“Plastic Dreams” is a cheery slice of indie electronica from France’s @Khamsinmusic and @Kidswaste

KHAMSIN and KIDSWASTE, “Plastic Dreams”

One of the most vibrant and cheery songs you’ll hear heading into Autumn is “Plastic Dreams” by French producers Khamsin and Kidswaste.  The pair are also two of a bigger collective called Slow Hours that is (ahem) overdue for new music.  Until then, most of the members have recorded recent solo material.  The production here is deliberately pretty sparse and raw at times, with gentle, charming vocals, giving it live-off-the-floor qualities.  But both gents know how to make really big, dramatic productions when they need to, so some hefty rhythms and anthemic qualities make “Plastic Dreams” flow with the dance floor in mind.  Just one last thing – more, please 🙂

“Saturn Return” is graceful, hypnotic soul from Australian R&B singer Wilsonn @hisnameisWilson

WILSONN, “Saturn Return”

Back in the Spring, I introduced you to Australian R&B singer Wilsonn, who I said at the time had the same kind of mystique that one would associate with Terence Trent D’Arby when he arrived on the scene 30 years ago.  Little did I know that I had tapped into what Wilsonn kindly said on his Facebook page as “possibly my favorite singer/artist in the whole world” – and even as a knowledgeable writer, I was floored.  So I’m more than pleased to write about his follow-up “Saturn Return”, a very different record from “Even If I Know”.  It’s a plea for a lover’s return, stylistically something we might associate with Prince or Miguel with a hybrid R&B/rock flavour and some nifty interjections of what sounds like violin or viola.  But although those TTD vocal tones come out in both head and chest voices at times too, Wilsonn definitely has his own direction in mind.  “Saturn Return” is top notch new school soul for your head and heart.

“Blackout” is a big techno-house speaker-shaker from @ChocolatePuma and @Firebeatz

CHOCOLATE PUMA and FIREBEATZ, “Blackout”

Dutch legends Chocolate Puma and Firebeatz are huge festival and club draws unto themselves, so it makes total sense for them to pair up again on “Blackout”, even if it’s for a brief 2:18 (which can only mean that remixes are much needed!).  If there’s any style that’s made strides in dance music in 2018 it’s the influence of 90’s techno.  “Blackout” is a helluva speaker-shaker meant for big crowd moments in dance clubs, and it only takes two minutes for a song to create defining moments for club goers.  Hence the need for multiple remixes here.  “Blackout” is powerful stuff and sometimes ya just gotta let the masters do it at their best!

“So Real” reworks “Warriors” by @TooManyZooz and @KDAbeats with lyrics and dynamic @JessGlynne appeal!

TOO MANY ZOOZ vs KDA featuring JESS GLYNNE, “So Real (Warriors)”

Sometimes the life of one song can unfold in many different and exciting ways.  “So Real (Warriors)” started off as “Warriors”, a rollicking, in-your-face R&B/jazz instrumental by NYC trio Too Many Zooz.  It then took on new life for the dance floor in a rework with British producer KDA.  A few remixes later (including by Armand Van Helden) and five months after I first wrote about it, “So Real (Warriors)” arrives with not only lyrics but a dynamic vocal by UK sensation Jess Glynne!  With Jess’ amazing popularity in the UK – which includes 7 number ones! – “So Real (Warriors)” should find its way quickly into the public ear, bringing what is a fine song in the first place some deserved success in a rather roundabout way.  Although Jess has yet to have North American hits under her own name – known best for singing on Clean Bandit’s massive “Rather Be” – “So Real (Warriors)” should help keep that audience attuned for her upcoming album.

“Overboard” by California-based producer @JayB1rdmusic mixes candor with big rhythms and bright synths

https://soundcloud.com/jayb1rdmusic/overboard/s-xZBPq

JAY BIRD, “Overboard” (free DL)

“Overboard” is the latest single by California-based producer Jay Bird.  It’s the first recent single where Jay uses another vocalist, and the results are probably his most well-rounded record yet while still harvesting a distinct, bright synth sound that becomes part of his brand.  It’s interesting to hear a British (but unnamed) vocal on what in what is clearly a west coast vibe, but it connects an earnestness that compliments Jay’s important lessons-learned story.  “Overboard” is all about regrouping and moving on after deciding to throw life to chance and feel what it’s like not to be grounded.  While being an intangible force, life is full of both tangible and intangible elements that need to be satisfied, and which can’t always be achieved when casting oneself adrift.  Jay’s production, full of big rhythms and sparkling synths, drives home all of the positives, and “Overboard” comes across as not only a delightful dance/pop song but also one with a provocative story that unfolds in a friendly, often subtle way.   Get it for free for now at the Soundcloud link above.

