Summery sounds prevail in this edition of the Report, with whatever shade of pop, dance or alternative music you might be seeking. My emphasis on writing about independent releases continues, as only one of the eight songs has a major label affiliation.
In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with a record of the week 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” dazzles us with a selection of Canadiana as his Classic Five picks. In case you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser in the latest edition of 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.
THE KNOCKS, DOLORES FOREVER, “Lover”
The evolution of NYC’s The Knocks over the past decade has been an always interesting ride, and “Lover” almost sounds like it is kicking off a new era for Mr. J. Patt and B. Rock. “Lover” takes its melodic cue from what is becoming better known as “dream pop”, but of course The Knocks run with it, adding some tropical synths and creating a delightful danceable melodic pop record that would not be out of place at a rave. It’s highly complimented by the lovely voices of indie duo Dolores Forever, and they really shine in its first critical minute of “Lover”. After that the production fun ensues, and the guys play with the gals’ voices but show a great deal of restraint that other producers can’t seem to do. Ultimately “Lover” is anchoring a new and different chapter for The Knocks and it sounds just great to me!
TWO FRIENDS, ALEXANDER STEWART, “Wrong Way”
I’m so pleased to see Two Friends’ success after many years of writing about their remixes and later their own songs, and meeting them a few times along the way – playing “Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve with Ryan Seacrest” and, recently, NYC’s Madison Square Garden are two things not too many electronic dance acts can even do these days. For “Wrong Way”, they’ve tapped into the many talents of my local lad Alexander Stewart, a number of whose ballads have become Canadian radio hits, something Two Friends also experienced when their release with Loud Luxury and Bebe Rexha “If Only I” became a Top 10 Canadian radio hit last year. Anyway, “Wrong Way” has the three guys snug like peas in a pod, with Alexander’s vocal perfectly suited for a classic Two Friends mix in a rather downbeat story that has a surprisingly positive finish accompanied by lots of bounce and shiny synths. “Wrong Way” should become a big audience favourite in Two Friends’ Big Bootie Mixes too.
GT_OFICE, MATTHEW TOPPER, ROBBIE ROSEN, “Ecstasy”
Miami producer GT_Ofice plays mix-and-match with his recent collaborators, with producer Matthew Topper from the recent “No Tears” and Robbie Rosen from the national dance radio hit “Feels Like Us” joining him for “Ecstasy”. This one is a fast-paced melodic house track that also slams pretty hard with its bass synths in its second half, making it ready-made for festivals and late nights in clubs. I’m really enjoying Robbie’s vocal in one of the wilder dance tracks which he sings and co-writes. “Ecstasy” is an energetic instant go-getter right out of the gate, and is a must-add for dance music radio stations whose audiences like their playlists a little clubbier.
KAYLIOX, CHLOÉ DOYON, “Memory Lane”
Quebec dance producer Kayliox returns after a lengthy absence with bright new and unique sounds in “Memory Lane”. Not only is his synth work tapping into sounds that we don’t hear in dance music these days, but he’s employed the distinct, recognizable voice of fellow Quebecer Chloé Doyon, with whom he co-wrote “Memory Lane”. Chloé has begun her career with French language releases up until now, including a full album in 2022. Her voice reminds me of singers like Normani and Kehlani, with an engaging soulful edge. After a series of memorable releases a few years back such as “Lost Control” (with Victor Perry) and “Don’t Want Perfect” (with Robbie Rosen), it’s great to have Kayliox back and I’m certain “Memory Lane” will find new fans.
THE MIKE JACOBY ELECTRIC TRIO, “There Oughta Be A Law”
If you’re looking for good time rock ‘n roll with some country flavour, then The Mike Jacoby Electric Trio’s second album Rocket Fuel Logic will satisfy your musical appetite, and I’ll whet it for you with the fun opening track “There Oughta Be A Law”. The Long Beach, California trio’s songs are all written by Mike Jacoby, and if you enjoyed seminal 80’s rock bands like Georgia Satellites, The Smithereens, The Insiders or The Rainmakers, then their songs are perfect for you. “There Oughta Be A Law” has a great melody and lyrics, one of the lighter songs on the album, which also wades into humorous and serious songs too and shows Mike’s versatility as a songwriter. The overall sound is polished, but songs like “There Oughta Be A Law” are best heard in a small club in person.
TYLER GARRETT, “Never Give Up”
L.A. singer, songwriter and producer Tyler Garrett continues to do his own thing very well in the electronic dance music world, and his latest release “Never Give Up” is no exception. I don’t think there are many songs about romance and dedication that are set to a frenetic drum ‘n bass rhythm, but “Never Give Up” melds them together seamlessly. Tyler’s passionate vocal really soars, and I think that “Never Give Up” has loads of sync possibilities especially for the gaming world. It has all of the elements of a classic pop song but turned sideways a bit if you will – one for you to let sink in and enjoy. Check out Tyler’s in-studio performance of “Never Give Up” by clicking on the photo above.
MELØ, “Only The Lonely”
“Only The Lonely” is the latest single from Windsor, Ontario alternative artist MELØ’s album Songs From The Spirit Box. While many of MELØ’s recent songs have dealt with loss, particularly the touching “Memento” (which reached #8 on the BILLCS Top 30), “Only The Lonely” is about breaking away from loneliness, finding new love, and moving on. MELØ’s dark, 80’s new wave flair is replaced here by a more contemporary pop arrangement, a good representation of why you should never try to put artists who might surprise you into a particular box of genre or style.
MICHAEL MEDRANO, “Tom Hardy”
When we last left L.A.’s resident disco dad Michael Medrano last year with his super-infectious raw and uncut remix of “Disco Sleaze” (which reached #2 on the BILLCS Top 30), he continued in a more ribald direction with his music and songs like “Pornstar” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang”. “Tom Hardy”, the hunky British actor, is the object of Michael’s comparison as he unleashes a quick NSFW electronic dance track about sex that is a banger made for clubs. Its pitched-down vocal makes it stand out while the melody and synth work, which at times recall The Mad Stuntman & Reel 2 Reel’s “I Like To Move It”, will keep those feet racing on the dance floor.
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 and also now on Lil Rawkers out of California! Note: The 3D Variety Show is on vacation and returns July 16. For the next three weeks, the New Music Pick of the Week will debut Wednesdays at 10pm EST on The Big 20 on Halton Hills Radio Online.
“Mi Amor” by Sam Feldt, JVKE and Anitta mixes in pop, tropical dance, and Latin vibes
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD 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’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.
It’s “No One Sleeps In Hollywood” by Welsh indie singer/songwriter Ben Ellis
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’s bop of the week can now be heard each week on “The Big 20”.
It’s “100 Miles” by Scottish singer Nathan Evans
“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 (currently on vacation till July 16). 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.
Burton Cummings – Stand Tall (1976)
Bachman Turner Overdrive – Blue Collar (1974)
Tom Middleton – It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference (1973) (You Tube link)
Cooper Brothers – The Dream Never Dies (1978)
Ken Tobias – Dream #2 (1972)
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Felix Cartal and Lights get their first #1’s on my chart with the Live String Version of “feel less”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
It’s “For Life” by Kygo, Zak Abel and Nile Rodgers (25-18)
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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