I am privileged to always listen to a variety of music in a week that not too many others get to hear, and this week’s Report reflects that, from danceable bops through to moody electronic music to bright folk/pop. Enjoy.
In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my picks of the week from this week and last, 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 has this week’s Classic Five, with his choices released between 1969 and 1973. You’ll also find a BILLCS Top 30 Flashback chart from this week in 2010!
Do check out my daughter VXTORIA‘s six song EP Dreamstate, which follows up her her fantastic house collaboration with Toronto-area producer TEARJVCKKD called “More Love” (at the following link: More Love). Dreamstate includes three more new songs, “Awaken”, “TMRW”, and “U&Me”. It includes the previous recent releases, “Back To You”, the afrobeats-flavoured “Lost In Your Love” and “changes”. You can watch her in the video for her debut single “Back To You” at the following link: Back To You. Watch for the Las Vegas-set video for “More Love” coming soon, as well as a new “double” single!
SAID THE SKY, PARSON JAMES, “Heavenly”
About the artists: Said The Sky is Denver electronic producer Trevor Christensen, who is also an erstwhile touring contributor to his pal Illenium’s band. He’s been releasing his own music since 2014. Parson James has been a go-to voice for so many producers during the last decade, latterly on Kygo’s tour and for Sam Feldt on his recent single “Lonely Tonight” (also with Justin Jesso), currently in the Top 5 of the BILLCS Top 30.
About the record: “Heavenly” is a huge head-turner because it sounds nothing like anything Said The Sky has released so far. I like how it steps away from his commanding progressive, sometimes future bass electronic styles for which he has been praised, and how he creates his own lane with big, gospel-inflected choir-like vocals that are fronted by Parson in another dynamic performance. “Heavenly” is an end-of-summer anthem in the waiting, but so bold and disparate that it will need a big push to find more listeners who will be moved by both its upbeat vibe and lyrics. And they’re out there!
Other comments: “Heavenly” is not to be missed!
TWO FRIENDS, CORBYN BESSON, “No One Else”
CORBYN BESSON, JEREMIH, “Summer”
About the artists: Two Friends are L.A. producers Matt Halpern and Eli Sones, gradually becoming better known for their super fun live shows which have taken them to Madison Square Garden and, even more recently, to Lollapolooza. They most reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30 at the end of last year with “Wrong Way” with Alexander Stewart. Corbyn Besson is the Virginia-raised former member of Why Don’t We, who got to #6 last year on the BILLCS Top 30 with NOTD on “Panic”. Jeremih is the veteran Chicago rapper known for his Hot 100 Top 10 hits “Birthday Sex” and “Down On Me” (with 50 Cent).
About the records: I’ll say right off the bat that Corbyn Besson’s talents suit the dance music world as well as they did as a member of pop/rock group Why Don’t We, which came to fruition last year on NOTD’s “Panic”. And now, with Two Friends he has a national dance radio breakout with “No One Else”. The song has quintessential Two Friends elements about it that will ensure Corbyn’s voice is a part of Big Bootie mixes evermore. It’s a quick and easy fix for when you need to hear a cool dance music bop. “Summer”, with Jeremih’s presence, obviously straddles hip hop and R&B more, but the collaboration is well-produced and has pop and dance radio potential too. Corbyn’s high notes work wonders against a backdrop that can also be gentle and subtle at times, which may attract fans of Justin Bieber, and Jeremih’s rap is memorable and goes down easy.
Other comments: “No One Else” and “Summer” are two great examples of the varied styles that work within dance music in 2025.
JUDE YORK, “That’s Just Love”
About the artist: Australian pop singer Jude York broke out last year, got signed to dance label Spinnin’, and wrote, sang and produced “Monaco”, which reached #2 on the BILLCS Top 30. That led to the release of his recent EP Heartstrings, which is packed with all kinds of variations of danceable pop.
About the record: “That’s Just Love” is an escape for anyone suffering from a breakup who needs a real pick-me-up. Not to discuss any pain that anyone is going through, but Jude engages the listener by encouraging them to turn the situation around, own it, and realize it’s not the end. It’s easier said than done of course but the song is more apt to put a smile on your face and make you jump around than wallow in sadness.
Other comments: What comes after this from an artist who is always full of pleasant surprises?
ROBBIE ROSEN, COFFEESHOP, “All That Matters”
About the artists: For newer readers of the Report, Robbie Rosen is the New York-based multi-talent and former “American Idol” contestant whose songs I’ve written about numerous times in the past four years, and he’s reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 twice. Coffeeshop is Italian dance producer Giacomo Alloesio, and this is his second collaboration with Robbie.
About the record: “All That Matters” is your romantic song for the end-of-summer ’25. It grasps the fear and awkwardness of really wanting something (or someone) but hesitating to make it happen for one reason or another, and then, with encouragement and support, going for it and not looking back. Coffeeshop and Robbie Rosen have crafted a dreamy melody to make you sway and affecting lyrics to make you sing along. It’s a delightful song that’s intended to be personal.
Other comments: I can’t get enough of collaborations like this – more please!
JAMIE WOON, “A Velvet Rope”
About the artist: Hit the rewind button back to the early 2010’s of these blog pages, and you’ll remember Jamie Woon as a much-acclaimed DIY talent from London who attracted much attention with his major label albums Mirrorwriting (2011) and the Mercury Prize-nominated Making Time (2015), and he also appeared on Disclosure’s now-classic Settle album. His two singles from Mirrorwriting both charted on the BILLCS Top 30, with the atmospheric and hypnotic “Night Air” reaching #1. Jamie is now releasing his first new music in 10 years independently.
