Las Vegas legend @Borgeousmusic has a winner with “Famous” spotlighting an engaging vocal by @MorganStJean

BORGEOUS and MORGAN ST. JEAN, “Famous”

Although its subject matter brings to mind immediately another recent song with the same title by ROZES, “Famous” by dance/EDM fave Borgeous hits home with a radio friendly song structure and an engaging, convincing vocal by L.A. singer Morgan St. Jean.  Borgeous has never looked back after soaring to #1 in the UK five years ago with my fellow Canadians DVBBS with the classic “Tsunami”, becoming one of the most in-demand DJ’s and remixers in the world.  “Famous” should easily return him to dance radio in the US especially after the acclaim awarded to him for his recent remix of Marshmello and Anne Marie’s “Friends”.  “Famous” has as many on-point pop elements as it does for dance music fans and is not to be underestimated!

#Toronto’s @LizLokre delights us with powerful piano ballad “Stop Runnin'” from @LittleItalyfilm

LIZ LOKRE, “Stop Runnin'”

Toronto singer/songwriter Liz Lokre makes the most of a powerful piano ballad called “Stop Runnin'” by having it featured in the recently released and highly acclaimed film “Little Italy” (starring fellow Toronto area native Hayden Christensen, and set on Toronto’s Italian strip on College Street).  The song grabs you from the first few words she sings and doesn’t let you go in its empowering story of self-realization that so many young people can relate to.  The melody and piano playing create a lovely, warm, and inviting cushion.  “Stop Runnin'” could do well, particularly in Canada, at Adult Contemporary radio which would surely welcome such a glowing song with big intentions.  Check out the video for this fine young new talent above.

UK producer @officialAevion offers up some tribal house for clubs with “Wild Safari”

AEVION, “Wild Safari”

At only 21, British producer Aevion arrived on the dance music scene around the same time as Martin Garrix but with a somewhat different dance music bent, which has been championed by many of the best DJ’s around the world.  His latest, the melodic “Wild Safari”, does indeed want to treat you to the mystique of a safari, including various animal sounds, and it’s a lot of fun for the dance floor.  While it might mix well with tropical dance tracks, “Wild Safari” has chanting tribal effects which will make club goers participate even when the music’s off.  But it’s also about big, solid rhythms which will keep your feet happy right till the end.

“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 🙂