Singer/songwriter Brandyn Burnette has re-branded himself as EMAN8 (from his Jamaican middle name meaning “come forth”), whose music is launched with “Amen”, a song that moves easily through many musical styles showcased within. Carried by friendly rap-singing that’s speckled with pop culture references, “Amen” flows from classic R&B, through to Blues and Gospel. It’s chock full of positives about getting through to whatever will make you a better person. The choral background vocals and some fluid trumpet keep “Amen” uplifting, and somehow it still is tied up very much in an alternative pop vein as well thanks to EMAN8, who with his cadre of fine support, all know what to do to get it there for broad appeal. Inherently though, we’re likely to hear more songs by EMAN8 in future that pull out more of that progressive soul that we already know and love from his R&B roots. This may result in even richer flavours that may move away from other song styles – such as electronic pop/dance, now more associated with EMAN8 and Molly Moore’s successful side project, Cosmos N Creature. It takes a few listens but “Amen” lays the welcome mat foundation to the ongoing diverse musical journey of EMAN8.
New producer/DJ White Chocolate is already acquiring major attention in Europe and his second release “Mister Love” will continue this upward trend. Already supported by Martin Garrix and released on Tiësto’s AFTR:HRS label, the Luxembourg-born producer (who speaks 5 languages) prays to the fine altar that is disco, and it quickly bumps and grinds its funky side into “Mister Love”, featuring an uncredited female vocal (with a wicked acapella verse that will make you cheer) that would not be out of place in the mid-90’s. But the production is big and rich and playful, and belongs perfectly in the club music of 2018-19. Its retrotastic house-meets-disco should be played alongside the latest by Mercer and Todd Terry for best effect. I’m looking forward to hearing more of the fun White Chocolate will bring us next.
STEVE AOKI and NICKY ROMERO featuring KIIARA, “Be Somebody” (Modern Machines remix) (free DL)
I like it when a remix adds some pizzazz that was missing or different in the original, which then helps the song move along at a brisk pace for clubland. Dimitry Mak, aka Modern Machines, has done exactly that with his free download of “Be Somebody” by the fiery collaboration of Steve Aoki, Nicky Romero and vocalist Kiiara. All you need to hear are the thirty seconds that start just before the first minute and add a wild mix of buzzing synths and other effects combined with huge beats. The smooth mixing allows it to all happily intersect with the rest of the song and make it shine for the dance floor. “Be Somebody” doesn’t lose any pacing as it slows down and rebuilds to what ends up as a more anthemic flavour that closes out the fun. Definitely catch Modern Machines’ remix of “Be Somebody” and have a blast with it while it’s available for free at the link above.
There’s plenty of new music to be abuzz about, including four new entries, and lots of songs rising up into the Top 10 to challenge for the top! And the top of the new chart is all about wonderful singers.
The Top 10
Reigning at the top appropriately for Hallowe’en is the delightfully over-the-top “Phantom Of The Dance Floor” by Kiesza featuring Philippe Sly. I think this is the first time in the 20 years of my chart that I’ve had a Hallowe’en-oriented song at the top. Couldn’t happen to a nicer song by incredibly talented singers.
It’s not the only song in contention for the top, but “Verona” by Peter Wilson and Sean Smith makes its key move, up 4-2. What’s not to love about such an intriguing story sung by singers who sound so different separately but create fantastic harmony together.
Despite its pop facade, “All For You” by Years & Years, up 8-6, has quite a set of telling lyrics for you to enjoy as part of their sophomore album Palo Santo.
It’s a pop dance bop all right – “One Last Time” by Gromee featuring Jesper Jenset climbs 10-7.
It took a bit of time but “Rise” by Jonas Blue and Jack & Jack slides into the Top 10, up 11-8, becoming Jonas’ second Top 10 on this chart, after his cover of “Fast Car” got to #3 two years ago.
Odesza’s slamming crowd favourite “Loyal” sets a new benchmark for progressive dance music and glides into the Top 10, moving 14-9.
Movin’ On Up
The intense Morgan Page remix of “Down For Me” by Florida’s PLS&TY is a stunning redo of an already fine song that jumps 15-11.
There are plenty of old school house vibes on this particular chart, so it makes sense that “DJ’s Gotta Dance More” by Montreal’s A-Trak, with house legend Todd Terry on vocals, is the fastest riser, soaring 24-13.
Ariana Grande’s “Breathin” is still delightful and fresh and climbs 19-15.
More Canadians in the form of east coast duo Botnek grab a hold of house rhythms and shake them down in “Days Of Disco”, moving up 21-16.
The Knocks kick it NYC-style with Method Man for “Goodbyes”, from the duo’s album New York Narcotic, rising 23-17.
And France’s Mercer highlights a lot of 70’s flavour in “Fireworks”, which climbs 25-19.
Debuts
England’s Sam Dickinson has the highest entry with his new effortless-sounding single “Wild Sun” from the forthcoming EP From The Glass House: Part One (video above). And what’s even better about “Wild Sun” is that remixes are coming on November 16, including my favourite which is the “Handbag House remix” that you can hear at the Spotify link below. “Wild Sun” arrives at #23 to make Sam’s third entry onto the chart.
