I have to through my endorsement behind “Faded” by Alan Walker before I become too much of a latehead on it. This 18 year old Norwegian EDM whiz has “Faded” at #1 in Sweden right now and it’s breaking big time in the UK and the US. The theme of lost love is explored with a lush backdrop and a breathtaking vocal courtesy of a fellow Norwegian, a new singer by the name of Iselin Solheim. But all pop and EDM ears on Sweden, those folks know what they like and it serves as a springboard for international breakout. Watch for “Faded” by Alan Walker to score worldwide. Get it on iTunes.
Canadian brothers Alex and Chris, raised outside of Toronto in Orangeville, Ontario, aka DVBBS, continue to show that they are an international force to be reckoned with in the busy EDM world with sellout concerts and prolific releases. The boys continue to diversify and follow up their Top 10 club hit “Never Enough”. Like previous release “Gold Skies” with Sander van Doorn and Martin Garrix, DVBBS takes another side step into emotional dance songs with “Angel” in which they pair up with Toronto singer Dante Leon. Dante’s affecting hip hop-flavoured “Hotline Bling” styled vocal is attractively matched by DVBBS’ subtle layering of sounds which bounces along with a futuristic bass rhythm that suits the wonder in the theme of the song. DVBBS are so known for their partying and “Woozy Gang” antics but “Angel” is smart and impressive and should not be underestimated. Pick it up on iTunes.
“Second Chances” is deliberately paced, progressive electronica by Minneapolis-based performer d.notive, currently on release with his album Sentinel. “Second Chances” is a compelling listen thanks to d.notive’s dark vocal style and inspiration that immediately conjure up your favourite songs by the likes of Depeche Mode, New Order, Nine Inch Nails or Sisters of Mercy. There is an ongoing hungry market in the pop world for revisiting the post new wave era of the 80’s, which has contributed to Pet Shop Boys’ ongoing success, and d.notive does this with his own flourishes. In his album Sentinel you’ll hear a number of fine instrumentals, such as the fast-paced “Back In The Saddle”, some with some definite R&B/funk influences, but other songs with his vocals like “One Way Trip” or “Martyr” really stand out. Check out “Second Chances” above and pick up Sentinel on iTunes.
L.A. performers Limini and Rozzi Crane are off to a great start with their pairing on the bass-filled EDM song “Reach”. Singer Rozzi is fresh off of a tour with Owl City and release of an EP called Time, and her voice digs deep into the soulful elements of the song before a well-placed drop lures you in for good! “Reach” is one of those songs that will elicit cheers from the audience on the dance floor as the taut, richer production unfolds. If you want a surprise that will make your audience ask for me then be sure to download “Reach” at the link above.
The younger generation of producers/remixers is upon us as initiated by Zedd and Martin Garrix back in 2012/13. Sweden’s Hellberg also started off around that time but is coming into his own now with the likes of his remixes such as club hit “Age Of Innocence” by Elephante which I’ve already written about. Pair him up with another youngin, NYC vocalist Aaron Richards, and the same magic that happened with “Spectrum” and “Animals” is here again. “Synchronize” is a touching and beautiful song for the Spring months as it’s all about igniting love between two people and feeling it soar. This kind of emotional bliss travels fast in the Dance/EDM world and I expect it to be a breakout for Hellberg and Aaron Richards. Hellberg also posted a candid announcement (up top) that makes this success all the more appealing. “Synchronize” is now on release, listen to it on the Soundcloud link above.
Regular readers of this blog know that two songs from 2015 that I wrote about prominently were “Guilty As Sin” (which finished as my #10 song of the year) and “My Religion” by Toronto singer/songwriter Dan Talevski. Dan’s talent can slide very easily into the list of many Canadian performers that broke out in 2015, but he will need a few more songs under his belt to find that wider audience that will eat up his songs. “Knock Me Off My Feet” is simply sweet 80’s-influenced pop/R&B (with obvious an obvious Michael Jackson reference point) that will have no problem getting national radio play across Canada and could easily turn heads outside of Canada. It contains a universal message with another fine vocal that fits into the pop/R&B style so smoothly. It’s not as spicy or edgy as his previous singles lyrically but Dan Talevski is well on his way with “Knock”, which should have some long legs and last through the summer. Pick it up on iTunes.
