BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – December 6/23 spotlighting new releases by @Showtek & #SonnyWilson, @djToddTerry & #GeneChandler, @Kungsmusic & @Shadow_Child, @Matomaofficial & @JPCoopermusic, @obeyANTAGONIZER, @DenizKoyumusic, @TheMovingStills and @BlackHertz_ & _HOZHO_

The music business typically winds down at this time of year for a few weeks, with charts being awash in holiday music. While on occasion a major artist drops a big record in December, the rest of the industry perks along with plenty of new releases to check out. This week there’s house music, progressive electronica, and indie rock among the reviews, while picks of the week comprise a rock ballad, a cover of a Canadian classic, and an acoustic folk track. So there’s lots of variety – open your ears and dive in!

Among the features 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 featuring songs from the 1980’s. And in case you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what are my #1 song and the Fastest Riser in the latest edition of 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.

SHOWTEK, SONNY WILSON, “Shine”

Veteran Dutch producers Showtek finish out 2023 with the slick house track, “Shine”, which reunites them with Dutch duo Sonny Wilson, from their album 360 Yellow. It’s same-named singer Sonny whose amiable, R&B-flavoured vocal gives “Shine” the positive, anthemic lift that it needs to stand out in a club or festival set. Showtek have two sides to their persona which work well – the fun, party-loving brothers who sometimes offer us a striking dance novelty, and then the more serious producers who know their craft that has been honed after than 20 years, ultimately breaking out around 2009 worldwide. Now Las Vegas draws, Showtek have accumulated a wide repertoire and “Shine” is another astute addition to it.

TODD TERRY, GENE CHANDLER, “What You Do”

The master of house himself, Todd Terry, continues to be extremely prolific, but still crafts songs that allow for instantaneous reaction, like “What You Do”. Featuring the classic R&B voice of the Duke of Earl himself, Chicago native Gene Chandler, it retools one of Gene’s minor releases, a 1965 track called “You Can’t Hurt Me No More”, bringing its essence to an entirely brand new audience for their dancing pleasure. “What You Do” is an imaginative, concise release that shows that few producers can match the 30+ years of skills and experience that Todd Terry continues to bring to the dance music scene.

KUNGS, SHADOW CHILD, “Changes”

“Changes” is a vibrant collaboration between French dance producer Kungs (who latterly reached #8 on the BILLCS Top 30 with Purple Disco Machine on “Substitution”) and British house producer Shadow Child. It’s their take on a classic 2002 house song of the same name by Sandy Rivera, which it samples, and rides heavily on a catchy synth hook that will give club goers a workout. “Changes” is for totally letting yourself go when you want to groove to some inspiring early 2000’s-flavoured house music.

MATOMA, J.P. COOPER, “Sound of Shadows”

With the release of his first album in five years, Love For A Beat, Norway’s Matoma has come off of one of the best years in music in his career, with fantastic songs like “Won’t Follow You Home” (with James Droll, a BILLCS Top 30 #1) and “The Power” (with an uncredited Clementine Douglas, which reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30) included in the release. But he didn’t give away the store entirely, saving a few tracks for the album’s release, including the potent “Sound of Shadows”, reuniting him with singer/songwriter J.P. Cooper, who you also know from many European and dance music hits with people like Astrid S and Craig David, as well as his own solo Top 10 UK releases like “September Song” plus Jonas Blue’s #2 UK smash “Perfect Strangers”. J.P.’s gritty and soulful vocal is a perfect companion to the urgency of being alone in “Sound of Shadows”, and its chorus of “now you’re gone” will stay in your head for days. Matoma is now back in full dance music mode and the diverse selection in Love For A Beat works beautifully.

ANTAGONÏZER [AWAY and Crywolf], “Bow Down”

ANTAGONÏZER is a collaboration between two L.A.-based unique talents in the progressive electronic world, AWAY (Dan Alm) and Crywolf (Justin Taylor Phillips). Of the two, I’m only familiar with Crywolf, having seen him in concert years ago for an intense and memorable set, but the music of ANTAGONÏZER on their EP Omniviolence is best pitched to fans of artists like Nine Inch Nails, Front 242, NERO, and early DeadMau5. It’s not entirely my go-to style of music, but I appreciate the EP which is rich with variety and synthesizer wizardry, and “Bow Down” for me is the most memorable track with its foreboding, dark sound. ANTAGONÏZER is certainly a partnership worth repeating.

