Weekend Dance Roundup Part 2: @DubVisionmusic & @SYZZmusic @PLSandTYbased & @GANZgvnz & #Nevve @TheHim & @Lootemusic @iamAlanWalker, @SabrinaAnnLynn, and @Farrukoofficial @Ekalimusic & @L-1788 @ArminvanBuuren & @BonnieMcKee @SultanShepard & #CarlaMonroe @Goldroom @Robokidmusic @Kremerkmusic

Following up yesterday’s Part 1, here’s the second part of my Weekend Dance Music Roundup, I’m featuring 10 more new dance music releases, in no particular order, some of whom are by performers you may see at Miami Music Week.

  • Dutch brothers DubVision and fellow Dutch production duo SYZZ positively sparkle with the high energy of “Enlighten Me”.  This is a zesty 2:37 dance track that will have you chanting the urgent chorus and feeling great afterwards.  It’s one of DubVision’s very best tracks and the partnership with Syzz is well worth repeating.  A festival fist pumper for sure.

During Miami Music Week, DubVision play at Firebeatz and Friends on Tuesday March 26 and at Ultra Music Festival on Saturday March 31.

  • One of my favourite songs last year was the Morgan Page extended mix of PLS&TY’s “Down For Me”.  The Florida producer returns in collaboration with Dutchman Ganz for “Motives”.  The song starts off rather unassumingly but gradually builds to a feverishly emotional state by the minute mark, thanks to the signature voice of go-to dance music singer Nevve.  This is one of her best and most committed vocals that rides the sometimes hard-hitting future bass production later in the song.  Sway away and enjoy!
  • Norway’s Alan Walker has crafted something totally unexpected with “On My Way”.  Harkening back to three years ago when “Faded” astounded everyone, Alan employs the sharp voice of star-on-the-rise Sabrina Carpenter (currently in the Billboard club chart Top 10 with “Sue Me”) for a song that’s totally suited to her.  It begins with R&B flavour that you might associate with Rihanna, then drifts off to the islands with a vocal break from Puerto Rico’s Farruko.  By the end you’ll feel like you’ve been on a bit of an adventure so check it out!
  • Also with tropical flavours but with a more relaxed, summery vibe is “Tell Your Friends”, the latest from blog favourites The Him.  Steven and J have brought aboard American duo Loote for effortless give ‘n take vocals which make the song simply breeze by with its appealing synth-peppered bounce.

The Him plays Spinnin’ Sessions at Spinnin’ Hotel on Wednesday March 27 and Klingande’s Playground Pool Party on Sunday March 31 during Miami Music Week.

  • A new and potent instrumental is brought to you courtesy of Mexican producers Kremerk called “Nowhere”.  Premiered recently by Nicky Romero, “Nowhere” doesn’t hold back any punches with its lively synths and creative, progressive production which sometimes recalls Afrojack.  Its relentless pace doesn’t give up for a second of its 2:46 length.
  • It’s been out for about a month, but “Ruin” by the one-of-a-kind collaboration of Ekali and 1788-L delivers in just about every way possible.  Highly inventive and drawing heavily from trap and dubstep, “Ruin” is one song that will neither tire you out with an overabundance of effects, nor will you tire of its frequent changes of pace.  There’s a beautiful, underlying melody amid the experimentation, and these guys just make it all sound even more fascinating as the song progresses.  While it might not be for everyone, “Ruin” should become a centerpiece in sets by both performers.

1788-L plays no less than four events during Miami Music Week on Thursday March 28 (twice, including Brownies & Lemonade Miami), Friday March 29 and Saturday March 30.

  • From his recent 8 song release RK1, Boston’s Robokid has a real grower with “Everything Around You”.  Co-produced by the enigmatic Kid Froopy – you’ll remember 2017’s “Drive Slow” – “Everything Around You” happily marries early-to-mid 2000’s alt.influences of bands like Blink 182 and All-American Rejects with simmering electronics and a taut vocal arrangement that helps make the chorus so memorable.  
  • L.A.’s Goldroom offers up a different kind of slice of life with “Cocaine Girl”.  Its lazy west coast vibe is the perfect foil for a story in which the subjects just seem content to live a dreamy, carefree life.  Its uncomplicated-sounding synth arrangement recalls 80’s Depeche Mode and there are some nice acoustic guitar touches as well.  
  • After dazzling us recently with their instrumental “American Beauty” (based up on the score of the movie of the same name), Sultan + Shepard continue but this time with a solid house banger in “Deeper”.  It packs even more of a wallop thanks to the presence of the killer voice of Carla Monroe – she of MK’s “17” fame.  “Deeper” has the potential to be yet another huge club smash for my Canadian brethren.

