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!
While his current dance club play hits “Age Of Innocence” and his remix of Nathan Sykes’ “Over And Over Again”, as well as his remix of Mako’s “Smoke-Filled Room”, are still all abuzz, Elephante has dropped another original, an instrumental called “Black Ivory”. This is almost like his theme music, complete with a grand entrance that only prepares for the crazy melody and fun beat shifting and dropping that follows (listen for the elephant!). I think the ending trails off deliberately for DJ’s to easily mix in whatever might flow out naturally. “Black Ivory” maintains solid momentum to keep you swaying without even missing vocals. Innovative guys like Elephante help keep the future of music omnipresent. Download “Black Ivory” for free at the link above.
After releasing a number of singles over the past few years, culminating with some notable success for last year’s “New Revolution” and performing on the same bill recently as Adam Lambert, Florida native Meresha continues with some striking EDM/pop in “My Love Has Come”. In this song Meresha’s voice immediately reminded me of Florence Welch when she isn’t belting it out to the high heavens. And with such crisp control, there’s no doubt in my mind that Meresha probably has Florence’s kind of range under wraps. Plus it has an inner soulfulness that you can also hear in someone like Zendaya. “My Love Has Come” has a delightfully lilting melody that allows Meresha’s voice to flourish. The style is left of centre of recent successes like Tori Kelly or Elle King, which is probably a good thing. Expect to hear more fine music from Meresha in 2016. Watch the lyric video above and pick up the single on iTunes.
For some reason, this is the first time that I’ve written about 27 year old British electronica wizard James Blake, whose far-outside-the-box songs and melodies got enough attention to turn Grammy Awards nominators’ heads a few years back when he received a nom for Best New Artist. James’ new song “Modern Soul” has a very telling title – it is indeed soulful electronic music for the modern world. Like songs in his past releases, “Modern Soul” shifts gears melodically several times. This by no means jolts you, but instead it dazzles as you begin to take trip within trip inside James’ new sounds. His disembodied or distant vocal style is beginning to be a trademark and he writes his songs to suit that style. All in all this is fascinating new stuff which should do very well with in the alt.rock radio world and in dance clubs sophisticated enough to feed patrons’ heads as well as their feet. “Modern Soul” makes awaiting more James Blake songs a very exciting prospect.
20 year-old L.A.-based EDM/dance performer, remixer, and producer Mi Disguise is no stranger to this blog post. Last year’s idiosyncratic and infectious “East Side Bay” got to #10 on my chart, and a previous collaboration with singer Adam Tyler called “Alive” reached #15. But the mysterious Mi Disguise (aka Louie Garcia) has got some of the most exciting EDM for the first quarter of 2016 in store for us with lead-ins to his upcoming release.
First up is the haunting earworm “Years Ago”. I’ve already been predisposed to this song and it’s so easy to put it on repeat. Mi Disguise’s vocals are pure California beach, anyone can relate to the wistful story line, the chorus is completely contagious, and just when you think all of his tricks are done, he adds in some hard rock guitar which fleshes out the atmosphere of the song. “Years Ago” is a unique, bonafide contender, don’t miss it.
Almost equally as good is “Be My Desire”, a song that you might think is about to become an emotional EDM dance track, and then shifts gears into a seductive, late night driving song that could be the unwritten theme for a movie or TV show. It’s a huge, versatile song that stands out.
So as you can tell, I can’t wait till Mi Disguise’s music is available for you to purchase. In the meantime give a close listen to “Years Ago” and “Be My Desire”. It’s cutting edge EDM/dance that does not disappoint.
The new chart gets significantly shaken ‘n stirred, which I think will continue to happen in the coming weeks if fabulous dance music and remixes keeps coming my way 🙂
The Top 10
It has honestly been such a rush having Simon Curtis’ songs from his mixtape 8bit Heart now available in new versions on his Super 8bit Heart album release. Rebuilding “8bit Heart” itself was no mean feat but it’s so beautifully done it’s been like an old friend coming to visit after 6 years. So emotions conquer and the redux of “8bit Heart” is the fastest riser vaulting 10-1. The original version reached #1 on July 5, 2010 for two appearances.
