BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – September 27/23 spotlighting new songs by @BrightLightx2 #PeteCho @MarcoFoster_ #TheBoyFromTheSouth

Does music make you happy? If not it should, and perhaps you may need to find something new to listen to. All the more reason to read this week’s BILLCS New Music Report and check out the eight songs in the pop, dance and alternative genres within to see if any of them tickles your fancy in any way. I’m lucky to have so many decades of familiar music at my disposal that I can shift gears any day and pick out songs that I’ll always enjoy. For those of you whose vocabulary of songs is still growing, I especially encourage you to break down barriers with your choices and develop your own unique repertoire of favourites.

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 which wave our domestic flag in conjunction with some Canada Walk of Fame inductions that are taking place this week. And in case you missed them on Monday, you’ll learn what are currently #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 and the chart’s Fastest Riser.

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, “Down To One”

NYC-based Bright Light Bright Light continues to mine an impeccable roster of pop/dance releases with “Down To One”. BLx2 (aka Wales-born Rod Thomas) is in splendid voice in this tale about attraction to another guy for whom he’d literally use up all but one of his feline nine lives to be with. It also fits into the positive adage about having one life, so be sure to live it. The synth work shimmers, the melody glimmers, and that all makes “Down To One” a Bright Light Bright Light song that you’ll have on repeat.

PETE CHO, “Fan of You”

“Fan of You” is one of those rare songs that instantly creeps under your skin and stays there, thanks to a simple but effective hook that would resonate even more if performed in person. Chicago’s Pete Cho has crafted a warm and inviting pop release, which also features an uncredited rap two-third’s way through that fits like a glove, providing a bit of extra dimension to the song. “Fan of You” is quite different from the songs I’ve written about before either by or produced by Pete, and I’m all for following whatever path it takes him on.

MARCO FOSTER, “Movies”

Marco Foster is an NYC-based indie singer/songwriter who I’ve written about before (albeit not for several years now) and seen in concert early on in his career. After releasing a self-titled album of standards two years ago which show off his skills as an interpreter, Marco is back with new original music that seems to find his calling with the ballad “Movies”. It’s a classically-structured pop song that looks at movies through a romantic fantasy lens. The highlights are Marco’s admirable vocal and the song’s simple but effortless-sounding arrangement. “Movies” is a delight for lovers of pop ballads – they don’t often write ’em like this these days – and the many talents of Marco Foster are sure to surface in future releases.

THE BOY FROM THE SOUTH, “Man Down”

“Man Down” follows up the most recent whimsical delight from Spain’s The Boy From The South, “Amazing-Man”, which reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30 in the spring. There’s something really refreshing about these two songs, how they combine folk-style story-telling with effervescent pop melodies and create light-hearted fun. The Boy from the South has already garnered attention in London and Mexico City for his live shows, and a video for “Man Down” is forthcoming. Thanks to The Boy’s engaging lyrics and personality, like “Amazing-Man”, “Man Down” is a grower that’s elevated into something larger than would normally meet the ear. He’s got a special niche that he’s riding that will broaden in time, so now is the perfect time to get to know the songs by The Boy From The South.

FEATURING

RYAN SHEPHERD, DARLA JADE, “Deep of the Night”

Of late, Canadian dance producer Ryan Shepherd has been crafting anthemic songs that tell a story or shape a scenario that are highly relatable to his club going audience. Witness “Hello Sunday”, which became a series of same-named Sunday afternoon small club events, and his current BILLCS Top 30 charting song “Move It (Control My Mind)”, which can easily become the centrepiece of a frenetic club set. A bright vocal by Darla Jade sets the stage for the excitement that ensues in “Deep of the Night”, which is a prime candidate to kick off a fun deep house set at 2 a.m. Ryan Shepherd continues to keep the groove steady in his second release for Sonny Fodera’s Solotoko label.

DAVID ARCHULETA, “Afraid To Love”

I’m continue to enjoy hearing Utah’s David Archuleta reveling in a fun pop/dance style, of which “Afraid to Love” is his latest release. He continues to embrace it through matching his songs with fresh and enjoyable videos. The song is about being bold at the right time to embrace your love of another person, no matter what others say or think. I’ve been writing a lot about Swedish singer Darin, with whom David has a lot in common in terms of talent, style and joyous recent pop songs. As much as I enjoy what “Afraid to Love” has to offer, I’d love to see David and his team take a few cues from Darin, and allow his voice to soar more again in future songs. In the meantime, “Afraid to Love” and its video will certainly put a smile on your face, like when David is watching old clips of himself on TV in the video, allowing him to keep his past close but grab the future with gusto.

LOST FREQUENCIES, TOM GREGORY, “Dive”

It’s been a while since a song by Belgium’s Lost Frequencies (aka Felix de Laet) has come to my attention, though his collaboration with Calum Scott a few years back, “Where Are You Now”, became a huge worldwide hit and has nary been out of the public ear. His latest collaboration with vocalist Tom Gregory (who sung on “Never Let Me Down” by VIZE, which reached #2 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2020), called “Dive”, puts him back into deep house territory with an acoustic guitar melody blending with piano to create a satisfying backdrop for Tom’s familiar but engaging vocal. It’s hard to believe that Lost Frequencies first came to prominence with a remix of a country song “Are You With Me” back in 2015, which went to #1 throughout Europe and in the UK. “Dive” is a prime candidate for international dance music radio airplay so be sure to check it out.

TYLER GUNN, “A Million Miles”

Tyler Gunn is a new rock singer/songwriter from Toronto whose sound, like Steve Lacy and Black Pumas for example, is often an exception rather than a rule. “A Million Miles” is about confronting your feelings and making yourself “feel” – often a very individual thing to grasp and understand. The song has striking garage rock guitar sounds which recall early Lenny Kravitz, and percussion by veteran drummer Matt Johnson, who performed with the late great Jeff Buckley. Tyler’s voice gets a little buried in the soundscape, but “A Million Miles” eventually resonates with you through an intriguing young artist who clearly doesn’t want you to try and predict what he does next.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

and

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

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.

Swedish language hit “Satellit” by Darin (29-21)

“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 L.A. rock trio Cannons with “Loving You”

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.

“Cult” is by Barcelona-born, London-based talent Avi Kytes

“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.

Five Man Electrical Band – Signs (1971)
April Wine – Cum Hear The Band (1975)
Chilliwack – Rain-O (1970 or 1977)
Max Webster – A Million Vacations (1979)
Rush – Tom Sawyer (1981)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Troye Sivan gets his third #1 on the chart with the addictive “Rush”

#BILLCSTop30 #675 – September 25/23

Will the Autumn match the preceding months for quality of music? There’s always an opportunity to listen for more new favourites. My concert-going for the rest of the year will be pretty selective given what’s already out there but you never know what surprises will unfold. This chart has a new #1 and two debuts.

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.

Scoring his third #1 is Troye Sivan, from his upcoming album Something To Give Each Other, with the frenetic dance track “Rush” (above). It follows 2018’s “My My My!” and 2019’s “i’m so tired” (with Lauv). And continuing to precede the album release, Troye has unveiled a new single and video, “Got Me Started” (below), which shows how much time and effort he’s investing in learning some complex dance moves that leave the wiggling hips in “My My My!” far behind.

