BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSTop30 #688 – March 25/24

Miami Music Week was a blast as always. I saw four shows, and had my fill of EDM. It was great to see a number of familiar faces and make acquaintances with some new ones too. I have some thoughts about EDM shows and performers supporting the headliners which I’ll share on Thursday in the BILLCS New Music Report.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are increasingly tied in with this blog. As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

Well look who’s up top again! Benson Boone grabs his third appearance (sixth week) at #1 with “Beautiful Things” (above), which also matches how many weeks he’s been at #1 on the Billboard Canadian 100 too. The song has also inched up to #2 on the Hot 100, and I’m hoping it gets its due at the top of that chart. Benson also released a new song last week called “Slow It Down”, which you can check out below. And Benson’s upcoming album has the same name as his tour – Fireworks And Rollerblades!

The rest of the Top 5 is completely abuzz, and any of them have the potential to overtake “Beautiful Things” in two weeks – unless of course that song remains up top.

Jonas Blue and Sam Feldt with vocalist Sadie Rose Van as the “Endless Summer” project climb 5-3 with the rollicking “Rest Of My Life” (above).
Will Swinton’s fearlessly emotional alt-rocker “Harmless” (below) is also a contender, rising 11-4.
“Shiver” (below) by John Summit and British vocalist Hayla is the Fastest Riser on the chart, soaring 17-5. John Summit was all over Miami Music Week, including a show at LIV. He even played a hotel lobby during the rainstorm last Friday. Hayla gave a captivating performance of the song at the pre-show for the EDMA’s last Thursday. As I posted online, she has the potential to become the next Annie Lennox!!

““Last Of Us” by Griffyn and Rita Ora is also making short work of the chart, leaping 25-14.

The “Euphoric Alternative mix” of David Archuleta’s “Afraid To Love” and is just the uplifting tonic we all need. This collaboration with producer/keyboardist Willy Beaman jumps 27-17.

“Carry You” by Martin Garrix along with friends Third Party, Oaks and Declan J. Donovan climbs 26-19, showing that even with all kinds of hands on the songs, the results can be quite cohesive if they’re well-coordinated, and with his now many years of experience, Martin shows what a treat is in store when it’s done right.

Four new songs charge onto the chart, led by the heart-wrenching “Hopeless” at #25 by Philadelphia lo-fi pop/hip hop duo N i G H T S. It’s their fourth entry on the chart, following last year’s #6 “Boyband”.

At #26 is the brand new single by Sweden’s Darin called “Electric”. It continues in the happy pop/dance vein that started with “Can’t Stay Away” at the end of 2021. This time Darin enlisted co-writers/producers James Hurr and Paul Harris, who previously remixed “Can’t Stay Away”, apparently one of the singer’s favourites. And while it doesn’t break any new ground for Darin, it is so catchy that it doesn’t matter! And Darin’s lucky Swedish community is getting another tour from him this summer too.

“Why Should I” by American duo Z3LLA reached #1 on the national dance charts this week, just in time for them to announce that before they performed the song at the pre-show for the EDMA’s last Thursday. “Why Should I?”, debuting at #27, has immense crossover appeal to Top 40 radio, so like uncharacteristic hits like Nicky Youre’s “Sunroof” and others, “Why Should I?” should find many more new listeners this year outside of dance music circles.

The fourth debut is “The Way It Is” by Cheat Codes and Two Friends at #28. This is a dance music reboot of the Bruce Hornsby & The Range 1987 hit, interpolating its chorus into a new song that is sung by Cheat Codes’ Trevor Dahl. And like with Darin’s “Electric”, one of its co-writers is Jordan Shaw, who is the vocalist on Boye & Sigvardt’s BILLCS Top 30 #1 from 2021, “Microdose”. While “The Way It Is” marks the first appearance for the American trio Cheat Codes, it’s the fourth for Two Friends as lead artists, though they did have two prior appearances as remixers too.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Radio GTA

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my Retro Pick of the Week on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

“The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays, and my Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” at www.planetradio.ca with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs nearly 30 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show.

Energy885

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885 now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, and his new show “Pyjama Party” on Saturdays at 5pm EST, which both air my New Music Pick of the Week. Energy885 is also airing my Retro Pick Of The Week as well on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” and “Pyjama Party” at the following link: DJ Hunter.

FM 108

You can also listen to my Retro Pick of the Week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules are up-to-date.

