Invigorating the Dancefloor: @Showtekmusic & @JustinPrime featuring @MatthewKoma with “Cannonball (Earthquake)”

SHOWTEK & JUSTIN PRIME featuring MATTHEW KOMA, “Cannonball (Earthquake)”

Dutch DJ/Producer brothers Showtek (Wouter and Sjoerd Janssen) and Justin Prime shook up dancefloors in Europe with their instrumental “Cannonball” back in 2012.  What better way to remarket the song than with stunning vocals by Matthew Koma as “Cannonball (Earthquake)”, particularly as “Dare You”, Matthew’s collaboration with Hardwell (which I wrote about earlier), has landed in the UK Top 20 Singles this week!  The rework packs a magic three-tiered punch – amazing slamming house rhythms, lyrics, and Matthew’s voice – which should send clubs around the world into a tizzy.  Watch the lyric video above.  Here’s hoping it sees North American release soon.

Classic New Pop from @Harrietsmusic with “Afterglow”

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HARRIET, “Afterglow”

The raves are pouring in, and you can count me among the believers of new singer Harriet based on this one gorgeous song “Afterglow”.  For she is another protégé of the magnificent Steve Anderson (Kylie Minogue, Leona Lewis, Elouise), and they have co-written this song, which is a star-maker for sure.  What will strike you initially is a Karen Carpenter-like resonance to her voice, whether intended or not, which sounds fresh in 2014.  But the song itself builds and takes you away from that likeness, and before you know it you can visualize Harriet singing “Afterglow” as if it was a solo number in a Broadway play.  Elegant and electrifying, “Afterglow” is definitely one of the best new songs out of the gate in 2014 and Harriet looks to have a bright year ahead.

Listen to “Afterglow” right here.

Fine New Voices: @UnionJWorld with “Loving You Is Easy”

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UNION J, “Loving You Is Easy”

There’s often so many boy bands to choose from, but the ones that always rise to the top are those with fine, fine voices and the songs to go with them.  So UK quartet Union J scores with “Loving You Is Easy”, and it’s the range of vocal talent between Jaymi, JJ, Josh, and George that set them apart from One Direction, The Wanted, and others.  “Loving You Is Easy” is instantly memorable and could score internationally – but right now their self-titled album isn’t even released in North America; only their first two singles and this video are available for purchase on iTunes.  Union J have already attracted quite a following, having signed a major label deal with RCA after placing fourth in season 9 of X Factor, and their website is a teen fan mag fan’s dream.  The video is a little clichéd – all that bloody water 😉 – but give it a watch below.

Quiet Power Works: Bullying Is the Theme of “Defined” by @RonanParke

RONAN PARKE, “Defined”

I just had a feeling after watching the preview for “Defined” last month that there is something big brewing very quietly here.  “Defined” is a beautiful and powerful song sung by 15 year old UK singer Ronan Parke, whose British audiences will know from appearing as an outstanding 12 year old contestant on X Factor.  Ronan has developed into quite a vocalist – I can picture him performing smoky cabaret as an adult, but that’s for another conversation.  His assured vocal blends so well with the storyboard about bullying, and definitely hits every emotional peg possible without being maudlin.  “Defined” also has the bonus of a co-writer in pop/R&B singer Pierre Lewis, who is well known to readers of this blog.  The video was made in conjunction with Kidscape, which is a charity that prevents bullying and protects children.  “Defined” is such a winner!!  Get it on iTunes.

The Future’s Gleaming for @JakeMiller with “Collide”

JAKE MILLER, “Collide”

If there’s anything right about the pop world right now, then Jake Miller’s “Collide” will be a chart hit.  The 20 year old Florida native effortlessly combines rap flavour with a bright and big pop sound that just begs attention.  The singer himself has a laid back, fun presence in the accompanying video, and refers to his fans as the “Millertary”.  “Collide” – which appears to be mainly about kissing, ain’t nuthin’ wrong about that 🙂 – is taken from Jake’s album Us Against Them which is available on iTunes.  Jake announced today that he’s moving to L.A. on January 22, and then playing a show with Tori Kelly and Fifth Harmony there the next day.  L.A. watch out!  Thank you David J for the endorsement!!