Toronto’s Francesco Yates climbs 5-3 with the infectious title track of his recent EP, “Little Rockstar”.

“Blame Brett” by Toronto’s The Beaches moves up 8-6 as their latest album, Blame My Ex, is released.

It’s now officially a Top 40 US radio hit! “Strings” by MAX, JVKE and Bazzi moves up 10-7.

Two new entries to the Top 10 line up behind some pretty strong songs. Voyajer’s debut release “Come Around” (above) has made short work of the chart, climbing 12-9, and right behind is Steve Agnello & WH0’s dynamic 90’s-flavoured house track, “What You Need” (13-10). British masked producers WH0 have also released two songs, one of which is “Boogie Down” (also below) with fellow UK producer James Hurr, and takes its cue from Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1981 smash “Let’s Groove”.

Another UK-based release that gives me 90’s house music flashbacks thanks to the hook lifted from Felix’s “Don’t You Want Me” is “Want My Lovin'” by Marvel Riot and American belter MOYA, which rises 18-11.

Visions of mirror balls will dance in your head when you listen and groove to Michael Medrano’s “raw and uncut” remix of “Disco Sleaze”, which climbs 24-17.

Friday September 29 is release day for Karen Harding’s debut album Take Me Somewhere! In the meantime be sure to check out her second collaboration with Vancouver’s Felix Cartal, “Need Your Love”, which rises 26-20.

The Fastest Riser on the chart gives pause to why a Swedish-language hit can’t become the same worldwide. Darin’s “Satellit” is as catchy as anything he’s recorded in English these past few years in his new dance/pop era, and soars 29-21. It’s from his album En Annan Jag (English translation: Another Me).

Toronto’s Alexander Stewart makes his debut appearance on the chart with his affecting ballad “I Wish You Cheated”, which arrives at #26. Alexander is currently opening on the “House On A Hill” tour for South Korean sensation Eric Nam, and their show comes into Toronto on October 16 at HISTORY. You may know Alexander for his 2020 Top 20 Canadian radio hit “Backwards”.

Also appearing on the chart for the first time are Swedish dance producer John Dahlbäck and American singer/songwriter Davis Mallory with their indie deep house collaboration “Top of the World” at #27. It’s a euphoric track that begins a little tentatively but once its groove kicks in you’re totally sold.

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.

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – September 20/23 spotlighting new songs by @GT_ofice @Throttle & @helloworldbeats @KarenHarding @ManilaKilla x @MYRNEmusic x @watchmeRUNN

The Report is back after a week’s absence, during which time of course I’ve been listening to lots of new music to keep them coming to you in this blog post week after week.

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 which span the years 1978-1986. You’ll also see what songs were in my Top 5 in my BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20… years ago feature.

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

GT_OFICE, JAYEM, ALIX ROBSON, “Can’t Deny”

“Can’t Deny” is a fierce end-of-summer piano-house banger brought to you courtesy of Miami producer GT_Ofice, New York producer JAYEM, and British vocalist Alix Robson. GT_Ofice continues to rise in the dance/pop world after Top 30 North American dance releases with VASSY (which went to #1 in the UK) and ALWZ SNNY. The musicianship in “Can’t Deny” is particularly strong with JAYEM and Alix also both musicians (piano, guitar) and producers. I often enjoy my dance bangers tight and intense, and “Can’t Deny” delivers big time. This one is for club and festival DJ’s who want to keep the fast pace going and make their dancers really sweat.

THROTTLE, helloworld, “Weightless Feeling”

Following up his intriguing take on Canadian performer EKKSTASY’s “I Walk This World All By Myself”, Australia’s Throttle (aka Robbie Bergin) continues to broaden his reach within the alternative electronic world with “Weightless Feeling”, in collaboration with L.A. producer helloworld. This is a far cry from early Throttle pop/dance remixes and his work with artists like Galantis and Oliver Heldens. It continues a more experimental path which he started with his 2019 EP Where U Are, which remains a personal favourite of mine, with “Dreamer” reaching #1 on the BILLCS Top 30. helloworld (aka Drew Wilken) has been producing and remixing for the last decade, though has only been releasing music as helloworld for the last three years and is part of the collective ASTRO. Both Throttle and helloworld seem to be on the same creative page with the sound they want to achieve, which in “Weightless Feeling” is joyous and liberating, and includes vocals by both producers. Add in a guitar solo and additional production by San Holo and “Weightless Feeling” should become a favourite for those who enjoy their electronica slightly left of centre.

KAREN HARDING, “Wrong Places”

UK house music queen Karen Harding is known for her unique, soulful vocal style and sound, which is often either powerful or sultry, whether singing solo or collaborating with producers like Digital Farm Animals, Felix Cartal, and Sammy Porter. It’s taken nearly 10 years, but Karen’s debut album Take Me Somewhere arrives on September 29, and “Wrong Places” is the first taste of that album, which will also include many of her best singles. If you don’t already know, Karen co-writes almost all of her songs (as well as those for others, too) and that gives her a special status in the dance music world. “Wrong Places” veers a bit into the alternative pop realm while still being a dance bop. Karen provides an edgy vocal which suits this darker song well. It’s a bit risky but immensely enjoyable for dance music lovers, and leaves us to ponder about other new songs which will be included in the album.

MANILA KILLA, MYRNE, RUNN, “Center of the World”

“Center of the World” is another dance track that is loaded with rich talent – frequent visitor to this blog and American producer of Filipino heritage Manila Killa, Singapore’s enduring producer MYRNE, and L.A.-based vocalist RUNN. This release marks a slight shift in direction for all three performers, in a trance-flavoured deep house track enriched with shifting moods led by exceptional synth work that also showcases RUNN’s softer vocal breaks. Despite the song’s dark and adventurous overtones, club goers will have fun with it when mixed with similar songs from the Anjunabeats roster or Above & Beyond.

FEATURING

SPENCER LUDWIG, CAPITAL CITIES, “Summertime with U”

Two big talents reunite – Spencer Ludwig was the original trumpeter for Capital Cities who went on to a solo career, winning a Latin Grammy for his work with Colombian performer Fonseca a few years back. Spencer and Capital Cities work some breezy electronic pop magic again with “Summertime with U” that highlights slick production and synth work, as well as a refreshing trumpet solo. While “Summertime with U” doesn’t really offer anything new, you can feel the enthusiasm and good vibes, and that all goes a long way.

MAX EHRICH, “Backroads”

Max Ehrich is a name you might not associate with music, but you probably know from the acting world or from his engaging Instagram posts which also regularly show off his toned physique. The New Jersey-born talent, was 4 times Emmy-nominated for his role of Fenmore Baldwin on TV’s “The Young & The Restless”, and recently played the lead role in the film “Southern Gospel”. Max is also a dancer and has released other music but “Backroads” is his first in three years and marks a fresh start. It’s an R&B/hip hop flavoured track that will draw in fans of Justin Bieber or Justin Timberlake, with an easy-going rhythm and an alluring story. Even with some effects, you can hear the quality and natural ability in his voice, so this is no one-off. “Backroads” is good-natured, solid pop release that shows promise.

