After a series of well-received and thoughtful pop/dance releases like “Never Surrender” with Steve Garrigan and “Heart So Big” with A R I Z O N A, Matoma focuses on deep house with his new track, a crackerjack banger called “The Power”. Unless I’m terribly mistaken, that compelling uncredited vocal is the wonderful Clementine Douglas, who most recently has graced dance radio hits by Sonny Fodera and Dom Dolla. “The Power” is a song that will lift up any deep house set and club DJ’s should not hesitate to jump on it quickly. Matoma continues to be one of the more versatile producers in dance music and “The Power” is one of his best geared especially for clubs and festivals.
I know many people who absolutely adore Capital Cities’ massive hit “Safe and Sound”, and it’s hard to believe that the trumpet-driven smash is now 11 years old. The Grammy-nominated duo held court on the pop scene for two years thanks to that song, performing concerts and showing up on many TV specials as well. In the interim Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian have released two albums, but “Together” is their first release in four years. Taking a cue from the buoyant, danceable “Safe and Sound”, the guys joined forces with fellow L.A. denizen and dance producer Bobby Nourmand, a long-time favourite who has been written about much in these blog pages. The result is the pop confection that is “Together”, an uplifting feel good anthem perfectly suited for post-pandemic times. Though it doesn’t bear a hook as catchy as in their huge hit, Capital Cities have concocted with Bobby Nourmand a much-needed song about unity and being forthright. The melody is 80’s flavoured, the production glimmers with bright synths and a sophisticated arrangement. “Together” is a warm welcome back for Capital Cities and a move into a more pop direction for Bobby Nourmand that works surprisingly well.
With his own personal tastes including the likes of Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald, you could almost expect that a songwriter like India-born Sid Seth would aim for major heights with his vocals. And they indeed are the highlight of “Simple But True”, which is a great introduction knowing that the song was borne out of the loneliness of being in NYC after five years all by himself in the pandemic. Being resourceful, he sought escape in painting, which brought about images of his childhood, and re-launched his songwriting. “Simple Yet True” is well-crafted with a beautiful melody to support Sid’s gorgeous tones. A recent grad of the Manhattan School of Music, Sid Seth is a new talent well-worth watching with songs like “Simple Yet True”.
Two years ago, when I wrote about David Archuleta’s release “Movin'”, I hinted that the former “American Idol” finalist may be entering another era as his now-independently released music was moving away from a corporate pop sound and now incorporating electronics and dance rhythms. “Faith In Me” confirms it all as a celebratory and more polished dance bop that welcomes listeners to 2020’s David, now free from his previous religious obligations and open about his sexuality. “Faith In Me” wears its honesty and commitment on its sleeve and features an exuberant vocal from David which his fans will love. Check out the video above, co-directed by his friend and former “Glee” star Kevin McHale.
KACEY FIFIELD, “Say It” and “Between The Lines” (video)
Between The Lines is an auspicious debut album for 17 year old L.A. singer/songwriter Kacey Fifield, and it includes the three previous solid singles which I’ve written about – “Toxic” (with Indian producer Nippandab), “Like Us” (with Albanian producer Marin Hoxha) and “Palms” (with South Korean producer Little Rain). The rest of the songs within Between The Lines ruminate about relationships with others, and the mixed feelings that evolve when those relationships end. My favourite among the new songs is “Say It”, created with new American producer Noble. Like the three singles, “Say It” stands out from the rest thanks to a punchy melody, and it will also resonate with listeners because of its earnest lyrics. All songs once again are co-written with Kacey’s mentor and collaborator, Robbie Rosen, who also produces one song and two connecting interludes. Other producers such as Germany’s Toniia and Mexico’s Ricardo Padua help shape the rest of the tracks to create a unique package. Check out “Say It” above and the video for “Between The Lines” below.
“Ink” shows another side of Italy-born, London-based singer/songwriter Alice Pisano, has she follows-up the well-received “Boys Like You”. “Ink” is a feel-good mood-changer, a contagious song that will appeal to the introvert in all of us, and one that you can play when you need a quick pick-me-up distraction. Alice uses the word “ink” in a different way than its usual meaning, which also makes the song immediately memorable. Fans of Demi Lovato or Selena Gomez will find that “Ink” is in their zone, though I also get 80’s pop vibes from “Ink” that recall songs of Belinda Carlisle or The Bangles. Alice’s invested vocal and a carefree, effortless-sounding melody will draw you back again and again to “Ink”.
“Be Your Lover” is about investing yourself completely in the person you love. It’s brought to you by new South Queensland duo AYA J, which consists of Gumbaynggirr singer-songwriter Angus Field and American drummer Sam Miller, who now resides in Australia. These talented guys have already racked up a number of award nominations and live performances domestically. Though “Be My Lover” is only their sixth single in two years, it has the potential to latch on to dance and pop audiences who enjoy fellow Aussies Rüfüs Du Sol and LANY, as well as artists as diverse Charlie Puth, Meduza or Joel Corry. The emphasis is on creating a memorable, shimmering melody, led by Angus’ captivating vocal, and set to crisp production by Joachim Mueller.
