I’m back after an enjoyable three week visit to Australia, with new releases by a host of artists familiar to readers of this Report, some of whom we haven’t heard from in a while.
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, while vacationing in Australia, has sent in his Classic Five choices, which are from 1973 and 1975! In case you missed them, you’ll find out what song is #1 and the Fastest Riser on the latest BILLCS Top 30.
Reminder: Click on the photos below to listen to the songs. If the song has a video, a You Tube link is now provided underneath the artist and song title.
JUSTIN NOZUKA, “Like Nobody Does”
About the artist – Based in Toronto, it’s hard to believe Justin Nozuka has been releasing music for 17 years, breaking out with “After Tonight” (a BILLCS Top 30 #1) when he was a teenager. He has released six alternative pop/R&B albums and five EP’s to date.
About the record – “Like Nobody Does” is culled from Justin’s new EP which he wrote and produced himself in his bedroom – not sure what’s it’s actually called, Dash, Hyphen, No Title, or Unnamed (using the – symbol)? – since he hasn’t said in his socials. If there’s anyone who can make you melt with a quiet ballad, it’s Justin, having proved this with past releases like “No One But You” (a duet with British singer Mahalia) and “By Your Side”, songs which provoke a hushed crowd when sung in concert. “Like Nobody Does” is simple and gorgeous, sung from deep-down within, like an old blues song, and you can hear influence from such artists as H.E.R. and Daniel Caesar.
Other comments – Justin has recently toured in North America and Europe and has many fans worldwide. He has released more music than ever in recent years and toured more often which is likely helping to sustain himself as an independent artist.
STARSIGNS, RUNN, “In My Mind”
About the artists – Starsigns is the artist name for a collective of Asain-American dance producers – Manila Killa, MYRNE, and yetep. – who have released the EP Firesigns. Their single “Leo (Flicker)” (with George Gleeson) reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2024. RUNN (aka Avena Savage) is a popular vocalist/songwriter choice for many of electronic dance music’s best producers, including Steve Aoki, ARMNHMR, Dabin, and William Black, and has been releasing music since 2017.
About the record – “In My Mind” is a popular dance release originally recorded in 2012 by Ivan Gough, Feenixpawl and Georgi Kay as “In My Mind”, which is often covered and played at festivals and in clubs. The mix of all of the talent on this record really elevates it as a cover, with RUNN’s memorable and affecting vocal and the song’s taut arrangement standing out. It’s certainly worth it for club DJ’s to give it a spin, and fans of the original will be pleased with this interpretation.
Other comments – I’m definitely digging the originals by Starsigns as well as this cover, and I hope the project continues to flourish!
HarlowBardot, “Nothing (Stays The Same)”
About the artist – HarlowBardot is a new Toronto duo of friends who were a part of the 80’s alternative music scene, with the band name culled from the surnames of legendary movie stars Jean Harlow and Brigitte Bardot. Vocalist/lyricist Kinga released his first new music in many years, a remix of his 1980’s release “Sexy Boy” and an equally well-received new song, “Something’s Gotta Give”, in 2023. Electronics whiz Marc Wonnacott is a founding member of Land of Giants, noted for their 1982 cult favourite “Cannibal Dolls”.
About the record – While 80’s influences pervade “Nothing (Stays The Same)”, the song is as contemporary a pop/dance release as anything released by a major label. Kinga’s rich and commanding vocal leads the way against an infectious melodic backdrop and an extremely catchy and memorable chorus. While there may be some resignation in one perspective of the song’s lyrics, another way to interpret them is to ride with and embrace the changes which in today’s world keep on happening faster than ever.
Other comments – Watch for “the crow mix” lyric video coming soon to You Tube. “Nothing (Stays The Same)” was co-written by Kinga and Marc with fellow Toronto musician Rob Stuart.
PARRALOX, “Teardrop”
About the artist – A creation of synthesizer player and producer John Von Ahlen, Parralox has been offering electronic treats, both original and covers, during the last 15 years. The original “Aeronaut” reached #4 on the BILLCS Top 30, while Parralox has also worked with such singers as Marcella Detroit and Jane Badler.
About the record – “Teardrop” is an ambitious cover of the 90’s Massive Attack favourite and is clearly not intended to be a copy. As ever, John’s reverence to the music of the original track is impeccable. And while The Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser lent a special nuance to her rendition, Louise Love interprets the song with more of a pop flavour while still retaining the mystery and mood of the original.