AUTOPILOT, “Unwound”

Autopilot is a three-piece alternative rock outfit from Saskatchewan, whose sound is broad enough to appeal to fans of Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nickelback, Arkells, and Monowhales, and everything in-between. They’ve found their footing and tight sound through frequent touring, and are about to release their first album in five years. It’s preceded by “Unwound”, which is a rousing, radio-friendly, anthemic rocker that’s a good introduction to anyone who hasn’t heard their music before. It follows up three singles which have received positive reaction from American radio stations. Featuring kick-ass drumming and urgent vocals, Autopilot delivers the rock ‘n roll goods that most of us enjoy in a live show, so watch for tour dates in a city near you.

JESSA, “Sleep with Boys”

Jessa is a new talent currently based in L.A. who has released her debut alt.pop single, “Sleep with Boys”. The lyrics put the protagonist in a love-hate relationship with herself, questioning why she does things which only lead to heartbreak. Fans of Olivia Rodrigo and Jessie Reyez will dig Jessa’s voice, and the clever melody is an affecting grower which will make you empathize with the situation. “Sleep with Boys” is co-written and produced by Pete Cho and college and alternative radio stations should latch onto it easily.

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.

Felix Cartal and Karen Harding re-team for “Need Your Love”

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

German producer TheFatRat with American vocalist Cecilia Gault and “Chasing Gravity”

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.

Reggae veterans Michael Franti and Spearhead bring you “Vibe Check (My Kinda Party)”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Toto – Hold The Line
Pete Townshend – Let My Love Open The Door
Sheila E – The Glamorous Life
Robert Palmer – Addicted To Love
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Kiss On My List

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2018

01 EVERYBODY NEEDS A KISS Benny Benassi & Sofi Tukker

02 BROKEN LOVE The Him featuring Parson James

03 GET DOWN RetroVision

04 I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU (Victor Dinaire/Bissen remix) Tony Moran featuring Jason Walker

05 BLACKLIST Lostchild

2013

01 BLACK LIGHT (Stormby remix) Kaden

02 AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME Ryan Adamés

03 REWIND Neverest

04 SKIRT Kylie Minogue

05 VOCAL Pet Shop Boys

2008

01 BEATING MY HEART Jon Mclaughlin

02 DREAM CATCH ME Newton Faulkner

03 VIVA LA VIDA Coldplay

04 CRUSH David Archuleta

05 BLACK AND GOLD Sam Sparro

2003

01 SIMPLY BEING LOVED (SOMNAMBULIST) BT

02 ABSOLUTELY ZERO Jason Mraz

03 I’LL DO ANYTHING Jason Mraz

04 SUPERFABULOUS BT featuring Rose McGowan

05 NEVER (PAST TENSE) The Roc Project featuring Tina Arena

#BILLCSTop30 #674 – September 11/23

The new chart is a day late owing to an evening with family before I head to Austin for the fourth time for a few days of heat, great food and music, ‘weirdness’, and overall change of scenery. This week’s New Music Pick of the Week radio segment premieres on Radio GTA tomorrow evening as the 3D Variety Show is on vacation for two weeks. Five new songs arrive in this edition of the BILLCS Top 30.

It’s hard when two of your favourite songs of the year battle it out, but this week Alesso’s early 2010’s melodic house throwback “Without You” scores a second appearance at #1

The only song keeping “Without You” from another appearance at #1 in two weeks is Troye Sivan’s “Rush”, which climbs 4-2. Do check out its recent remix featuring Pink Pantheress and Hyunjin of Stray Kids.

I just love the emotional qualities about “Bleach (Move On)” by Cash Cash, which moves up 5-4. The whole story about moving on from our younger days when we all did some stupid things, and not being judged by those things, is refreshing. It’s more of a rock-flavoured electronic pop effort from the Cash Cash lads, and shame on dance music radio for giving it a miss.

The Beaches’ album Blame My Ex arrives this week and the fun “Blame Brett” rises 11-8.

Although her halcyon days were the 80’s and 90’s, Hazell Dean has concocted a delightful and danceable original retro blast called “100% Pure Love” and it moves up 13-9.

Rising 17-10 is NYC’s MAX, who scores his 10th Top 10 on this chart with “Strings”. It features JVKE, and becomes his 4th consecutive Top 10 this year, and Bazzi, and its video above, hot off the presses, stars social media darling Dixie D’Amelio.

“Come Around” is an outstanding debut single by American dance producer Voyajer and it soars 21-12.

It’s Steve Angello and WH0, though, that have the Fastest Riser on the chart with the powerhouse 90’s flavoured house track “What You Need”, up 23-13.

Another 90’s-influenced house track, “Want My Lovin'” by Marvel Riot and MOYA, moves up 26-18, except this one revolves around the hook of Felix’s 1992 dance club #1 “Don’t You Want Me”.

The Highest Debut belongs to L.A.’s Michael Medrano with the “raw and uncut” remix of “Disco Sleaze”, originally from his LoveSexDrugs album, and arrives at #24. It’s Michael’s third visit to the chart, where “i don’t wanna talk about love” peaked at #5 in early 2022.

Next at #26 is “Need Your Love” by Canada’s Felix Cartal and England’s Karen Harding. This new collaboration is their second together, with “Only One” reaching #9 in 2021. It’s Felix’s 5th chart entry and Karen’s 8th.

Though he’s a star in the UK, most of the world knows Tom Grennan from his vocal on Joel Corry’s “Lionheart (Fearless)”, which got to #4 on the chart at the top of the year. Tom’s UK Top 20 hit “How Does It Feel” gets a remix from those fun British twin producers, ALTÉGO, and it’s now transformed into a even more riveting bop.

I’ve never charted a song sung in Swedish before, but in 25 years of charts, there’s still a first time for everything. From his upcoming Swedish album En Annan Jag, it’s Darin, taking the recent success of his pop/dance recordings into his own native language with “Satellit” at #29. It’s Darin’s 12th appearance on the chart. His first was back in 2008!

I saw James Bay perform for the first time in August. I don’t think it’s been widely publicized how masterful of a guitarist he is, trading off six guitars for various songs throughout the set. His new one is “Goodbye Never Felt So Bad” (#30), and its new video features footage from the show which was at HISTORY in Toronto. It’s James’ fifth appearance on the chart going back to 2015, and follows up his #4 from this year, “Brilliant Still”.

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 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 (on vacation until September 26)

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 25 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

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 – September 6/23 spotlighting songs by @John_Dahlback & @DavisMallory @itsHARIZ @ConorMaynard in a @SamFeldtmusic remix @HunterPlake

Here I go travelling again, with my latest adventure taking me back to Austin next Wednesday for the first time in six years. With Austin though I am always guaranteed to find some great music, as well as plenty of fine food and ‘weirdness’, and I have a few shows in mind that I may attend. Consequently, this Report will not publish next week but will return on Wednesday, September 20!

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 which zero in on the year 1990. And at the bottom of this post, I republish my BILLCS Top 30 chart from this week in 2007!!

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

JOHN DAHLBACK, DAVIS MALLORY, “Top of the World”

Like Davis Mallory’s sinfully catchy track which I wrote about last year, “James Bond”, his new collaboration with Swedish dance producer John Dahlbäck on “Top of the World” is a zinger out of left field. Davis provides another ear-catching, feel good vocal that positions the listener for an immersive three minutes. “Top of the World” is a much more produced effort with a propulsive and celebratory bass-synth-laden instrumental hook that’s guaranteed to stay stuck in your head. Once that momentum is set in “Top of the World”, the only direction is straight ahead and you’re guaranteed a really good time.

