I wasn’t happy about coming down with the flu a few days after my return, which has kept me sidelined with next to no voice up till a few days ago. But I’ve still been listening to the new songs, though I admit to being a tad behind with some submissions. Nevertheless, I’ve cobbled together my thoughts about 10 new songs for you this week, including the top two songs at EuroVision. One of those songs is even “Big Daddy” Russ Horton’s pick of the week, and both will be played on this week’s edition of my online radio show “The Big 20”. So there’s plenty to check out – enjoy!

In the Report, you can also 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 DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five take us back to songs from 1982-85, including two written by Canadian favourite Ian Thomas. If you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what song are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30!

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.

GREYSON CHANCE, “Rearview Mirror”

Greyson Chance’s first new music of 2024 is an indie release that ponders the ages old question – “What if I had the power to go back in time?” That’s an elusive and emotional ask, and one that he tackles in his usual sincere and thoughtful way in “Rearview Mirror”. It’s an awful question to wrestle with because it leads to so many other ‘what if’s’ that would have happened had things been different. A more mature Greyson knows the answer to the question and doesn’t want to drag the listener through his and their painful memories. “Rearview Mirror” deserves attention from college and alternative radio as an indie release, and I think it will become a crowd singalong favourite in concert. It also starts an intriguing path for what’s to come from Greyson in the next while.

NEMO, “The Code”

I was travelling this year when EuroVision happened, and though I haven’t hear the breadth of entries like usual, “The Code” by non-binary contestant Nemo is a deserving winner for Switzerland. The 24 year old singer, who also plays violin, piano and drums, dominates an aggressive electronic production that stands out when pitted against the riveting visuals of the EuroVision performance (click on the photo above). One moment they sound like Mika, and in the next they’re rapping a smooth flow that fits so well in the song. EuroVision audiences seem to like flamboyance that comes from an earnest place, and “The Code” and Nemo have all that and more. Even better, Nemo co-wrote and co-produced the record – we’ll be hearing more from them.

TheFatRat, RIELL, “Myself and I”

TheFatRat is a German progressive electronic producer whose recent songs of “chapters” look like they are leading to a new album, which would be his first since 2021. Tied directly into gaming, his works are shining examples of how to meld electronic music with the gaming and video mediums. “Myself and I” is the sixth chapter, featuring go-to dance music vocalist RIELL, whose voice is stunningly showcased. The song features many familiar elements that align traditional classical music with progressive electronics, and its pacing and transitions are enticing. TheFatRat is one producer who is at the top of his game with what he is uniquely achieving and it will be intriguing to hear all of his chapters together when they’re all ready.

THE BOY FROM THE SOUTH, “Space Party”

Spain’s The Boy From The South returns with “Space Party”, an exceptional and melodic pop track about a voyage into outer space. The boy is aimable vocalist and guitarist Pedro Balañá, whose descriptive songwriting is delivered in his British accent with a rap-like flow that here immediately reminds me of Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy With It” with a dash of Eminem and Beatles-esque whimsy aboard. The catchy keyboard hook gets immediately stuck in your head, but to get the full impact of the song, be sure to check out its video by clicking the photo above. Let’s just say the outcome of the voyage isn’t as much of a party as you might think. The Boy From The South has already appeared twice on the BILLCS Top 30 with the light-hearted tracks “Amazing-Man” (#3) and “Man Down” (#6), and “Space Party” is another unique showcase of his talents. Folks who were in Times Square in NYC in early May got to see a sneak preview of the video in Times Square! Big things are coming for The Boy From The South.

BABY LASAGNA, “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”

Baby Lasagna is a Croatian rock singer whose real name is Marko Purišić, and his song “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” (which has no English translation) finished second in EuroVision this year. Even in recent years, EuroVision audiences have a taste for rock on the harder side, such as Maneskin, and Baby Lasagna delivers an infectious track with a powerful vocal against a backdrop of turmoil and stress in his home country. Again, the strong performance (click on the photo above) on the EuroVision stage had a lot to do with the high finish for “Rim Tim Tagi Dim”. European rock isn’t straight forward like North American rock, there are always surprises, and Baby Lasagna has delivered a strong release to make him someone worth watching.