With Denver’s Illenium having so many fans in the dance music scene, if you’re going to do a remix, it’s best to get the man’s blessing. L.A.’s PatrickReza did just that for his fierce take on “Crawl Outta Love” (featuring Annika Wells), and it bows at #25. It’s also available at the link above as a free download.
UK singer Jessie Ware is back and sounding better than ever after the solid Glasshouse album with “Overtime”, which returns more to the Prince-inspired funk-pop of Tough Love. “Overtime” premieres at #27. Jessie previously got to the top of the chart with “Say You Love Me”.
NYC-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry is a name you’ve already seen on this chart in the Top 10 a number of times these past two years. With his pristine vocal in “Gravity”, Victor appears under the guise of Labrose, his latest single in his project with British producer Ficci. “Gravity” debuts at #28.
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 quickly on the heels of the success of their recent pop/dance single “Infinitum” (currently #12 on my personal choice), Netherlands-based Emirati production duo Revelries take some significant musical risks with the exotic flavours of their latest release, “Naked”. Using their Arabic roots as the sonic motif, “Naked” is both sexy and charming with an intriguing if brief story unfolding from Romanian but France-based singer Jeoko. Her jazz and R&B vocal influences marry well with the uncharacteristic backdrop, but Revelries never lose focus of the song’s deep house flavours which will work well in a late night dance club atmosphere. It pays to take chances and the benefits of “Naked” will shine through in due course.
What I like best about “My Position” is that it really bowls you over from all directions with its lush, dreamy soundscapes, creating its own “Wall of Sound” vibe. It’s one of the new releases from Montreal producer Prince Paris, previously known as one half of the worldwide success called Paris & Simo, with Simo now behind the scenes and all eyes on Paris. Prince Paris is paired with NYC producer Mindtrix and they make more than the most of what would be an average song in other hands. It’s also represented by a powerful, diverse uncredited vocalist whose tones ride the masterful production. It’s no wonder that this ended up as a Tipsy Records release – a high calibre record that wastes no time in making you groove right along.
One dance music sub-genre that still has many fans around the world is Freestyle, which was prominent particularly in NYC and Miami from the mid-80’s through the mid-90’s. NYC singer of Puerto Rican heritage Lisette Melendez had a number of charted hits in the early 90’s such as “Goody Goody”, “Together Forever”, and my favourite “A Day In My Life (Without You)” (I’ve still got the 12″ vinyl!), and she’s back with “Rise”. It’s an engaging and empowering song dedicated to anyone who’s going through a difficult time, but particularly women, hence the “Rocky” or “Karate Kid” inspired video with a young woman as the lead. “Rise” works because of its sparkling contemporary production, which incorporates many elements of Freestyle which Lisette’s fans enjoy. The singer sounds just great and club DJ’s should embrace “Rise” and its many remixes.
Dutch producer Jack Wins returns with “Alive”, an exhilarating slice of dance/pop that features go-to Swedish vocalist ILY – you know her most recently in these blog pages from Gianni Marino & Boy Problems’ “Can You Hear Me”. Her recognizable voice helps make “Alive” a winner, with its high end percussive hook that reminds me of recent releases by Australia’s JYYE. But it’s the positive feels that will pull people out onto the dance floor and “Alive” should keep club goers happy into the winter months.
There is so much great dance music coming out of France lately, and a lot of it is instrumental, so after a series of his singles with vocals comes Tez Cadey’s “Logic”. With melodic inspiration so evident from Avicii, Martin Garrix, and Kygo, Tez is an absolute treat to watch in the above video which showcases a good day in the life of a DJ/producer off to play at a festival. It oozes honesty, passion, and joy as Tez works his magic on stage. “Logic” is a solid companion to Arty’s “Tim” and fellow Frenchmen Slow Hours’ recent “Endless”, and he’s one of the rare new producers to have cracked the Chinese music market early in his career. “Logic” has a sneaky, recognizable hook that will immediately generate reaction from EDM lovers once they get to know it. And there’s good news behind the scenes too that “Logic” is one of the first new releases for the Sony reboot of the Arista label, which released so much fine dance music in its heyday before being shuttered in 2011. Watch for Tez Cadey’s album Lizard Days on November 2 too.
After a huge dance music world break through with Diplo on “Be Right There” a few years back, and working with the likes of Zed’s Dead and Porter Robinson, another of my fellow Canadians, Sleepy Tom, decided to take a few steps away from the big beats and synths. One of the results of his short hiatus is his new single “Move”, which neatly underscores his skills as a musician (not just synths but guitar) with some funky bass hooks as well. Sophia Black’s alluring voice positively shines as she draws club goers onto the dance floor for some fun (and gosh she even shares my daughter’s birthday!). Not unexpectedly, the production is rich and vibrant, and club DJ’s should waste no time in getting to know another side of Sleepy Tom.
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