“Alive” by German producer @NiklasIbach is a compelling story awash in 80’s melodic bliss

NIKLAS IBACH, “Alive”

“Alive” by Germany’s Niklas Ibach is one of the more distinctive songs that I’ve heard lately for many different reasons that have to do with the talent that it is the mix.  Firstly it’s a compelling story of being dedicated to someone, no matter how much they may question you, written by the always ace pairing of Charlie Mason and Daniel Volpe.  Secondly, that’s Daniel – erstwhile known as singer/songwriter Zorro Blakk – singing (uncredited) in a much lower octave than I’ve heard before.  He ends up sounding a lot like UK singer Peter Murphy at times, and that puts a unique 80’s spin on the song.  Lastly, 20 year old Niklas’ production offers poignantly crafted melodic bliss that suggests a Vince Clarke in the making, to counteract the brash-sounding vocal and support the conviction of the story.  All in all “Alive” comes across as somewhat familiar but also stands out proudly from the rest.

#BILLCSTop30 #544 – September 17, 2018

The new chart is a little more than shaken ‘n stirred!  While there are 5 debuts to keep things rolling, there’s also a new #1 song – one of the more interesting charts to come along in a while if I do say so myself!

The Top 10

  • Both Benny Benassi and Sofi Tukker obtain their first #1 on the chart with “Everybody Needs A Kiss”, up from 4 two weeks ago.  It’s got such a familiar sound yet it’s not like anything else out there, and it’s begging for another collaboration soon!  They send The Him and Parson James’ long-running “Broken Love” to #2 after 4 appearances (8 weeks) at #1.

  • Tony Moran and Jason Walker are back in their comfort zone – the Top 5 – for a third time with “I’m In Love With You”, which advances 6 to 4.

  • “Casually” by Miami-based Alyx Ander and Dutch duo Redondo with vocalist Maria Z. closes in on the Top 5, moving up 8-6.

  • One of the most glorious instrumentals of the year in tribute to Avicii, “Tim” by Arty climbs 11-7.  You can also find “Tim” on Armin van Buuren’s newly released State Of Trance – Ibiza 2018 compilation.
  • One song that slides under your skin neatly and stays there is the R&B ballad “Eyes” by Philadelphia duo N i G H T S, which moves up 13-9, becoming their second Top 10 entry following last year’s different and droll #3 “P A R T Y”.

  • Australian singer/actor/dancer Keiynan Lonsdale – both Kid Flash from TV’s “The Flash” and Bram from “Love, Simon” – grabs his first Top 10 entry with the irrepressible “Preach”, which rises 12-10.

Movin’ On Up

  • “Vacant Love” by L.A. producer Caden Jester and featuring an outstanding and engaging vocal by Blake Rose breaks through and heads towards the Top 10, climbing 16-11.
  • I’m thrilled that “All For You” is the third official single from Years & Years’ Palo Santo album, that I will be most happy to hear in concert next month!  “All For You” jumps 18-14.
  • The fastest riser on the chart is the only debut from the last chart.  “Verona” absolutely commands your attention with it’s story and compelling vocals by Peter Wilson and Sean Smith.  Moving up 24-15 out of the gate is not to be messed with – watch where this one goes in the coming weeks!  Check out a video of a live performance in England by the lads below – so good live, you know why they recorded together!

  • Also making its presence known is the infectious “One Last Time”, a Poland-Norway collaboration from producer Gromee and vocalist Jesper Jenset, who has major Shawn Mendes appeal here with his singing.  “One Last Time” rises 23-16.

  • The soulful, deep hurts of “The Pain I Feel” send UK singer Marlon Percy and UK/France producer collaborators LoFrames 25-20.  And it’s all set to a tidy, winning house rhythm and you’ll find yourself swaying away!

  • Not to worry about the slow start for “I Don’t Dance (Without You)” by Norway’s Matoma with Enrique Iglesias on lead vocals and Jamaica’s own Konshens with an enjoyable vocal breakdown.  It makes up for it by moving 26-22 with no sign of slowing down yet.

