BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – August 9/23 spotlighting songs by @MAXmusic, @JVKEsongs & @Bazzi @thisisTheFatRat & @CeciliaGault @PeterWisemusic #VinnyMarchi

The middle class – whatever it is anymore – keeps getting the shaft by the entertainment industry. Concert tickets by superstars are only affordable for the wealthy. Yet on the other hand, the biz keeps crying out for more talent that it believes can be turned into superstars. Yet it’s all in front of their collective noses, more so than ever, so perhaps the A&R positions at record labels need to be reassessed as well as the people in them. It’s no longer enough to bring in a hit, because as soon as it has peaked – and even if it is long-lasting – the industry moves on to the next talent made popular largely on Tik Tok, or releases something by its current superstars. Something is terribly wrong with this model when the gatekeepers of talent don’t want to wade into the middle of everyday folks like you and I to find talent as was done previously. The word is Elitist.

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 some great tunes from those fabulous years for pop music, 1970 and 1971. And I’ll take you back to my BILLCS Top 30 from this week in 2006 – post-Napster but just before You Tube and Facebook.

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

MAX, JVKE, BAZZI, “Strings”

Readers of this blog know that I’ve been listening to the music of MAX since well before his best known song, “Lights Down Low”, a song-written for his now-wife Emily, which was released, incredibly, seven years ago (MAX’s “Wrong”, with Lil Uzi Vert, had reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2015). “Lights Down Low” ended up having long legs in the biz at the time, and didn’t become the radio hit that it deserved to be for more than a year (it also peaked at #3 on the BILLCS Top 30). So I’m happy to say that his latest release, “Strings”, is one of his very best to date, and deserves the same kind of success as “Lights” – it too was written for Emily! You’ll be cheering within the first 30 seconds as MAX captivates with a gorgeous vocal, then being joined seamlessly in succession by one of my new favourites, the always listenable JVKE, and then by Bazzi, who is at his best. Its chorus, with all of its doo-wop inspired ooooh-oooohs, generates shivers, and the production by MAX and Dwilly is just aces. MAX fans in particular will be more than pleased as one of the nicest people (now signed to Warner Music) in the biz continues to level up. And keep those songs about Emily coming!

TheFatRat, CECILIA GAULT, “Escaping Gravity (Chapter Three)”

Germany’s TheFatRat returns with “chapter three” of what looks like an ongoing saga of releases, “Escaping Gravity”, which began with “Out Of The Rain”, which I wrote about earlier this year. It’s got a fanciful medieval flute sound as its musical hook, with an equally captivating vocal by NYC singer Cecilia Gault to help the story unfold. “Escaping Gravity” ponders the wonders of sailing in outer space, shooting satellites, watching the starlight, and feeling like you’re at the centre of the universe. It’s all stuff of ages old stories of space travel, reinvigorated in a positive, wondrous light by TheFatRat and his team. Note that you can use “Escaping Gravity” on any social media platform, but check out TheFatRat’s instructions on You Tube underneath the video.

PETER WISE, “Only Gotta Start”

It’s a pleasure to hear more new music by NYC indie singer/songwriter Peter Wise. “Only Gotta Start” draws you in immediately and keeps you there thanks to a conscientious story about letting go of dark thoughts, pride, ego, hurt and frustration. Peter has an appealing jaunty style that often reminds me of Paul McCartney, and while starting something fresh may be a no-brainer for some people, for others it’s something difficult to achieve on a regular basis. Peter’s friendly vocal and the message coming from a hitherto unknown female presence in the song works well. “Only Gotta Start” is an earworm that will leave you smiling.

VINNY MARCHI, “Atmosphere”

A while back, I brought musical theatre and classically trained opera singer Vinny Marchi to your attention through his delightful interpretation of Hozier’s “Cherry Wine”. Vinny’s a natural born entertainer on Instagram (@veryveryvinny), and he may tantalize the pop world yet with strong originals like “Atmosphere”. Sure, its a bedroom production set against a relatively straight-forward synth/keyboard melody, but “Atmosphere” oozes seduction and romance. His lilting vocal shows off some of his range, and even when blended with some effects is quite appealing. There aren’t enough pop ballads like this around and it’s nice to know that there are versatile vocalists like Vinny Marchi who can tackle them with superlative results.

FEATURING

RAINA SOKOLOV-GONZALEZ, “The Healing”

NYC Raina Sokolov-Gonzalez will also be a familiar name to readers of this blog through her entertaining pop/jazz songs that I’ve written about in the past. “The Healing” steps into a direction for Raina that has been successful for singers like Grammy-winner YEBBA, and Raina has a similar finesse and command of her voice that makes moments in the song sound effortless and even improvised. “The Healing” is a song about praise and gratitude for life, taking on some intentional gospel influences in the process with beautiful harmonies. Even when set just to a piano, the splendid arrangement of “The Healing” grabs and holds your attention.

THE SOMETIMES ISLAND, “neon summer”

“neon summer” is one of those songs that manages to tap into everyone’s collective memories about summer and finds something in common. It’s brought to you by California indie pop/rock trio The Sometimes Island and is written by leader Matt Blankenship. The results could have been like a cliché, sickly sweet overdose of The Beach Boys but instead it’s a warm, synth-filled, memorable end-of-summer pop tune. The vocals and harmonies are catchy, all the more reason to make sure you add “neon summer” to any playlists you might have about reminiscing or summer romances, and it will fit like a glove. Also check out The Sometimes Island’s brief but spot on cover of Stealers’ Wheel’s “Stuck in the Middle with You”.

BEN ELLIS, “Runner Up”

Welsh indie singer/songwriter has recently graced the BILLCS Top 30 with the insanely feel good and infectious “Ed’s House” at #8, and he follows it up with a quick pop tune about being “that other guy” in a friendship who never gets chosen to go the extra step to romance. All of the one-time wallflowers and sad sods will completely relate as the subject of the song is used as a friend and becomes resigned to the runner-up idea. Ben’s got a lot of natural charm as a singer/songwriter and a strong Instagram (@benellismusic) and Tiko Tok presence, that will all continue to go a long way until the right music business deal comes along for him, it’s just a matter of time!

ROLIPSO, ROBBIE ROSEN, ALESSA, “Tell Me What You Want”

German producer Rolipso teams up again with NYC’s fab Robbie Rosen for the deep house crunch in “Tell Me What You Want”. As with Robbie’s powerful vocal, the production also offers a solid showcase for one of Robbie’s protégées, fellow New York singer Alessa. They sound great together, though at sometimes I think the production gets a little overzealous with effects on the vocals. But “Tell Me” overall is a solid release with an suitably intriguing Eurohouse arrangement that will sound great in dance clubs.

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.

“100% Pure Love” by UK dance music queen Hazell Dean in its “Dean & Ware Lava Lamp Mix”

“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”!

“Stone Killer” is by Salt Lake City based musician 26fix

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.

Hunter introduced me to the music of Ben Ellis, and his bop is another one by Ben, “Sofia”

“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.

Chicago – 25 Or 6 To 4 (1970)
The Beatles – Let It Be (1970)
The Partridge Family – I Think I Love You (1970)
Dawn – Knock Three Times (1971)
George Harrison – My Sweet Lord (1970)

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2006

Note the presence of three sadly missed talents, George Michael, Ari Gold and Meat Loaf.

