Something that was very popular in my blog in the middle of the last decade is making a comeback. Electronic dance producers are gravitating once again to Soundcloud to make their whitelisted remixes available. If you’re such a producer, please do not hesitate to submit your remix to bill@billcsmusic.blog for consideration in this blog!
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’ Classic Five selection takes us on a spin from the mid-to-late 70’s. And finally, you’ll find out what songs were #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 for each of the last 26 years.
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.
HUGEL, TOPIC, ARASH, DAECOLM, “I Adore You”
“I Adore You” has come out of left field to make a huge splash on the European dance scene, and it’s starting to make inroads in North America as well. For those of you who are missing new music by The Weeknd in your mix, “I Adore You” should help fill that voice thanks to a similar-sounding vocal by Daecolm as set to a percolating Afro-Latin beat. It’s a collaboration between three producers who have made their own marks within the last few years. I actually saw French producer HUGEL play a diverse and interesting set in Miami a few years back that drew a small crowd to the dance floor like a magnet, and his success has bloomed since. German/Croatian producer Topic helped create a much imitated melancholy dance sound of the first years of this decade with musical partner A7S in his international hit “Breaking Me”. Swedish producer Arash has infused Persian and western sounds into his releases with significant European success. Like with Purple Disco Machine’s recent multi-artist collab “Honey Boy”, when the right talents are meshed together, something special evolves, and you should be hearing “I Adore You” on national dance music radio stations in the coming weeks.
TODD TERRY, SHANNON, “It’s Over Love” (Janika Tenn remix)
“It’s Over Love” is one of legendary house producer Todd Terry’s biggest hits, reaching #1 on Billboard’s Dance Club Play chart as well as #16 on the UK chart in 1998. The trendy eurohouse flavour of the time has been updated by Estonian producer Janika Tenn in her new remix to enhance its lilting, sophisticated melody as well as a classic vocal by Shannon (yes, of “Let The Music Play” fame). So the contrasting dance anthem vibe of the original has been replaced with a piano house hook that brings out the breakup theme of the song a bit more. I often enjoy what new producers can bring to the table, and so apparently does Todd Terry, because “It’s Over Love” has the potential be a hit all over again in Janika’s remix. It’s highly recommended to club DJ’s.
MATOMA, RUFUS, “I Love You, Bye”
Norway’s Matoma had one of the best years in his career musically in 2023 with a slew of energetic and diverse dance tracks. While still in the dance music realm, his latest release is a breakup song, “I Love You, Bye”. Matoma has a flair for choosing intriguing vocalists, and he introduces relative newcomer, British R&B vocalist/songwriter Rufus, who provides the vulnerability and soulfulness that really ignite the song. It’s not hard to relate to “I Love You, Bye” for anyone who has had to leave a relationship reluctantly but for very good reasons. And it’s great for Matoma to keep challenging himself with solid results. “I Love You, Bye” also has a familiar co-writer in its credits, veteran singer/songwriter Gary Go, most noted for his vocal on Benny Benassi’s Grammy-winning dance classic “Cinema”.
PAUL HETHERINGTON, “Thrill Of The Chase”
Australian singer/songwriter Paul Hetherington has been working hard since his last release five years ago to refine his sound and come up with songs that suit a specific direction. Following up his recent “Dirty Mind”, which has been finding its way to some club and radio play, is the 90’s British electropop flavoured “Thrill Of The Chase”. This one’s for anyone who enjoys 90’s electropop songs by Erasure and Pet Shop Boys, as well as the revival outside of England in songs in the 2000’s by the likes of Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. Paul’s vocal is his best yet, and the theme of the song is captivating enough, after all who doesn’t enjoy being sought after (or maybe even the one doing the chasing)? The song sustains its 4 minute plus length which is great for clubs, but I would suggest an edit that might make it a little more radio-friendly. There are many performers still creating timeless electropop, among them fellow Australian Peter Wilson and Scotland’s Allan Jay, so make room for Paul Hetherington’s “Thrill of the Chase” on your favourite electropop playlist.
MGR MIKE, “Ghana Groove”
For club DJ’s looking to give their patrons happy feet, Nashville-based producer MGR Mike and his “Ghana Groove” should do that trick with ease. He takes what I assume is an excerpt of a Ghanaian song and sets it to a playful rhythm that marries the best of early disco (think Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa” or Van McCoy’s “The Hustle” for inspiration) creatively with 2020’s nu disco. Once unleashed, “Ghana Groove” is irresistible and you’re bound to move one or more body parts to it in the process. Songs like “Ghana Groove” work well in clubs when fun is the only item on the agenda.
