After a busy week, which included four concerts in 13 days, things fall back to normal – for now. Another four shows will arrive starting in late September through to mid-October. Then in November, I’ll be heading to Las Vegas for a few days, and I’m sure some shows there will be in the waiting too. In this week’s Report, all my featured songs are by solo artists!
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, a set of rockers which all come from the early 70’s. Since the Report didn’t publish last week, I’ll have my picks of the week from both last week and this week, and the #1 song and Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30. You’ll also find out what songs were #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 in this week over the last 27 years!
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.
JAMIE WOON, “When”
About the artist: Jamie Woon is an alternative singer/songwriter from suburban London who broke out in 2011 with his album Mirrorwriting. His memorable, atmospheric track “Night Air” reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30.
About the record: Jamie recently returned as an independent artist after several years with three singles, and I wrote about his moody and contemplative “The Velvet Rope”. “When” is a deft and catchy electronic track that has an idiosyncratic drum ‘n bass flow at its core, although it’s not far removed from some of the more adventurous and rhythmic tracks on Mirrorwriting either. The lyrics contain some social commentary under Jamie’s soulful, sometimes urgent-sounding, sometimes semi-spoken vocal. “When” is an imaginative track with intriguing production elements such as raa-taa-taa percussion that will get under your skin.
Other comments: Jamie third album, his first since 2015, called 3,10,Why,When – whose title in fact comes from the lyrics of “When” – arrives October 3.
CHANCE PEÑA, “West of Ohio”
About the artist: 25 year old Texas-born Chance Peña landed a deal with Columbia Records, after years in the public eye which began as a contestant on “The Voice” season nine, and released his debut album When I Change My Mind I Don’t Mean It. In the interim he landed a Grammy nomination for co-writing “Conversations In The Dark” with John Legend.
About the record: Towards the end of 2023, Chance found radio and worldwide streaming success with “i am not who i was”, which I wrote about and was likely the defining song he needed to jump to a major label. “West of Ohio” carries on the brooding, folk/pop style similar to other acts like Noah Kahan. Chance wrote it and produced it, which makes him unique in the major label environment like sombr, meaning he doesn’t need a team of people (and the accompanying gratis) to make good music. He’s a natural and genuine storyteller and “West of Ohio” should continue his upward moving ways.
Other comments: Chance will be opening for The Lumineers on their upcoming tour.
BEN DENNY MO, “In The Breakdown”
About the artist: Ben Denny Mo is a British indie rock singer/songwriter born and currently based on the Maltese island of Gozo.
About the record: “In The Breakdown” follows up his recent single “September”, which I wrote about not long ago. This one takes no prisoners with Ben’s ferocious vocal and a blistering rock arrangement, and there aren’t too many indie singers who can do that right. It relies heavily on his Led Zeppelin inspirations and fans of 70’s rock in general will enjoy this release. The song evokes both sympathy and catharsis while you rock out.
Other comments: With two powerful, well-constructed singles in a row, Ben Denny Mo is now on my list of artists to watch for in ’26.
ANIQO, “The Call”
About the artist: It’s been a while since we’ve heard from German singer/songwriter/producer ANIQO (aka Anita Goβ), known for her debut album Birth, which was many years in the making, as well as her progressive, sometimes psychedelic, pop style, and her creative, often fascinating videos.
About the record: “The Call” is atypical to what’s being released today in pop music. It’s a mysterious, nearly 6 minute song about following “The Call” to places unknown, and getting up the courage to leave everything behind. It’s about something more supernatural than merely following your gut, but as with past releases ANIQO keeps you thinking and allows you to draw your own conclusions. I wouldn’t be writing about “The Call” if it were not intriguing enough to stick with it. ANIQO’s compelling vocal is the key to this adventurous release, also aided by impressive guitar, string and piano work.
Other comments: “The Call” is a standalone single, a stop-gap so to speak, en route to ANIQO’s next album.
JORDAN ANTHONY, “Reckless”
About the artist: Jordan Anthony is currently based in L.A. but was born in Perth, Australia. He competed on both the Australian versions of “The Voice” (Top 4) and “American Idol” (Top 14), represented his country at Junior Eurovision, and released an album, One Word. He has also headlined shows in his home city.
About the record: As with other performers, the success emanating from reality competition shows is fleeting, and Jordan has been releasing music independently for about five years. But “Reckless” could be a song to ignite interest for him globally, because the invested vocal and songwriting talent are there, with crisp production by Grammy nominee Emile Ghantous. The song is about giving in to that lover you really want to have, even if it means breaking the rules, being reckless, and basking in the moment. Jordan’s got a marvelous, soulful voice that will attract fans of Bruno Mars, Miguel and Usher, and his performance sounds effortless.
Other comments: Jordan was encouraged to pursue his musical talents by his parents, starting with piano lessons at age 5.
SAM HARDING, “Wildflower”
About the artist: Sam Harding is an L.A.-based indie singer, songwriter, pianist and actor. I wrote about his most recent single, the romantic “Remember”, last year.
