“Faces” is infectious and brisk house from @FelixCartal and @beingVeronica

FELIX CARTAL and VERONICA, “Faces”

As a recent Canadian Juno Awards nominee, Felix Cartal had the pleasure of being the DJ during the TV telecast of the awards.  Following up the intriguing, full-of-attitude “Runaway” is Felix’s latest called “Faces”.  It’s a brisk, snappy house track that benefits from a nice turn by fellow Canadian vocalist Veronica, who recently scored, particularly in Europe, with the song “In The Mood”, which I wrote about earlier in the year.  “Faces” should have no problem at all establishing itself at clubs with some big beats accentuated by what sounds at times like a trumpet (but may be synths), and would also sound great blasting out of car speakers late at night.  “Faces” is all about kind of a paranoid escape to the point where everything in front of you is a blur, as the vocal effects that wash over the title (sounding like “fay-shus” at times) might be conveying.  Add “Faces” to your Fast & Furious playlist using the Spotify playlist link above.

Party like it’s 2012: “Started” by @Afrojack @dj_DOD and @TimBerNL

DJ AFROJACK, D.O.D. and TIM-BER, “Started”

After accomplishing yet another well-received set at the Ultra Music Festival, Afrojack has gone right for the gusto – early 2010’s EDM style – releasing the instrumental “Started”.  Joined by Brit D.O.D. and fellow Dutchmen TIM-BER, “Started” is a brief but tight slice of EDM where the familiar arpeggios are all raring to go around the minute mark and then there’s positively no turning back.  “Started” is one of those party songs that doesn’t hesitate to be anything more than that – distorted computerized vocals included – and a grand time will be had by all!  Add it to your Party Starter playlist on Spotify.

“I Know” by @iamJocelynAlice gets some dance floor crunch in a @PLSandTYbased remix

JOCELYN ALICE, “I Know” (PLS&TY remix)

After a flurry of recent fiery remixes, Florida’s PLS&TY returns with a bit of a different spin on “I Know” by Calgary singer Jocelyn Alice.  Jocelyn, who is releasing on Disruptor (home to The Chainsmokers), has already had some success in Canada both solo and in a duo, and is also a respected songwriter (believe it or not, Mother Mother’s “The Drugs” is a co-write).  “I Know” in its pop version is a next level single for Jocelyn that in a lot of ways echoes Alessia Cara.  In its remixed version, PLS&TY amps up the bass and synths for some crunch and thump to make those heads bob while you bounce and sway.  It works well, so if you don’t hear “I Know” on the radio first you may just hear it in a club.  Add it to your Nice ‘n Crunchy playlist on Spotify.

New Australian R&B singer @hisnameisWilson shares emotional, edgy “Even If I Know”

WILSONN, “Even If I Know”

New Australian singer Wilsonn has some of the same mystique happening with “Even If I Know” that would parallel what some of us didn’t expect when we first heard Terence Trent D’Arby back in the 80’s.  This is the kind of song that wears its pain and emotion on its sleeve, surrounded by surreal synths and trap inflections, but guided by a soulful voice and an almost live-off-the-floor vibe.  Not your typical song to be sure, and that’s exactly why it stands out and becomes memorable.  Wilsonn anchors you with a lilting and soothing melody in the song’s calmer moments, and you’ll be taken aback by the wild ending.  Wilsonn definitely takes risks and isn’t willing to compromise, but that’s the magnet-in-hiding.  Check out “Even If I Know” at the link above.

TV and film star @KeiynanLonsdale has a beautiful ode to love and being yourself with “Kiss The Boy”

KEIYNAN LONSDALE, “Kiss The Boy”

How did I miss that Australia-born TV and film actor Keiynan Lonsdale was also a singer/songwriter?  Why he’s even recorded dance tunes with Louis Futon and Kasbo that I didn’t know about.  So deep inside I’m fanboying a bit here because one of the most human and likeable characters on TV in recent years has been Wally West aka Kid Flash on “The Flash”, and Keiynan’s performances have been highlights of the series, as well as more recently “Legends Of Tomorrow”.  But in film he’s also been in the “Divergent” series as well as the recent “Love, Simon”.  So it’s not really a surprise that his new single “Kiss The Boy” is all about love and simply being yourself.  Its video above is so all inclusive that you’ll be wrapped up in it before you realize that it isn’t all about same sex love and affection.  It’s as warm as a big hug, a welcome arm around your back, or yes, even a kiss.  Keiynan has an easy-going hip hop-inspired style that will extend his appeal beyond the camera.  “Kiss The Boy” is for, and all about, everyone, and all are welcome.