03 01 MAKE A MOVE ON ME (CLUB MIX) Joey Negro (now known by his real name, Dave Lee)
01 02 IS IT ANY WONDER Keane
09 03 SEXYBACK Justin Timberlake
06 04 AND DO YOU FEEL SCARED (ERIC PRYDZ MIX) Howard Jones
02 05 I WANT YOU TO WANT ME Chris Isaak
04 06 JUST ANOTHER DAY (GEORGE ACOSTA REMIX) Jon Secada
10 07 AIN’T NO OTHER MAN Christina Aguilera
05 08 OUT OF MY HEAD Mobile
12 09 LEARNING THE HARD WAY Gin Blossoms
16 10 NO TOMORROW Orson
19 11 THE ADVENTURE Angels & Airwaves
17 12 I WILL LOVE AGAIN Taras
18 13 NOTHING BETTER THAN LIFE Sherrie Lea
15 14 AN EASIER AFFAIR George Michael
07 15 SEE YOU AGAIN Jenny Bliss
11 16 ME & U Cassie
24 17 MANEATER Nelly Furtado
08 18 GET TOGETHER Madonna
28 19 WAVE OF YOU Ari Gold
14 20 FLAWED DESIGN Stabilo
29 21 THE POP GAME Josh Kelley
NEW 22 GIVE IT UP TO ME Sean Paul featuring Keyshia Cole
20 23 DEVIL’S PARTY INXS
21 24 DEJA VU Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z
22 25 SINGLE Natasha Bedingfield
30 26 THESE WALLS Teddy Geiger
13 27 WHERE’D YOU GO Fort Minor featuring Holly Brook & Jonah Matranga
NEW 28 I’VE GOT YOU McFly
NEW 29 IT’S ALL COMING BACK TO ME NOW Meat Loaf featuring Marion Raven
25 30 IT’S ALRIGHT Ricky Martin

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – August 2/23 Spotlighting new songs by @_ClaireRichards & @AndyBell_info @KaceyFifield @AlexSampson @Ashwynmusic

My shortlist for this particular edition of the Report was a long one, and some of those choices will carry over into next week’s Report. Anyone who tells you there is a shortage of good new music out there simply isn’t listening. This report includes two offbeat cover choices, a few side steps which show the versatility of the respective artists, and a number of solid pop songs.

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 several ballads from the early-to-mid 70’s. 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

CLAIRE RICHARDS, ANDY BELL, “Summer Night City”

Even though their main successes were in different decades, it somehow makes sense that Steps’ Claire Richards and Erasure’s Andy Bell would team up to tackle an ABBA song, which is 1979’s “Summer Night City”. While it’s not one of ABBA’s best known songs (but one of my faves) and will be almost lost on North Americans who aren’t ABBA fans, “Summer Night City” was a Top 5 UK hit and a Top 10 hit in other markets around the world. Claire is coming off renewed interest in Steps which yielded two #2 albums in the UK as well as a #1 singles compilation. Andy has released 19 albums with Erasure and has interspersed a solo career which has resulted in particularly successful collaborations with producers Dave Audé and Bright Light Bright Light. Needless to say, the two voices meld together beautifully, as well as distinctly in their solo parts, in a faithful arrangement to the original song. ABBA fans and those of both singers will be delighted. I’d like to hear some dance remixes!

KACEY FIFIELD, “Self Sabotage”

L.A. pop singer/songwriter Kacey Fifield has released her most self-assured single yet in “Self Sabotage”. Co-written and produced again with Robbie Rosen, the additional harmonies offer a delicate sound, and the uncluttered production suits the song and its purpose lyrically. Kacey writes about real-life situations to which her fellow teens and young adults will ultimately relate. Her performance is confident and, after some releases with much more electronic production, the classic pop sound in “Self Sabotage” is quite refreshing.

ALEX SAMPSON, “WANT YOU!”

Alex Sampson is a 19 year old singer/songwriter from Atikokan, Ontario, a small rural town north west of Thunder Bay. I’ve been following him on Instagram for a few years based on the calibre of his vocal talent in some of the videos he’s posted as well as his down-to-earth personality (he’s also easy on the eyes), and he’s been releasing music since he was 15. I don’t use Tik Tok, where Alex apparently has a bigger following and he’s also noted for his sense of humour. He signed to Warner Music earlier this year, and “WANT YOU!” is a pleasing step away from ballads and IG covers. It’s a fun pop/rock track that will appeal to fans of Avril Lavigne, Marianas Trench and Fall Out Boy, a post-breakup song about being unable to get a former GF out of his head. There’s no doubt that Alex has burgeoning talent happily honed through social media and it comes through in flying colours on “WANT YOU!”.

ASHWYN, “The One That I Turn To”

“The One That I Turn To” is a few steps away the songs that US-born, India-raised multi-talent Ashwyn has released over the past few years (which you can find in these blog pages). It’s an uncharacteristic happy, romantic pop anthem, whose lyrics were written in two phases a year apart, about realizing the importance of having a special person in your life who will always be there for you. The production is crisp, showcasing some nice guitar parts and harmonies, with synth work taking a backseat in the arrangement this time. It’s rare to hear a straight-forward, sincere pop track that’s not too sugary and will make you smile, and Ashwyn nails it with “The One That I Turn To”.

FEATURING

THROTTLE, “I Walk This Earth All By Myself”

We haven’t heard near enough of Australian electronic producer, songwriter and occasional vocalist Throttle (aka Robbie Bergin) since the release of his wonderful EP Where U Are in 2019. Where U Are was reissued in a deluxe edition last year featuring VIP and acoustic mixes of its songs. The flavour of Throttle’s cover of Canadian punk-pop artist EKKSTACY’s “I Walk This Earth All By Myself” – the original has over 100 million streams on Spotify alone – continues his fascination with drum ‘n bass heard on the title track of the EP. And like “Where U Are”, he once again sings. offering his unique take on this somewhat guarded tale of exploration and self-fulfillment. “I Walk” is an intriguing track that takes a few listens before it will settle in with you. As his first new release in almost four years, we’ll have to see where music takes Throttle next!

DJ MIRKO B, JOSH PAULINO, “Just For This Night”

Italy’s DJ Mirko B is just finishing off a run on the BILLCS Top 30 with the powerful europop track “Sun Freezes Cold” (which peaked at #8), and returns this time with the more pop-oriented “Just For This Night”. This one reminds me more of dance/pop I would associate with One Republic or Bastille, and benefits from a catchy chorus set to a strong melodic backdrop. Brazilian vocalist Josh Paulino is front and centre in a fine, memorable showcase, which makes “Just For This Night” a pleasing earworm.

THE VELVETEINS, “Athene”

Inspired by the war goddess in Homer’s “The Iliad”, “Athene” is melodic alt.pop from Edmonton quintet The Velveteins, released in advance of their upcoming sophomore album. Led by singer/songwriter Spencer Murphy, “Athene” will appeal to those who enjoy the dream-pop sub-genre, as well as perhaps 80’s alt.pop by the likes of The Replacements or The Lemonheads. Aside from the song’s intriguing concept, Spencer’s warm but inspired vocals and some interesting guitar work are what will also draw you into “Athene”.

MATTHEW HOLTBY, “Big Mouth”

Matthew Holtby is a seasoned rocker from Warkworth, Ontario (near Campbellford) who has ventured into a solo career after being part of several bands. “Big Mouth” is a familiar-sounding but energetic country-flavoured rock track which showcases his passionate vocal style. Many of us have lived through a variation of the story that he sings in “Big Mouth”, which would make the song go over well in concert as its well-shot video suggests we would enjoy.

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.

“Little Rockstar” is the title track from the recent EP by Francesco Yates

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

“Rush” is by Benin-born singer Ayra Starr

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.