STEVIE HOWIE, “vampiress”

Stevie Howie is a rising L.A.-based indie singer/songwriter originally from Tennessee who only emerged a few years back on social media, and has already won a dedicated following with his originals as well as covers of “Seven Nation Army” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit”, which have ultimately led to live shows in the US and the UK. He’s got one of those brash Eddie Vedder-esque voices which can stand out among the noise, and “vampiress” is an impressive and fun original for you to get to know his edgy sound better. In the song, the singer has fallen under the spell of the title persona so much that he doesn’t come out till after midnight and can no longer see himself in the mirror. Those are great ideas of course that allude to finding the right person for yourself, except you don’t have to become undead in the process. But it will make you want to watch for the next Stevie Howie release.

CAROL MEDINA, “Rules”

It’s a big welcome back to Toronto-based, Australia-born R&B/pop singer Carol Medina, who was all over Canadian pop radio in the 90’s with the Juno Award-nominated “And The Song Goes”, “Secret Fantasy”, “You Don’t Know (Where My Lips Have Been)” and “Tell Me You Love Me”. “Rules” is her first new music in about 10 years, and it’s a slice of elegant jazz pop that will appeal to fans of Sade, Norah Jones, and Toni Braxton. The production is silky-smooth and laid back, and Carol’s vocal is warm and assured. Canadian AC radio stations looking for something new and inviting should look no further than “Rules”.

ERIC RIVERO, ROBBIE ROSEN, “The Other Side”

Chicago-born, L.A.-based dance producer Eric Rivero and NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen team up once again after the beautiful, recent “Lost In Love” for the deep house track “The Other Side”. It’s a reassuring song about looking for hope and possibility before giving up. There have been many songs written about ‘the other side’ but Eric and Robbie commit to it with zest and polish, and it will be a happy find for dance music fans looking for substance and sparkle. I hope Eric and Robbie continue to collaborate because these kinds of repeat performances are worth the wait.

TRAVIS GARLAND, “Tumbleweeds”

L.A.’s Travis Garland recently promised on social media to be releasing more music more frequently after a protracted absence, and that began with “Playing With Fire” a few weeks back. “Tumbleweeds” is a sultry and atmospheric track accompanied by some nice electric rock guitar. And while Travis’ invested vocal and the ear-catching production linger with me more than the actual song and subject matter, those of us who were wondering about what was next for Travis will be getting sated by these new songs. It’s great to have Travis back.

PETER WILSON, “Heard It In A Heartbeat”

Australian singer Peter Wilson, about whom you’ve read several times in this blog, is a reliable source for effortless 80’s flavoured electropop, for which there continues to be demand throughout the world. “Heard It In A Heartbeat” reminds me particularly of early 80’s Eurohouse, so fans of songs by Erasure, Alphaville and Modern Talking will be right at home. “Heard It” also benefits from a dramatic arrangement that allows Peter’s vocal power to be unleashed. Sometimes diving into new Eurohouse can be refreshing, and “Heard It In A Heartbeat” will appeal to even casual fans of the genre.

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.

Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah brings you his catchy house track “Find My Flow”

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

It’s “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” by Baby Lasagna in its official video!

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885.

“Secret” by Australian singer/songwriter Peach PRC

“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” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Frankie Goes To Hollywood -Relax (1984)
Nik Kershaw – I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (1984)
Prince – Raspberry Beret (1985)
Manfred Mann’s Earth Band – Runner (1984)
Santana – Hold On (1982)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

It hasn’t changed yet! John Summit and Hayla are #1 again with “Shiver”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Marcus & Martinus make the most of their 9th place Eurovision finish with “Unforgettable” (13-7)

#BILLCSTop30 #692 – May 20/24

Here we are again with a new chart, some 17 days after I left on vacation. Of course I didn’t expect to become ill after my cruise, with a bug that has left my voice in the gutter for the last few days – you’ll hear how I sound on my New Music Pick of the Week segment – and likely a few days more. So Wednesday will be catch up time for the BILLCS New Music Report. In the meantime, one of THE dance songs of the summer of ’24 holds on top for a fourth appearance (eighth week), while three fresh and new songs debut.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are increasingly tied in with this blog. As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

John Summit and Hayla still command the chart with the irrepressible “Shiver” (above), a song that will make dance club and festival goers stop in their tracks to enjoy. What will follow it at #1 in two weeks remains to be seen, but there are a number of worthy choices right below. Hayla’s subsequent single, the fierce “Embers” (below), moves up solidly 24-19.