Had there been no “8bit Heart” redux, “Wrong” by MAX (Schneider) featuring Lil Uzi Vert would surely be at the top of the chart, and if it hangs out in the runner up spot it may get there, despite serious competition brewing. No promises – but yeah THAT close this week. “Wrong” climbs 5-2.
The guys in L.A.-based duo Mako started a contest a while back for remixers to chime in with their renditions of “Smoke Filled Room”, which hangs tight at #3. One of those remixes in contention is by none other than Snøwmass, who you’ve read about in these pages quite recently. He puts a chilled-out trap spin on the song while making sure the emotional side stays intact. Check it out above – it will be interesting to see what remix will win!
I thought it might be a shoo-in for #1 a few weeks ago, but now not so much! Adele’s “All I Ask” bounds 8-4, but is faced with more competition that wasn’t around initially! Still – such a beautiful song.
As “I Wish (My Taylor Swift)” leaves the Top 10, “Kiss The Sky” featuring Wyclef Jean arrives at #7! Can’t wait to hear the rest of The Knocks’ album 55 – if it’s like what I heard in concert then it’s bound to be one of the best albums of the year.
Molly Moore’s gorgeous and heart-wrenching “Blood. Sweat. Tears” makes its move to #9 and gives the singer her first Top Tenner on this chart. And in case you missed it, check out Sweekuh’s dubsteppy remix of her song “Peace Of My Heart” below!
I’ve been reading so much great press about Toronto’s River Tiber lately. 2016 could be even a more breakout year for the massive talent that is Tommy Paxton-Beesley. Continue to check out the EP When The Time Is Right, featuring “Waves” which climbs to #10. River Tiber’s “The City” climbed to #1 on this chart 3 years ago this month.
Movin’ On Up
Troye Sivan’s Blue Neighbourhood is one treat of an album that you need to hear. His voice is so much improved over his earlier songs, and his ability to spin a story with such a personal touch is captivating. My favourites from that album continue to be “Talk Me Down” (20-12) and “Wild” (21-14), but you will see further down that a third song from the album premieres on the chart too!
“Down” by Brandyn Burnette is his third entry on the chart from his Made Of Dreams EP, and continues to move up 18-15. In case you missed it, remixers Win & Woo and Kiso crafted “Made Of Dreams” into a club-worthy variation, check it out below.
The second entry from Super 8bit Heart is “Super Psycho Love” by Simon Curtis, all spruced up with a new house beat that totally suits the song. It rises 24-16.
I think that “When The Bassline Drops” by Craig Davis & Big Narstie is one of the coolest, fun dance songs out there. UK fans think highly enough of the song to send it into the UK Singles Chart Top 10 this week. It soars 27-19 on my chart.
Debuts
I am completely enthralled with Clinton Washington’s follow up to “Hearts Beat Loud” (which just peaked at #6) called “Frozen”, which arrives at #20. I have been in that place that the song describes and broke through that invisible ice with a clean outlook on love and life. With an even more stunning vocal than the previous single, “Frozen” deserves to be heard and appreciated. And yeah, it’s gonna do well on this chart 🙂
The third song to debut from Troye Sivan’s Blue Neighbourhood is the third song in its video trilogy, “Fools”, at #26. The song has a tremendous vocal and affecting chorus, and I don’t think it will waste any time catching up with “Talk Me Down” and “Wild”.
The final debut goes to Calvo’s “Vicious Girl” at #27. The song’s melody simply stays stuck in your head and the video creates a memorable storyline. Supporters such as Avicii are right behind this song, released by Armada Music no less, so don’t be surprised if you hear it in a dance club soon!
The Full Chart
Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailedweb edition of my chart. Go on, have a look and listen/watch 🙂
Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify 🙂BILLCS Top 30 Songs
You can hear me online onhttp://www.planetradio.caevery Monday at 9:00 pm EST counting down a Toronto Top 10 chart from yesteryear, and then again every Wednesday in a rebroadcast at 7:00 a.m. EST on WROCKhttp://www.wlor.net!
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