FOUR NIGHTS, “Safe”
Back in 2021, I enjoyed Irish singer/songwriter Four Nights’ chipper indie pop/dance release “Want You Always” so much that it got up to #8 on the BILLCS Top 30. The bedroom producer talent that is Tommy Buckley has returned with another appealing song called “Safe”. This song is a little less straight-forward featuring a vulnerable vocal set against an uncomplicated production as Tommy ponders whether or not he should pursue his crush, ultimately feeling he hasn’t got enough to offer and so he “keeps his feelings safe”. The song is totally relatable, and has an easy but uplifting flow, which makes the listener feel both supportive and engaged. “Safe” is another great example of where less-is-more works so well, and makes you want to get to know the music of Four Nights a little more.
JON MULLANE, “Walking Away”
Halifax singer/songwriter Jon Mullane follows up his fun singalong “The Sun In Summertime”, with “Walking Away”. This is a late 70’s pop-flavoured track about being caught up in the wrong kind of relationship, but knowing all along that moving on is the right thing to do. “Walking Away” dispenses with flash and effects, and will get your attention with its classic song structure and memorable melody as well as Jon’s terrific, earthy tones. It’s not hard to recognize a fine, well-produced song at first listen and “Walking Away” will grab you when you least expect it.
PLÀSI, “Innocent”
Plàsi is a Crete-born Swedish singer/songwriter (real name Mikael Bitzarakis) who has released his new EP, Salamina, which is named after the island off the coast of Athens. For Plàsi, Salamina was a place of inspiration to write the songs on this album. “Innocent” is a highlight of the album, a well-crafted song that has a medieval ambiance in its lovely, soft arrangement, and encourages young people to spread their wings and explore before the everyday burdens of life put that on hold. It’s a gentle but inspiring song with a folk flavour but it’s hard to pin it down into one genre. Plàsi’s style and vocal delivery remind me of British singer Al Stewart (“Year Of The Cat”), with a similar bent for weaving compelling stories.
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 throughout the summer each Wednesday at 10pm EST on The Big 20 on Halton Hills Radio Online. “The 3D Variety Show” in which it normally debuts on Tuesdays, is on hiatus and will return in September.
“Leo (Flicker)” is a euphoric dance track by a trio of producers of Asian heritage called Starsigns (yetep, Manila Killa and MYRNE) and sung by UK vocalist/songwriter George Gleeson
“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”.
The Killers are back with a big rocking sound on “Bright Lights”
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.
It’s American rock trio Winnetka Bowling League with “Breakfast For Dinner”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, usually heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST but currently on hiatus until September. 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.
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers – Breakdown (1978)
The Eagles – I Can’t Tell You Why (1979)
Linda Ronstadt – Heat Wave (1975)
John Denver – Calypso (1975)
Orleans – Dance With Me (1975)
26 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s
Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 26 years.
2023 NEVER ENDING SONG Conan Gray
2022 DAYDREAMING Harry Styles
2021 THE FEELS Cash Cash, Alex Newell
2020 RAIN ON ME Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande
2019 GOOD THINGS FALL APART Illenium, Jon Bellion
2018 i’m so tired… Lauv, Troye Sivan
2017 NEW YORK PRETTY Bright Light Bright Light
2016 SHY The Magician, Brayton Bowman
2015 SHINE Years & Years
2014 I BELIEVE Bright Light Bright Light
2013 BLACK LIGHT (Stormby remix) Kaden
2012 REMEMBER WHEN (PUSH REWIND) Chris Wallace
2011 JUST ONCE DATABOY
2010 CROSSFIRE Brandon Flowers
2009 MANNEQUIN (Overthrill remix) Noah
2008 BEATING MY HEART Jon Mclaughlin
2007 STEP INTO THE LIGHT Darren Hayes
2006 MAKE A MOVE ON ME (Club Mix) Joey Negro (aka Dave Lee)
2005 THIS IS HOW A HEART BREAKS Rob Thomas
2004 SWAY (Ralphi’s Sensation Vox Edit) Michael Bublé
2003 SIMPLY BEING LOVED (SOMNAMBULIST) BT
2002 CRUSH (1980 ME) Darren Hayes
2001 SUMMER JAM Underdog Project
2000 LET ME KNOW Jake
1999 THE CUP OF LIFE Ricky Martin
1998 EVERYBODY HERE WANTS YOU Jeff Buckley
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