5 Debuts!

  • One of the most outrageously enjoyable videos this year is from Calgary’s Kiesza and what should by all rights be a comeback single for her, “Phantom Of The Dance Floor”.  Those gorgeous operatic tones are from Quebec’s Philippe Sly, and the video is eye-popping, perfectly in time for Hallowe’en!  “Phantom” bows at #23 and is Kiesza’s first lead appearance on the chart – she last appeared in 2015 in a feature on the gorgeous #3 alt.rock ballad “Pain Told Love” by Tribe Society.

  • Ariana Grande returns with one of her finest vocal performances with “Breathin” from the highly-acclaimed Sweetener album.  It flies onto the chart at #24.  It will have to best the #6 peak of “Into You” two years ago.

  • I rarely write about a song twice but “Down For Me” by PLS&TY is just sooo gooood in its original version (above) and in the amped up Morgan Page extended mix (below).  So in turn it arrives at #28 on the chart.  Florida-based producer PLS&TY appeared on the chart late last year as a remixer for SAINT WKND & MAX’s #8 “Survive”.

  • One major dance veteran gets his chart debut and that is Dutch producer Sidney Samson with his potent, kick ass techno-house of “Soldier” in partnership with GWise, and it premieres at #29.

https://soundcloud.com/kookysmusic/voice-mails

  • And from a dance veteran to a mystery newcomer we have at #30 “Voice Mails” by L.A.-based producer Kooky.  The song exudes charm amid a beautiful melody that carries the relationship story of two individuals between their two voice mail messages.  It’s very touching and will garner immediate reaction in clubs or on dance music radio, and deserves a shot!

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 🙂

“Can You Hear Me” is a sparkling electropop collaboration from The Netherlands’ @GianniMarino and #BoyProblems with Sweden’s ILY on vocals

GIANNI MARINO & BOY PROBLEMS and ILY, “Can You Hear Me”

No doubt about it, “Can You Hear Me” by veteran Dutch producer Gianni Marino is a sparkling end-of-summer feel good anthem about not neglecting that special person who is mad about you.  He’s created it in partnership with Boy Problems – the pseudonym of a well-known, platinum-selling producer who chooses to remain anonymous for this side-project.  And showcased in the mix is the wonderful voice of Sweden’s ILY, in a perfect fit for a Tipsy Records pop/dance release.  “Can You Hear Me” contains a bounty of high end synth sounds that compliment ILY’s vocal and make the song instantly memorable.  And you definitely can’t knock Gianni’s slick pairing with Boy Problems, whoever he may be, maybe we’ll find out one day…  

“Words” is delightful downtempo electro-house for Autumn from @SteveVoidmusic and @Beauzmusic with @BriTolani

STEVE VOID & BEAUZ and BRI TOLANI, “Words”

Dutch producer and all-round nice guy Steve Void has spent the last year successfully transforming his business career at age 21 by shaping and branding his Strange Fruits imprint.  After a number of initial releases, “Words”, in collaboration with American duo Beauz and the familiar gentle vocal style of Bri Tolani, hits home.  It’s a delightful downtempo electro-house song that seems to straddle both a happy and sad side to its story.  But let’s look on the bright side and play into the fascination and attraction that Bri’s recounting of the lyrics brings forward.  If Steve can offer up more very radio-friendly, melodic 3 minute songs like “Words” then his Strange Fruits legacy will continue to grow.  Watch the lyric video up top.

Listen to passionate, powerful “Mad At The World” by #Toronto’s Will Bowes @wilsonbowes

WILL BOWES, “Mad At The World”

Despite its title, “Mad At The World” is a passionate plea to find more love in us all, as written and sung by my fellow Torontonian Will Bowes.  If you recognize his name, it may be from his appearances on TV as a teen in “Naturally, Sadie” and “How To Be Indie”, followed by appearances in films like personal fave “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World”, “Hunting Season”, and “House At The End Of The Street” opposite Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence.  But “Mad At The World” could light the fire for a pop music career for Will, written in response to two recent tragedies in Toronto resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.  He certainly draws upon classic styles one would associate with Elton John or Billy Joel but that you can also find in recent releases by Harry Styles, James Arthur or Father John Misty.  Will’s gruffer, bluesy tones bathe in the emotion which makes “Mad At The World” a compelling, thoughtful release.