Sultan + Shepard play Mixmash Takeover on Thursday March 28 and Armada Invites Miami on Saturday March 30 during Miami Music Week.

  • And what would this year’s Miami Music Week be without a new song from the master who is Armin van Buuren?  Departing from the anthemic humour of “Blah Blah Blah”, Armin brings a delightful song full of longing, powered by the voice of none other than “American Girl” herself, Bonnie McKee.  You wouldn’t expect Bonnie in this setting and Armin weaves some intense synths and beats around her gracious presence.  Armin has a long history with me, going back to 2003’s haunting “Yet Another Day”, and 16 years later continues to deliver the heat amid many talented contemporaries. 

Armin van Buuren plays Ultra Music Festival on Saturday March 30 and Sunday March 31.

 

 

Weekend Dance Music Roundup Part 1: @CedricGervais vs @weareJustKiddin @GilGlazemusic @Habstrakt @LFrequencies @thisisMokita @Rozallab @ChemBros @Egzodmusic @YoungBombs

Miami Music Week is upon us again, and I’m happy to be arriving Wednesday March 27 and then leaving in the morning of Sunday March 31.  I’ll miss the closing festivities at the various clubs – I’m not going to Ultra – but there will be lots to keep me busy, along with the beach and the sunshine!

As a predecessor to the events, in Part 1 of my Weekend Dance Music Roundup, I’m featuring 10 new dance music releases, in no particular order, some of whom are by performers you may see at MMW.

  • One of the biggest recent highlights for me is Cedric Gervais vs Just Kiddin’s “Good Things” (featuring Kyan) in both its regular and Disco Edit.  “Good Things” has everything going for it – gorgeous pop elements for those who still listen to radio with a bass house drop at the minute mark that shakes things up, as the song progresses into a pop/house anthem.  I’m hoping for big things for this song!

Cedric Gervais performs at Ultra Music Festival on Saturday March 30.

  • Strong in the melodic pop/dance department is US-based, Switzerland-born Gil Glaze with two recent releases.  Both “How We Do” (above) and “Young Forever” (below, featuring vocalist Annabel Turner) make smooth transitions from pop to potential club bangers with memorable celebratory feel good vibes.  Either of these songs could be a big ticket for Gil, who has been known more for remixes and festival appearances than his own originals.
  • I’ve been absolutely loving the most recent records by Nashville’s Mokita, whose songs like the more pop-oriented “London” (#10 on my chart) will find permanent places on your playlists.  “Kiss And Tell” is a more high energy, urgent plea to an absent lover that will provoke big reactions on the dance floor, with some quieter moments to allow for some on-scene romance if it’s in the cards.  “Kiss And Tell” is one beautiful record and I’m glad Armada is digressing from its usual harder core dance flavours to bring this to us.

  • What can one say about the groundbreaking Grammy-winning legends that are The Chemical Brothers?  They had me sold back 23 years ago with the off-centre, clever electronics of “Setting Sun”.  They return with the entertaining “We’ve Got To Try” which prominently samples a 70’s R&B song called “I’ve Got To Find Away” by The Hallelujah Chorus.  Another standout song for big moments at clubs and festivals. Oh and there’s a Daft Punk-inspired video that features a new EDM mascot 😛
  • Rising US producer Habstrakt has a fine new diverse release called “All Night”.  Surprisingly European in flavour, “All Night” has plenty of big bounce and classic house elements in which you can easily get lost.  

Habstrakt plays Ultra Music Festival on Friday March 29, as well as three other events, including Ghastly Presents Ritual on Wednesday March 27 at The Hangar.

