September 2026 brings about the 17th anniversary of this blog. Admittedly it didn’t find its way into reviews of songs until about a month later, but it’s come a long way to its present format, which also incorporates my forays into online radio announcing, something that 40 odd years ago college radio DJ me would never have imagined or expected to be doing again. This week’s blog choices include a couple of the best dance music tracks I’ve heard in a while. I can honestly say that 2026 must be a transitional year for dance music, because the songs I’ve enjoyed the most have been alternative pop and rock songs which have been just that bit out of the ordinary.
NOTE: Due to conflicting plans next week, the BILLCS New Music Report will publish on Thursday, October 1.
In this edition of the Report, you can also check out my new music and retro picks of the week, as well as a record of the week from “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, and “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. This week, “The Musicman” James Rogers’ Classic Five selections land us smack in the middle of 1983. Please do check out the playlist for my all-Canadian hour, The MAPL Tapes, with Show #30 and songs by featured artist Céline Dion. You’ll also find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the latest edition of the BILLCS Top 30.
Reminder: Click on the photos to listen to the songs on Spotify.
NICOLA NICOLETTI, “Something True”
About the artist: Nicola Nicoletti is a relatively new singer/songwriter who hails from Czechia and has recently released the EP Rewritten in follow up to his full-length album Gilded.
About the record: “Something True” is my favourite track from Rewritten thanks to a gorgeous melodic hook that will easily find its way into your head, as well as Nicola’s sincere and affecting vocal. I wrote about the darker and different “Free and Bound” earlier in the month as an introduction to the EP, but “Something True” might just be his best song since the earworm “Perfect’s Overrated”, which reached #2 earlier this year on the BILLCS Top 30.
Other comments: The prolific artist, otherwise known as Julian Greco (from the songwriting and production credits), released another new EP called Blurred only last week.
ZAC POOR, “You Know Me”
About the artist: Zac Poor is an L.A.-based singer/songwriter about whom I’ve written several times over the years. He is known for his pitch-perfect voice in viral covers that outdid the originals, and poignant original songs, such as the affecting “Ghost Boy” which reached #4 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2023.
About the record: “You Know Me” is a highly relatable song dedicated to the person who knows you the best and will never, ever give up on you. The phrasing and choice of words are touching and astute, and Zac’s vocal is full of control and assurance that pull you in. Zac doesn’t release songs too often but when he does they are top-drawer winners.
Other comments: When not recording his own music, Zac has written songs recorded by Tori Kelly, The Jonas Brothers, MNEK, Tate McRae, Delta Goodrem and many others.
KHAMSIN, “Hold It Down”
About the artist: Khamsin is French electronic dance producer Thomas Di Pane who has been releasing music for the last 10 years. He has also been part of a collective of producers called Slow Hours, which last released music in 2020.
About the record: “Hold It Down” is a smashing, fluid drum ‘n bass release that could easily become a club or festival favourite, it’s certainly a new one for me. The song doesn’t let up and gets more intense along the way thanks to a terrific arrangement of an uncredited male vocal. It’s vibrant and effortless-sounding, everything a dance record needs to be in this highly competitive genre. It even ends with the panache of a 35 second instrumental extro, which will be fun for DJ’s mixing in the next song in a set.
Other comments: I wrote about a bunch of Khamsin’s releases last way back in 2018. While it’s impossible to keep everyone on my radar in these busy days of social media, it’s nice that “Hold It Down” has circled back to me through its Bitbird label release.
LONELYSOUL., “Loud and Clear”
About the artist: Lonelysoul. is UK-based, Lithuania-born electronic dance producer Paulius Bagdonas who specializes in creating striking melodies usually amid dark ambiances.
About the record: “Loud and Clear” is reminiscent of early 2000’s electronic dance songs both in structure and production. I like how it takes most of the first minute to lead up to the first drop with a taut uncredited male vocal and some sparse synths, because by then you’re already sold. The vocal sounds a bit uncertain and fragile in this story set at a party which he’s about to leave, until a new crush walks into the room and changes everything. “Loud and Clear” has everything in its mix that you could possibly want that’s both fresh and familiar in an EDM vocal track today, and I think Lonelysoul. is one to watch for the next year.
Other comments: You can also check out Lonelysoul.’s recent album called Discover Lonelysoul.
TRIBZ, “Young Love”
About the artist: TRIBZ is a blues-rock quartet from outside of Toronto that I’ve written about several times, and has been played on my show The MAPL Tapes. It features Juno Award winner Erroll Starr and Moxy’s master guitarist Earl Johnson. “Young Love” is the group’s first new music since its 2024 self-titled album.