“Weight of the World” is by British singer/songwriter Blair Keen

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Paul Simon – Mother and Child Reunion (1972)
Carly Simon – That’s The Way (I’ve Always Heard It To Be) (1971)
Barbra Streisand – The Way We Were (1973)
Art Garfunkel – All I Know (1973)
Art Garfunkel with James Taylor & Paul Simon – (What A) Wonderful World (1978)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Norway’s Matoma gets a second appearance at #1 with “Won’t Follow You Home” with vocalist James Droll

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

I caught a quick Instagram live set by promising new singer/songwriter Benson Boone last night, and while he didn’t perform it, his track “Coffee Cake” from the EP Pulse climbs 24-12 on the BILLCS Top 30.

#BILLCSTop30 #671 – July 31/23

The end of July brings a busy new chart, with several songs making key moves while others depart. And there are four debuts, led by two Canadians who were already on the chart with other songs, as well as a British dance music queen and a promising new artist from Colorado and based in L.A.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too 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.

Matoma and James Droll continue at #1 for a second appearance with the unique and thoughtful “Won’t Follow You Home”.

Coming up right behind are Conan Gray’s “Never Ending Song” (3-2, above) and “Without You” by Alesso (6-3, also above). So who will succeed Matoma at #1? Alesso also has a catchy new release featuring singer John Newman, who you know from 2014’s “Love Me Again”, and it’s called “Call Your Name” (below). They just performed it at the Tomorrowland music festival in Belgium.

Revelries’ “Down on You” has its eye on the Top 5 as it rises 8-7.

A charming indie song that could, Ben Ellis’ “Ed’s House”, climbs once more, up 10-8!

The only new song to enter the Top 10 this week is the second Top 10 entry for TELYKast with vocalist Georgia Ku, “You Got Me”, which also climbed to the top of the national dance radio chart this week!

Below the Top 10 is where the chart starts to get interesting this week. I haven’t been able to get Benson Boone’s “Coffee Cake” (from his EP Pulse) out of my head for a few weeks, so appropriately it’s the Fastest Riser on the chart, up 24-12.

Jessie Ware’s sophisticated disco of the album That! Feels Good (nominated this year for a Mercury Prize in England) and the single “Begin Again” (above) climbs 17-14, as “Freak Me Now” is issued as a single featuring the always unpredictable Róisin Murphy (below).

Another song I always look forward to hearing is Cash Cash’s “Bleach (Move On)”, which soars 25-16. You can listen to the song in a zingy new VIP remix by the guys, above.

“Move It (Control My Mind)” is one of the best new party dance songs for summer by producer Ryan Shepherd and fellow Canadian, vocalist/songwriter Heather Janssen. It has a big liftoff this week, moving 26-17.

Troye Sivan’s “Rush” is already a Top 30 hit in the UK, but I’m expecting dance radio to get behind this one, and it climbs 27-19.

The Highest Debut on the chart at #23 is “Little Rockstar”, the title track from the recent EP by Toronto’s Francesco Yates. It’s now charting concurrently with “Thunderbomb” (up 16-12) and becomes Francesco’s 8th overall chart entry. It’s also available now in a snazzy acoustic version captured in a home video style.

Toronto dance producer Luis Torres is sitting snugly in the Top 10 with fellow Canadians DLMT and Rico 56 with “Wildfire” (7-6). This week, his rollicking dance anthem “Freak Like Me” lands on the chart at #27.

UK dance music queen Hazell Dean had five UK Top 40 hits in the 80’s, including two classic #4’s “Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)” and “Who’s Leaving Who”. and also had two US dance/disco Top 10’s in “Searchin’ (I Gotta Find A Man)” and “Jealous Love”/”Evergreen”. She has never stopped making music and I have written about her songs in these pages before. But her new original, “100% Pure Love” (in its Dean & Ware Lava Lamp Mix) – not to be confused with the Crystal Waters classic – is a fierce one, and it arrives on the chart at #28. You won’t be able to stay still to “100% Pure Love”!

The fourth new entry at #29 is “College” by indie singer/songwriter Gabe James, who charted just over a year ago with the delightful “Gracie” (#13). “College” is more of a snappy diss-bop and shows Gabe’s versatility in both performing and songwriting.

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 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

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 – July 27/23 spotlighting songs by @SteveAngello & @thisisWH0 @GATTUSO @SamDickinson Michael Medrano @stachepapi

There were so many songs that came my way over the past few weeks that are heavily influenced or inspired by the original disco music of the 1970’s, that I had to bundle them together for you, in an energy-filled Report this week. What’s been labelled as Nu Disco never really graduated to the big time over the past few years, but the way that some of this year’s producers are incorporating classic disco style in their songs could spark a very happy trend! You need to have lived through it, but disco music created some of the best times of people’s lives, and to be able to feel that again in today’s music is special. Coincidentally, today’s WORDLE game answer was DISCO (but I got it in five tries :P).

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 feature with some classics from 1979. I also have the list of songs that topped my chart at this time of year since 1998.

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

STEVE ANGELLO, WH0, “What You Need”

Swedish House Mafia’s Steve Angello kicks off his new Size record label with a ferocious start with “What You Need”, in collaboration with masked British producers WH0. The song blends in a lot of contemporary elements with early 90’s eurohouse vibes. There’s a potent uncredited female vocal which sounds like a cross-between Tina Turner and Loleatta Holloway, and some orchestral synths which provide some genuine disco flair. Add a brisk pace and you have a masterful record that by all rights should be a club and festival smash and is totally unexpected, so make sure this one gets your full attention.

GATTÜSO, “Unstoppable”

The latest from New York-based, Israel-born dance producer GATTÜSO (aka Reem Taoz), “Unstoppable” (no relation to the Sia song) is one swirling, energetic firecracker. I’ve been hearing a lot of piano-led house lately and loving it, so it’s no wonder that “Unstoppable” stands out big time among today’s releases. The uncredited male vocal is infectious and affecting, giving the proper drive that the frenetic pace of the song needs. GATTÜSO has been on a splendid roll with recent releases “Out Of My Mind” and “I’ll Be There”, and next up is a collaboration with Laidback Luke.

SAM DICKINSON, “Falling”

UK singer/songwriter Sam Dickinson returns after a few years’ absence during which he evaluated what direction he was going into with his music. His songwriting is always of high calibre, he’s received oodles of praise from Graham Norton, and Sam’s been a regular visitor to this blog since the release of his debut album The Stories That Occurred 10 years ago. Happily, Sam continues in a dance music direction laid by previous singles “Diamond Skin” and “Carefree”, and “Falling” is a disco-flavoured house track with a vibrant synth hook, co-written with Adam Dixon, that would sound great in concert. Sam’s edgy, soulful voice matches perfectly with this genre and the unique sound of “Falling” is ear-catching, making it a good one to start off a club set. Sam’s got much more in store for us and “Falling” comes from his next album, Stories: The Collection, due in the Fall.

MICHAEL MEDRANO, “Disco Sleaze (Raw and Uncut)”

Perhaps when L.A.’s Michael Medrano and his fans gave him the moniker of “disco dad”, they were a touch ahead of the game, given the other disco and retro-flavoured songs that are included in this week’s report. Michael’s been making disco-flavoured songs for the last few years now, so a likeable song from him called “Disco Sleaze” isn’t unexpected. He follows up his recent album LoveSexDrugs with an entertaining and extended redux of one of its tracks, now with the subtitle “raw and uncut”. And “Disco Sleaze” is grittier, dirtier and well-hung 😛 in its new version, which improves immensely on the previous version, which isn’t anywhere near as playful. “Disco Sleaze (Raw and Uncut)” is a winner, so put on your platform shoes or cowboy boots with pride, and get down and boogie or whatever you might do!