  • Newly minted with the Astralwerks label, long time fave remixers from Vancouver, Young Bombs, have released their first original single, the uplifting “Starry Eyes”.  It’s entirely different from anything else out there and will stand out and grab your ears from any direction.  “Starry Eyes” is as much about the engaging female vocal chorus as it is about the swirling electronics that provide the dizzying backdrop.  Put those cell phones and lighters in the air and light up the skies until sundown.  Well done Tristan and Martin!  Check out the humorous lyric video above.

Young Bombs performs at the Ultra Music Festival on Sunday March 31.

  • Still relatively new to the music scene is Miami-based, France-born Egzod (aka Carlos Carvalho Martins, using a variation of the French word ‘exode’, meaning ‘exodus’) shifts gears slightly towards pop with “Better With You”.  Fans of Egzod’s more progressive stylings won’t be disappointed as the producer keeps his synths and mix well to the left, but the uncredited female vocal here is a worthy attraction and the melody is strong.

Egzod plays Centro Wynwood on Tuesday March 26.

  • After having three Billboard dance club play chart #1’s in the 90’s which includes the classic “Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)”, Zambia-born UK-based singer Rozalla rebooted her career in 2015 with the Top 5 “If You Say It Again” and the equally worthy collaboration with House Of Virus, “The Shadows Of The Moon”.  It all continues with “Turn On The Light”, especially in its zesty Mr. Root Oh So Chic 12″ remix, which could enliven any house music set.  Current dance music continues to embrace its much-loved veterans and when a record is so strong like “Turn On The Light” then it’s worthy of much attention.
  • One of the most popular producer/DJ’s worldwide is Belgium’s Lost Frequencies, aka Felix De Laet.  Arriving just in time to bring the heat to MMW is “Recognise” featuring the positively stellar voice of Flynn.  You’ll be singing the chorus to this one long after the song’s over.  There’s a vibrant, percussive backdrop to “Recognise” that accentuates the tropical vibes along with some delightful acoustic guitar riffing.

Lost Frequencies plays the Ultra Music Festival on Sunday March 31.

#BILLCSTop30 #557 – March 18/19

The lack of blog posts hardly means I’ve stopped listening to new tunes, and in particular the 30 songs in my chart 🙂  The blog posts will come, but in the meantime it’s a mainly feel-good kind of chart with two new entries.

For a third appearance at #1 (6 weeks), it’s “Closure” by Dutch producer Steve Void with vocalist Andy Marsh and its outstanding and memorable video. 

Challenging next week will be current #2 “i’m so tired…” by Lauv and Troye Sivan, which is finding its greatest favour in the UK where it’s headed for the Top 10 this week.  

And #3 is also in contention is “Don’t Think Twice” by Netherlands-based Emirati production duo Revelries and US producer Sam Smyers with US-based Dutch vocalist Oktavian.  Revelries has yet another release later this week with Henri Purnell and Cookin On 3 Burners called “Force Of Nature”, so watch for it!

Sweeping into the Top 5 as the Fastest Riser on the chart twice in a row is the celebrated collaboration of Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Armin van Buuren and W&W with the insanely catchy “Repeat After Me”.  What a crowd pleaser 🙂

Stephen Puth joins brother Charlie in obtaining a Top 5 hit on my chart with “Sexual Vibe” climbing 7-5.  I’m predicting big things for Stephen too!

Australia’s Sam Bluer moves up 9-7 with “Bite My Tongue”.  I really think a collaboration with Troye Sivan is in order, don’t you?

The other newcomer to the Top 10 is by Nashville’s Mokita.  “London” (above) is a gorgeous miss-you song with one of the warmest lyrical hooks I’ve hard in ages.  Mokita has a new one that I’ll preview here until its proper blog post.  It’s called “Kiss And Tell” (below).

“Love” by Simon Curtis advances 17-12 and is eyeing the Top 10 – no strange place for this week’s birthday boy Simon, it’s just missed him for the last three years since the reboots of “8bit Heart” (#1) and “Super Psycho Love” (#3) 😀

Also moving upward is Parralox’s latest “Paradise”, a redux of a single from a few years back with a new vocal by Marcella Detroit and a heavenly house remix by Eric Kupper.  It climbs 16-13.  Parralox was last in the Top 10 in 2015 with #4 “Aeronaut”.