DENIZ KOYU, “Astral”

Deniz Koyu has been a mainstay on the European dance music scene for over a decade, playing every major festival there and collaborating with the likes of Alesso, Gryffin, Nicky Romero, and Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. His crazy-infectious, propulsive deep house track “Goin’ Down” (with Twoloud) got my attention back in 2015 and became a BILLCS Top 30 #1. As you might have gathered from its title, “Astral” is a spacy but highly danceable instrumental that one could visualize being played at a festival under the stars to magical effect. Just when you think “Astral” is coming to an end, it rebuilds 2/3 of the way through with one of those ‘you gotta wait for it’ breaks. “Astral” is great, imaginative, 90’s techno-inspired fun (I keep thinking of the Chemical Brothers’ early work) that will appeal to club goers as much as it will to progressive electronic listeners, and help spread his recent work to a wider international audience.

THE MOVING STILLS, “Westside”

Australia seems to be a current incubator for indie rock talent, and judging by the calibre of fresh music from Oz this year, it shouldn’t take long for it to spread to the rest of the world. The Moving Stills hail from the central area of New South Wales, a quartet which has released its first album called Wabi Sabi. The group aims for an authentic, friendly sound, and “Westside” is a perfect example of what they are achieving. It’s a song about being on the road, which is exactly where they are heading again in January and February, touring the east coast of Australia. Vocals and instrumentation are all on point, and if you’ve enjoyed the songs of other Aussie indie rock artists this year, then the music of The Moving Stills is just the ticket.

BLACK HERTZ, HOZHO, “Ego”

Brazilian electronic producer Black Hertz and Portuguese producer HOZHO have combined forces for their three song EP Psyche. It’s a largely progressive electronic instrumental effort that’s meant to be an immersive and personal experience into your own psyche, with songs titled “ID”, “Ego” and “Superego”. “Ego” impressive as the song builds from a vibrant instrumental, adding vocals and some nifty effects to create a track that will stick under your skin after it’s over. The rest of the EP isn’t as well-suited for the more casual listener and requires your full attention, but if progressive electronic music is your thing and you’re looking for something a little different to explore, then the full Psyche EP is for you.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 30 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

L.A.-based performer Cobi is back with the rock ballad “Where We Belong” from the EP Sugar Man

“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”.

Canadian superstar quartet The Trans-Canada Highwaymen interpret The DeFranco Family’s 1973 smash “Heartbeat – It’s A Lovebeat” from their album Explosive Hits Vol. 1.

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

It’s Nashville trio The Arcadian Wild with “Dopamine” from their album Welcome

“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.

Sting – If You Love Somebody Set Them Free
Paul Young – Every Time You Go Away
Rod Stewart – That’s What Friends Are For
Joe Jackson – Steppin’ Out
Simple Minds – Don’t You (Forget About Me)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Bright Light Bright Light obtains his 7th #1 with “Down To One”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Benson Boone is back with another stellar ballad, “To Love Someone” (28-20)

#BILLCSTop30 #680 – December 4/23

I’ll have one more bi-weekly BILLCS Top 30 in two weeks, which will also be the last chart of 2023 for me. I’ll also be working on my year end list and a pre-recorded online radio show to accompany it, so watch your socials for more details about that. If you’re curious, you can find previous year end lists from 2009-2022 on the following link to my Google sheet.

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

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.

With his strongest song in recent years, frequent chart visitor Bright Light Bright Light notches up a record seventh #1 “Down To One” moves 3-1. Coincidentally, Bright Light Bright Light was #1 exactly 10 years ago with the magnificent “An Open Heart”, which was his fourth chart-topper. “Down To One” will be a part of his fifth album, likely coming next year.

Michael Medrano follows “Down To One” 4-2 with “Disco Sleaze” in its “raw and uncut” mix, which is just so much fun and has the 70’s disco spirit embedded in its groove.

Felix Cartal and Karen Harding move up 5-4 with “Need Your Love”, which becomes a personal best for Felix on the chart and matches the peak of Karen’s earlier chart entry this year with Armand Van Helden, “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)”.

Chicago producer Pete Cho’s “Fan Of You” breaks into the Top 10 and makes a nice 12-7 jump.

Miami producer Gt_ofice gets his first Top 10 entry with “Can’t Deny” (above), which features NYC producer JAYEM and British vocalist/songwriter Alix Robson, and climbs 11-9. Coming up quickly not far behind is Gt_ofice’s second entry, the Top 40 national radio hit “Feels Like Us” (18-12, below) in collaboration with ALWZ SNNY and vocalist/songwriter Robbie Rosen.