“U Make Me” is uplifting dance pop from @TheDiscoFries featuring @RaquelCastro

THE DISCO FRIES featuring RAQUEL CASTRO, “U Make Me”

Following their recent EP “DF”, ever-prolific New York duo The Disco Fries are back with an even more pop-oriented and uplifting sound with “U Make Me”, featuring Raquel Castro, once again for Tritonal’s Enhanced Recordings.  Usually armed with vocalists who focus on having power in their pipes, the sweeter tones of Raquel Castro are very well suited to “U Make Me”.  The engaging synth flourishes and summery vibes extend “U Make Me” well beyond the average pop dance song.  Some creative remixes could also make “U Make Me” a dance floor filler like some of our other favourite Disco Fries songs.

L.A.’s @JaredLeemusic returns with solid new emotionally-charged pop single “Professional Lovers”

JARED LEE, “Professional Lovers”

It’s been a long slice since you might have heard solo music from L.A. singer/songwriter Jared Lee.  Recognized unequivocally back in 2011 for “It’s Over (Goodbye)”, which cracked Adult Top 40 radio and was featured prominently in an episode of “American Idol”, Jared has mainly been honing his songwriting and production craft for established performers like Jordin Sparks, New Kids On The Block, and Jason Derulo, while also being one half of the duo 7EAST with Idol alumna Pia Toscano.  But he is also known in dance music circles for his work with Tiësto, Fedde LeGrand, Vicetone, and The Disco Fries among others.  “Professional Lovers” works well with a vested, soul-tinged performance and an emotionally-charged energy that will grab the ears of any pop listener and make them want more.  As audiences go looking often for great pop songs, there’s no reason why Jared Lee’s “Professional Lovers” can’t be played side by side the likes of Charlie Puth, Niall Horan or James Bay on the radio.  Remixes might also be worthwhile to nudge the dance community that already knows him.

Newcomer UK singer @Jazz__Mino will brighten up your day with “Warriors”

JAZZ MINO, “Warriors”

“Warriors” is the third single release from new UK singer Jazz Mino, who in short order has already racked up 3 million streams on You Tube.  It might just be that her sound is refreshing and positive enough to attract listeners who will stick to it like honey to a bee!  There are new kinds of warriors in the world, those who stand up for inclusiveness, equity and well-being, regardless of who you are, which the lively video captures well.  “Warriors” is out to ensure you have a great time and join Jazz Mino at what appears to be a promising start.  The video is colourful and all the dancing is refreshing – you don’t always need big name pros – and encouraging.  Jazz Mino herself has a fine voice and charm in front of the camera.  “Warriors” is definitely one to listen for – you can also check out a pleasing surprise below, Jazz Mino’s cover of Giorgio Moroder & Philip Oakey’s 1985 electropop nugget “Together In Electric Dreams”, a personal fave of mine as it is hers.  

https://soundcloud.com/jazzmino/together-in-electric-dreams

#BILLCSTop30 #532 – April 2/18

The tides are changing now that Spring is here as new favourites overtake older ones.  While we have four debuts this week on the chart, there are two songs that reach the maximum of 10 appearances – “Pineapple Skies” by Miguel (#1) and “Body” by Loud Luxury and Brando (#2) – and will depart the chart in two weeks.  We could have a slew more debuts in two weeks so watch for them.  In the meantime, chart #532 brings a new #1 while other contenders rise up as well!

The Top 10

  • The new #1 belongs to L.A.’s Alex Seaver, otherwise known as Mako, with “Breathe”.  It’s such a compelling performance and keeps you attuned all the way till the very end, and Alex can bring it in concert too.  “Breathe” also happens to be the most charted title in my 20 year chart history – 6 times – but this is the first time the title has reached #1!
  • Soaring from 8 to 3 is Norwegian singer/songwriter/ Dyrisk with “Smile”, featuring production by the UK’s Nik Ernst.  “Smile” is such a different, dark song, full of attitude and so reminiscent of alt.electronica from the early 90’s by Massive Attack and Radiohead.  
  • Another song that continues to get under my skin in all the right ways is “I Want You” by Robotaki and Manila Killa with vocalist Matthew John Kurz.  In its intense Spirix remix it climbs 12-6.  That matches the peak of Matthew’s only other previous chart entry, “Fix Me”, in 2011, while producers Robotaki and Manila Killa are both chart newcomers 🙂
  • “Perfectly Me” is UK singer/songwriter James Poole’s song about positive body image that will have you cheering gleefully with its embedded influences that seem to range from Mika to Queen.  It moves up 11-8.