About the record: What attracts me the most to “Wildflower” is how its taut arrangement builds to a climactic chorus. It’s a classic songwriting skill that works every time when a story is to be told. “Wildflower” is about someone down on love believing he may have found his soulmate. Sam’s vocal is affecting whether its in its quietest, reflective moments of the song, or belting out the chorus. Once “Wildflower” grabs you in its first minute, you’re sold on the entire song. It’s simply lovely!
Other comments: I look forward to more frequent releases from Sam Harding and more artists like him who can really saang.
KENTON, “Gift of Loneliness”
About the artist: Kenton is a queer singer and actor/voice actor of Taiwanese heritage, who has appeared on the TV shows “Perfect Harmony” and “What The Elf?”, and is a graduate of USC’s prestigious Thornton School of Music. He was born in Irvine, California, and is now based in L.A.
About the record: “Gift of Loneliness” is Kenton’s first new music in two years that was created after a difficult overseas visit with his parents, who relocated to Taiwan several years ago. The jumping off point for the song was something that was said to him as a 10 year old by a girl, who said he had “the gift of loneliness”. Tying that in subsequently with his queerness and reconciling growing up as a child of a pastor, Kenton says he chose love to work towards a brighter future. “Gift of Loneliness” is about strengthening your own true self after embracing what might be considered to be an introverted lifestyle, and using it as your superpower going forward. Kenton’s vocal and performance are assured and forthright. It’s a terrific song overall.
Other comments: After releasing a solo album in 2017 under his full name, Kenton is off to a fresh start with a new one called Sweetmouth arriving this fall.
VINNY MARCHI, “The Let Go”
About the artist: Vinny Marchi is a New York City based indie vocalist and songwriter who cut his teeth in musical theatre. He has released some whimsical songs that I’ve written about, just not recently.
About the record: “The Let Go” is a return to straight up pop with some rock edge for Vinny after dabbling with Irish-oriented folk-styled songs during the past year. It continues to show off his fine voice, this time in alto range with a highly relatable song about moving on from a relationship. It’s easy to tell from his voice that Vinny’s heart is really in “The Let Go” and that plus the upbeat rhythm and well-placed harmonies prevent it from being a weepy downer.
Other comments: I hope his core social media fans like “The Let Go” as much as I do!
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.
This week’s pick:
“Won’t Give Up” by British dance producer MXTR and L.A.-based vocalist/songwriter Tyler Garrett
Last week’s pick:
Martin Garrix teams up with Alesso for the first time on a recording with “Inside Our Hearts” with vocalist Shaun Farrugia
“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”.
It’s the return of Alabama Shakes with “Another Life”
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 on Fridays at 8pm EST called “Hot Hits with Hunter” on UK station Dodge Radio, and it also includes the New Music Pick.
It’s “Love Is Like” by Maroon 5 with Lil Wayne
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show , 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.
The Guess Who – Albert Flasher (1971)
Lighthouse – One Fine Morning (1971)
The Doors – Riders On The Storm (1971)
Bachman Turner Overdrive – Let It Ride (1974)
Paul McCartney – Maybe I’m Amazed (1970)
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
“Balenciaga Covered Eyes” by Agnes is her 2nd chart-topper, following 2008’s “Release Me”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
“12 to 12” is sombr’s 4th chart entry, soaring 25-5!
27 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s
Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 27 years.
2024 SAM FELDT, JVKE, ANITTA, “Mi Amor”
2023 ALESSO, “Without You”
2022 HARRY STYLES, “Daydreaming”
2021 DARIN, “Can’t Stay Away”
2020 JOEL CORRY, MNEK, “Head & Heart”
2019 KAZAKY, GASPAR, “Push”
2018 THE HIM, PARSON JAMES, “Broken Love”
2017 BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, “New York Pretty”
2016 THE MAGICIAN, BRAYTON BOWMAN, “Shy” (club mix)
2015 YEARS & YEARS, “Shine”
2014 BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, “I Believe”
2013 KADEN, “Black Light” (Stormby mix)
2012 CHRIS WALLACE, “Remember When (Push Rewind)”
2011 DATABOY, “Just Once”
2010 BRANDON FLOWERS, “Crossfire”
2009 DAN BLACK, “Symphonies”
2008 JON MCLAUGHLIN, “Beating My Heart”
2007 AMY WINEHOUSE, “Tears Dry On Their Own”
2006 JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, “SexyBack”
2005 ROB THOMAS, “This Is How A Heart Breaks”
2004 GEORGE MICHAEL, “Flawless (Go To The City)”
2003 BT, “Simply Being Loved (Somnambulist)”
2002 DARREN HAYES, “Crush (1980 ME)”
2001 GIGI D’AGOSTINO, “I’ll Fly With You (L’amour toujours)”
2000 JAKE, “Let Me Know”
1999 SANTANA, ROB THOMAS, “Smooth”
1998 RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, “Foolish Love”
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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