HARIZ, “X My Mind”

L.A. pop singer/songwriter HARIZ looks to be someone to keep your ears out for as he plans for a 2024 album release, if his fine and catchy song “X My Mind” is any indication. I happened to catch HARIZ (real name Justin Hariz – he also has a twin brother) open up in concert for JVKE in Toronto, and was quite taken by his confident, animated performance and amiable on-stage personality. It turns out that he’s a classically trained multi-instrumentalist and has won songwriting contests, so there is a lot of pedigree in HARIZ’s roots. He’s a solid vocalist and showed off some astute guitar skills too. So be sure to introduce yourself to HARIZ through “X My Mind” as I’m sure there is much more to come.

CONOR MAYNARD, “Storage” (Sam Feldt remix)

It’s hard in some ways to believe that it’s been 11 years since Brighton, England-born singer Conor Maynard arrived on the scene with songs like “Can’t Say No” and “Turn Around”, which led the way for six UK Top 10 hits. He’s never stopped releasing music since, including collaborations of late with Alok, Hardwell, HRVY, and even Shaggy, and has also performed on Broadway in England. “Storage” in its original version is a perfectly fine ballad about obsessive love overload from Conor’s recent album +11 Hours, his first since 2016. But Dutch superstar dance producer Sam Feldt has given it an unexpected huge life in a bouncy big room remix that pulls out every drop of emotion and leaves it in a puddle on the dance floor. The dance genre has always suited Conor’s often passionate R&B-flavours, and this remix of “Storage” could easily find a place on dance music radio stations.

HUNTER PLAKE, “Numb”

I noticed recently that Hunter Plake, who finished in the Top 5 of “The Voice” several seasons back, was back recording solo music after recording for a few years pre-pandemic with his brother Dakota as the duo Plake. With “Numb”, the Baton Rouge native has now steered into the direction of guitar-driven alt.rock and has come up with a sound not unlike post new wave rock of the 80’s, meshed with a familiar melodic style that I’d associate with 2000’s performers like Lifehouse or 3 Doors Down. “Numb” however contains the angst and frustration in its lyrics that remind me more of the 80’s alt.rock, culminating with its repeated message “I don’t want to be numb”. It shows another side of Hunter Plake that I didn’t hear on “The Voice” or his recordings with his brother, and he’s released several other songs so far in 2023. So now may be the time to get to know (or reacquaint yourself with) the music of Hunter Plake as he sets a new course to find the success that should have been waiting for him right after “The Voice”.

FEATURING

TYLER GARRETT, “Close to You”

L.A.-based electronic artist Tyler Garrett is back with a song that shows another side to his music called “Close to You”. It’s a warm and inviting electronic love song that shows off his voice from a different perspective than edgier recent tracks like “Automatic” and “Slowly Drowning”. The production is rich and layered with a potent groove but gives you time to come up for air. “Close to You” is for the romantic in us but is geared for electronic fans of trance and techno particularly. It’s a bit long in the middle but always keeps your attention.

WIN & WOO, BRIAN CORBETT, “Wonder” (club mix)

Chicago dance producers Win & Woo continue to grow with their choice of songs and collaborators, and “Wonder” is a prime example. This time they team with Irish folk/pop singer Brian Corbett, who brings the sound of an ages old soul with his storytelling style in this unique dance mix. It’s hardly the first time that folk/pop and electronic music have been fused, but often it’s not with the right song, and “Wonder” is the first song I’ve heard in a while to be successful at it. The weary-eyed hopefulness of “Wonder” takes a few listens but ultimately draws you in thanks also to Win & Woo’s flair for balance and melody in their craft.

ANDREAS LIBEROS, “Surrender”

British singer/songwriter Andreas Liberos follows up his release from earlier this year “Bonfire” with “Surrender”, another song that exudes all kinds of immediate positive vibes. This one is set to a danceable backdrop with some Caribbean or African inspiration that accentuates the positive even more. “Surrender” becomes a joyous ode to finding that time when you just need to let everything go, for your own benefit, and Andreas once again provides a soulful, cheery R&B-influenced vocal that drives the song’s message home.

DLG., “Kung Fu”

“Kung Fu” is a mellow, moody offering from L.A.-based electronic artist DLG. (aka Dave de la Garza). The song is as much inspired musically by Justin Bieber and Drake as it might be by Rüfüs Du Sol or Odesza. It treads a happy middle-ground to tell a story about obsessive love, with DLG.’s vocal sung-spoke as you might find with other alternative electronic artists (Shoffy comes to mind). It’s his first release since the Spring and electronic music fans will enjoy inserting “Kung Fu” into their playlists for a change of pace and flavour.

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.

Swedish House Mafia’s Steve Angello and UK producers WH0 with “What You Need”

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

L.A.-based singer/songwriter David Kushner has a worldwide hit with “Daylight”

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.

British producer and songwriter Scott The Pisces and singer Ashley Alisha bring you “Euphoric”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Alannah Myles – Black Velvet
Janet Jackson – Escapade
New Kids On The Block – Step By Step
Taylor Dayne – Love Will Lead You Back
James Ingram – I Don’t Have The Heart

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2007

Leading the list is my favourite Amy Winehouse song, with Timbaland and Darren Hayes with multiple songs, Tiesto collaborating with BT, and the highest debut from the Cast of ‘Hairspray’!

06 01 TEARS DRY ON THEIR OWN Amy Winehouse
02 02 THE WAY I ARE Timbaland featuring Keri Hilson, D.O.E. & Sebastian
01 03 STEP INTO THE LIGHT Darren Hayes
16 04 THE FEAR YOU WON’T FALL Joshua Radin
13 05 MAKE ME BETTER Fabolous featuring Ne-Yo
09 06 SHAKE TRAMP Marianas Trench
03 07 DESTINATION CALABRIA Alex Gaudino featuring Crystal Waters
10 08 UGLY IS BEAUTIFUL David Usher
17 09 STRONGER Kanye West featuring Daft Punk
12 10 ON THE VERGE OF SOMETHING WONDERFUL Darren Hayes
11 11 RELAX (TAKE IT EASY) Mika
04 12 TULSA Rufus Wainwright
05 13 YESTERDAY MAN Roz Bell
24 14 APOLOGIZE Timbaland featuring One Republic
22 15 WAKE UP CALL Maroon 5
07 16 LEAVING FOR PARIS NO. 2 Rufus Wainwright
27 17 LAST TIME George
08 18 BREAK MY FALL Tiesto featuring BT
26 19 LOVE IS GONE David Guetta featuring Chris Willis
25 20 I FELL IN LOVE WITH THE DJ Chenelle featuring Baby Cham
21 21 WHINE UP Kat DeLuna featuring Elephant Man
14 22 INSATIABLE Elise Estrada
New 23 YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT Cast Of ‘Hairspray’
19 24 WAIT FOR YOU Elliott Yamin
New 25 BREAKAWAY (Chris Fraser main mix) Inaya Day
New 26 LE DISKO Shiny Toy Guns
18 27 NEVER AGAIN Kelly Clarkson
New 28 DON’T WANNA DbClifford
20 29 DO YOU KNOW (THE PING PONG SONG) Enrique Iglesias
28 30 YOU’LL ASK FOR ME Tyler Hilton

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – August 30/23 spotlighting new songs by @FelixCartal & @KarenHarding @Moonwoodmusic @PeterFoldy @JerinJamesmusic

This week’s Report has eight fine new tracks for you to get to know that span the pop, rock, electronic and dance genres. It’s increasingly hard to whittle down my weekly list of new offerings to eight, but I somehow manage to do it, carrying over songs with potential to the following week if need be.