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – March 13/24 with new songs by @MarcusMartinus, Medina, @GarethEmery & @LSRCity, Dreamer Boy, Nicholas Campbell, @SerenaIttoo, Amir Ekbatani, and @Amistatmusic

It’s that time of year where a lot of folks are travelling to warmer climates, including most of my own family, and I shall join the trend next week in Miami for Miami Music Week, which as always should be a lot of fun. So my next blog post will be on Thursday March 28 – I’m bumping it from Wednesday to Thursday because Monday of that week will be a travel recovery day for me.

In the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five focused on the year 1976, and including one of the late Eric Carmen’s classic solo hits – the list was in fact submitted before Eric’s passing on Monday. And if you missed them, you’ll find out what the #1 song and the Fastest Riser are on the latest BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

MARCUS & MARTINUS, “Unforgettable”

MEDINA, “Que Sera”

These pair of songs were the two to beat at this year’s Melodifestivalen contest in Sweden. Ultimately, last year’s runners-up, Norwegian transplants Marcus & Martinus, won by a landslide with the irresistible “Unforgettable”. These two brothers know how to put on a show and are talented vocalists, supported by a go-to who’s who of award-winning Swedish songwriters and producers. Last year’s “Air” was really good, but “Unforgettable” is so much better and relatable. After a recent set of years that saw women dominate in just about any awards or contest, it’s time to make room for deserving guys like Marcus & Martinus.

After finishing third in 2022, the duo Medina – Sam-E and Alibi, Swedes of Tunisian and Finnish heritage – returned as the runners-up in this year’s contest. While it wasn’t close, I was rooting for their song “Que Sera” because of its uplifting vibe and its unique multilingual representation which the rest of the world is sure to understand. The song was also well-supported by their team including songwriter/producer Jimmy Joker, also one of the forces behind “Unforgettable”. Medina have been performing for about 20 years, and their natural ease on stage and experience showed how they could wow the audience. They’ve been in the Swedish charts several times, and “Que Sera” deserves to be their international breakout.

GARETH EMERY, LSR/CITY, “Killshot”

“Killshot” was one of the mid-set highlights of Gareth Emery’s LSR/City show which I saw this past weekend in Toronto. It’s a taut and memorable instrumental whose melody could have easily dropped in the late 90’s. Instead we get to benefit from Gareth’s honed and skillful time over the years making top level trance and techno. His songs were all set to so many permutations of colours and laser effects that it was indeed an overwhelming evening that won’t soon be forgotten. “Killshot” though is a zinger which you can expect to hear at other shows and festivals too.

DREAMER BOY, “Heartbreaker”

Dreamer Boy is the Washington native with a presidential name – Zachary Taylor. He wants to be known for bending genres, and “Heartbreaker” infuses pop, rock and country sensibilities into the mix. What stands out the most is the anthemic, singalong hook which sounds like it was dropped in right out of the 1980’s recalling bands like The Cars, Rick Springfield, Franke & The Knockouts and numerous others of the power pop variety. Dreamer Boy has a unique mix happening even if it seems familiar. The production is tight and if you like artists like Benson Boone, then Dreamer Boy will fit right into your playlist.

NICHOLAS CAMPBELL, “Hot Rod Daddy”

Last year, I introduced you to Peterborough, Ontario native Nicholas Campbell and his ballad “I’m Sorry”, which happens to fall into a genre that I don’t write about – country music. However Nicholas’ rockabilly style and his vocal comparisons to people like Jack Scott and Robert Gordon put his music in crossover pop/rock category. “Hot Rod Daddy” takes us back to the late 70’s, early 80’s British rockabilly revival, out of which some major talents emerged like American trio The Stray Cats, vocalist Shakin’ Stevens, and Matchbox. It’s a fun, full throttle rock-out track that puts Nicholas’ diversity on full display with his unique voice, which at times also reminds me of Dwight Yoakam. “Hot Rod Daddy” is culled from Nicholas’ new album Gonna Have A Ball Tonight, and he’s currently on tour in Ontario performing in its bigger cities.

SERENA ITTOO, “My Heart Is Yours”

After an impressive release with “Nature Foreseen”, the UK’s Serena Ittoo is not just another big voice with the touching “My Heart Is Yours”. I like it when producers leave in little mistakes, such as notes slightly off key, because it reveals the artist’s humanity and imperfection. But for a bare piano track, “My Heart Is Yours” has a compelling, mostly pitch-perfect vocal. And it’s nice that Serena took a commonly used phrase and title in music and made her own unique story out of it. Serena and team have created stellar indie work here with “My Heart Is Yours”, but one day I believe she’ll be singing a big production and her vocal will welcome a shower of praises.

