Following the success of last year’s progressive, lush electronic pop album Discover Infinity, Chicago’s Aash Mehta is back with his first 2019 offering, “Vodka Soda”. It’s a departure from his swooning romantic stories, and this time we find a protagonist (through a captivating vocal by Apollo Gray) so lovesick, perhaps with someone who doesn’t reciprocate, and he doesn’t quite know what to do about it. So while he might be drowning his sorrow in his drink – or maybe not – “Vodka Soda” is also his metaphor for this particular crush. Aash’s music really plays to your heart strings for this down-on-his-luck guy, and “Vodka Soda” ends up being a real slice-of-life story, for not only the downhearted, but perhaps for that target of affection who will be on your mind for a long, long time.
By early 2018, MAX’s “Lights Down Low” become The Song That Could – it went platinum in the US and reached #20 on the Billboard Hot 100 two years after its release. I was delighted to be a very early supporter of the song (and singer, back to 2015) and watch its ongoing success and the growth of the singer himself in the process. Between 2016 and 2018, MAX was featured as a vocalist on countless dance and electronic songs, many of whom you can find written up in these blog pages. And his energetic, personable concerts have now made him a major draw at festivals.
So “Love Me Less” is a new chapter for MAX. I don’t think I would be remiss in thinking that NYC’s Hell’s Kitchen’s Angel is targeting the same audience as Ariana Grande with this song. It’s edgy pop that sparkles with a fluid interlude from Quinn XCII that fits just right. MAX can unleash all in a song when given the opportunity, but here he is totally on point. And of the video above – the expression “If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade” comes to mind. MAX had throat surgery earlier this year that must have been so scary. But he has completely recovered and we’ll be hearing a lot more new MAX songs this year 🙂
Every once in a while L.A. duo Papa Ya grace us with a new, cheery slice-of-life song. This year we have the wistful bop “Yesterday”, obviously written with a past love in mind. But with a delightful video of home movies and a summery synth melody, “Yesterday” also has Graduation Song 2019 written all over it and to me should be marketed as such! This is a no-brainer, feel good, singalong in whose lyrics anyone can see themselves. Do yourself a favour and stream and download “Yesterday” and remember where you read about it!
French producer Mathieu Koss teams up with much respected vocalist Aloe Blacc for “Never Growing Up”. Playing off the chorus of children’s voices, “Never Growing Up” is a whole lotta fun thanks to its bright video. While Aloe’s vocal postulates on life, the universe and everything, Mathieu partakes in spray paint art and silly string with a group of kids who want to add lots of colour to their surroundings. It has a similar theme to Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child” and should do well on the club circuit with lots of potential for pop crossover. I’m also choosing to highlight “Never Growing Up” in the shadow of the recent release of Avicii’s “SOS”, which also features Aloe’s vocal – Aloe of course was the uncredited vocalist and co-writer of Avicii’s massive “Wake Me Up!”.
10/10 (or tenoutoften) is the name of my new feature when I will write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention.
I will also continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the 10/10 lists are any less than those featured individually.
Writing 10/10 features means I will be able to cover more songs in one shot than I’ve been able to do recently. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about. I think that’s pretty fair 🙂
So let’s move on to #01:
tenoutoften 01
BEN DAVIDSON, “No One Knows”
Scottish singer Ben Davidson has a beautiful, rich tone to his voice that could make an encyclopedia sound melodic. “No One Knows” is the title song from Ben’s album from last Fall which followed attractive singles “The Chain”, “Fallin’ In” and “Learning To Let You Go”. But “No One Knows” bests them all with a warm story of dedication to a special person. The song just gets better as it moves along, leaving with a finish that resonates like fine cognac after a good meal.
MOLLY MOORE featuring KEENAN CHARLES, “Vibes”
Continuing to stretch the boundaries between pop, rock and dance music, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Molly Moore follows up “Be Here Now” with something completely different. “Vibes” captures the cool of L.A. with an edgy, soulful sound that is accentuated by the flowing emcee work of Keenan Charles. It’s not every day that you reacquaint yourself with your high school prom date and ask him to contribute to your record but Molly has done just that and it’s an indelible if sometimes subdued release.
RAD CAT and DYLAN MATTHEW, “Show Off”
It’s been a while since I wrote about Christian Ariza, the San Diego producer otherwise known as Rad Cat. “Show Off” is a bouncy, familiar-sounding feel good track with hip hop vibes marrying happily with electronica and a catchy vocal from Dylan Matthew. I’ll pitch this one to fans of The Knocks who will enjoy the funky rhythm.
SLEEPY TOM and LIGHTS, ” Amateur”
Vancouver’s Sleepy Tom has steadily released top notch dance music since his breakout hit “Be Right There” with Diplo. This time he takes a cue from fellow Canadian producer Felix Cartal and enlists another Canuck, Lights, for her vocal on “Amateur”. As with Felix’s “Love Me”, Lights is definitely the star of the show, perhaps even more so here, as her tones fill the loud speakers easily at chorus time. Sleepy Tom’s slick synths and production will help keep you glued to “Amateur”. And then there’s the Sleepy Tom video game, a clip of which you can check out below.