“Harmless”, the unique alternative rock track by New Zealand’s Will Swinton, rises a notch to #2. To follow up such a great single, I’d love to know more of what’s in store for this young talent. I mean I may be missing out by not having a Tik Tok account, but let’s hope to hear more soon.

“Last Of Us” is one of those big, heartfelt dance tracks that doesn’t come around too often, this time by Gryffin and Rita Ora, and it climbs 4-3.

Like many electronic dance music lovers, David Archuleta’s IG feed shows him at EDC Las Vegas this past weekend, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next after his euphoric alternative mix of “Afraid To Love” with collaborator Willy Beaman, which moves up 6-4. A big EDM collab might just be the ticket! Happy to start that rumour…

Sweden’s Darin is already set to release a new single, “Moonlight”, on Friday May 24, as his latest “Electric” continues to climb, moving up 7-5. “Electric” is his 7th Top 5 entry. Here’s some Darin/Pet Shop Boys trivia: The artists have a producer in common, though not for their most recent releases, and that is the amazing Stuart Price. Stuart co-produced Darin’s 2022 single “Superstar”, and has produced the PSB albums Super, Hotspot, as well as their 2013 album, which was called Electric!!

Pet Shop Boys’ latest album is Nonetheless, but have just released an EP which you can listen to at the following Spotify link called Furthermore, which includes re-recordings of their classics “It’s A Sin”, “Heart”, “Being Boring”, and “Always On My Mind”. The lead single from Nonetheless, “Loneliness”, continues to climb and moves up 9-6.

After a successful EuroVision weekend, which found their entry in 9th place overall for Sweden, Marcus & Martinus’ “Unforgettable” is the Fastest Riser of the week, soaring 13-7. Click the photo above to watch their EuroVision performance. I’ll have some words about the winning and runner-up entries on Wednesday in the New Music Report.

Philadelphia lo-fi hip hop duo N i G H T S obtain their fourth Top 10 entry as the intriguing and seething breakup song, “Hopeless”, rises 12-10.

“feel less” is a perfect example of how to turn your latest dance single in to a masterful pop release. Recorded live at The Warehouse in Vancouver, Felix Cartal and Lights’ latest collaboration becomes an emotional pop song with a brilliant vocal and sublime arrangement, rising 16-11.

I know a lot of Years & Years fans felt bad for Olly Alexander’s 18th place finish in EuroVision with “Dizzy”. To me it had nothing to do with the song itself or his vocal, which some people have been way too critical about on social media. It was more about its polarizing visuals, which to me only spoke to a small portion of the worldwide audience, though there were no technical issues that I could see. You can judge for yourself by clicking on the photo above but it was kind of a hard lesson learned. Olly’s an adventurous performer, this just wasn’t the time or place for it. Nonetheless, “Dizzy” moves up 18-13.

Rozalla’s solid rendition of Nicolette Larson’s version of “Lotta Love” continues to move up the chart briskly, rising 19-14. It’s still not too late for a Canadian AC radio campaign, just sayin’…

While I’m starting to see more love for the second single release from Fireworks and Rollerblades, “Slow It Down”, I’m still stuck on the album track “Cry”, which has also been doing well, and climbs 22-16.

As you know from many blog posts, I’m a sucker for a vocal performance that leaves me in awe of some of today’s best talents. JVKE is one of them and his latest single, “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like”, though highly reminiscent of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You” stylistically, nails the pre-Beatles American male pop vocalist sound of the day. “Slow Dancing” rises 25-20.

Arriving as the Highest Debut at #28 is “Find My Flow” by rising Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah (pronounced “echo-nova”). It’s one catchy slice of house music that could be a creeper in dance music sets by some of your favourite DJ’s this summer.

Calgary’s Kiesza makes her fourth appearance on the chart with the delightfully wacky and infectious “I Go Dance” at #29. The Juno Award winner got to #1 back in late 2018 with the equally fun “Phantom of the Dance Floor” accompanied by Quebec opera singer Philippe Sly.