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 that take us back to 1987 this week. And in case you missed them, you’ll find out which songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

FELIX CARTAL, KAREN HARDING, “Need Your Love”

“Need Your Love” is the follow-up to 2021’s “Only One” (which peaked at #9 on the BILLCS Top 30) we were waiting for by the dream team of Canadian dance producer Felix Cartal and UK house music queen Karen Harding. It’s a vibrant and emotional track which is well suited for both dance music and Top 40 radio, as well as clubs. Karen’s potent and affecting vocal, which has a similar impact as Loreen’s “Tattoo”, plays off splendidly against Felix’s melodies and song structure. “Need Your Love” also offers other creators a chance to listen to how a record can be made smartly, with the result being an instant new favourite. And be prepared folks – Felix plays the Burning Man festival this weekend, while Karen has her debut album, Take Me Somewhere, coming at the end of September.

MOONWOOD, “Let It Go”

Australian-American quintet Moonwood return with a take on a classic rock ballad with “Let It Go”. Although “Let It Go” is just over 5 minutes long, it’s a dreamy and sometimes heart-wrenching ballad that commands your attention, as the protagonist is stuck waiting for a train in town while communicating with his lover, who is uncertain about their relationship, and he realizes it may in fact be over. Moonwood is one tight unit as a band and once again singer Jake McCullough delivers an impressive vocal that will keep you glued to the story.

PETER FOLDY, “Jump Like This”

L.A.-based Canadian singer/songwriter Peter Foldy returns with another bubbly reggae-spiced release, “Jump Like This”. The song is all about what makes you jump with joy, something that doesn’t happen all too often to everyone, but it’s a high that’s hard to come down from when it happens. The easy-going, summery melody follows similarly bright pop singles like “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Friend Zone”. Peter has always had a knack for capturing special moments in time going back to his biggest Canadian success, “Bondi Junction”, and while he’s busy working more in film these days as a director and producer, I’m glad he continues to delight us with songs like “Jump Like This”.

JERIN JAMES, “Fly Away”

L.A.-based, Pennsylvania-born dance producer Jerin James returns after a protracted absence with the first single from his upcoming debut album The Wanderers, “Fly Away”. I’ve written about Jerin’s songs a number of times before, and his initial single “Birds and Bees” (featuring Devorano) reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2020. “Fly Away” is a short (2:09) and much more progressive effort, with a bold, commanding backdrop and wordless vocals that are woven together as if they were making a foreign language unto themselves. “Fly Away” is a solid re-introduction to Jerin and his new project, which happily is released through Moe Shalizi’s label Pick Six Records.

FEATURING

ROBBY HURRICANE, “We Got The Beat”

Toronto-area rock band Robby Hurricane have totally nailed their first release, a surprising cover of The Go Go’s “We Got The Beat”. The guys have the post-punk era vibe of the song down pat as well as the gritty energy of the original, which makes it so much fun, and the video (above) looks like it was shot in a… garage! Robby Hurricane came to be as a trio after guitarist/vocalist Sal Costa left the short-lived quartet Bonds of Mara, and consists of vocalist/guitarist Bryan Crouch, drummer Daryl Ralph and bassist Dave Benedict (ex- of Juno Award winning rock band Default). Go Go’s fans and those familiar with the band members’ previous works will totally get off on “We Got The Beat”.

JAY BIRD, “Losing My Mind”

Earlier this year, Bay Area electronic dance producer Jay Bird brought us the infectious bass-laden deep house track “All Night Long”, and “Losing My Mind” continues in that vein as another immediate dance floor draw. Like producers such as Fisher or Acraze, Jay Bird moves away once again from a vocalist-driven track to one that’s carried by the rhythm and beats, and the repeated vocals are produced to allow you to be your craziest on the dance floor, should the mood strike you. It’s great to see Jay Bird expand his production techniques with fast and furious tracks like “Losing My Mind”.

PAULINE HERR, joegarratt, “heartbreak”

“heartbreak” is a big future bass ballad which is so chock full of emotion, that it may be one of those rare songs you hear at an EDM show in a stadium which might cause your eyes to well up. American producer Pauline Herr and UK singer/songwriter joegarratt feed off each others talents, as Pauline goes to shake the room with huge future bass beats while joe wrings his voice dry. “heartbreak” is from the latest Bitbird compilation Gouldian Finch 5, which also features tracks by San Holo, Tails, OBLVYN, nikita the wicked, Eastghost, and other electronic music favourites.

JOHN PAUL WHITE, WILDO DM, “Big Love”

If you’ve ever wondered how an artist might cover as complex a track as Fleetwood Mac’s “Big Love”, then listen to the collaboration of the Grammy Award-winning half of The Civil Wars, John Paul White, and Swedish production outfit Wildo DM (who handpicked John Paul for the song) deliver the goods. In its original form, “Big Love” is all Lindsey Buckingham, no other members of Fleetwood Mac even played on it, with a wondrous, irrepressible vocal. The artists scale “Big Love” back, but not to the point of being yet another acoustic take. Both clearly understand how intense the original is, and John Paul is bang on with his expressive vocal and guitar playing. The production by Wildo DM presents some delightful subtleties that flesh out the backing track. Fans of the original song, Lindsey Buckingham, and John Paul White, will be pleased and impressed.

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 25 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Unstoppable” by NYC-based dance producer GATTŪSO

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

To celebrate Michael Jackson’s 65th birthday yesterday, it’s “Beat It” by Old Jim and Victor Perry

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.

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Gregory Abbott – Shake You Down
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Los Lobos – La Bamba
Whitesnake – Here I Go Again
Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Sweden’s Alesso gets his first #1 with “Without You”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Toronto’s Francesco Yates moves up 16-7 with the title song from his recent EP Little Rockstar

#BILLCSTop30 #673 – August 28/23

As the music world continues to be moving at a faster pace than ever, trying to give new releases the full attention they deserve becomes challenging, so if I haven’t come to an opinion about a song after an initial listen, I’ll defer it to the following week. Regardless it keeps the chart fresh and the activity continuous. And if my top two songs hadn’t been competing with each other, the last chart’s #1 would be at the top again.

So replacing Conan Gray’s brilliant “Never Ending Song” at #1 is Alesso’s stunning “Without You”, which becomes the Swedish producer’s first #1 on this chart. And it has challengers for the top in two weeks immediately below.

Benson Boone inches up 4-3 with “Coffee Cake”, a deeper cut from his EP Pulse, as last year’s “In The Stars” continues to attract attention at Top 40 radio.

Making a significant move is “Rush” by Troye Sivan, which soars 10-4. It’s definitely one of Troye’s best releases, putting him back into dance music territory with his solo releases, and now receiving traction at dance music radio. It’s from his forthcoming album Something To Give Each Other.

Francesco Yates replaces himself in the Top 10 with the chart’s Fastest Riser and his sixth visit to the Top 10, “Little Rockstar” (16-7) from the EP of the same name, while “Thunderbomb” departs the Top 10 after peaking at #9.