The biggest mover of the last chart’s new entries belongs to the deep house of Mahalo’s “Go Ahead”, featuring an infectious chorus and a potent vocal by MŌZ.  It rises 26-20. Go ahead, take that risk!!

New entry #1 is a bit of a surprise – “Sucker” by The Jonas Brothers at #25.  The Jonasei, as I like to call them 😛 , previously charted in 2008 with “S.O.S.” (#15), but Joe has charted solo and with DNCE, and Nick’s “Chains” also made its presence known in the interim.  But “Sucker” is simply a very good pop song, with all the right chops, and is highly deserving of its success.

New entry #2 at #29 is the out-and-out inspiring disco of “Let’s Go Dancing” by UK producers Horse Meat Disco featuring the enthusiastic vocal of US singer Amy Douglas.  This one’s nothing fancy and with one aim – to make you dance your ass off.  It shall succeed 🙂

The chart will return in two weeks after my visit to Miami Music Week!!

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

 

 

 

 

“Gone My Way” by @MorganPage and @PexLmusic brings a decade of dance full circle

MORGAN PAGE and PEX L, “Gone My Way”

Progressive house producer Morgan Page continues to be on fire with his latest release “Gone My Way”, this time paired with Spain’s Pex L, for Armada, which comes out racing on the heels of his remix of worldwide pop hit “Sweet But Psycho” by Ava Max.  “Gone My Way” happily brings a decade of different dance music styles together in one song, from the infectious basslines of progressive house from earlier on, to more sophisticated, futuristic bounce of 2019 and beyond.  A well-chosen but uncredited female vocal also figures prominently in the vibe of “Gone My Way”.  This one has the potential to be one of Morgan’s bigger records, and you can catch the producer in action at Miami Music Week in the Armada Invites Miami showcase on Saturday March 30.

“I Saw The Devil” is soulful alt.pop from Toronto by Carlaw with vocalists @JamesCollins1 and Stephanie Bleakley

CARLAW and JAMES COLLINS & STEPHANIE BLEAKLEY, “I Saw The Devil”

“I Saw The Devil” is a nifty slice of soulful alt.pop that showcases a number of Toronto performers.  I’ve written about singer/songwriter/actor James Collins a number of times, and his vocal here is smooth and restrained, in contrast to Stephanie Bleakley’s dynamic wallop which recalls other Canadian women like Dalbello or Simone Denny. 

And what of lead artist Carlaw?  Well I may be wrong, but I think it’s likely a pseudonym or new name for those talented guys The Boomtang Boys, who’ve had many Canadian hits of their own from the 90’s through to the 2000’s such as “Squeeze Toy”.  They co-wrote “I Saw The Devil” with James, and someone else also gets a songwriting credit – now’s the time for the interesting back story!  That someone is Canadian actor Jason Priestley, currently in “Private Eyes” but most noted of course for “Beverly Hills 90210”. 

As James tells me, “”I saw the devil… I embraced him, but I pushed him away” was a direct quote Jason had commented to his wife and sister when he came out of a coma, after his tragic car racing accident.  Jason also gave me his blessing in having a song written around that quote… a quote written in his memoir.”

So let that quote be your guide, along with the multitude of talent behind “I Saw The Devil”.

Toronto’s @GoldComplexband returns with the R&B/jazz/pop fusion of their album New Soul featuring “Meant To Dance”

GOLD COMPLEX, “Meant To Dance”

It’s been a while since we heard from Toronto’s Gold Complex, an eight member R&B/jazz/pop collective that released its first EP a few years back.  Since that time, I’ve also written about their lead singer Will Bowes and his solo work.  Gold Complex’s album New Soul – which includes “Backbone” from their EP – is everything that you could like about a fast-paced, effortless record that straddles many genres.  Will can be a powerhouse singer given the song, and we’ve heard his softer but potent solo songs too.  And the band is incredibly tight – these musicians have each other’s backs, hard enough to do with eight personnel.  But if there’s a song to focus on here, to me it’s the lively, diverse “Meant To Dance”, one of the more pop-oriented songs on the album but it’s incredibly radio friendly.  It’s got a delicious pause around the minute mark which can make or break a song, but it shifts wisely into high gear right after, and then unleashes Will’s fierce voice.  The rest is a delightful mix that has a lot of 70’s flavour.  And a dance remix could open up “Meant To Dance” to clubs too.

