Cindë is a new voice in Canadian music who could easily turn heads with her new single “Hittin’ It”. She’s got the same kind of tough sass and R&B grit as Pink while clearly having a full-bodied and powerful voice like a Jessie J or Jess Glynne. “Hittin’ It” also benefits from a colourful arrangement, starting off slow and sultry, working in a harmonica, and then later on some sharp guitar riffs. The song overall is a dynamic package that should be a surefire turn-on for radio stations but north and south of the border. Cindë’s talents and charm will help “Hittin’ It” make great strides in short order.
Austin singer/songwriter/one man band Mobley is not someone who you can place into any stylistic musical box. He is driven and committed, directing his own videos and even designing his own artwork. From song-to-song you recognize the multiple dimensions of talent, from gritty and bluesy rock to alternative edginess to sweet and soulful. From his forthcoming album Fresh Lies Vol. 1 (due Friday April 27) is “Tell Me”. His voice is like Miguel’s, but not as rich or rooted in classic soul, but could also easily compete with Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons or Vance Joy for both power and rock ‘n roll inspiration. There’s a sweet edge that could be as soft as Smokey Robinson if he wishes too. “Tell Me” is a well-structured song with a great melodic hook that would sound just fine on the radio. Mobley is currently in the middle of a three month tour that will take him to most major cities in the U.S. so watch for him to check out his live performance if you can. “Tell Me”, I believe, is only one way to whet your appetite for more of what Mobley has to offer.
It’s been a while since UK singer Harvey Cantwell graced these blog pages with “Thank You”, whose blog post racked up hundreds of views at the time. At 15, he was kind of poised to blossom into a Justin Bieber-esque talent which never really materialized, but Universal kept him on 🙂 Now, he’s back as HRVY with “Personal”, an anthemic pop bop that could go over well in clubs thanks to a sparkling remix by NYC-based producer Shaan, about whose other songs (such as the rollicking “End of the World”) you’ve read about recently here as well. The remix is rich and uplifting, and draws from the song’s energetic chorus to make the song really bounce. HRVY has a much fresher sound now that doesn’t really compare to what others his age are releasing, and thus may have found a gap for radio stations to tap into.
Dallas quartet Northern National are back with a pulsating song that’s full of energy and determination with “C.H.A.R.L.I.”. Standing for “changing how a rebel lies inside”, its lyrics are obviously coming from a darker place with the singer challenging himself to rise up and not give up, making the rebel inside a better person. The fist-pumping drum beats will work you up while the compelling vocal will ring inside your head. This is all helped immensely by production which doesn’t go over the top and allows the song and its message to be heard, and could be easily replicated in a live show. Add “C.HA.R.L.I.” to your New Rock Anthems playlist using the Spotify link above.
Prefacing his upcoming full release is Washington indie artist Freddy Fate with “Light Now”. It’s a gentle but compelling and hopeful song full of soulful urgency in its vocal, that should grab ears of alt.rock fans looking for something a bit left of centre. It’s given the added bonus of washes of synths and some vocal effects courtesy of producer Jay Bird, which sometimes offer an other-worldy vibe, making it also instantly appealing to electronic and dance music lovers as well. “Light Now” is an odd and likable hybrid that will continue to get under your skin with its emotional qualities, so it’s best to take advantage of downloading it for free at the link above.
I truly enjoy house and other sub-genres of dance music when it incorporates live instruments. And if you know last year’s “Getaway” by Imad and Wave Wave, then you know the distinct sound of White Trumpet, who carries the melody of the instrumental “Nature” by Greece-born newcomer producer Dimi L. Don’t go expecting a snooze-fest here. “Nature” has a splendid uptempo house rhythm and some nice underlying piano work that mixes it up a bit and holds your interest solidly while maintaining a straight forward arrangement. This goes down quite easy in the early evening, and trumpet fans of course will delight in their favourite instrument being front and centre which is not often the case. It’s a good introduction to Dimi L who clearly has a passion for his art and I’m sure will take us elsewhere and deeper with subsequent releases.
Despite so much activity on the chart, including a new #1 song and SIX debuts, this will be a shorter blog post than usual about the new chart.