German Grammy winner Purple Disco Machine gets his first Top 10 with the sophisticated funky dance/pop of “Substitution” (11-8) in collaboration with French producer Kungs and vocalist Julian Perretta. It’s Kungs’ second visit to the Top 10, following 2021’s fun #2 “Never Going Home”.

Ryan Shepherd’s five entries to the chart have now all reached the Top 10 thanks to “Move It (Control My Mind)”, which advances 13-9. Vocalist Heather Janssen also picks up her second visit to the Top 10, following 2019’s “Who’s Gonna Love U” (#6). You can also check out Ryan’s recent release with Malou called “Feel So Good” below.

Hazell Dean’s bright new original dance release “100% Pure Love” continues to advance, moving up 20-13.

All of the debuts from the last chart are off to a great start, all moving up seven or more places. Leading the way is “Strings” by MAX, JVKE and Bazzi, rising 25-17. JVKE is also at #6 this week as a part of “Angel, Pt. 2”. I’m looking forward to his show today in my city too!

UK singer/songwriter Sam Dickinson’s pop/dance release “Falling” climbs 26-19. Make sure you follow Sam on your socials to find out what more is happening with this and his other upcoming releases and concerts!

GATTUSO’s third visit to this chart with “Unstoppable” (above) rises 27-20, while the debut release by American dance/electronic producer Voyajer, “Come Around” (below), climbs 28-21. You can also check out GATTUSO’s recent release “Moonlight” (with Laidback Luke and Antrex) above.

The potent deep house and soulful wallop of “What You Need” by Steve Angello and WH0 arrives as the Highest Debut at #23. Steve is the second member of Swedish House Mafia to visit the chart. Axwell had two Top 10’s in 2005-6 with “Watch The Sunrise” (#7) and “Feel The Vibe” (#2), while Swedish House Mafia of course has charted twice, with #1 “Don’t You Worry Child” in 2012, and last year with “Turn On The Lights Again” (#3, with Fred Again.. and Future). Only Sebastian Ingrosso has yet to chart as a solo artist. And mysterious British producers WH0 previously reached #12 in 2021 with “Better Day” (with Nile Rodgers and Josh Barry).

UK dance producers Marvel Riot arrive on the chart for the first time with “Want My Lovin'” (#26) in collaboration with sensational powerhouse vocalist MOYA. The song is based on the instrumental hook of Felix’s 1992 club smash “Don’t You Want Me” (which in turn was based on Jomanda’s 1990 release “Don’t You Want My Love”). MOYA previously reached #15 with UK/Irish producers Menerva last year with “You”.

Alex Sampson is a new pop singer out of Atitokan, Ontario, a small rural town north west of Thunder Bay. He has popular Instagram and Tik Tok pages, which helped him land a deal with Warner Music. His fun track “WANT YOU!” bows at #29 and reminds me a lot of one of my favourite Canadian bands, Marianas Trench.

Also making his debut on the chart is Toronto-based pop/soul singer JRDN with “What Do I Got To Do” at #30. JRDN (aka Jordon Croucher) is in comeback mode, having had big domestic radio hits in 2010 that went Gold, “U Can Have It All” and “Like Magic”. JRDN’s rich, versatile vocal is the star of this release, which is picking up steam at Top 40 radio in Canada.

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 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 25 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

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 – August 23/23 spotlighting songs by Brandyn Burnette @EMAN8 @FredAgainagainagain1 & @Obongjayar @_AlexanderStew Tim Young @soundslikeTim

My summer concert swing is in full effect and I’m enjoying it. Though it technically began when I saw Illenium’s stadium show at Barclay Centre in New York City at the beginning of July – wow so long ago, already? – it has continued this month with shows by long-time favourites SAGA and James Bay, local CNE fair shows from Dionne Warwick and Amanda Marshall, and continues this week with concerts by my good friend Rob Preuss (ex-Spoons and Honeymoon Suite), JVKE, and Images in Vogue with Toronto’s Kinga opening. No need to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars for great shows when there is so much talent playing clubs and mid-size venues for reasonable prices.

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 focusing on songs from 1976. And you’ll find out what the hottest songs on the BILLCS Top 30 were 5-10-15-20 years ago!

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

BRANDYN BURNETTE, “sunset eyes”

I’ve showcased the music of L.A.-based singer/songwriter Brandyn Burnette in this blog for 9 years now, when I was first captivated by his enduring “Thanks for Nothing” (whose T-shirt has always prompted interesting glances or responses when I’ve worn it). Brandyn hasn’t released a lot of music since his Canadian Top 40 radio smash last year with DVBBS, “Summer Nights” (which reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30), and “sunset eyes” is a welcome return to the indie pop style that fostered his long-term fan base. “sunset eyes” is an appropriately dreamy song about how much he adores his better half and how she looks back at him. There’s nothing complex about it, and the light rhythmic arrangement captures the SoCal beach vibe well. No muss, no fuss, I’ll take a song like this by Brandyn anytime!

FRED AGAIN.., OBONGJAYAR, “adore u”

One of the most unique releases you’ll hear all year is “adore u” by UK electronic producer and fan favourite Fred Again.., in collaboration with London-based Nigerian vocalist/songwriter Obongjayar (aka Steven Umoh). It’s already off to a great start in the UK, where it has debuted inside the Top 20. What’s most interesting is the vocal by Obongjayar, which Fred Again.. has given a fluttery kind of sound atop sometimes minimal production, though Fred has invested in creating some African-like rhythms too. To give the song another surprise layer, Fred has built “adore u” around a 1984 release by The Fat Boys called “Stick ‘Em”. You can’t deny all of the effort that has gone into making “adore u” a delightful experience for the attentive music listener. Check out the live performance video of the song above.

ALEXANDER STEWART, “I Wish You Cheated”

Toronto’s Alexander Stewart broke out with his Canadian radio hit “Backwards” from the album of the same name in 2020, but his releases went quiet until this year, when he resurfaced on a retake of Dylan Conrique’s “Birthday Cake” as a duet. Following the success of similar vocalists like Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray and Benson Boone, Alexander’s “I Wish You Cheated” is a perfect fit into that landscape of potential Top 40 pop. It’s a self-reflective ballad, when you realize you’re the one to blame for the end of a relationship, which puts the other half on a pedestal and to whom other future relationships will be hard to compare. It’s an interesting angle for sure in a song which has already racked up 5 million+ streams on Spotify alone. Alexander is currently touring with K-POP star Eric Nam, whose show I may check next month when I’m in the US.

Alexander Stewart also opens for Eric Nam at HISTORY on October 16, 2023 in Toronto.

TIM YOUNG, “Supernova”

I recently wrote about Tim Young’s lush electronic pop release “Lavender”, and coming at us from a similar gay love story vantage point is “Supernova” – but this time it’s a ballad backed entirely by piano and cello. Like “Lavender”, “Supernova” is about a past lover, with the title flower being the connection. It’s a soaring, universal ballad reminiscing about how they were when then were at their best together. And while the story was the star of “Lavender” amid a lot of production, it’s Tim’s powerful voice this time that is duly showcased, and you can hear why the NYC-based performer has been part of two Grammy-winning projects, the play “Dear Evan Hansen” and the film “The Greatest Showman”. Check out the video above for some captivating choreography.