  • The fastest riser on the chart is UK Top 10 smash “17” by MK (producer Marc Kinchen), which zips into the Top 10, rising 19-9.  It’s also an overdue dance club smash in North America, and should by all rights be a radio hit too.  The uncredited vocals, by the way, are by UK soul singer Carla Monroe.  MK’s Miami Music Week sets were all the buzz when I was there recently.
  • Also new to the Top 10 is “Prisoner” by Bobby Nourmand featuring UK R&B singer Laurent John, climbing 14-10.  It marks Bobby’s fourth trip to the Top 10, with new music just released and itching to be heard 🙂  I had the pleasure of witnessing Bobby’s masterful set at the Potion Records showcase at Miami Music Week.

Movin’ On Up

  • Kudos for Vancouver’s Ekali and all of his recent appearances at Miami Music Week.  His recent single with ZHU called “Blame” rises 16-12.
  • Sofi Tukker are keeping busy with touring and remixing as the April 13 release date of their album Treehouse approaches!  “Baby I’m A Queen” may be their best single yet and it flies into the Top 10, up 26-17.
  • What do you do when you’re a successful act like Years & Years, leading into your second album release with a strong song and video like “Sanctify”, but get New Order’s own Bernard Sumner to remix it!  “Sanctify” climbs 25-20, check out Bernard’s remix as well as French producer Michael Calfan’s more uptempo “Prayer” remix at the link above.  I also caught one of Michael’s excellent DJ sets at Miami Music Week.
  • Dutch production duo The Him just wrapped their recent North American tour, which means that more new music is on its way soon.  In the meantime, I got to see their engaging set at Miami Music Week, and their latest single, the soulful “White Lies”, rises 27-21.

Four Debuts

  • Yes I continue mention Miami Music Week!  It was an interesting experience that I would repeat 🙂  A song I fell in love with in a DJ set one night was “Satisfy” by French producer Mercer and featuring Chicago vocalist Ron Carroll.  I didn’t know that Mercer was from France and honestly all I could think of at the time was 70’s disco by fellow French producers like Cerrone and Don Ray, married with contemporary house rhythms.  The pace is relentless and the vocals rich and on point – just the way I like a record!  “Satisfy” bows at #22.

  • Although I didn’t go to the Ultra Music Festival, The Chainsmokers blew away the naysayers about their latest songs with what I heard from others was a dynamic performance.  The uncharacteristic “Sick Boy” slides 6 to 4, while the hip hop influenced “Everybody Hates Me” debuts at #24.  Do not underestimate The Chainsmokers – “Everybody Hates Me” will have you singing when you need to vent.

  • In an unexpected collaboration, Philadelphia singer/songwriter ROZES (she of ever-recognizable The Chainsmokers’ “Roses” vocal) and Dutch dynamo Nicky Romero released “Where Would We Be” recently, and this true-to-life song arrives at #27.  It’s the first appearance for both on the chart.  Above is their recent performance on TV’s “Conan”.
  • From his excellent album Ultraviolet, 3LAU (that’s pronounced “Blau”, as in Justin Blau) gets his first chart appearance with “Walk Away”, featuring LunaAura.  This memorable new song should prompt you to listen to the whole album in full, well worth your time!  “Walk Away” bows at #28.

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 new BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

Why yes that’s @JesseMcCartney, back and strong as ever with “Better With You”, full of positive pop vibes

JESSE McCARTNEY, “Better With You”

It’s kind of coming full circle for Jesse McCartney, from his early success as a teenager with pop confection like “Beautiful Soul” and “She’s No You” back in (could it be??) 2004/05.  The New York-born singer/songwriter seems to have found a similar niche with an uptempo song full of positive pop vibes in “Better With You”, which will reacquaint pop audiences with why they fell in love with him in the first place.  As the co-writer of Leona Lewis’ massive “Bleeding Love”, Jesse knows his way around crafting a great pop song, and this time he’s brought in some of my personal favourites, Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore, to etch out a lovely story which is brought to life in a highly complimentary video above.  It’s Jesse’s first release since 2014 (aside from a wicked appearance in Built By Titan’s 2016 dance track “Dangerous”, which hit #11 on my personal chart), and he has been missing from the pop charts for too long – don’t get me started gushing about his 2008 album Departure, which I still play a lot!  “Better With You” and more like it, as well as perhaps a tour, could spell it all out for Jesse in 2018, and I’ll be watching!