AMIR EKBATANI, “Tell Me You Love Me”

“Tell Me You Love Me” is the second homemade release by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Amir Ekbatani. About the song, Amir says that it “is a state of the union on dating in 2024, told from the year 1984, a safe-haven sanctuary of simplicity from the overcomplexity of the present day”. While dating was still pretty complicated to me back in 1984, the times were certainly less layered and more straight-forward. And while there were probably other songs called “Tell Me You Love Me” written in the 80’s, Amir’s lyrics and especially his vocal bring something fresh to the table in 2024. The song is succinct and his voice is an immediate ear-grabber among other male vocalists out there. We wouldn’t have this song though without Amir’s tragic backstory – he was an athlete who lost his left leg after a car accident, and it took him four years to regain his mobility. He went back to school to study music production and engineering, while still working as a fitness trainer after his recovery, and became a self-taught multi-instrumentalist. Releases like “Tell Me You Love Me” will provide all the goods Amir needs to be a credible force in the music industry as a performer, so go get ’em Amir!!

Note: If the artwork looks familiar, it does somewhat resemble the poster for the 1988 Tom Cruise movie “Cocktail”.

AMISTAT, “Same Old Eyes”

Amistat is a duo comprising Germany-born twins Josef and Jan Prasil, whose innate ability to complement each other’s talents is a highlight of “Same Old Eyes”. I’m hearing a lot of folk-inspired pop music coming out of Australia lately, where Amistat has been based, and the brothers have managed to amass hundreds of thousands of listeners through actively touring, which is currently focused around the UK and central-western Europe. “Same Old Eyes” is a standout track from their EP A Moment In The Sun (usually stylized in lower case). If you’ve enjoyed similar artists that I’ve brought to your attention like the UK’s Netherlands-based Waiting For Smith and Australia’s Matt Boylan-Smith, then “Same Old Eyes” will appeal to you because of its positive lyrics about finding your own truth, and inspiring melodies and harmonies, which eventually bring the song to an anthemic turning point.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world.

“Last Of Us” is the latest by American dance producer Gryffin with vocal by Rita Ora

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”.

It’s “Lotta Love” by Rozalla, a faithful remake of the Nicolette Larson hit version of the Neil Young song

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885.

“By Your Side” is by Canadian-American dance producers Caslow with vocalist Bertie Scott and producer PatFromLastYear

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Eric Carmen – All By Myself
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Sara Smile
Elvin Bishop – Fooled Around and Fell In Love
Dr. Hook – Only Sixteen
Maxine Nightingale – Right Back Where We Started From

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Benson Boone has a lock on #1 for a second appearance at the top with “Beautiful Things”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

New Zealand’s Will Swinton zips up the chart with “Harmless” (25-11)

#BILLCSTop30 #687 – March 11/24

The top of the new chart is locked down with current and rising favourites, while some older ones will be departing soon and making room for more fresh new tunes.

NOTE: My next chart in two weeks will be published a day later on Tuesday, March 26, as I’ll be returning home from Miami the day before and will need a recoup day!

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

Washington’s Benson Boone claims another chart at #1 and it doesn’t look like “Beautiful Things” is gone anywhere anytime soon. Look for more new music from the rising talent before the end of March.

As I mentioned in my New Music Pick of the Week segment for “Lonely Dancers”, I fully expected Conan Gray would be touring again. And voilà! Several North American and European dates including one in my city on September 23! Ticket purchased, of course!! “Lonely Dancers” (above) climbs 4-2. You can also check out another track from Conan’s forthcoming album Found Heaven called “Alley Rose”, below.

Jonas Blue, Sam Feldt and Sadie Rose Van and the Endless Summer project give you an early dose of sunshine with the frenetic “Rest Of My Life” (above), which rises 10-5. Sam Feldt’s latest song “The Confession” incorporates elements of Nina Simone’s “Sinner Man”, which many of you will know better when it was transformed into Timbaland’s “Oh Timbaland” back in the day. Check out “The Confession” below.

BTS’ Jung Kook gets his first Top 10 entry, joining fellow member JIMIN, whose “Like Crazy” was my #1 song of 2023. The funky “Standing Next To You” climbs 11-8.

The variety in my chart mix continues with Australia’s Keiynan Lonsdale moving up 12-9 with his sultry and confident “Sit Down” from his album The Heart Defence Mixtape. It’s his second Top 10 entry, following 2018’s “Preach”.