Other comments – “Teardrop” is from Parralox’s forthcoming Holiday ’25 project and follows the recent release of “Steppin’ Out”, Joe Jackson’s 1982 hit redone with a minimalist-sounding electronic track but capturing its spirit and uniqueness.
VICTOR PERRY, “Runaway Lover”
About the artist – Victor Perry is a pop/R&B singer/songwriter based in New York City who has released songs with numerous dance music producers. I’ve been writing about his music since 2016. His dance release with Italian producer Lordnox, “Myself In You”, reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30.
About the record – “Runaway Lover” is a lilting mid-tempo song which features a velvety vocal by Victor. He took a step back from releasing solo songs in 2024 but “Runaway Lover” shows him back in strong form with a new set of collaborators. Here a story unfolds about a guy who isn’t wanting commitment and hops from relationship to relationship, perhaps hoping to find true love one day.
Other comments – “Runaway Lover” is another top-quality release from Victor. An educator by day, his other passion is wrestling, which you can read about in his socials.
SLEEPY BENJAMIN, “Pear Cider”
About the artist – Sleepy Benjamin is a pop artist from the Brisbane, Australia area who has been releasing his own music for the last three years. His songs often touch on the theme of mental well-being, while his musical style can shift from funky and mysterious to bright and engaging.
About the record – “Pear Cider” is full of summery vibes, a delightful slice of power pop designed to put you in a great mood, as perhaps one too many glasses of the title drink might do. The song finds Benjamin’s vocal in head voice for the first part, which adds to the uplifting tone of the song, which ultimately is about spending some quality escape time with someone you care about.
Other comments – Like last year’s “3 Words”, this one totally suits Sleepy Benjamin’s laid back, carefree style which is worth continuing on future releases.
STEVEN THAD, “Smile”
About the artist – Steven Thad is an indie American R&B/pop singer/songwriter from the DMV (Delaware/Maryland/Virginia) area. I introduced you to Steven’s music at the top of 2022, and he’s been recently promoting his new music to UK and European audiences.
About the record – It’s been more than a year without a North American release for Steven, but his new original, “Smile”, has been worth the wait. Steven’s good-natured sound channels 90’s favourites like Us3 and Arrested Development on “Smile”, which is a fusion of funky jazz, R&B and pop. His vocal here is more sophisticated than in the past and reminds me of singers like Tevin Campbell and Miguel, as well as with likely influences from his favourite, Beyoncé, and perhaps Alicia Keys.
Other comments – “Smile” shows considerable growth in style and panache from Steven’s earlier releases and he continues to be a talent to watch.
MATTHEW HOLTBY, “Give Me a Reason”
About the artist – Matthew Holtby is a musician from a small town in Ontario called Warkworth, and fuses classic rock styles often with country music flavours.
About the song – “Give Me a Reason” is a bit of a 90’s throwback to the successful jangly rock of artists like Third Eye Blind, Counting Crows, Matchbox Twenty, and especially fellow Canadians Barenaked Ladies, taking a few steps away from some of his recent releases which were more in the country genre. Matthew’s earnest, relatable lyrics and warm vocal make “Give Me a Reason” a winner for addition to your contemporary rock playlists.
Other comments – Matthew frequently plays in big cities and small towns in Southern Ontario, so be sure to catch his set 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, and now debuts each Wednesday at 10pm EST on The Big 20 on Halton Hills Radio Online. Here are my picks for this week and last week.
“Tell Me” is the latest collaboration by producer Sonny Fodera and vocalist/songwriter Clementine Douglas
Video link – Tell Me
“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 which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.
“After the Opera” is by Brisbane, Australia singer/songwriter/producer Jude York
Video link – Opera
DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK
DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio show “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and is anchored at Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week. His show “Pyjama Party”, also resumes this Saturday at 5pm EST on Energy 885.
It’s British dance producer Anabel Englund with “Get Busy”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can also now hear my Retro Pick of the Week. The 3D Variety Show is now on hiatus, returning in April 2025. 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.
John Lennon – Mind Games (1973)
Stealers Wheel – Stuck In The Middle With You (1973)
Moody Blues – I’m Just A Singer (In A Rock n Roll Band) (1973)
Sugarloaf – Don’t Call Us, We’ll Call You (1975)
Myles & Lenny – Can You Give It All To Me (1975) [You Tube link]
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG and FASTEST RISER
The MAYHEM has only begun with Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” (11-1)
Video link – Abracadabra
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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