FEATURING

DISCO DOM, YUNG BAE, “Be The One”

Disco Dom is another side to France-born, Miami-based producer Dombresky, who made a fast rise from remixes to concert sellouts at the end of the last decade. In the 1970’s there was a lot of great disco music that came out of France, so Disco Dom reaches back into his heritage to put his own spin on it with “Be The One”, the ‘A’ side to his release called Inferno No. 1. And to partner up with Oregon-born Yung Bae, a producer who I saw perform last year in Miami, is simply kismet. Yung Bae (who has another collaboration coming with Nile Rodgers) has a lot of disco up his sleeves too, and the audience last year ate it all up. “Be The One” employs uncredited Gospel-flavoured vocals against a surprisingly traditional disco arrangement that recalls specifically 70’s French acts like Voyage and the late Patrick Juvet. “Be The One” is a lot of fun, if a little on the repetitive side, but the spirit of disco lives on in songs like this.

OLD JIM, VICTOR PERRY, “Beat It”

To get your first question out of the way, yup, this is a cover of Michael Jackson’s classic. And while Italian producer Old Jim fashions a creditable contemporary arrangement for the song, its secret weapon is NYC-based singer Victor Perry, whose voice hasn’t sounded better! I’ve written before how much at times Victor can sound like Michael, and by covering “Beat It” the resemblance continues at its strongest without entirely trying to copy him throughout the song, so still sounding like Victor in the process. But the critical parts of the song where Michael’s voice is needed are impressive and well-represented by Victor. It’s hard to slay a somewhat “untouchable” classic like this and give it new wings but Old Jim and Victor Perry’s take on “Beat It” goes down just fine.

JRDN, “What Do I Got To Do”

The return of the soulful voice of Toronto-based, Halifax-born JRDN has been a welcome surprise so far in 2023 starting with his previous release “Call My Name”. JRDN’s first Canadian successes occurred before The Weeknd arrived on the scene, and songs like “What Do I Got To Do” can easily co-exist next to The Weeknd’s hits on the radio. “What Do” moves along briskly to make you dance, and relies heavily on JRDN’s striking falsetto. I’ve long thought that Canada needs to do a better job with promoting its talented R&B singers who have somehow ended up in the shadow of The Weeknd’s success despite their unique talents. Even before The Weeknd, singers like Melanie Fiona also had to go to the US to get recognized before receiving similar acknowledgement at home. “What Do I Got To Do” has fortunately popped into Canada’s Top 40, so I’m hoping it continues another string of hits for JRDN.

BEN DAVIDSON, “Wow”

It’s a pleasure to be writing about Scotland’s Ben Davidson after a while with his new house-flavoured pop single “Wow”. Continuing a collaboration with producer Dan Scholes, Ben gives one of his best vocals in the anthemic “Wow”. He can sit up in his head voice like some of the best of ’em, and here he delivers a joyous song in “Wow” that is quite the bouncy, memorable bop. I’ll be exceedingly happy if Ben continues to pump out songs like this one.

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.

“Blame Brett” is the #1 Canadian alternative radio smash from Toronto quartet The Beaches

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

L.A. based rock trio TV Girl with “Shame”

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.

Philadelphia producer Sauniks teams up with Arkansas’ Skyline Drive for the electronic ballad “Nightlight”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Supertramp – The Logical Song
Doobie Brothers – What A Fool Believes
Chic – Good Times
The Knack – My Sharona
Eagles – Heartache Tonight

25 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 25 years. Interestingly, 8 of these songs were my #1 songs of their respective years.

2022 DAYDREAMING Harry Styles

2021 SIDEWAYS Illenium, Valerie Broussard and Nurko

2020 RAIN ON ME Lady Gaga & Ariana Grande

2019 GOOD THINGS FALL APART Illenium & Jon Bellion

2018 BROKEN LOVE The Him featuring Parson James

2017 ATTENTION Charlie Puth

2016 SO BAD Brandon Skeie (now Brandon Colbein)

2015 I WANNA BE (FREE) Brandyn Burnette

2014 ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT House Rockerz & Davis Redfield featuring Carl Man

2013 VOCAL Pet Shop Boys

2012 DREAMS ARE GOLD DATABOY

2011 FLESH Simon Curtis

2010 A NEW WORD TO SAY Bright Light Bright Light

2009 MANNEQUIN Noah

2008 AFTER TONIGHT Justin Nozuka

2007 STEP INTO THE LIGHT Darren Hayes

2006 IS IT ANY WONDER Keane

2005 MJB DA MVP Mary J. Blige featuring The Game

2004 SATELLITE Oceanlab featuring Justine Suissa (Oceanlab is Above & Beyond)

2003 AS THE RUSH COMES Motorcycle (aka Gabriel & Dresden)

2002 GOTTA GET THRU THIS (D’n’D radio mix) Daniel Bedingfield

2001 CALIFORNIA Rufus Wainwright

2000 DRIFTWOOD Travis

1999 THE CUP OF LIFE Ricky Martin

1998 EVERYBODY HERE WANTS YOU Jeff Buckley

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – July 19/23 spotlighting new songs by @Grabbitz @Toniiamusic & @officialDuncan @thevoyAJer @DylanConrique & @_AlexanderStew @Whamofficial @AJRidgeley @GeorgeMofficial

The Report is back after a two week absence, which allowed me to vacation commitment-free in NYC, though of course I was often listening to new music at the hotel when I wasn’t out seeing Illenium in concert for the second time, or giving myself the dose of that ‘buzz’ that only The Big Apple can offer. I have nine new songs for your listening pleasure this week, including a spritely remix of a UK 80’s hit that never got the same attention in North America. My absence did create a long list of songs I’m enjoying which sadly will have to be whittled down, but I expect to bring you the best of the lot in the coming weeks.

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 feature, which this week teleports us back to 1970-71. And in case you missed them on Monday, you’ll find out what are the #1 and Fastest Riser songs 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

GRABBITZ, “Hero”

“Hero” is a hard-hitting and memorable progressive electronic release from L.A.-based, Buffalo-raised Grabbitz (aka Nick Chiari), who has recently been on tour opening for Dabin, and of course has collaborated famously with Rezz as well as Wooli, VALORANT, Subtronics, and Robert DeLong. It’s a song that you could associate with an unmade superhero movie, TV show or video game, and its heavy synth rhythm track just begs for accompanying images. What really makes this song stand out are Grabbitz’s verses mid-song, set only to minimal synths – and then there’s this wicked drop! The piano coda is also sublime and fitting. Dance music fans, “Hero” is certain to be one of your new favourites!

TONIIA, DUNCAN, “Broken Heart”

“Broken Heart” is the intriguing collaboration between German progressive electronic producer Toniia (aka Emre Yilmaz) and Denver-born pop/R&B/hip hop vocalist/songwriter Duncan, who at times in his career has worked with Pitbull, Timbaland and Afrojack, among many others. The song recounts those times where a relationship has just ended and the plethora of emotions that are stuck in our heads with no immediate way out. Duncan’s raw, streetwise vocal is really unique – alternately soulful, anguished, and self-loathing – while Toniia’s production is forceful when necessary, but more often is the understanding melody behind the pain of the lyrics. “Broken Heart” has been in the works for a couple of years, and Toniia and Duncan found a way to refine it and make it work even better.