I was fortunate to see Gold Complex in concert for one of their sets in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday, March 9.  They are better live than on record, and this is where Will’s wide vocal range has the opportunity to flourish.  I hope to see them again, perhaps in a more intimate setting, either indoor or outdoor, for full effect!

Record Roundup: @dawncalltwitt @subsetsmusic @ayellemusic @snowmassmusic @monamoua @odesza @chetporter @keyrouzmusic @henripurnell @beticalmusic @sikdope

While I haven’t been writing as of late for one reason or another, including being away for a week, you can bet that I have kept listening to submissions I’ve received and other songs that have caught my attention.  Some songs will get their own blog posts but here are six that are definitely worth your attention 🙂 :

Ahhh those vocals, that atmosphere!

DAWNCALL & SUBSETS and AYELLE, “Ghost”

“Ghost” covers a lot of bases, pairing relative newcomers Israel’s Dawncall with the UK’s Subsets to create an attentive, eerie, seductive song that showcases UK singer Ayelle’s crisp and captivating vocal, recalling her recent work with Taska Black.  It’s definitely one for club DJ’s to offer up after a big, loud set heading into the wee hours.

SNOWMASS and MONA MOUA, “Wait For Me”

Everyone’s favourite Chicago snowman/producer returns with a similarly progressive track to his previous release “Crossfire”, also featuring the unique voice of Mona Moua.  It’s a taut and always interesting production that goes really big and then equally quiet at times, always keeping your ears peeled for something unexpected.

All about the remix

ODESZA and WYNNE & MANSIONAIR, “Line Of Sight” (Chet Porter remix)

Hey if my fellow Torontonian Chet Porter is going to resurface with something new – even if it’s not his own song – then why not make it with a glowing official remix of “Line Of Sight” from Odesza’s Grammy-nominated A Moment Apart.  As always, for this fan favourite, Chet zeroes in on the melody and transforms its hook from anthemic trap to electronic synth bliss that soars for miles…

HENRI PURNELL and PARULA, “Mama Say” (Anthony Keyrouz remix)

Lebanese producer Anthony Keyrouz adds some magic to “Mama Say”, a fine pop song in its own right by German producer Henri Purnell featuring vocalist Parula.  He pitches down the vocal a bit and adds a percolating rhythm and Latin-sounding guitar work to conjure up images of the sunny Mediterranean countryside, taking the song in a slightly different but most welcome European folk-infused direction.

Who needs words anyway?

BETICAL, “Strangers”

French producers Betical bring a lot of intrigue to the fore with “Strangers”.  With a heavy, dark atmosphere laid out with future bass rhythms, “Strangers” is perfect for late night spins with lots of flashing lights which will augment the echoing vocals that are appropriately layered deeper into the mix.

SIKDOPE, “Rave”

From the Moe Shalazi stables comes Polish producer Sikdope with “Rave”.  It’s a bouncing, fun, progressive tip of the hat to all fans of raves and their music.  Play this one for a huge crowd and it’s guaranteed to make everyone respond, so it has future festival fave written all over it.  

#BILLCSTop30 #556 March 4/19

The new chart is ready to roar with all of the songs charging up the chart, especially those breaking through and into a very busy Top 10.  And just to add fuel to it all, four more songs debut to challenge in the coming weeks.  Over 2,200 songs have appeared in the BILLCS Top 30 since its inception in 1998!!

But it’s “Closure” by Steve Void and Andy Marsh that secures #1 for a second appearance.  It’s a hard song to get out of your head, matched by a memorable, heartfelt video.  “Closure” is release #100 for Steve’s Strange Fruits label and he reported that it’s already received over 4 million plays.  Well-deserved – a very special song indeed.

Racing up 6-2 is the incredibly likable “i’m so tired…” (above) by new best buds Lauv and Troye Sivan.  We’ll have to see in two weeks if “Closure” stays put again, but for now you can check out the MNEK remix for “i’m so tired…” below!

