BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#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.

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.

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

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 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

“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”!

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

“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.

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.