About the record: Like his previous works, “A Velvet Rope” is moody and rooted in UK soul. Jamie’s lyrics will have you wondering if they are a nod to the many people with ADHD who are unable to focus on multiple things, which is a huge hindrance to making commitments and decisions. It’s like waiting in line behind the titular velvet rope for someone to let you through, but you don’t know when it’s going to happen or what’s next. The song is an interesting study of contrast, with its mainly mellow beginning and simmering piano melody offsetting what might be a sense of apprehension and confusion.
Other comments: Welcome back Jamie Woon, I’m looking forward to what’s next!
HARLEQUIN, “Everything We Got”
About the artist: Harlequin is a veteran Winnipeg-based rock band that has been together in many shapes and forms since the mid-1970’s, with the constant being the soaring voice of George Belanger, the only member remaining from previous iterations. They’re most noted for their 1980’s Canadian radio hits “I Did It For Love”, “Superstitious Feeling”, and “Innocence”.
About the record: “Everything We Got” is a crunchy rock record that deserves attention from Canadian Mainstream Rock radio stations. George’s voice is a bit deeper but all the years of singing show off his polished style and power. Harlequin is now a quintet, and the veteran performers he has with him secure an air-tight sound that will go over great in a live setting. It certainly was not on my bingo card for 2025, but “Everything We Got” carries on 1980’s Canadian rock traditions with 2025 technology and artistry.
Other comments: Among the Harlequin members is bassist Chris Burke-Gaffney, best known for his award-winning work with Chantal Kreviazuk and Mackenzie Porter, but whose band roots are with 80’s Canadian groups The Pumps and Orphan.
JOSELYN & DON, “Girl From The Mountain”
About the artists: Joselyn Wilkinson and Don Barrozo are a folk-pop duo originally from Montana but now based in Los Angeles. With influences from country, R&B and classic pop their music stretches the boundaries of what is now part of the Americana genre. “Girl From The Mountain” follows up their 2022 EP Seeds and Bones and their 2020 album Soar.
About the record: Listening to “Girl From The Mountain” is like hearing classic storytelling unfold. The song is about making intentional choices while looking back along the way to wonder how it all happened – think of going on a vacation and then having to return home, which might be something you just can’t choose not to do. It’s personified by the title character who is being wooed back by the inner voices of eventuality. Joselyn’s vocal is stellar and will remind you instantly of Carole King with dashes of Joni Mitchell and Linda Ronstadt in there too, and the harmonies, with help from some other vocalists, are razor sharp.
Other comments: “Girl From The Mountain” comes from Joselyn & Don’s upcoming album Lost & Found Highway. Music aficionados will also appreciate the sound of an upright bass in this song.
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.
From his upcoming album Wishbone, it’s Conan Gray with “Vodka Cranberry”
“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”.
Alternative rock favourite Matt Maeson returns with “Downstairs”
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. Hunter also has a new show beginning this Friday at 8pm EST called “Hot Hits with Hunter” on UK station Dodge Radio, and it also includes the New Music Pick.
Kesha teams up with T-Pain for “Yippie-Ki-Yay.”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (currently on a brief hiatus), where you can hear my Retro Pick of the Week. 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.
Free Movement – I’ve Found Someone Of My Own (1971)
Bread – Baby I’m-A Want You (1971)
Keith Hampshire – Daytime Nighttime (1973)
Cass Elliot – New World Coming (1970)
Poppy Family – Which Way You Goin’ Billy (1969)
BILLCS TOP 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2010
It was all about My Space and free downloads back in 2010, and Bright Light Bright Light scored the first of his #1’s, SEVEN so far!
02 01 A NEW WORD TO SAY Bright Light Bright Light
07 02 CROSSFIRE Brandon Flowers
01 03 8-BIT HEART Simon Curtis
03 04 BEAT DROP Simon Curtis
05 05 BREATHE Ryan Star
08 06 PUMPKIN PIE Evan Taubenfeld
09 07 GETTIN’ OVER YOU David Guetta, Chris Willis, Fergie, LMFAO
04 08 THE WORSE IT GETS Penguin Prison
12 09 SOMETHING GOOD CAN WORK Two Door Cinema Club
10 10 IT’S LIKE THAT Evan Taubenfeld
15 11 DREAMING Goldfrapp
16 12 YOUR BODY IS A MACHINE (Baby Monster remix) The Good Natured
14 13 BROKEN TONIGHT Armin Van Buuren, Van Velzen
19 14 PLACE FOR US (Will Eastman remix) Reni Lane
20 15 ENDLESS SUMMER NIGHT Roz Bell
21 16 ALL IN Lifehouse
27 17 HEAD OVER HEELS Bim
24 18 FRICTION (Ricardo Autobahn edit) Adam Tyler
23 19 I WANT YOUR SEX Chris Mann
06 20 UNWOKEN DREAM (KING WITH EVERYTHING) Justin Nozuka
26 21 THINKIN’ ‘BOUT SOMETHIN’ Hanson
25 22 THE BEAUTIFUL GAME Billy Franks
18 23 BELIEVE Travis Garland
11 24 NOT MYSELF TONIGHT Christina Aguilera
13 25 COOLER THAN ME (Gigamesh mix) Mike Posner
New 26 GET OUTTA MY WAY Kylie Minogue
New 27 PRETENDER Elouise
New 28 MISERY Maroon 5
17 29 ACAPELLA Kelis
22 30 POP GOES THE WORLD The Gossip
BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK
The retro pick will return at a later date.
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