The third new Top 10 entry belongs to NYC’s Rico & Miella, now known as Years of War. The electronic duo’s “Used To Be” is an affecting slice of emotional electronica which rises 14-10.

The Fastest Riser on the chart has come out of nowhere to become one of my big new favourites. New Zealand’s Will Swinton sees “Harmless” climb 25-11.

Bright Light Bright Light has a new duet coming soon with the fab Ultra Naté, but in the meantime his single “You Want My…” rises 17-13.

For folks o’er ‘ome, Sam Dickinson has a live showcase coming up on March 15 at the Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. If you’re in the area do get tickets to check out Sam in concert. In the meantime, his splendid cover of Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff” climbs 20-14. Sam follows it up with “F L E X” in the coming weeks!

On the weekend I happened to hear John Summit and Hayla’s “Shiver” at a concert at a big venue, and it sounded amazing. So it’s no surprise that the song moves up 24-17. And the clever DJ mixed it into John’s remix of “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap, which I wrote about two weeks ago.

Vancouver’s Diamond Café is off to a great start as the unconventional but gripping “When You Can’t Resist” rises 27-20.

Nothing But Thieves are in a bit of comeback mode as attention starts to be given to their fun rocker “Oh No :: He Said What?”, which moves up 29-21.

“Last Of Us” is the latest, and perhaps one of the greatest, by electronic dance producer Gryffin, this time with UK vocalist Rita Ora. It arrives at #25 and is the first entry from Gryffin to chart since 2021’s “I Want Love” (#8). It’s also Rita’s first chart appearance since appearing on Tiësto and Jonas Blue’s “Ritual” (#8) in 2019.

Martin Garrix returns to the chart for a 14th appearance, following “Real Love”, with “Carry You” at #26. He’s accompanied by a load of talent on this one – British production duo Third Party, Swedish producer Oaks (the production alias for vocalist Winona Oak), and British vocalist Declan J. Donovan. It’s one of Martin’s most uplifting songs and ideal for dance music radio.

The third debut means that David Archuleta is no longer a one-hit wonder on my chart. The “American Idol” 2008 runner-up to David Cook has been embracing pop/dance music over the last few years, and his songs just keep getting better. I’ve been enjoying “Afraid to Love” in its original version, but recently David opted for remixes, and this one, which debuts at #27 with keyboard and production whiz Willy Beaman, the “Euphoric Alternative Mix”, is just the song to brighten up your day. David got to #1 in 2008 with “Crush” and I’m so glad he’s back on the chart!

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Radio GTA

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my Retro Pick of the Week on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

“The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays, and my Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Energy885

FM 108

You can also listen to my Retro Pick of the Week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules are up-to-date.

BILLCS New Music Report – March 6/24 with new songs by @Alexander_Olly, Afroki (@Afrojack & @SteveAoki) & @Aviellamusic, Fie Eike, @K3SSmusic & @BrittLari, @Gt_ofice x @MatthewTopper_ x @SarahdeWarren, @BenedictCork, @thisisNoanne, and @SidSethsings

Now that Beyoncé has successfully crossed genres with her two country singles, what’s next in 2024? Everything has gone quiet again. An artist of lesser stature can’t do the same without either a significant label push or a significant social media drive. Artists who are versatile should be able to cross genres, other than to pop, which has been done frequently, but the industry is too fixed on boxing them into one genre, which makes it next to impossible. That also allows radio to exclude artists who don’t record in a genre that suits their programming. I’m not sure if labels try to promote every release at pop radio as they did more than 25 years ago because no one in promotions or at radio is bold enough anymore to try and be a visionary. Anyone got a crystal ball?

In the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five from 1979 that mostly aren’t disco. I also have my “5-10-15-20-25” feature, looking back on the Top 5 songs in five of the last 25 years from the BILLCS Top 30. One of the artists whose new song I wrote about in this Report has a song on one of those charts too!

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

OLLY ALEXANDER, “Dizzy”

What better way to break away from the Years & Years moniker than for Olly Alexander to lead “Dizzy” into Eurovision for the UK with his new single “Dizzy”. The more you listen to “Dizzy”, the more infectious it becomes, and it’s not a far stretch from some of Years & Years’ best releases, which hard to believe, go back almost a decade now. “Dizzy” has a mass-appeal factor for audiences because of its common theme about falling in love, and Olly offers another engaging performance which shows why he is where he is today. I’ll still reserve judgment about its chances at winning Eurovision until I hear the other songs that it’s up against, but “Dizzy”, like many other songs from past Eurovision contests, is a hit in its own right.