Moving up impressively to #3 is “Don’t Think Twice” by Revelries and Sam Smyers featuring singer Oktavian.  It’s also a strong contender for the top so we’ll have to see if there’s room for it eventually.  “Twice” is Revelries second Top 10 here following last year’s “Infinitum” and it’s also Oktavian’s too – he was featured on The Him’s #2 “Balance” from 2016.

I love finding singers with fantastic voices and great potential.  Such is the case for NYC-based singer/songwriter Ryan Gibeau with “Flying Away” from his fine indie album Quiet Fall.  It climbs 9-6.

“Sexual Vibe” (above) by Stephen Puth is such an ear-charmer, and it rises 12-7.  Puth the Younger already has a new song and video out called “Half Gone” – check it out below.

The Him’s “Look At Us Now” (above) moves up 10-8.  The prolific duo – recently added to the Miami Music Week Spinnin’ Hotel gig roster – offers up another new tune “Tell Your Friends”, featuring Loote, below.

Young Australian Sam Bluer gets his first Top 10 entry with “Bite My Tongue”, a great companion to Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”, and moves up 11-9.

San Holo fan favourite “lift me from the ground”, featuring Sofie Winterson, breaks out of the middle of the chart and climbs 15-10.

The fastest riser on the chart is a must for upcoming festivals and when you have star power such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Armin van Buuren, and W&W creating the song, then how can it be anything but?  “Repeat After Me” charges up the chart 19-13.

“Love” is Simon Curtis’ gorgeous first song to appear on the chart since reduxes of earlier songs “8bit Heart” and “Super Psycho Love” rebooted in 2016. The more sophisticated “Love” is off to a good start, up 22-17.

Right behind is “London” by Nashville’s Mokita, who is also up at #15 with R3HAB for “All Into Nothing”.  This heart-fluttering love song climbs 24-18.

And the fun “Take It Off” by L.A. duo Two Friends rises 27-21 as the guys wind down their “With My Homies” tour.

Leading the debuts is French production team KRONO with the soulful “Perfect Strangers” for Tipsy Records at #25 featuring a winning vocal by PIOTR.

L.A.-based producer Mahalo has his second concurrent chart entry with the catchy future bass of “Go Ahead” featuring vocalist MŌZ.  It arrives at #26, as Mahalo’s other charted release “In My Arms” slips from 2-4.

I love me some danceable alt.pop/rock and Italy’s Mark Mendy delivers it with “Black Gasoline” at #26.  It features Australia’s Beamish Brothers on vocals; they charted late last year with Revelries on the previously mentioned “Infinitum” (#10).

The fourth debut at #27 is “Chemistry or Chemicals” by Matt Beilis, a busy singer/songwriter from NYC who occasionally appears on dance music releases.  This is his first solo appearance; he previously charted with Electric Bodega with “Rest Of My Life” (#4) in 2016.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

 

“Black Gasoline” is driving alt.pop/rock from Italian producer @MarkMendy with Australia’s #TheBeamishBrothers

MARK MENDY and THE BEAMISH BROTHERS, “Black Gasoline”

“Black Gasoline” has a driving, infectious groove that can’t miss.  It’s an unexpected slice of alt.pop/rock marking the return of Italian producer Mark Mendy that also launches a musical direction change for Australia’s The Beamish Brothers (Ben and Jeremy), who have been go-to voices on many a dance record these past few years.  “Black Gasoline” has crisp rock edges that carry a flow that doesn’t let up.  The Beamishes’ voices fit like tight gloves in this setting, sometimes exuding pop vibes you’d find in songs by Shawn Mendes and Years & Years.  So slice and dice it into whatever category or genre you want.  However you like it “Black Gasoline” aims to please and hits the wide-appeal mark with ease.

“Mind Games” by @ElleHollisof is thought-provoking, glimmering electropop

ELLE HOLLIS, “Mind Games”

With a crystalline voice and a thought-provoking song that immediately draws you in, “Mind Games” by Elle Hollis is a wonderfully crafted slice of electronic pop.  It’s easy to relate to and should have no problem finding its way to fans of that style, which will help bring the talents of this young Dutch singer/songwriter  to a greater audience.  “Mind Games” gives me the indication that Elle could easily tread on someone like Zara Larsson’s territory without issue.  Elle’s voice is a natural, and I think offering up an acoustic version of “Mind Games” to show it off might be a wise next step.