VOYAJER, “Come Around”

Voyajer is talented new American dance producer A.J. Cassarella, and “Come Around” is his debut release. The energy of this track is contagious, which makes it a most pleasing and unexpected summer banger. Voyajer has quality on his mind with his organized and crisp production, with well-placed synths and beats that revolve around a splendid uncredited male vocal. The layers of effects stand out on their own rather than being submerged into a blurry melting pot, and help the vocal really soar. “Come Around” is a crackerjack start for Voyajer and I can’t wait to see where his next releases will take us.

DYLAN CONRIQUE, ALEXANDER STEWART, “Birthday Cake”

Now you might be going, wait a minute, wasn’t “Birthday Cake” released last year? Why yes it was, as a solo track which went viral by Dylan Conrique, the 19 year old San Francisco-area born singer and actress, noted for her role on TV’s “The Rookie”. It’s a gorgeous, tender multi-tissue song, written for a friend after the loss of her mother to cancer, and the addition of Toronto’s Alexander Stewart and his smooth tones to the song really enhances it and gives it another perspective with another voice. This duet is highly deserving of your attention, so don’t sleep on it!

BONUS!

WHAM!, “Club Tropicana” (Balearic Breeze remix)

To celebrate the reissue of their Singles collection on vinyl, “Club Tropicana” by Wham! is given a fresh official remix. It’s an appropriately refreshing, bubbly update of a song that never became a hit in North America, and takes us back to the pre-solo career days of George Michael, when he was writing songs that tapped into the social consciousness of youth of the day. “Club Tropicana” celebrates the good times to which we all look forward, and the majority of Wham!’s early songs hold up well 40 years later. Be sure to check out the “Wham!” documentary on Netflix, which explores George’s friendship with bandmate Andrew Ridgeley, how important they were to each other, and how critical both of them were to the success of Wham!

FEATURING

MOBIUS RADIO, “Can We All”

“Can We All” is another installment in the forthcoming Mobius Radio album project, brought to you and curated by Canadian musician and producer Dylan Hennessy along with input and inspiration from renown broadcaster Jeff Woods. The theme of the project is a pirate radio station, and I’m looking forward to the completed result. “Can We All” is a fine slice of melodic rock that showcases Dylan’s guitar work as well as an instrument called boomwhackers, which are tuned percussion tubes. The Mobius Radio album is due in August as well as a live launch in Toronto.

GRAYTheBand, K-RIZ, “‘Bit Late”

Edmonton’s Gray Ford, under his collective’s name GrayTheBand, is back with another winning track, “‘Bit Late”, from a forthcoming album. Like predecessor “All Done” (also the title of the album), “‘Bit Late” features a potent vocal by Gray that’s the calling card for this kind of soulful slice of pop/rock. Rapper K-Riz, also from Edmonton, is added into the mix with some slick verses midway that remind me of acclaimed Canadian rapper K-Os. All in all, “‘Bit Late” is another highly listenable track whose somewhat retro appeal comes off as fresh and worthy of your consideration in anticipation of the full album.

TISOKI, “Wish You Weren’t Here”

With the release of his new EP Euphoria, I dive deeper into the musical world of Bradley Edwards, otherwise known as Tisoki, after writing up another track on the EP called “Let You Down” (with Pauline Herr) a while back. And the versatility of the songs on Euphoria (with contributions from San Holo and Fabian Mazur, among others) are sure to be the honey to attract fans of all kinds of electronic dance music, though at times it’s quite unconventional. “Wish You Weren’t Here”, co-written with British electronic artist joegarratt – featured not long ago himself in these blog pages with his track “uncanny” – is a head-scratcher at start, a brisk electronic bop with some affecting vocals in the first half of the song which lay the emotional foundation. But the rest of the song draws from drum ‘n bass and is sure to make fans of that sub-genre jump and dance along. “Wish You Weren’t Here” is a grower and might become one of the favourites on the EP for Tisoki fans.

ME ND ADAM, “Best of Me”

“Best of Me” is a gritty new rocker from Austin, Texas duo Me Nd Adam, whose song “Get The Money” I wrote about almost two years ago. Since that time, Vince Winik and Adam Walker have opened for The Killers in concert, thanks to an endorsement from the band on their social media, and “Best of Me” actually emerged from a songwriting session with George Gekas of The Revivalists. While I can see why Killers fans are drawn to the anthemic, no-nonsense style Me Nd Adam puts forth in “Best of Me”, the artist whose sound comes closest to mind on this track is 2010’s alternative faves Passion Pit. “Best of Me” is solid stuff that’s meant for live performances, and is culled from Me Nd Adam’s upcoming album American Drip Pt. II.

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.

The infectious and summery banger “Move It (Control My Mind)” is by two Canadians, dance producer Ryan Shepherd and vocalist/songwriter Heather Janssen

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

From the SZNZ: Autumn album, it’s Weezer with “What Happens After 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.

It’s a snappy dance bop “A Little Bit of Summer” by Nate VanDeusen, Horizon Blue and Michael Hausted

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

The Guess Who – American Woman (1970)
Carpenters – (They Long To Be) Close To You (1970)
The Shocking Blue – Venus (1970)
Edwin Starr – War (1970)
Paul & Linda McCartney – Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey (1971)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Norway’s Matoma grabs #1 this week with “Won’t Follow You Home” with American vocalist James Droll

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

For a second chart in a row, Alesso’s “Without You” is the Fastest Riser, soaring 17-6

#BILLCSTop30 #670 – July 17/23

While I have NYC on my mind from my trip there during the last five days, when I saw Illenium, Reeve Carney, and Andy Suzuki & The Method play shows, as well as a Mets baseball game, I’ve been hashing out a new chart too. Some early summer favourites have had their time, and the Top 10 is all abuzz with activity, so in the coming weeks there will be another big influx of new blood. In the meantime, there’s also a new #1 and three debuts!

My New Music Pick of the Week radio segment has two new radio station adds, while my Retro Pick of the Week has one, and those schedules on my blog’s home page will be updated this week.

Norway’s Matoma played a pool party this weekend in NYC, and though I didn’t get to that show, he obtains his first #1 on this chart with Nashville vocalist/songwriter James Droll, “Won’t Follow You Home”. Matoma first charted with “False Alarm” – with vocal by now-huge talent Becky Hill – back in 2016. Matoma already has a newly released fiery follow up to “Follow” called “Don’t Give Up On Me” (with vocalist Sadie Rose Van), below.

Gliding up the chart 9-3 to no surprise is “Never Ending Song” by Conan Gray, which could challenge for #1 as early as in two weeks.

Jonas Blue has his third Top 5 entry on the chart with “Finally” (featuring RANI) climbing 5-4. Only his lovely cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” (with Dakota) has gone higher, reaching #3 in 2016.

Cobi’s gorgeous rock ballad “Telepathic Powers” (above) climbs 7-5, and you can check out his latest release, the summery rocker “Good Morning”, below.

The Fastest Riser for the second chart in a row is Alesso’s “Without You”, a throwback to the effervescent arpeggio-laden melodic house tracks of ten years ago, and it soars 17-6, becoming his third Top 10 entry.

The Canadian dance music force of three – DLMT, Luis Torres and Rico 56 – advance 14-7 with “Wildfire”. It’s DLMT and Rico 56’s first time in the Top 10, but Luis Torres’ second after reaching #1 in 2016 “Care For Me” as a part of Dzeko & Torres (with Hellberg).

Emirati dance production duo Revelries grab their fourth Top 10 entry as “Down on You” rises 16-8.

The Disco Fries pick up their fifth Top 10 entry in collaboration with Miami producer Eche Palante as “Give Me Your Soul” (above) climbs 11-9. You can also check out The Disco Fries’ recent collaboration with Ferry Corsten and Leon Stanford called “Love You Loud” below.