FEATURING

MARIA WILMAN, “Roll Your Soul”

The first thing that you’re going to notice about London-based, Bilbao, Spain-born Maria Wilman’s “Roll Your Soul” is how much at times she sounds like Chrissie Hynde. And I think the passionate side of that kind of voice is used effectively in Maria’s brand of alternative rock. “Roll Your Soul” seems ages old but fresh at the same time, in its story of how much you might choose to gamble to obtain power and gold, specifically. It’s culled from Maria’s debut album, Dark Horse, recorded between 2019 and 2022. She’s only been releasing music for the past few years but chose to make a fresh start in music – at age 50. That itself is a risk-taker, but when the music gods are guiding you, it’s hard not to follow them. “Roll Your Soul” can sure rock with the best of them.

WAITING FOR SMITH, “Let Light In”

Netherlands-based British talent Harry Lloyd is the kind of every day guy you’d enjoy spending time with over a beer in a pub, if his genuinely happy Instagram feed is any indication. His thoughtful and touching release “Heal” got to #10 earlier this year on the BILLCS Top 30. “Let Light In” is a folk-flavoured singalong to positivity from which we can all take notes. It may seem a little idyllic at times, but “Let Light In” is mood-changer that would probably be best heard in concert. Harry’s knowing vocal – he spent a year recovering from a broken back suffered in a skiing accident – is flush with warm honesty, making “Let Light In” so easy to enjoy.

MELØ, “Don’t Feel A Thing”

Windsor-based talent MELØ veers into danceable pop with “Don’t Feel A Thing”, which follows up his recent more rock-flavoured release “King of Nothing”, which I wrote about a while back. It’s an 80s/90s flavoured track that examines a relationship that is pretty much over and has gone numb, and why we put on the faςade of arguing when it’s not needed. The song’s brisk pace and some top notch saxophone work provide nice contrast to MELØ’s dark but knowing vocal and the song’s irrefutable lyrics.

NEEDS NO SLEEP, KXNE, “Kryptonite”

“Kryptonite” is a fun late night dance track by Australian dance producer Needs No Sleep (who charted a few years back on the BILLCS Top 30 with the #9 “Unnatural”) and UK singer KXNE, who also produces under the moniker DXSH. What sets apart “Kryptonite” from other techno-inspired deep house tracks is the distinct vocal by KXNE. For some reason “Kryptonite” is rhymed with “crib tonight”, and KXNE has a good time playing with nonsensical lyrics like this. The music anticipates his verses with a call-and-respond kind of melody, and this release is a winner for those who want to groove along.

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 25 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

UK singer/songwriter Sam Dickinson returns with his pop/dance release “Falling”

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

“I Walk This Earth All By Myself” is from Australian electronic producer Throttle

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.

The veteran German duo ItaloBrothers team up with CHIPZ for the 90’s throwback “1001 Arabian Nights”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Kiss – Beth
Klaatu – Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft
Ohio Players – Love Rollercoaster
Manhattans – Kiss And Say Goodbye
Wild Cherry – Play That Funky Music

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2018

01 BROKEN LOVE The Him featuring Parson James

02 PINK LEMONADE James Bay

03 NO PLACE Rüfüs Du Sol

04 SUBTERRANEAN/ESTRANGED Bobby Nourmand

05 GET DOWN RetroVision

2013

01 BLACK LIGHT (Stormby’s Mix) Kaden

02 VOCAL Pet Shop Boys

03 AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME Ryan Adamés

04 BEGGING Anton Ewald

05 SKIRT Kylie Minogue

2008

01 BEATING MY HEART Jon Mclaughlin

02 DREAM CATCH ME Newton Faulkner

03 BLACK AND GOLD Sam Sparro

04 STAMP YOUR FEET Donna Summer

05 FOREVER Chris Brown

2003

01 SIMPLY BEING LOVED (SOMNAMBULIST) BT

02 AS THE RUSH COMES (Tiësto remix) Motorcycle [aka Gabriel & Dresden]

03 ABSOLUTELY ZERO Jason Mraz

04 YET ANOTHER DAY Armin van Buuren featuring Ray Wilson

05 BEAUTIFUL THINGS Andain

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – August 16/23 spotlighting new songs by @Darinofficial @MarvelRiot & @MOYAangela @TheDiscoFries & @thisisReigns

I have no commentary to add this week, so I’ll just let the bounty of music within this week’s Report speak for itself!! I’ll just mention that Toronto rock project Mobius Radio has both a featured song and a pick of the week by our own Big Daddy!

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 features well-remembered smashes from 1971. If you missed them, you’ll also find out what’s #1 this week on the BILLCS Top 30, and what song is the Fastest Riser on the chart.

The BILLCS New Music Report is 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 the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

DARIN, “Satellit”

Sweden’s Darin continues to prove that the pop/dance direction set by his comeback English single “Can’t Stay Away” almost three years ago is engaging and vibrant with his recent Swedish-language original single “Satellit”. It seems only natural to choose to write a Swedish song in support of his arena tour in his home country, and language barrier or not, “Satellit” is another natural progression that follows up last year’s EP My Purple Clouds and its fantastic songs “Superstar” and “Satisfaction”, which reached #2 and #1 respectively on the BILLCS Top 30. I can’t get enough of this era of Darin, which has also attracted Italian dance music audiences who also embraced “Can’t Stay Away”. What I’m saying is that it doesn’t matter if “Satellit” is sung in Swedish – if you enjoyed his other recent English singles then you’ll find that “Satellit” continues to whet your palate for more pop/dance originals in this vein from Darin.

MARVEL RIOT, MOYA, “Want My Lovin'”

UK production duo Marvel Riot are going places if their impressive work on “Want My Lovin'” is any indication, and it’s no wonder Spinnin’ has released it. The song is actually based on Felix’s worldwide early 90’s smash “Don’t You Want Me” (which in turn was based on Jomanda’s 1990 release “Don’t You Want My Love”), and the classic Eurohouse synth hook used in this update is refreshing and will be a highlight requiring a lot of flashing lights in a club set. The addition of powerhouse vocalist MOYA to this release adds to the 90’s flavour but also gives it additional dimension, considering the vocals on the Jomanda version were quite different and the Felix version was largely an instrumental. I know you may be thinking that we don’t need yet another redux of a classic built around some new lyrics, but when they are this well done and not phoned in like some recent big hits, then you listen for the inspiration of the original(s) to help make the rest of the song work.

THE DISCO FRIES, REIGNS, “Another World”

Venerable dance music producers The Disco Fries have unleashed their third album, Another World, and as might be anticipated, it offers a bevy of songs with talented friends. Included are “Pieces”, the national #1 dance radio smash with VASSY and Bingo Players, as well as recent singles “Give Me Your Soul” (with Miami’s Eche Palante), “Alone At Midnight” (with Kastra and Britt Lari) and “Love You Loud” (with Ferry Corsten and Leon Stanford). Among the new songs, which feature such fine performers as Canada’s Danyka Nadeau, LODATO, and Sarah de Warren, we have the title song sung brilliantly by Reigns, who has recorded with The Disco Fries before as well as other notables like Breathe Carolina and Carl Cox. It’s a rich production with a sweeping vocal and some techno inspiration that serves as a deeper album track that’s ideal for late night club play.