About the record: It’s not always easy to write what could be deemed as a simple love song, but “Young Love” is like a common collective memory which has been derived from Earl Johnson’s own past. Nostalgia wins when it is done right, and “Young Love” is a straight-forward ballad with a commanding vocal by Erroll Starr that successfully takes you away on a pleasant mind trip for just over three minutes. Having seen TRIBZ perform live this past summer, I can vouch that they are the real deal and generate instantly good vibes when they perform.
Other comments: TRIBZ describes itself as “different tribes uniting under a single message of love, hope and empowerment.” I have mentioned it before, but Earl Johnson and bassist Donny Hill are proud members of the Six Nations Tuscarora and Mohawk communities respectively, and Erroll Starr is an adopted member of the ASMINTI Anishinabek Metis Nation. Drummer Dave Davidson rounds out the band.
SOME DAYS ARE DARKER, “Memorize You”
About the artist: Some Days Are Darker is a NYC-based alt.rock trio formed in 2019, led by vocalist/guitarist Lear Mason, bassist/keyboardist Chris Martin, and drummer/producer Robbie Williamson. To date they have released two albums.
About the record: “Memorize You” takes many of the best elements of the latter years of 80’s new wave and fuses them together with a hypnotic, gothic and original sound. Think a mix of Duran Duran and The Cure when both bands have been at their edgiest and most mysterious. “Memorize You” ruminates about initial fascination that quickly turns into obsession, with Lear Mason’s vocal simmering in-between both without getting too creepy, which gives the song its own intriguing appeal, along with a catchy chorus.
Other comments: “Memorize You” is from the band’s forthcoming third album Black Box Warning, recorded at the Rancho de la Luna studio in Joshua Tree, California.
PETER FOLDY, “In California”
About the artist: Though he now resides in L.A., Peter Foldy is a Canadian singer/songwriter most noted for his Canadian #1 “Bondi Junction”. While primarily working as a filmmaker (writer/director/producer), he continues to write and release music regularly.
About the record: Peter has resided in L.A. long enough to be quite attached to California, and so the bright sound and positive vibes of “In California” are genuine. The good weather, ocean beaches and relaxed aura about California are known world-wide, and I don’t think anyone would need to be convinced otherwise. “In California” is a timeless song, Peter’s first 2026 release, for the Californians returning home, or for the frequent visitors who can’t get enough of it. And as usual, Peter’s vocal is on-point and immediately recognizable to music fans.
Other comments: Though I’ve been to LAX three times over the past four years, I’m overdue for a proper California visit myself!
AUTOPILOT, “True Tragedy”
About the artist: Autopilot is a rock trio from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, led by vocalist Marlon Harder. They are known for their compelling live performances, and recently wrapped up a tour in south-eastern Ontario.
About the record: “True Tragedy” is a bittersweet rock song that ties together a past relationship with other fond memories from that time. There’s no denying the powerful hook in the song that will easily get stuck in your head. As in previous releases, Autopilot offers up good ol’ rock ‘n roll with no bells or whistles to clutter up a fine performance.
Other comments: “True Tragedy” is culled from their 2024 album Here Comes the Pressure, and you can check out the video at the following link: True Tragedy
Show #30 with songs by featured artist Céline Dion
BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK
It’s the deeply personal “Dirty Laundry” by Greyson Chance, from his new album Boystown, which is out Friday (September 25)
BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK
Blame this one on the Beatles cover band from my recent cruise. It’s The Beatles’ “Lady Madonna” (1968)
“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD OF THE WEEK
“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner and program director of online station Halton Hills Radio Online.
“House of Matches” is by Florida rock quintet Sleeping With Sirens
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, including Chicago-based Lake Radio Online where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week. Hunter is also on air Fridays on “Hot Hits with Hunter” on UK station Dodge Radio, and it too broadcasts the New Music Pick. Check the schedule for my New Music Pick of the Week on the blog home page near the bottom.
It’s Kygo and Max McNown with more country-dance fusion and “Take Me Back”
“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE
“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show (6 – 9pm EST Tuesdays). 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.
Rolling Stones – Undercover Of The Night
Spandau Ballet – Gold
John Mellencamp – Pink Houses
The Police – Wrapped Around Your Finger
Billy Joel – An Innocent Man
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Toronto-born, L.A.-based Scott Helman scores his first #1 on the chart with “Mr. Record Label”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
Rêve’s “Devour” scoots up the chart and into the Top 10 (16-9)
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