Online radio is now a bigger thing in my daily life than I ever thought it would be, and it’s a lot of fun to be back in the announcing element after many years. So be sure to check out my shows The Big 20 and Your Weekend New Music Mix, as well as my short segment My New Music Pick of the Week, every week. You can find the schedule of stations on which they air near the bottom of the home page of my blog site or go toONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the blog post.
Jessie Ware’s “Free Yourself” shot to #1 quickly two weeks ago, and it holds tight at the top for a second appearance. It’s still kind of early to call which song might succeed “Free Yourself” at #1, but there are rumblings below.
Francesco Yates gets a personal best on the chart with “Jimi” climbing 3-2. It’s a fun track with a great guitar solo – I’m hoping he’s holding out for the right deal while we all enjoy his independent releases. But can “Jimi” hold on enough to succeed “Free Yourself” at #1?
Scotland’s LF System continue to surge up the chart with their UK #1 “Afraid To Feel”, which climbs 10-4. Is #1 a possibility in the near future?
Petawane’s ode to sweet soulful love songs, “Music”, continues to rise steadily, this time up 7-5.
Rarely does half of the Top 10 make an exodus, but that’s what has happened on this chart, allowing several songs to move up quickly.
Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” is the deserved Fastest Riser as it climbs 16-6. Will #1 be in reach for this one?
Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia rework Future’s “Turn On The Lights” as “Turn On The Lights Again” (above), certain to be a festival anthem over the next year. The song moves up 11-7 but the red hot Fred Again.. has another new one worth checking out called “Danielle (smile on my face)” below.
French producers Coopex and Charles B team up with American super-talent Robbie Rosen for the fast but fun “The Boss”, climbing 17-8. You’ll be singing along to this one as it name-check’s Diana Ross’ same-titled song from 1979.
Canadian-German duo Lola Dutronic move up 12-9 just as the summer ends with “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)”.
And the Canadian Top 15 radio hit for DVBBS and Brandyn Burnette, “Summer Nights”, rises 13-10. It’s DVBBS’ fourth visit to my Top 10, and Brandyn’s 15th as a lead artist (add one to include a release under his pseudonym EMAN8).
Greyson Chance’s new album Palladium has arrived, and it’s a highly personal album of many moods and ruminations based on experiences which carved the strange path for Greyson that has finally led here. I’m still digging “Athena” (above), which climbs 19-13, but the album is chock full of songs to keep you paying attention, and one of those is the provocative “My Dying Spirit”, whose new video you can watch below. And I’m looking forward to hearing all of its songs at his show in my city in December!
Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin’s “Hold Me Down” reached #3 a while back, and their latest collaboration “Full Force” could get there too, if a 22-15 move gives any indication.
The Highest Debut at #25 belongs to the extremely infectious 80’s throwback “Celebrate” by Dutch producer Laurentius and Luxembourg singer/songwriter Khalid Oke. Emphasizing African rhythms and references, it’s a sheer delight that comes from their upcoming EP together called Jaiye.
The enduring #1 “Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s vocalist/bassist Oliver Sim exits the chart after the mandatory 10 appearances (20 weeks), and is immediately replaced by the enthralling “GMT” at #26. This is a slower, deliberately paced song with a striking story (partially an ode to London, England), carried by an excellent, sympathetic vocal by Oliver. It’s from his new album called Hideous Bastard, which also contains “Romance with a Memory”. You can also check out the minimalist extended remix by his bandmate Jamie xx above.
Canadian dance producer Famba returns to the chart for the first time since 2020 with his fifth entry, the splendid trance-influenced deep house track “Forever” at #27. Famba first appeared on the chart almost 6 years ago with the amusing “Right Here Right Now” which peaked at #2.
Singer/songwriter Lily Lane is now based out of L.A. but originally from Boston, and her song “Bad” arrives at #28. It’s taken from her EP Queen of Hearts and is led by an unmistakable, powerful vocal. Lily is also the sister of Tucker, one half of the duo Sofi Tukker.
View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: BILLCS Top 30 Songs.
ONLINE RADIO SHOWS
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!
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 past 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.
“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.
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 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear past 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 Sundays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.
For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!
Following up the singles “Nightmares in NYC” and “Love Ya”, L.A.-based electronic producer Shoffy releases his latest full album …Onward, on which “fade” is the opening track. Shoffy’s style is likeably low key and even mysterious at times, though we already heard with “Love Ya” that he can break loose with an infectious dance track. “fade” is seeping with intrigue as we wonder, though one repeated verse, why the singer feels like he’s going to fade away, and Shoffy leaves you with a few sullen images to digest set to a light house rhythm track. It’s an engrossing start to an album of many moods (including one track “Olivia” featuring rapper sIDizen King) filled with consistently slick production.
Drew Thomas is a promising talent from Nottingham whose affable personality shines through the songs through which he lives his life. “All My Friends” has an anthemic Killers-Sam Fender bent about it that fronts the reality that in certain times of our lives things change among friends, and sometimes we’re the spectator waiting for it to happen to us, or perhaps even resisting or even resenting those changes. “All My Friends” embraces that time full on with guitars ablaze and rocks out accordingly, splendidly sung by Drew. With songs like this that would sound great played live in concert (and the video above captures a favourable taste), I wouldn’t expect Drew Thomas to be a DIY talent too much longer.
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 