JUAN CAMUS & JANE BADLER, “Fall In Love”, “Enamórame”
Breathtaking seduction colliding into love never sound better than being sung in the romance languages. Spanish (but London-based) singer Juan Camus teams up with none other than the diverse actress and singer Jane Badler for “Enamórame” and its English counterpart “Fall In Love”. Having conquered dance, alt.pop, and jazz already, it’s quite fitting to hear Jane in a multilingual setting, and both voices command attention through the sexy story. How very appropriate for it to arrive before Valentine’s Day, which serves as a perfect springboard for the song. Add it to your list of duets to play next to those by Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, and others. Pick up “Fall In Love” and/or “Enamórame” on iTunes.
I’ve been touting the blond, bespectacled, but very cool Minnesota rapper Call Me Karizma these last few months since I saw him open for MAX (Schneider) in Toronto, through recent blog posts about his songs “Euphoria”, “I’m Alive, But I’m Not Here”, and best of all, “u suck” (which features a smashing sample of “Why Don’t You Do Right”, the Peggy Lee song as covered by UK singer Bev Lee Harling).
Karizma recently released his 9 song self-produced album Loser, which features all of the above three songs, plus 6 others that continue to touch on validating the complex feelings of the younger generation – loneliness, self-image, self-worth, and generally being okay with oneself. Karizma stays mainly at that level lyrically, keeping it compelling in songs like “Rage” , “In Over My Head” (with featured rap by Nicky Gwiggs), and “Better Alone”. “F U Till I F U” has Karizma getting blunt about a relationship and despite the hard hitting lyrics he articulates after-the-fact what isn’t said face-to-face. But Karizma is one smart, intuitive cookie. He gives his older audience clever instrumentation and production to back it all up. And despite his sentiments in some songs, the interjection of wit helps the audience understand not to take everything literally – be who you are, lovable losers all! Loser is a fine full effort which you can hear at the link above (along with five additional songs, including the terrific and anthemic “Coolest Kid”) and Call Me Karizma will go far because of his ability to tell stories while empathizing and empowering.
“.45” is Karizma’s new video (below), which is not part of the Loser album for purchase, though you can hear it on the Soundcloud link above and other streaming services. It’s one of Karizma’s deeper songs, enhanced by the imagery in the video, usually on a TV screen or in the background, which shows the craziness that can go on in one’s head. Again not to be taken too literally, “.45” echoes the sentiments of many young folks who feel that they’re trapped with no way out. The song, featuring a hypnotic, droning piano melody (which may be a sample), which really helps one think if one really wants to be in the shoes of the protagonist of the song.
Call Me Karizma will be heading to you sometime soon – watch for Spring tour dates 🙂
One of the most recent uplifting, feel good, strictly dance music songs you will hear is “Wait”, an impeccable collaboration between noted producer/remixer Vinny Vero and singer Mykal Kilgore. They’ve both been associated with the same Bright Light Bright Light project – Vinny remixed “Feel It” a few years back, which is the BLx2 song on which you can hear Mykal’s soaring voice. Both Vinny and Mykal sing on “Wait” and their vocals mesh beautifully – I’m sure it was hard to achieve a happy balance since Mykal’s power could easily go off the charts. “Wait” is a happy, fun house song that could slide easily into any dance club mix and stand out all its own. Watch the video above for those same feel good vibes and pick up the “Wait” EP on iTunes.
New electronic duo Instant Karma have made some interesting choices recent months, including a sunny remix of Brandyn Burnette’s “I Wanna Be (Free)”. With Flor’s “Unsaid”, they keep their mix of this beautiful song by the up and coming British singer at a lazy pace which brings to mind some casual romance at the beach on a beautiful day. It has great flavour if you want to bring down the dance mix sloooowwwly but steady. It would fit nicely next to mixes of songs by Jessie Ware, Banks, and others on the alt.pop tip. Expect more lovely surprises from this pair again soon!
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