The Top 10
It’s one of the more unusual #1 songs that I’ve had in years, but to me it’s absolutely irresistible. Norwegian singer/songwriter/producer Dyrisk scores with “Smile” along with producer Nik Ernst. There is so much potential and for anyone who loves dance music that’s a little left of centre, this one is for you. In particular, it is of great interest to fans of Massive Attack and Radiohead’s 90’s output.
“Sick Boy” by The Chainsmokers follows “Smile” right behind, up 4 to 2, but will likely get locked out in favour of the rising “Everybody Hates Me”(up 24-15, below).
The fastest riser on the chart arrives in the Top 10 up 22-9. French producer Mercer’s non-stop fun with “Satisfy” features an excellent vocal by Chicago’s Ron Carroll.
Also new to the Top 10 is “Baby I’m A Queen” from Sofi Tukker’s brand new album Treehouse. “Queen” moves up 17-10 becoming their second Top 10 here after 2016’s “Drinkee” (#5).
Movin’ On Up
Both “Sanctify” by Years & Years (20-16) and “White Lies” by The Him (21-17) (both above) don’t move up as much due to a busy chart, but should see more upward action next week. The Him recently released a remix to Avicii’s “Without You” – check out the busy boys’ latest below 🙂 More new music coming soon!
SIX DEBUTS
#22 is “Butterscotch” an unexpectedly funky slice of electronica by Canadians Robotaki, Jamie Fine and Falcxne – it joins Robotaki’s “I Want You” on the chart (#5).
#25 is “Better With You” by Jesse McCartney, his first entry since 2009’s “How Do You Sleep”, and co-written by Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore.
#26 is “Lost In Japan” by Shawn Mendes, a Justin Timberlake-inspired romantic throwback to songs of the pre-rock era.
#27 is “Be Like You” by Chicago’s Whethan, who performed at Coachella on the weekend, with vocals by Georgia of Broods.
#28 is “Hurt You”, a collaboration of The Weeknd and French producer Gesaffelstein, from The Weeknd’s new EP My Dear Melancholy.
#29 is “Cautious” in a remix by Halifax’s Famba, from Canadian singer Tyler Shaw, who has a national radio hit with it.
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
BRANDYN BURNETTE, DWILLY and KAYO GENESIS, “Hands Down”
It’s come straight out of left field, from Monstercat no less, but “Hands Down” is a total winner for dance music lovers and clubs from singer/songwriter Brandyn Burnette, L.A. producer DWilly, and guest hip hop star Kayo Genesis. The song oozes good times and diversity. There is so much going on that is rooted in 80’s soul and early hip hop (with some jazz riffing too) and somehow the trio have pulled it all together into a shiny and sometimes romantic pop sound. Everyone can identify with a song about a crush when opposites might attract. Kayo Genesis’ few verses are key and add an even more positive flavour to the song. “Hands Down” should score well with dance radio and clubs and continue to open doors for Brandyn and his collaborators.
He’s been touring the hell out of North America for the last year or so, but L.A.-based producer Elephante still carves out a cool song every now and then until he’s ready to tackle his next project following the I Am The Elephante EP, which set the bar pretty high not long ago. “The In-Between” is a nice slice of future bass, a bit unexpected given the roll that Elephante was on with more pop-oriented songs like “Closer”. But I enjoy hearing artists grow and he definitely worked with the right vocalist for this one. Anjulie appears on many dance music songs but she killed this one, almost sounding Taylor Swift-ish in her precision. Aside from the vocal, “The In-Between” is all about the smashing production with big drops that will keep the most fervid EDM fan satisfied.
If you’re hankering for some Hardwell-ish inspiration from earlier in the decade, you can transport yourself back instantly with “Feels Like Gold” from Swedish production duo Qulinez. The song is going to be highly recognizable in the clubs because of its slick sound, but taking it up a few notches is a majestic vocal by San Francisco-based singer Lost Boy, who we haven’t heard from in a while and reminds me of Matthew Koma in his distinctness. “Feels Like Gold” thus is a party all unto itself and all you have to do is join in. Yes my friends, the arpeggio-laden songs of the early decade can live on and be reinvented, so you’d best be getting together Fresh Feel Good Vibes playlist and add “Feels Like Gold” to it using the Spotify link above.
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