FEATURING

HYRA, MICHAEL MEDRANO, “Air U Breathe”

“Air U Breathe” is a collaboration between Nicaragua-born, Miami-raised singer Hyra and resident L.A. disco dad Michael Medrano, who has appeared a number of times in these blog pages. I’m so glad this is a duet because the vocal chemistry between Hyra and Michael works tremendously well. We’ve heard this kind of story a number of other times before, so it was incumbent on the vocals to carry the song above and beyond and make it fresh again. “Air U Breathe” is a worthwhile extension to Michael’s dance releases for his fans, and Hyra is a top notch talent to keep on your radar.

MOBIUS RADIO, “Blink of An Eye”

While the self-titled eight-song album is now available for you to explore in more detail the concept of Mobius Radio as a pirate radio station, I’m providing you with a third installment that shows the progressive nature of this project shaped by Toronto singer/guitarist Dylan Hennessy with input and interludes from the recognizable voice of Canadian announcer Jeff Woods. “Blink of an Eye” to me is the centerpiece of the album, a seven minute epic that features blistering guitar playing, the kind of song that transports listeners back to the rebellious times of the early 1970’s, when FM rock radio was starting to take shape as an alternative to the repetition of Top 40 hits of the day. Think early Genesis, Pink Floyd, The Who, Peter Frampton, Faces, and Jeff Beck, all of whom played key roles in the transformation of rock music. “Blink of an Eye” musically salutes these legends while recognizing in its lyrics when you need to savour the moment before it’s gone too quickly.

CAT JANICE, “Who do you think you are”

“Who do you think you are” is my choice for an introduction to West Virginia-born pop singer/songwriter and violinist Cat Janice, with the release of her debut album, Modern Medicine. And while the album title serves as a conduit for change and healing, particularly after she continues to battle cancer herself, the songs are anything but downbeat. “Who do you think you are” is quirky and spoken-sung, about that unique time when you feel unbridled joy and happiness and think you might be falling in love. The lyrics and mood of the song give us some insight into glorious highs that Cat Janice has faced while facing cancer as well as other low points that a lot of people go through at some point. While we hope of course that Cat Janice wins her cancer battle, let’s admire her concerted ability to create during this time and make the positive songs of Modern Medicine available to alternative music fans.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL, “Do Not Forsake Me (Ballad of “High Noon”)”

Diving deeper into Benjamin Russell’s recent album Frontier, the Montreal-based self-described electro-folk singer/songwriter tackles a pre-rock era classic, the theme from the Gary Cooper film “High Noon”, “Do Not Forsake Me”, originally sung by Tex Ritter. And Benjamin’s version is quite faithful to the original, once again with a minimalistic contemporary arrangement but with perhaps a more forthright vocal, especially given that the woman in the song wants to abandon the singer on their wedding day – time to win her back! It’s a curious choice to update in these times but it works quite well on its own merits and of course in the context of the theme of the Frontier album.

JAMES GREBB, “Paradox”

Denver-based electronic dance producer James Grebb scores with the trance-flavoured deep house of “Paradox”. The pulsating beats and a sultry uncredited female vocalist are the stars of this atmospheric track. “Paradox” has a lot going on inside, and you’ll find that the song’s three minutes are over before you really get to know it, which instantly prompts repeated plays. It’s a smart, well-produced track that could add substance to any deep house set.

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.

MAX is back and he’s got JVKE and Bazzi with him on his romantic new track “Strings”

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

It’s “Can We All” by Toronto’s Mobius Radio

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.

“Crystal Clear” by Virginia-born electronic producer Aaron Shirk and British vocalist Isaac Warburton

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Tommy James – Draggin’ The Line
Raiders -Indian Reservation
Osmonds – One Bad Apple
Honey Cone – Want Ads
Bee Gees – How Can You Mend A Broken Heart

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Conan Gray nabs his 2nd #1 on the chart with “Never Ending Song”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

A song I continue to hear everywhere I go, it’s “Rush” by Troye Sivan (19-10)

#BILLCSTop30 #672 – August 14/23

The middle of summer brings us a number of dance bangers, a few rockers, and even a bit of romance courtesy of the highest debut of four new songs.

It’s the supremely catchy “Never Ending Song” by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Conan Gray that ascends to the top of the chart. “Never Ending” becomes Conan’s second #1, following “Yours” from late last year, which was also my #7 song of the year. And there’s more good news for fans of the singer – his next single “Winner” drops August 25.

Alesso is almost literally breathing up Conan Gray’s back as “Without You” climbs 3-2 and will challenge in two weeks. The amazing uncredited vocal on “Without You” is by Swedish singer Calle Lehmann. Alesso also went back-to-back with Martin Garrix on stage at Tomorrowland recently, and I’m sure you can find that set on You Tube.

After making short work of the chart two weeks ago, Benson Boone’s “Coffee Cake” vaults 12-4 as his 2nd Top 10 entry. The talented guy’s release from last year, “In The Stars” is belatedly catching on at radio. It peaked at #2 on this chart and was my #21 song of the year.

“Angel, Pt. 2”, from “Fast & Furious: The Fast Saga”, climbs 11-7, becoming the 3rd Top 10 for JVKE, 2nd for JIMIN (whose former #1 “Like Crazy” is in its 10th and final appearance at #21), 5th for Charlie Puth, and 1st for Muni Long.

Cash Cash’s anthemic electronic pop song “Bleach (Move On)” rises 16-8, becoming their 2nd Top 10 entry. The singer is none other than the group’s own Jean Paul Makhlouf.

Francesco Yates’ first of two entries on the chart from his EP Little Rockstar, the punchy “Thunderbomb” (above), jumps 13-9, and is his 5th Top 10 entry, while the more melodic title track (below) looks like it will travel even faster to the Top 10, up 23-16.

The Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to Troye Sivan, a song that I’ve heard all over the place in the last two weeks, the frenetic and fun “Rush”, which soars 19-10. It’s his mammoth 10th Top 10 entry since 2015!

Canadian quartet The Beaches’ enjoyably self-disparaging rocker “Blame Brett” is on the rise up 22-15.

UK dance music queen Hazell Dean’s latest is pretty hard to dislike, the vibrant 80’s throwback original “100% Pure Love”, which climbs 28-20.

To absolutely no surprise to anyone who has followed my blog and this chart during the last 10 years, the lead spotlight song from last week’s New Music Report is the Highest Debut. MAX’s beautiful ode to wife Emily on their seventh anniversary, “Strings”, featuring JVKE and Bazzi, arrives at #25 and is MAX’s 13th entry, following “Worst Day” (with Illenium) from earlier this year, which peaked at #6.

Debuting at #26 is the latest from UK R&B/dance singer Sam Dickinson with “Falling”, another recent release that makes it hard to stay still! It’s Sam’s 7th chart entry and first since 2020.

NYC-based dance producer GATTÜSO gets his 3rd chart entry with the fast-paced bounce of “Unstoppable” bowing at #27. He reached #8 on the chart last year with Nicky Romero and Jared Lee on “Afterglow”.

The fourth debut belongs to nomadic American dance producer Voyajer (aka A.J. Cassarella) at #28 with his irresistible debut indie release, “Come Around”, led by a soaring uncredited male vocal.

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 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 25 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

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.