Rounding out the chart and the new entries at #30 is “The Door” by Georgia-born Teddy Swims, which follows up his worldwide #1 “Lose Control”, which I got burned out on quickly. Teddy didn’t just come out of nowhere though. He was a You Tuber whose viral covers led to memorable appearances on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”, “The Late Late Show with James Corden”, and “America’s Got Talent”. His big and versatile, soulful voice has allowed him to cross genres, working in everything from country to EDM, leading to his debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Part 1. “The Door” is seamless, 60’s flavoured pop soul that’s refreshing for today’s pop audiences.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Radio Online

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada (on hiatus until June 4)

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” at www.planetradio.ca, now powered by www.xstreamrockradio.com with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. My pick of the week airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885 now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, and his new show “Pyjama Party” on Saturdays at 5pm EST, which both air my New Music Pick of the Week. Energy885 is also airing my Retro Pick Of The Week as well on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” and “Pyjama Party” at the following link: DJ Hunter.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

BILLCS Top 30 – May 6/23 (early edition!)

This is a quick post before I go on vacation for eight days to capture the key songs of note on this week’s chart, plus the five new additions, and of course to publish the chart! The next chart will be published on Monday, May 20, back on its usual schedule.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

John Summit and Hayla are once again atop of the chart with “Shiver” (above), making it three consecutive appearances, or six weeks, at #1. Will it get a fourth? And Hayla bows on the chart for the first time as a solo artist with her magnificent “Embers” (below) as the Highest Debut at #24. Definitely watch this one fire up through the summer! It’s unclear to me what song just below “Shiver” might eventually succeed it at #1.

The Top 5 is pretty steady, but just below, David Archuleta and Willy Beaman’s euphoric alternative mix of “Afraid To Love” jumps 8-6. It was great to see David’s glorious return on “American Idol” recently. Very deserving!!

New to the Top 10 are “Electric” by Darin (12-7, above), becoming his 10th Top 10 entry, as well as “Loneliness” by Pet Shop Boys (13-9, below) with their 9th, and Nothing But Thieves gets their first with “Oh No :: He Said What?” (11-10, also below).

It’s Eurovision weekend! I may miss it because I’ll be on a boat. Will it be Marcus & Martinus who succeed with “Unforgettable” (18-13, above)? Or Olly Alexander with “Dizzy” (21-18, below)? Or something else? Olly released a compilation of Years & Years hits and deeper cuts today called “Odyssey”, and it’s a fine selection so check it out if you have missed out during the last nine years.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the live string edition of “feel less” by Felix Cartal and Lights, which soars 25-16.

Returning to the chart #25 is Rhode Island’s greatest recent musical treasure, JVKE. Hey, I’ll be in RI on Sunday, maybe I’ll see him 😛 Anyway, his stunning new song “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” is his best recent one so be sure to check it out. It’s already his 5th appearance on the chart.

Making his chart debut at #27 is Washington’s Dreamer Boy with “Heartbreaker”. Don’t. Go Around. Breaking Hearts. Into Two. What an anthemic chorus!! You’ll have it stuck in your head in no time. Dreamer Boy is the performing name for a guy with a presidential name, Zach Taylor.

“Without Your Love” is the infectious deep house track by L.A. producers Deorro and TELYKast with vocals by Catello, and it arrives at #28. It’s Deorro’s first entry on the chart, and it makes it three for TELYKast and two for Catello (who was the vocalist on NOTD’s #1 “Nobody”).

Wrapping up the debuts at #29 is “Carry On” by Canadian singer Daniel Richter with German producers The Twinz. This is one you can listen to over and over and bask in Daniel’s beautiful vocal. Daniel was previously the singer for the band Eleven Past One and this is his second solo entry to chart, following last year’s “Forget You” (#11).

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Energy885

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

BILLCS New Music Report – May 1/24 with new songs by Vanessa Williams @VWofficial @Florrie @BrightLightx2 & @MykalKilgore @TravisGarland @WaitingforSmith @thisisLyra @CASmusicus and @TowerDefensetn

This edition of the Report has three performers in comeback mode, plus loads of variety in the selections this week.

NOTE: I’ll be on a boat for eight days in New England starting on Saturday, so there will be no blog posts until the week of May 13/24. In addition, I’ll be away from my announcing duties on The Big 20 show next week and my picks of the week the following week.