SAXITY, “Weekend”
Mr. Stan Sax and Koni, the saxophonist/guitarist/producers behind Saxity, return to help make Springtime brim with enthusiasm for the good weather and partying when it’s all about the “Weekend”. Stellar musicianship helps make this new dance anthem go down really smooth, making it an easy add for club DJ’s. Unleash this one on the dance floor and watch people move!
COOKIN ON 3 BURNERS with HENRI PURNELL and REVELRIES, “Force Of Nature”
Taking its cue from “This Girl”, the monstrous worldwide hit a few years back by Kungs and Cookin on 3 Burners which is still heard positively everywhere, “Force Of Nature” is a wicked blend of old school soul and house music. For it was the unique sound of Australian trio Cookin on 3 Burners that anchored “This Girl” (a variation of a song they recorded about 10 years ago), and that retro 60’s lounge style from that song pervades “Force Of Nature”. Partnering in the mix are Germany’s Henri Purnell and Emirati/Netherlands-based duo Revelries, who have both acquitted themselves well with Top 5 songs on my personal chart (“Silent Games” and the current “Don’t Think Twice”, respectively).
FINAL DJs and BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, “Wild”
Its wonderful to see the pairing of Germany’s Sebastian Stuetz, aka Final DJs, and long time fave Bright Light Bright Light (Rod Thomas) continue with their latest single together called “Wild”. It’s got a classic house groove that will simply command you to move and convince you to go as “Wild” as the title says. Very rarely does Rod make an appearance on another record and he flourishes beautifully here as in his own songs like “New York Pretty” or “Love Part II”. The duo’s earlier single “Lost In Feelings” landed at #11 on my chart during its release.
THE DRIVER ERA, “Feel You Now”
The Driver Era is the alt.rock offshoot of popular family band R5 that consists of brothers Rocky and Ross Lynch. Ross, of course, is a current star of Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”. The L.A. based, Colorado-born duo fit easily into these rock trappings, possibly much better than you think. I saw R5 perform in concert two years consecutively and there’s no denying the talent, which also led to Ross being heard in other songs like electronic duo Tritonal’s “Feel The Love”. “Feel You Now” is powerful and anthemic, reminiscent of music from yesteryear such as by INXS or even Grand Funk Railroad (take a listen to “Closer To Home” for example).
FAMBA, “Swear To God”
After emerging on the dance music scene about three years ago with songs like the fun ‘n funky “Right Here Right Now” (for Armada Deep) and “Vibe” (for Tipsy/Epic Norway), Halifax’s Famba signed to Sony Canada and got attention with remixes such as for fellow Canadians like Tyler Shaw. Currently, you can hear Famba’s “Wish You Well” (featuring vocalist Trove) on every single pop music station in Canada, and I think its next stop will be to conquer the USA. Following that song up in the meantime is “Swear To God”, a powerful electronic release that steers away from the pop of “Wish You Well” for a memorable house track that is more apt to follow up Loud Luxury’s “Body” as the next big dance hit from Canada.
LOST BOY, “Help”
California singer/songwriter/musician Lost Boy (aka Dillon Deskin) returns with an endearing song with a gritty rhythm called “Help”. Strange things happen to our hero in his video (above) for the song so if the lyrics aren’t convincing enough to give him a hand or three, then the video will definitely do it. “Help” is a rare breed, wanting to connect with you and make you dance at the same time. This sends Lost Boy in more of a direction that currently works for fellow artists like Bryce Vine and will definitely work well in a club setting.
The Toronto-bred trio of Nikki, Dylan and Nate are back with a bigger but more familiar sound that still has lots of edge in “Lemonade”. It reminds me of a cross between Gwen Stefani’s 2000’s solo work (particularly “Hollaback Girl”) and 80’s hair metal band anthems, and certainly stands out among the plain-ish rock of today. Nikki’s voice is powerful and engaging, the guitar work is ablaze, and the drums pack a big whomp. “Lemonade” is a fun song that will definitely be of interest to more than just the alt.rock fans who caught on to Nikki’s Wives with their last release, the EP Motorcourt.
Nikki’s Wives play a free RSVP-only event on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Lee’s Palace in Toronto (I’ll be there! 🙂 ).
“Say Amen” is a big, powerful, soulful song to kickstart NYC quartet American Authors’ third album called Seasons. This is hardly the jaunty pop sound of their huge inescapable hit from a few years back “Best Years Of My Life”. It’s darker and deeper, and draws from a clear passion for Blues and R&B. “Say Amen” is aided immensely by the distinct voice of Canadian rocker Billy Raffoul, whose long-haired good looks belie his gruff, ages-old voice that sounds like Joe Cocker-infused Leon Redbone. “Say Amen” will be a potent highlight in a live set by American Authors. I look forward to hearing more of their album.