AFROKI, AVIELLA, “Everything You Do”

And the trend continues – like with Kx5 and more recently Endless Summer, Afroki is the new side-project for Steve Aoki and Afrojack, in which they can mesh their formidable production talents. “Everything You Do” is their first release partnered Proximity’s new label Golden Era, and it’s a festival banger that you’ll be hearing a lot of in the coming months. The producers playfully go at the beats and rhythms with all of their know-how. Vocalist/songwriter Aviella has been a go-to talent in dance music for a few years, working solo or with artists like MYRNE, Acraze and Unknown Brain, with several releases also on Monstercat, and her crisp, classy vocal brings the chorus home. “Everything You Do” is an enjoyable listen with big, anthemic qualities that will garner instant reaction.

FIE EIKE, “Sad”

About a month ago, I brought you words about “The Nile” by Danish singer Fie Eike, who in that song brought alternative electronic pop vibes that would appeal to fans of Kate Bush and Tori Amos, but with a more progressive alternative setting. “Sad” shows that there is much more to Fie Eike than that initial impression. “Sad” is a piano ballad that will appeal to fans of Adele and YEBBA for the sheer beauty of Fie Eike’s vocal in a raw setting. It’s a song about embracing sadness when you’re in the moment, and to be present when you need to absorb the changes around us, which can often affect our emotions and sentiments. Fie Eike gives a taut performance and “Sad” is an engrossing song, not as heavy at all despite what its subject matter might convey, so do yourself a favour and add it to your music discovery list.

K3SS, BRITT LARI, “Deeper”

“Deeper” is a tightly-woven, dark, late night deep house track by San Diego dance producer K3SS with collaborator and vocalist Britt Lari. Both are no strangers to this blog, and it’s great to hear their progression with this kind of cutting edge production being released through Dim Mak. Britt’s seductive vocal combined with K3SS’ bounty of synths and sounds make “Deeper” an easy mix for club DJ’s who want songs that will stand out for their patrons.

GT_OFICE, MATTHEW TOPPER, SARAH DE WARREN, “No Tears”

I normally dislike the use of vocal effects in a song, but if you want to hear a judicious use of them to expand on a hook, then “No Tears” is for you. Two gifted dance producers, Miami’s Gt_ofice and New Jersey-born Matthew Topper, enhance the song with effects and their respective styles while still keeping the always lovely voice of collaborator Sarah de Warren intact. It’s an early summer bop that revolves around the phrase “no tears left to cry”, not too long ago a popular song by Ariana Grande, so the sentiment still lingers for listeners. “No Tears” is dance music radio ready, and could very well follow Gt_ofice’s recent Top 30 hit with ALWZ SNNY and Robbie Rosen, “Feels Like Us” (which also reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30), onto the charts.

BENEDICT CORK, “Nice Guy”

UK singer/songwriter Benedict Cork just completed a North American tour and has more music coming soon, but he breaks his pop-oriented mold a bit for “Nice Guy”. It’s a rock-flavoured track that weaves a story many of us know, about being nice guys who want more out of relationships and continually get passed over for others who more often than not just want one night stands or short-term flings. Classic rock music styles are coming back into vogue, and Benedict sounds great in a more amped up setting that fleshes out the musicality of “Nice Guy”. Check out a live performance of “Nice Guy” by clicking on the photo above.

NOANNE, “Forgiveness”

Prague-based multi-talent Noanne is on a roll with “Forgiveness”, which follows up “Goodwill” and “White Glove”. Like both singles, “Forgiveness” is another powerful and dramatic affair, with Noanne launching into the song like Florence Welch meets Sarah Brightman. There’s no video this time, but story-wise the song is about finding forgiveness despite the path that led there, which often includes numerous unanswered questions. Sometimes we just have to let go and move on, and “Forgiveness” reassures the listener that it is possible. With her gifted vocal prowess, Noanne straddles theatricality with the essence of pop music, and comes through with an alternative take that captures the fine qualities of both.

SID SETH, “I’m Yours”

It’s been a while since I’ve written about NYC-based singer/songwriter Sid Seth, who came to my attention with the easy-going pop flavours of “Simple But True” and “Caffeine High”. Sid strikes me as a genuine and committed talent, continuing with the earnest story-telling of “I’m Yours”, which seems to come naturally to him as he draws from all genres of music. “I’m Yours” has a solid vocal, and though it might be about 30 seconds too long for what it has to say, it’s an absorbing and fresh listen. Check out the VLOG lyric video by clicking on the photo above.