And the fourth new Top 10 entry is indie Welsh singer/songwriter Ben Ellis with a throwback to teenage years that we can all relate to called “Ed’s House”, which moves up 13-10.

JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” may have left #1 after 4 appearances at the top (8 weeks), but his collaboration with JVKE, Charlie Puth and Muni Long on “Angel Pt. 2” has liftoff and zips up the chart 24-15.

You may yet see more from Francesco Yates’ Little Rockstar EP arriving on the chart in the coming weeks, but in the meantime the rollicking “Thunderbomb” climbs 21-16.

Arriving as the Highest Debut at #26 is “Move It (Control My Mind)” by Ryan Shepherd featuring vocalist/songwriter Heather Janssen. The pair previously charted with their collaboration “Who’s Gonna Love U”, which reached #6 in 2019. It’s also Ryan’s fifth chart entry.

Following his recent supporting role in TV’s “The Idol”, Troye Sivan has released a fantastic new dance record, “Rush”, in advance of his upcoming album Something To Give Each Other. “Rush” bows at #27 and is his 10th chart entry!

Rounding out the debuts is the infectious Canadian #1 Alternative Chart track “Blame Brett”, the recent single from Juno Award-winning Toronto quartet The Beaches. It’s the gals’ first time on the chart.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

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

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my 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

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 – July 5/23 spotlighting new songs by @ScottHelman @AllanJay101 @HazellHD @itsJudeYork

Summer is in full force in the western world and accordingly several of this week’s picks in the Report are summer-ready. And since I will be away on vacation next week, this will be my last blog post until July 19. I’ll still be listening and will be back with another selection of great new tunes!

Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, whose selections sample the 70’s and 80’s. And if you missed them from earlier this week, you’ll find out what are the #1 and Fastest Riser songs 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

SCOTT HELMAN, “every time (drive by)”

When Toronto’s Scott Helman writes a catchy pop song, it’s usually a really great one, as with 2021’s “Pretty”, which got to #11 on the BILLCS Top 30. It’s been three years and a handful of singles since his last album Nonsuch Park (sa), so perhaps “every time (drive by)” is signs of a new album. Regardless, it’s a spiffy tune that reminisces about a past romance in a former neighbourhood. Scott sounds great and continues to be an artist in greater need of public recognition, particularly on his home turf. In July and August, he’s touring in L.A. – so check him out if you’re in the area as he is enjoyable to watch – but hopefully some homegrown shows will get served soon.

ROB MOORE, ALLAN JAY, “Summer of Love”

While there’s absolutely nothing about “Summer of Love” that I would call new or earth-shaking, its mission is extremely satisfying – yes “Summer of Love” is a terrific, fun summer song. It’s brought to us by the collaboration of Florida (of course) dance producer Rob Moore and Scottish vocalist Allan Jay, who I’ve written about before and has dance/pop in his performing blood. The beat is exceedingly familiar, fleshed out by slick synths, a driven vocal, and joyous lyrics. “Summer of Love” is also a perfect queer anthem, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up with syncs on TV drag contests or other entertainment geared for queer audiences. You can also check it out in a variety of remixes including some by Matt Pop and David Noakes.

HAZELL DEAN, “100% Pure Love” (Dean & Ware Lava Lamp mix)

First off, “100% Pure Love” is not yet another cover of Crystal Waters’ classic. Instead, it’s a classic retrotastic original pop/dance release co-written by its singer, veteran British pop/dance queen Hazell Dean. And I must say that Hazell sounds positively fab in this new high energy contemporary disco production, which is guaranteed to either get you on to your feet or at very least rouse your tired spirits. Its inspiration clearly comes from ABBA, Erasure, Stock-Aitken-Waterman and other 80’s and 90’s European favourites that never go out of style. “100% Pure Love” is 100% guilt-free fun for everyone.

JUDE YORK, “All I See Is Him”

This time, Australian singer/songwriter Jude York waves his sparkling pop wand around love in today’s world via the old-fashioned-sounding “All I See Is Him”, which follows up songs such as “Mr. Porcelain” and of course his captivating 2021 Australian EuroVision contender, “I Won’t Need To Dream”. And you’ve just gotta be in love if you can sing your heart out like in this song, which is more of an exquisite tribute to a lover than a ballad. It’s warm and gushy, but most of all it’s endlessly happy, something I love to hear in today’s music because there isn’t enough of it. While Jude has admirably written “All I See Is Him” for the younger queer community (check out this clip), its underlying and most appreciative message is universal.

FEATURING

ANDREW WYATT, “Beyond The Pale”

New York City’s Andrew Wyatt is the Grammy and Academy Award winning songwriter, singer and producer who is also one of the principals in the electronic trio Miike Snow. He returns to recording for himself with “Beyond The Pale”, from his upcoming album It Won’t Feel Like Dying. It’s a crisp slice of alt.pop with a mysterious, quirky melody that compliments the vagueness of the story and lyrics, which appear to be about a breakup and turning your life around after that. You wouldn’t recognize Andrew’s voice from the Miike Snow tracks, he definitely transforms it to give it another identity for his solo work. As far as his other work goes, he’s just produced Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night” and other songs for the “Barbie” soundtrack, won his Oscar and Grammys for co-writing Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper’s “Shallow” from ‘A Star Is Born”, and has produced a cavalcade of others, notably Liam Gallagher, Miley Cyrus, and Florence & The Machine.

GT_OFICE, ALWZ SNNY, “Every Thought of You”

Miami’s Gt_ofice returns with a song that’s already found favour with national dance radio stations called “Every Thought of You” in collaboration with fellow dance music producer, Maryland’s sunshine-masked ALWZ SNNY. It’s summery ear candy for sure, designed to put a smile on your face. “Every Thought of You” offers a bright uncredited female vocal that goes down easy, as well as relatable lyrics set to a warm melody of shimmering synths that keeps the song’s house rhythms moving along quickly.

DAVID ARCHULETA, “I’m Yours”

David Archuleta will always be an “American Idol” favourite, even if he didn’t win the competition show. And 15 years later, he continues to showcase that fine voice and now releases his songs independently. “I’m Yours” has him singing often in a cool falsetto throughout the memorable chorus, with a softer vocal in the rest of the song, and features a solid melody once again in a festive pop/dance setting like previous releases “Faith in Me” and “Movin'”. David has many dedicated fans, and while they will certainly love this one, which shows how well his songs suit the dance genre, be sure to check it out if you haven’t heard his music in a long time.

VINNY MARCHI, “Cherry Wine”

Vinny Marchi is a talent to watch for, if his rendition of Hozier’s “Cherry Wine” is any indication. Vinny is an opera singer by training and a musical theatre performer, and his softer acoustic countertenor version of “Cherry Wine” (short live clip here) is quite a contrast to Hozier’s original. His cover of The Oh Hellos’ “Soldier Poet King” is also quite enjoyable. He’s quite active on social media – you will want to check out his clips singing “Phantom of the Opera” – Christine’s part! – as well as his interpretation of “Ave Maria”. But he appears to be drawn to the pop world and some of his other originals that he’s released over the past few years show him as a chameleon whose voice can suit any pop genre.

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” (English version) is now four appearances (eight weeks) in at #1!

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.

From “Fast & Furious: The Fast Saga”, it’s “Angel, Pt. 2” by JVKE, JIMIN, Charlie Puth and Muni Long

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

AND

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

Taking both honours is Alesso’s stunning “Without You”, which soars 26-17 on the BILLCS Top 30!

