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!
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
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.
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.
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 30right 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
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.
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”.
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