Dance club and festival favourite Audien looks to grab his second Top 10 entry following this year’s “Antidote” (which peaked at #10) with “Superhero”, which soars 20-13.

Australia-based rock quintet Moonwood also make a sharp upward move with “Curfew” (22-16) from their top notch EP Curfew Hours.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is “To Love Someone” by Benson Boone, who is getting a great rep as a contemporary balladeer, though he can rock out just fine thank you too. The song leaps 28-20.

The last chart’s two very different remaining debuts are also off to fine starts. Windsor, Ontario performer MELØ climbs 29-23 with the poignant new wave-influenced rock track “Memento” (above), while NYC producer Lohrasp Kansara’s sparkling cover of ALY-US’ 90’s house staple “Follow Me” (below), featuring a potent vocal by Norman Alexander, rises 30-24.

Leading off three debuts, in a surprising arrival at least to me, is Jack Harlow’s UK #1 “Lovin on Me”, which bows at #25. It also joins his collaboration with BTS’ Jung Kook on the chart, “3D”, which rises 17-14. I’m not a huge fan of hip hop but Jack’s tracks are usually quite likeable, and I’m enjoying both the flow and humour in “Lovin on Me”, which reminds me of late 90’s hip hop artist Mase. The vocal hook in “Lovin on Me” is sped up slightly and sampled from the 90’s release by Cadillac Dale called “Whatever (Bass Solique)”.

Next at #27 coincides with the arrival of a new EP. L.A.-based, Minnesota-born Cobi returns to the chart for the second time this year with “Where We Belong”, which follows the #5 “Telepathic Powers” as kind of a similar companion piece. Cobi’s new five song EP is called Sugar Man and includes “Where We Belong”.

The third debut belongs to British masked dance producers WH0 with “Rock The Party” at #28. It joins “What You Need” (with Steve Angello), which departs #1 after two appearances at the top (four weeks). “Rock The Party” will certainly do that, with prominent samples of Todd Terry’s 80’s house classic “Weekend” and The Clash’s “Rock The Casbah”.

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 new “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” 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 more than 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 this link.

Addictive Energy

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

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 – November 29/23 spotlighting new songs by @iamtheElephante & @AmberLiu, @GreatGoodFineOK, @YoungBombs & @Linney, Ben Ellis, @OOKAY, @GRAYthebandd and Busking Around

It’s like old home week circa 2016 here at the BILLCS New Music Report. Some frequent visitors to the blog who I haven’t written about in a while have dropped some of the best new music of the week, and I’m pleased to feature it all for you.

Among the features 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, in a throwback this week to 1970. And you’ll also find out what was #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 in each of the last 25 years. From Chris Isaak to Conan Gray, they’re all here!

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.

ELEPHANTE, AMBER LIU, “Leave The Ground”

It’s been a while since I’ve written about Elephante (aka Tim Wu), the Southern California producer and musician who has released numerous fine singles and two albums over the best part of the last decade. It also turns out his song “Plans” (with Brandyn Burnette) was #2 on the BILLCS Top 30 exactly 7 years ago too! And while it’s not the first time he’s recorded an electronic ballad, I believe it’s his first male-female ballad duet. His natural voice blends nicely with Amber Liu’s vocal on “Leave the Ground”. The production is top notch with a classic song structure that rises and falls gracefully but not before leaving a lump in your throat with its story. It captures those moments where the memories of a past lover are slipping away, even though you may not want them to. The imagery is vivid, one of my favourite songs that Elephante has written to date. I’ve said recently that electronic ballads are really not in vogue right now, but the ones that I’ve written about like “Leave the Ground” in the past month or so are exemplary cases for the trend to be reversed heading into 2024.

GREAT GOOD FINE OK, “Blame”

I’ve been enjoying the music of NYC duo Great Good Fine OK for the best part of the last decade. The guys (vocalist Jon Sandler and keyboardist extraordinaire Luke Moelmann) have been nothing but consistent but “Blame”, their latest release, particularly shines. The melody sparkles, and “Blame” gives Jon the opportunity once again to really let his voice soar. The songwriting is especially strong. “Blame” contemplates when there’s a problem in a personal situation, but you decide to accept you’re at fault, even when you’re not. You then realize later that things aren’t quite the same and you might be caught up in the blame game to make the relationship work. “Blame” is top notch, danceable, R&B-soaked pop that you’ll keep on repeat.