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.

Cassadee Pope won season three of “The Voice” and she returns with “People That I Love Leave”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill (1977)
Icicle Works – Love Is A Wonderful Colour (1984)
Fine Young Cannibals – She Drives Me Crazy (1988)
Dexys Midnight Runners – Come On Eileen (1982)
David Bowie – Let’s Dance (1983)

#BILLCSTop30 #669 – July 3/23

This is one of those weeks when a lot of songs I love are either in holding patterns or are inching their way up my chart. Of course, there are a few requisite big jumps, and four promising debuts round it all out!

It’s gonna take me a long time, if ever, that I tire of JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” (English version), as the song (above) remains at #1 for a 4th appearance (8 weeks), the longest so far for any song this year. To boot, “Angel, Pt. 2” (below) from “Fast & Furious: The Fast Saga”, which includes his contribution alongside great vocals by JVKE, Charlie Puth and Muni Long, is the chart’s Highest Debut at #24. Besides being JIMIN’s 2nd chart entry, it’s JVKE’s 3rd and Charlie’s 6th. And alongside these releases, plus BTS’ “Take Two”, bandmate Jung Kook’s “Still In Love” (also below) – originally released three years ago – has been kickstarted again on streaming platforms, so you never know what will happen!

2023 is a great year for Norway’s Matoma as “Won’t Follow You Home” (with vocalist/songwriter James Droll, below) climbs 3-2 and positions itself to succeed “Like Crazy” at #1, perhaps even in two weeks. It’s Matoma’s highest peaking song to date, surpassing the #3 peak of “The Power” from earlier this year.

Atlanta’s Niko The Kid also gets a personal chart best this week as “Only One” (featuring MAYLYN) climbs 7-6.

Right behind is Cobi’s “Telepathic Powers”, another unique song that’s gonna have long legs with me, and it climbs 9-7. Be sure to check out his top notch album Love In The Wildwood.

New to the Top 10 are: Conan Gray’s “Never Ending Song” (above), which is zipping up the chart 13-9, becoming his third Top 10 entry following last year’s “Memories” and #1 “Yours”; and “Antidote” (below) by Audien & Codeko with vocals by J.T. Roach moves up 11-10.

Two extremely catchy electronic dance songs to keep your eyes on are “Wildfire” (above) by my fellow Canucks DLMT, Luis Torres and Rico 56, climbing 18-14, and Emirati producers Revelries’ “Down On You” (below), which rises 20-16.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is Alesso’s stunning “Without You”, which soars 26-17 and probably won’t be tamed for a few more weeks.

Adam Lambert gets his 6th chart entry with his splendid cover of Sylvester’s “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” in collaboration with UK producer Sigala (aka Bruce Fielder) at #26. It’s Adam’s first chart appearance in over three years, and Sigala’s first entry on the chart.

Washington’s Benson Boone lands on the chart for a third time with the engaging “Coffee Cake” (#28) from his new EP Pulse. It’s a really well-rounded release, with a top notch vocal and a great story. Benson got to #2 on the chart last year with the melt-worthy “In The Stars”.

And at #29 Cash Cash are back on the chart for the first time in two years with “Bleach (Move On)” at #29. This song constitutes a bit of a new, more pop-oriented direction for the trio, who are extremely popular on the dance club circuit and regularly perform in Las Vegas. The vocal by band member Jean Paul Maklouf reminds me a lot of Danny O’Donaghue from The Script except with an electronic backdrop. Don’t sleep on this one! Cash Cash got to #1 in 2021 with “The Feels” featuring newly minted Tony Award winner Alex Newell.

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

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 – June 29/23 spotlighting new songs by @RyShepherdmusic & @HeatherJanssen @projectASTRO_io @AlexSavanin

I heard several instrumentals during the last week, and two are featured in this week’s report. Never underestimate the power of a good instrumental!! You won’t hear ’em on pop radio anymore.

Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, whose choices this week sample the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. And I’ll take you back to my BILLCS Top 30 from this week in 2015 – hard to believe it’s 8 years for these songs already!

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

RYAN SHEPHERD, HEATHER JANSSEN, “Move It (Control My Mind)”

“Move It” is going to be one of this summer’s crowd-pleasing dance floor fillers. Once the song gets going it becomes irresistibly fun, and those who enjoy Fisher and Don Diablo will get into “Move It” quickly. The song teams up producer Ryan Shepherd, a regular visitor to this blog, with fellow Canadian, vocalist/songwriter Heather Janssen, whose previous collaboration “Who’s Gonna Love U” was a delight that reached #6 on my BILLCS Top 30 in 2019. Although it doesn’t slam as hard as other dance tracks, the rhythm is the key and “Move It” will help you keep your groove on.

ASTRO, “Runaway”

ASTRO is an electronic dance music collective who released their new album Los Angeles as an NFT earlier this year. It includes contributions from Reo Cragun, Tisoki, Pauline Herr, Mark Johns, Camoufly, and Lost Boy, with TWERL, Daniel Allan and helloworld all behind my featured track “Runaway”. It’s affecting, lyrical future bass-flavoured pop with a solid vocal by whoever is singing it, and ASTRO uses effects judiciously to foster the emotions in the song. Fans of Porter Robinson and Audien will particularly relish the vibe and get the most out of “Runaway”.

ALEX SAVANIN, KIRILL MALAHOV, BRANCHEY, “Strange”

“Strange” is a sophisticated-sounding slice of dance pop brought to you by Russian producer/songwriter Alex Savanin in collaboration with fellow producer and sound engineer Kirill Malahov, and Canadian singer/songwriter Branchey. The song is a co-write by Alex and Branchey, and although you may not have heard of any of these artists before, between them they have years of experience in the worldwide music business. The slick results are proof of this. Alex has written for film and TV and Branchey’s versatile and instantly appealing vocal transcends genres. “Strange” is classy and timeless, and a delightful surprise to add to your favourite pop/dance playlist.

FEATURING

AASH MEHTA, “The Prince”

When Chicago’s Aash Mehta isn’t writing complex and often romantic electronic pop, he can on occasion deliver a fun house bop, and when he does it’s a zinger, witness his 2021 release “Back To You” which got to #5 on the BILLCS Top 30. “The Prince” could easily have been quite the catchy affair just as an instrumental, as Aash uses a male voice to provide a melody without singing words over a swift house rhythm. But he aptly overlays the track with an uncredited soulful female vocalist singing a single line which is repeated, and becomes a second hook and focal point in the song that has lots of sync potential. With all of what’s going on inside, “The Prince” is toe-tapping ear candy that you’ll want to play again and again.

CID, TRUTH x LIES, “Caroline”

New York producers CID and duo Truth x Lies unite for the first time on the clever, rollicking house instrumental “Caroline”. Aside from its brisk pace, what sets “Caroline” apart from other tracks is the piano work, which is upfront and in your face, and as the groove develops you’ll find yourself completely immersed in the piano rhythm. Put it all together with its fast house beats, and you’ll know why house music started with emphasis on piano sounds back in the 80’s in its classic hooks and remixes. So “Caroline” is a fine, if perhaps indirect return to that sound, making it fresh and cool in a different way, in a collaboration that should be repeated.

CLOUDCHORD, “Shaka”

After many recordings of low-fi jazz/pop, Austin’s Cloudchord (aka masterful Emmy Award winning musician/producer Derek VanScoten) returns to dance music after a long absence for the instrumental “Shaka”. It’s actually more of a happy hybrid of both styles, leaning more in the dance vein because of its funky upfront bass playing. “Shaka” is light and refreshing, and will go down just fine on a hot summer day. It would also make superb theme music for a radio program or TV show.

