There have been recent remarks online about how performing groups are not attracting as much attention as individuals with record label A&R’s, because it’s harder to promote a group through front-facing social media apps than with individuals. Performing groups have always been around so this is obviously just a trend, and I would not take it too seriously. I write about plenty of groups and duos (though not in today’s Report), and while many of them tend to be in the alternative genres, that is also no need to cast them narrowly. If there are in fact lazy A&R’s out there who continue to recruit online only and are only looking for individuals instead of talented performing groups, then they are in the wrong industry. The Rolling Stones would be happy to tell them that after a 60+ year career.
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 Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five pop hits, which transport us back to the mid-80’s. If you missed them on Monday, then you’ll find out what songs were #1 and the Fastest Riser on the 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.
DIAMOND CAFE, “When You Can’t Resist”
Diamond Café returns with the poignant alternative soul track “When You Can’t Resist”. Recently signed to Warner, readers will know it’s been a long road to a major label deal for the tall British Columbia-based artist formerly known as Tristan Thompson – when you have one of the most popular same-named basketball players taking up headline space, you have to find another moniker – who I first wrote about as a teen nearly 10 years ago. His soulful pop has always been interesting over the years, but “When You Can’t Resist” combines a lot of Michael Jackson, Prince and George Michael inspiration to achieve a long song (nearly 5 minutes) that holds your interest with an arrangement that flows along. The vocal is sweet and soulful, supported by an atmospheric beats-laden backdrop. As you think the song may end, along comes a blistering guitar solo which is the pièce de resistance. “When You Can’t Resist” would need a careful edit to be played at Top 40 radio, but it’s a gripping alternative soul song which stands apart from the rest.
MAX, DUCKWRTH, “Say Less”
MAX puts on his platform disco shoes for “Say Less” in collaboration with California hip hop artist DUCKWRTH. Zing go those 70’s string sounds along with cowbell, and we’re off to the races with a playful track with a Jack Harlow-esque rap break by DUCKWRTH. “Say Less” is a nice switch up from MAX’s ballad “Strings” (with JVKE and Bazzi), which got to #3 on the BILLCS Top 30 last year. MAX’s vocal is in solid Barry Gibb falsetto throughout the song, making it a sweet update from one of the most enjoyable eras of music for both listeners and dancers to enjoy. MAX’s third album and first in nearly four years, Love In Stereo, drops February 16.
SHAWN HOOK, “Bigger Than The Night”
Shawn Hook is a British Columbia-born twice Juno Awards-nominated talent who has racked up eight Top 40 hits in Canada, including “Sound of Your Heart” (which also reached #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart) and “Reminding Me” (with Vanessa Hudgens). Shawn recently faced a year long battle with throat cancer which is now in remission, and pop music fans will be delighted with his new single, “Bigger Than The Night” from an upcoming EP. It’s an uplifting pop anthem with a classic song structure, and his voice, with much practice and therapy, sounds better than ever. The song unveils enjoyable times with a special someone with hints of becoming more than just that, hence the title. “Bigger Than The Night” should have no problems being embraced by Canadian radio and fans of solid pop worldwide.
BT, CHRISTIAN BURNS, “Save Me” (John Askew remix)
“Save Me” was first recorded as an electronic ballad and included in BT’s 2021 album The Lost Art of Longing. Remixer John Askew has turned the song on its head, creating an intense, fast-paced electronic bop that’s intended to keep club and festival goers bouncing. It’s also at times highly reminiscent of trance in the early 2000’s, which were BT’s breakout years with his 2003 album Emotional Technology, a favourite of mine. BT has since become a Grammy-nominated, highly progressive producer who has also scored films and TV shows. While the remix of “Save Me” is missing a lot of the fine Christian Burns vocals from the original, John Askew has taken the essence of the vocals and has provided the song with an urgent, uplifting vibe. I’m glad also to see this remix of “Save Me” get an suitable release through Black Hole Recordings, a label that started as BT’s career began to blossom in the late 90’s and for which he has made numerous releases.
MORGIN MADISON, RYAN LUCIAN, JAS., “Tell Me Who You Are”
American dance producer Morgin Madison teams up once again with Australian dance producer Ryan Lucian for the dark, trance-flavoured “Tell Me Who You Are”. The two previously had a dance radio hit with “From The Start” last year, and I also wrote about their intense track “Stimulate”. This time they’ve added another Aussie as vocalist, singer/songwriter Jas., who is noted for her 2022 EP Along The Way. Her rich vocal gives a lot of presence to “Tell Me Who You Are”, providing the song with an aura of mystery and urgency, while the deep house rhythms play out around her. It’s a classy song that’s ideal for the late night club setting.
DLG., “Dive In”
“Dive In” is a quirky slice-of-line electronica release from Austin-born, L.A.-based producer DLG. (aka Dave de la Garza). Similar in style to recent releases by fellow L.A. producer Helloworld, “Dive In” is all DLG. and goes down easy with a wry sense of humour in a short song about having to take those bold moves that we often don’t want to face when they are needed. DLG.’s semi-sung guy-next-door vocal is appealing and while it sounds uncomplicated, his synth work and production are bright and refreshing.
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.
It’s the brand new one from Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things”
“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”.
“Runaway” is by Denver duo The Non-Renewed from their EP River Take Me
HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK
Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio show “Modern Hype” which can be heard on several online stations including Energy 885.
New York electronic dance producer Deerock and Porsche Love bring us “Far Between”
“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” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.
Luba – How Many (Rivers To Cross)
Glass Tiger – Thin Red Line
Genesis – Invisible Touch
Nu Shooz – I Can’t Wait
Double – The Captain Of Her Heart
BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG
Benson Boone also arrives at #1 with “To Love Someone”
BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER
The Knocks and Sofi Tukker start their climb the right way with “One on One” (25-19)
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 
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