In the Report, you can also 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 DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five take us back to songs from 1973-74. You’ll also find out what songs were in the Top 5 of the BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20-25 years ago!!

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.

VANESSA WILLIAMS, “Legs (Keep Dancing)”

Vanessa Williams is back with her first new music in 15 years, the percolating dance track “Legs (Keep Dancing)”. And why might you ask am I writing about someone who has an enduring #1 from the 90’s (“Save The Best For Last”) and an Oscar-winning Top 5 song from a Disney film (“Colors of the Wind”, from “Pocahontas”)? Well, “Legs” is an independent release, and like artists of a certain age who are unlikely to get radio play or attention for new music, particularly from a younger audience, that’s part of the reason why my blog is here 🙂 I usually preferred Vanessa’s past dance releases like “Running Back to You” or “Work To Do” over her ballads anyway. “Legs” does not disappoint, with a precise but flirty vocal from Vanessa, a line quoting the title of the late Diahann Carroll’s memoir “The Legs Are The Last To Go”, and a solid house groove which is hard to resist. Clearly Vanessa did not save her best for last 15 years ago – “Legs” is a punchy and fun return and I look forward to more from her. Dance music has no restrictions and I think some remixes could add to the fun for “Legs”. Vanessa’s moving and looking fab in the video (click the photo above).

FLORRIE, “Kissing In The Cold”

British artist Florrie is likely someone whose music you’ve heard in the past and perhaps let slip by, though she’s been making records for more than 15 years. She was a session drummer for producers Xenomania for years, drumming or programming drums on releases by Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue and Pet Shop Boys among many others. She herself made electronic music with producers like Fred Falke, and released a number of singles through Sony which were praised by many of my blog counterparts back in the day. The deal with Sony didn’t work out so Florrie has been independent for the last five years and about to release her first album called The Lost Ones. From that album is the top-notch “Kissing In The Cold”. She’s involved with both songwriting and production, and “Kissing” is a softer post-breakup song which reflects upon if the relationship had actually worked out. Florrie’s voice doesn’t really remind me of anyone in particular and the song stands out for its uniqueness. Best of all it has her working with Brian Higgins of Xenomania again, and it looks to be the next phase of something special.

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, MYKAL KILGORE, “Heartslap”

Bright Light Bright Light gives us another preview of his album Enjoy Youth with the delightful and vigorous house track “Heartslap”. The song sees him working with Broadway performer and Grammy-nominated talent Mykal Kilgore again, and you need to dig back into BLx2’s Make Me Believe In Hope album to hear them together in “Feel It” (which reached #5 on the BILLCS Top 30 back in the day) for a listen. Mykal has an immensely soulful and powerful voice which can also show beautiful restraint, and “Heartslap”, also co-written and co-produced by Jon Shave, is a duet this time. “Heartslap” is about that first moment of attraction when your heart goes WOW, and the rest just follows naturally until that person is “inside your veins”. BLx2 (Rod Thomas) himself offers another dynamic vocal, and “Heartslap” is also available in a fun piano house remix by the esteemed Grammy winner Dave Audé.

TRAVIS GARLAND, “Playing With Fire”

It’s been almost 9 years since I last wrote about songs by L.A. based artist Travis Garland. He was the toast of the BILLCS Top 30 in 2013 which included a #1, the soulful electronic ballad “Blue Electric Roses” from his self-titled album. It all started as a solo performer when he performed his single “Believe” on “American Idol” in 2010, which prompted immediate release of the song, and garnered a lot of immediate attention, but not enough for Geffen Records to sign him for other releases. Since then he’s been independent, is a regular singer on “Dancing With The Stars”, and most notably, had his song “Where To Land” sampled by Beyoncé on her song “Heated” on 2022’s Renaissance album. His new song “Playing With Fire” finds him stylistically somewhere between Miguel and Imagine Dragons with a few dashes of hip hop flavour. His likeable vocal is allowed to really soar and flow while showing the tautness that pervaded his self-titled album. “Playing With Fire” is quite different from anything else Travis has released and I’m all for anything fresh that will showcase and kickstart his talents once again.