YOUNG BOMBS, LINNEY, “Strangers” (Chill mix)

British Columbia-based dance producers Young Bombs have been crossing over back and forth from club-oriented tracks to Canadian Top 40 radio hits for the past few years, and the original mix of “Strangers” is clearly better suited for clubs than radio. However, pop and dance music radio could easily embrace this alternate “chill” take on “Strangers”, which shows how well-suited the song is to a friendlier dance/pop mix. It also shows off better the familiar voice of singer/songwriter Linney, who has graced numerous dance music releases this year such as those with Manila Killa, Nicky Romero & TELYKast and Christina Novielli. I’m always one to recommend to dance music artists that if you feel a song can be remixed to attract more listeners, then do it if feasible. Fortunately Young Bombs have the well-honed skills and means to do this, and this version of “Strangers” is a step in the right direction.

BEN ELLIS, “Guys That Look Like Me”

Welsh singer/songwriter Ben Ellis has scored major points with me for creating amiable, good-natured songs with clever lyrics and sharp melodies. “Ed’s House” got to #8 on the BILLCS Top 30 earlier this year and “Guys That Look Like Me” has the same kind of nuts and bolts which make for a refreshing listen. Besides Ben’s charming, lilting vocal, “Guys” is a story about being stereotyped for the way one looks, and not being able to date the object of his affection because of it. And while the protagonist pines away about her, you’re wondering if it’s all worth it when she can’t see past the surface. Yet such is being young and with a crush that you can’t get over right away. It’s all highly relatable and Ben’s vantage point is unique, giving “Guys That Look Like Me” inspired depth underneath its bright pop exterior.

ALEX SAMPSON, “Blind”

New Canadian talent Alex Sampson is on a roll with his recent singles. “Blind” follows up “‘Til The World Gets Sick of Us” and “WANT YOU!” (which reached #16 on the BILLCS Top 30), all filled with a variety of anthemic energy that goes hand in hand with urgent emotions. “Blind” is more moody than the previous releases, but also shows off Alex’s range in the softer parts of the song, which means that he can sing and co-write a solid bop but be convincing too when the lyrics of the song get real.

OOKAY, “Mach 10”

Techno influences have made a big comeback in electronic music within the last year or so, and L.A. based dance producer Ookay maximizes their effect in the hyper-energetic instrumental track “Mach 10”. It’s got a herky-jerky, 90’s-flavoured rhythm with some 80’s British house elements as well. With “Mach 10”, Ookay (aka Abraham Laguna) keeps his Dim Mak label association flourishing, setting out to create a busy few minutes on the dance floor for you, and it delivers big time. Club DJ’s wanting to increase the intensity on the dance floor need only to drop “Mach 10” into a set and watch the crowd react.

GRAYtheband, “Unabashed and Hardy”

“Unabashed and Hardy” is a track from the debut album by Edmonton’s GRAYtheband, with whom I’ve familiarized you with previous singles “All Done” (also the album title) and “‘Bit Late”. GRAYtheband is a collective of a variety of artists using pop, R&B and hip hop styles, with the focal being vocalist/songwriter Gray Ford. We’ve heard Gray’s voice really soar in “All Done”, but in “Unabashed and Hardy” he uses a staccato kind of R&B singing style that doesn’t quite sound like anything else out there. I’m sure that’s not an easy vocal style to develop – such as with ‘scat’ singing – but Gray makes it sound easy, which makes the song an intriguing spin. Be sure to check out the entire All Done album for a stimulating listen that goes down easy, by an artist we’ll look forward to hearing more of in 2024.

BUSKING AROUND, “Guilt Free”

Busking Around (aka Eric Kendall) is a Detroit-area musician who has been performing for many years, but has only been releasing his own music for the last two years. “Guilt Free” is a bluesy bop of sorts that features Eric’s cello as the instrument of focus, which is something you won’t hear often on a pop release these days. The best way to convey what Busking Around is trying to achieve here are in his words:

” This song began as an exploration into the 2nd Line beats of New Orleans. The traditional wind and horns were replaced with a funkified cello arrangement, which laid a clear foundation on which the vocals could thrive. The result invokes that feeling of release in those rare moments when we can hit the pause button on our responsibilities.”

“Guilt Free” is one of those tracks that is probably best experienced live in concert in a small club setting. It’s a fun track with a personable, gritty vocal, and I would pitch it to fans of alternative R&B and blues-flavoured rock.