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.

It’s Gareth Emery with vocalist Maria Lynn in the Ben Gold remix of “Missing You”

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

“Never Ending Song” by Conan Gray has grown on our own Big Daddy a lot!

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.

Ed Sheeran teams up with red hot country singer Luke Combs for “Life Goes On”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Smith – Baby It’s You (1969)
49th Parallel – Twilight Woman (1969)
Al Stewart – Year Of The Cat (1977)
Alan Parsons Project – Eye In The Sky (1982)
Moody Blues – I Know You’re Out There Somewhere (1988)

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2015

My how time sometimes seems like it flies by! And Francesco Yates, Cobi, and James Bay all have songs on the current BILLCS Top 30!

06 01 I WANNA BE (FREE) Brandyn Burnette
03 02 NO WORDS Erik Hassle
01 03 CHASING STARS Corey Niles Featuring Alex Lacasse
04 04 AERONAUT Parralox
05 05 I’LL BE THERE Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers
08 06 CAN’T DENY MY LOVE Brandon Flowers
07 07 MARVIN GAYE Charlie Puth Featuring Meghan Trainor
12 08 SENSATION Antonio Giacca
19 09 SHINE Years & Years
14 10 GHOST TOWN Adam Lambert
11 11 WE ARE THE NIGHT Steve Grand
17 12 DEJA VU Giorgio Moroder Featuring Sia
15 13 HEY NOW Matt & Kim
20 14 BEAUTY NEVER LIES Bojana Stamenov
16 15 ROADS Lawson
18 16 WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT Smashing Satellites
02 17 NO TALK River Tiber
23 18 GUILTY AS SIN Dan Talevski
25 19 BETTER TO BE LOVED Francesco Yates
26 20 WALKING THROUGH THE FIRE Cobi
24 21 THIS SUMMER’S GONNA HURT LIKE A MOTHER FUCKER Maroon 5
09 22 FEVER Jully Black
10 23 HOLD BACK THE RIVER James Bay
New 24 EAST SIDE BAY Mi Disguise
13 25 STING Eric Saade
New 26 UMA THURMAN Fall Out Boy
21 27 DESIRE Years & Years
22 28 SEE YOU AGAIN Wiz Khalifa Featuring Charlie Puth
New 29 GIRL FROM SWEDEN Eric Saade
27 30 CHAINS Nick Jonas

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – June 21/23 spotlighting new songs by @SophiaFracassi #NicholasCampbell @SmalltownDJs

It’s been a busy week so far, but I still have six new songs for you to check out, four of them by my fellow Canadians!

Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers has his Classic Five pop hits feature, whose choices this week span the 1980’s. In case you missed them, you’ll find out about the #1 song and the Fastest Riser in the latest edition of 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

SOPHIA FRACASSI, “Dance with Myself”

Sophia Fracassi is definitely a new Canadian talent to watch, and this Alliston, Ontario born singer/songwriter is still a teen. “Dance with Myself”, which follows up last year’s debut EP Marathon, just oozes joy and confidence. It’s an upbeat anthem about doing things your way and being happy about it, even when others are not. It’s richly produced and vibrant, the kind of song with a story that the pandemic taught us spending many months in isolation, and is a good companion to the recent hit by Frank Walker and Ella Henderson, “I Go Dancing”. Sophia is opening for Amanda Marshall on her current tour, so be sure to arrive early to check out her set.

NICHOLAS CAMPBELL, “I’m Sorry”

While I seldom write about country songs, simply because it’s neither my genre of choice nor am I knowledgeable enough about it to write comfortably, on occasion songs that have crossover potential from some sub-genres of country will catch my attention. “I’m Sorry” is a rockabilly ballad by Peterborough, Ontario native Nicholas Campbell. And while this recording is pretty raw and imperfect, Nicholas has that beautiful aching tone in his voice that has served singers like Jack Scott, Robert Gordon, and Chris Isaak very well over the years. The song is earnest and with a simple, ear-catching melody. But Nicholas’ voice is the star, and we’ll be hearing more from him.

SMALLTOWN DJ’s, “Concorde Groove”

Smalltown DJ’s are the veteran Canadian duo of Mike Grimes and Pete Eves, who are also former nightclub owners and have a refined, classic house sound in “Concorde Groove”, released on A-Trak’s Fool’s Gold label. It’s a brisk and funky instrumental with disco flourishes that could be easily interspersed in a mid-evening club set and will keep dancers on the floor. “Concorde Groove” has an ideal mesh of contemporary and retro sounds. Smalltown DJ’s have played numerous festivals and clubs over the years. “Concorde Groove” dazzles without too many effects and provides a strong emphasis on melody.

FEATURING

JOSH RAMSAY, RIA MAE, “Perfect Mistake”

Josh Ramsay, the Grammy-nominated lead singer/songwriter (and my birthday mate) of Juno Award winners Marianas Trench, released his debut album The Josh Ramsay Show over a year ago. And it’s interesting how time can work in our favour sometimes, but after leading off the album with the rocking first single “Lady Mine” with Chad Kroeger, the third single, the more pop-flavoured “Perfect Mistake” with Juno-nominated Halifax-born singer Ria Mae (who I saw open for Scott Helman in concert a few years back), seems to have the charm and has started breaking at Canadian radio. It’s a solid collaboration, with Josh and Ria’s unique voices blending well, and could reignite interest in the album, which has perhaps underperformed despite the appearances of other popular Canadian performers like Tyler Shaw and Fefe Dobson. A good song is a good song and with Marianas Trench too long absent for almost 5 years from pop radio, Josh’s familiar voice should bolster the appeal of “Perfect Mistake”.

GUZ HARDY & J LUKE, ROBBIE ROSEN, “On My Mind”

“On My Mind” is a slice of deep Eurohouse from Sicilian duo Guz Hardy & J Luke that features the prolific Robbie Rosen on vocals. It’s a darker song than usual for Robbie, which allows him to reach into an affecting, expressive vocal with intriguing post-relationship lyrics where the protagonist just can’t let go of thoughts about a previous lover. Guz Hardy & J Luke have been on the European dance music scene since 2020, but are new to me and their work on “On My Mind” is high calibre – Guz Hardy (Gianluca Guzzardi) is the DJ/producer while J Luke (Gianluca Viglianisi) is the songwriter. “On My Mind” works as a slick collaboration and could easily be repeated.

LOVE & LOGIC, BORN I, “Before I Go”

“Before I Go” is no-nonsense soulful hip-house from NYC’s Love & Logic (Chris Love and AB Logic – you’ll remember the 90’s techno dance smash “The Hitman”) and Washington DC rapper Born I (Ofosu Jones-Quartey). It’s got a familiar, retro sound and will work better in club mixes than some of the more contemporary blends of house and rap. Born I’s smooth flow works compliments the seamless and catchy, funky backdrop created by Love & Logic. “Before I Go” is a sweet surprise so don’t sleep on it!

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.

Retro melodic house for the win with Alesso’s “Without You”

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

Toronto quartet New West with “Those Eyes”

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.

L.A. electronic dance producer Home By Dawn and Michigan vocalist Hannah Zhao with “Wild”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

George Michael – Faith
Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
Bob Seger – Shakedown
Prince – Little Red Corvette
Maxi Priest – Close To You

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

JIMIN’s “Like Crazy” (English version) is #1 for a third appearance!! BTS fans are loving it.

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

It’s two charts in a row for Matoma and James Droll with “Won’t Follow You Home” (18-3)