“Sleeping Pills” is an idyllic, uplifting escape of just under 4 minutes from French producer Kidswaste (otherwise known as Quentin Beauvois), who opened up recently for DROELOE on a few of their North American tour dates. “Sleeping Pills” features the gentle voice of US singer Kole, as well as a subdued, easy-to-take, percolating rhythm. Kidswaste keeps us entertained with a lot going on within “Sleeping Pills”, including a few brief symphonic-sounding synth highs that really help tie the song together. His penchant for gorgeous melody though is what anchors “Sleeping Pills” and will lead to repeated plays.
UK singer Sean Smith mixes it up a bit from his recent releases with “Do Or Die”. This time he veers into fanciful but urgent danceable pop that would sound just fine on the radio. It’s got some old school 80’s vibes, such as a softer but encouraging vocal during the chorus, and and production that makes me think of British bands of the day like Cutting Crew and T’Pau. But it’s Sean’s expressive voice that is the draw, ever-convincing to have us join in on the fun. “Do Or Die” is another solid release that will continue to develop the singer’s following outside of his native England.
No April Fool’s anything here folks 😛 As an aftermath to my Miami visit from the past few days, the new chart is beginning to look like an echo of my Dance Roundup blog posts that preceded my trip. So there are four debuts as well as a new #1 as Spring has kicked off its dancing shoes 🙂
One of the delights of 2019 has been the unexpected pairing of L.A.’s Lauv with Troye Sivan for “i’m so tired”, which ascends to the top this week. It’s Lauv’s first time at #1 and Troye’s second following “My My My!” just over a year ago. What’s even better about this release is that it seems so genuine and good-natured, qualities that you can’t just hide in a song.
With it’s sinewy guitar hook and top notch vocal by Oktavian, “Don’t Think Twice” by Revelries and Sam Smyers moves up a notch to #2. And like “i’m so tired” (although it has distribution by AWAL), “Don’t Think Twice” is an independent release by Revelries, the Netherlands-based Emirati producers.
Following 2016’s “Light” (#4), “lift me from the ground” becomes Dutch producer and musician San Holo’s second Top 5 hit here from his recent release called album1. Check out Italian producer Flyboy’s jaunty take on the song, above. It has a different vibe about it but plenty of bounce. Also check out San’s new single “Lead Me Back”, below.
“Love” by Simon Curtis (12-8, above) and “Sweet But Psycho” by Ava Max (11-9, below) are newcomers to the Top 10 in this chart. It’s Ava’s first time but Simon is a veteran with 16 Top 10’s including 3 features, 7 of which were number ones (one a feature). He also happened to have charted in the Top 10 in the guise of one half of Wrathschild with “Fall Into Love” (#8) five years ago this week.
“Take Me Away” is irresistible classic house from England’s Maff Boothroyd, which advances 16-12. Waste no time and bust those moves on the dance floor with this one!
The fastest riser on the chart is “Go Ahead”, the dark but somehow encouraging new deep house single from producer Mahalo and vocalist MŌZ, climbing 20-13. Love that bass synth hook!
I had the pleasure of meeting French producer KRONO in Miami last week, and he’s working on more new songs. “Perfect Strangers” featuring singer PIOTR has a soulful Maroon 5 pop vibe and moves up 22-16.
Even though they don’t really sound alike, the songwriting behind “Black Gasoline” by Italy’s Mark Mendy with Australia’s Beamish Brothers on vocals reminds me of US/South African band Kongos. There’s a similar pattern for storytelling here which works well with a stylish alt.electronic backdrop. “Black Gasoline” rises 23-17.
Those Jonasei have one of the catchiest and best sung pop hits right now with “Sucker” and it climbs up 25-19.
I got to do my fair share of dancing during Miami Music Week, and songs like “Let’s Go Dancing” by UK producers Horse Meat Disco (who also played during MMW) and singer Amy Douglas keep that inspiration happening. It moves up 29-25.
The highest debut of the week was also tweeted out during Miami Music Week. Using the synth melody from house classic “Good Life” by Inner City as its basis, UK/German production duo M-22 rework it as “White Lies”, which arrives at #23.
I must also say I was taken totally aback when I heard “Good Things” (Disco edit) by MMW performer Cedric Gervais and Just Kiddin featuring vocalist Kyan. Its feel good rhythms help it arrive at #24.
Dutch producers DubVision and SYZZ create a sparkling melody sung by a fantastic but uncredited male vocal with “Enlighten Me” which bows at #26.
The last debut at #27 keeps the chart entries flowing for electronic dance music sensation Illenium with “Crashing” featuring US duo Bahari. This one’s about ‘crashing’ at someone’s place and makes a fine love story with Illenium’s intense backdrop. Illenium has been on the chart steadily since October 29, 2018 with three different songs, the most recent of which, “God Damnit” (#4), departs after 9 appearances.
View the full BILLCS Top 30right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
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