WAITING FOR SMITH, “Raised Up”

Netherlands-based UK-raised singer/songwriter Waiting For Smith (aka Harry Lloyd) continues to spread some of the most positive music around with his earnest and likeable folk/pop sound, which is currently taking him on a tour through most of Europe. “Raised Up” is about embracing all that is good and understanding how it lifts you and when. As Harry sings, sometimes it’s “like I have no choice”, when you just naturally must let the love and light in. It’s straight-forward messages like this that make the songs of Waiting For Smith clever, cool and comforting for all.

LYRA, “Chess”

After writing about what I felt would be the introductory song to Irish singer Lyra’s self-titled album a few weeks back, “Falling”, which was originally released in 2019, I’m back to share another taste of it with “Chess”. It’s a pungent commentary about gender, roles and politics, but also about who’s outsmarting whom, co-written and co-produced by Dan Priddy, noted for his work with Bastille, Louis Tomlinson, James Arthur and others. Lyra sees these topics like a game of chess, but where the female protagonist is actually a better player than the man, and always a step ahead. The lyrics do not mince any words and the stalwart production leaves it to Lyra’s cutting vocal to drive the song home. “Chess” is convincing and compelling with another bravura performance by the singer.

CAS, “Got The Feeling”

It’s that slinky bass synth sound that acts as an undercurrent in “Got The Feeling” which will draw you in and keep you grooving for its five plus minutes. It’s brought to you by Washington DC area dance producer CAS (aka Camille Sevigny), who transports us back to the 1988-1991 era when new jack swing was fresh, with the song being highly reminiscent of songs like “Dirty Cash” by The Adventures of Stevie V and “Just Got Paid” by Johnny Kemp. Those songs were floor-fillers back in the day and “Got The Feeling” delivers similar vibes. Club DJ’s looking for something rhythmic and fun but a few steps away from some of today’s blander dance-pop should be spinning “Got The Feeling”.

TOWER DEFENSE, “Friendly Factions” b/w “U Got The Look”

Tower Defense is a promising quartet from Nashville that includes two basses and specializes in a fun post-punk rock sound that has never gone away since its emergence in the late 1970’s. “Friendly Factions” is the most direct song of the two, a tightly played original rocker that touches on local politics. My preference leans towards “U Got The Look”, not the Prince song but a rollicking cover of JEFF The Brotherhood’s 2010’s “face ripper” that ideally captures the frenzied post-punk sound of local bands in just about any big city that was prominent into the early 80’s. Tower Defense is clearly quite good at what they do, and both of these songs would sound even better in concert.

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.

Felix Cartal and Lights with their live string version of “feel less”

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

England’s The Struts return with the title song from their album “Pretty Vicious”

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885.

NYC’s Vinny Marchi uses Irish folk music as the basis for “The Sad Sad Alpha Man”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show – Cover Of “Rolling Stone” (1973)
Jim Croce – Lover’s Cross (1973)
Ringo Starr – You’re Sixteen (1974)
Rubettes – Sugar Baby Love (1974)
Bearfoot – Molly (1974) (You Tube link)

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20-25…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years ago…

2019

1 i’m so tired… Lauv, Troye Sivan

2 WHITE LIES M-22

3 LONDON Mokita

4 GOOD THINGS Cedric Gervais, Just Kiddin, Kyan

5 GO AHEAD Mahalo, MOZ

2014

1 LATCH Disclosure, Sam Smith

2 PROXY Martin Garrix

3 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE) Showtek, Justin Prime, Matthew Koma

4 ELECTRIC VALENTINE Adam Tyler

5 FINEST CLOTHES IN TOWN Nick Hagelin

2009

1 CHEATER OF THE YEAR Evan Taubenfeld

2 RUN AWAY Sam Taylor, The BBC Orchestra

3 BEFORE THE WORST The Script

4 LAST TRAIN HOME Ryan Star

5 WE LET HER DOWN Chris Isaak

2004

1 THIS LOVE Maroon 5

2 AMAZING George Michael

3 NAUGHTY GIRL Beyoncé

4 LOVE ME RIGHT Angel City, Lara McAllen

5 TU ES FOUTU (YOU PROMISED ME) In-Grid

1999

1 MILLENNIUM Robbie Williams

2 LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA Ricky Martin

3 EVERY MORNING Sugar Ray

4 GOD IS A DJ Faithless

5 416/905 (T.O. PARTY ANTHEM) Maestro Fresh-Wes