Keep Tissues At Hand for “Goodbye” by @OsvaldoSupino

OSVALDO SUPINO, “Goodbye”

The bottom has yet to fall out of Osvaldo Supino’s recent album Exposed.  Last year we had “I Have A Name” and “Ma Radio”, two very different and enjoyable songs which reached #5 and #11 on my personal chart respectively.  Now we have “Goodbye”, and you best be ready for some wet eyes.  Regardless of your orientation, this song and video is about a dashed dream, and with each frame of the video you can feel the weight of what’s coming.  The point of reference in my head that keeps popping up is the ending of the Woody Allen film “The Purple Rose of Cairo”.  It’s crushing.  Leading to the inevitable finale, you can enjoy Osvaldo’s poignant and spot-on vocal.

Meet New Canadian Singer @KendalThompson – “It’s Time” and “Love”

KENDAL THOMPSON, “It’s Time” and “Love” (videos)

Alliston, Ontario native Kendal Thompson has one of those ages-old sometimes bluesy voices that can flip into any musical style she chooses.  So it’s not surprising that her voice can sound like Jewel, Lauryn Hill, or Amy Winehouse, depending on the song.  “It’s Time” and “Love” are both originals, and you can hear the care and emotion that has gone into the writing as well as performance.  You can find both songs on iTunes.  Kendal is also an apt interpreter – my choice would be her cover of Jessie Ware’s “Wildest Moments”.  Watch the performance video of  “Love” (above) and the lyric video of “It’s Time” (below) to hear what I’m talking about.  She is rumoured to have a wicked live set, and if you’re in Toronto tomorrow night (January 7) you can catch her show at The Painted Lady at Ossington and Dundas West.


“Dare You” to Party Hard with @Hardwell and @Matthew Koma

HARDWELL featuring MATTHEW KOMA, “Dare You”

Ready now for imminent takeover of the worldwide dance club charts is “Dare You”, combining the many talents of Dutch DJ/producer Robbert Hardwell and the always splendid Matthew Koma, who copped two of my Top 10 Songs of 2013 with “1998” and “Parachute”.  It’s great to see Matthew’s continued connection to the dance community with such a strong song, which sets out its lyrical intentions early on so you can jump and bounce and do whatever after the first minute or so.  Bound to be one of the biggest dance records of the year, I hope it crosses over to pop like Matthew’s work with Zedd.

Wander Away with @MTNSmusic “Lost Track of Time”

MTNS, “Lost Track of Time”

“Lost Track Of Time” is a breezy slice of pop from Australian trio MTNS (pronounced ‘mountains’) comprising Joseph, Tom, and Robbie.  And it’s scenic video might cause you to do just that while you relish the song’s tight melody and fine vocal.  It’s not so much about forgetting about time and doing nothing, as it is about moving on to… something.  And the video confirms that the day’s events are not over.  “Lost Track of Time” is culled from the band’s recent EP called Salvage, available on iTunes.

BILLCS Top 30 #421 – December 30/13 – Plus, New Songs by Neverest, Remy Shand, and Matt Blue

The last chart of 2013 is also my first chart of 2014, when last year’s favourites start to fade a bit and new ones start to take charge.

  • The Top 4 are exactly the same as two weeks ago:  Bright Light Bright Light’s “An Open Heart” (#11 for 2013) and “What’s Going On” by Monsieur Adi & A*M*E (#17 for 2013) are still too hard to dislodge, with Anton Ewald’s “Can’t Hold Back” (#21 for 2013) about to give way to Travis Garland’s “Easy”.

  • SIRPAUL busts a move right into the Top 5 with “Every Single Moment” (8-5), which not only can swirl you out onto the dance floor but dazzle you with its excellent lyrics.  It’s a grower, but a winner!
  • I am by no means nowhere near done with Martin Garrix’s “Animals” as it continually lodges itself inside my head.  It would have made for some appropriate party music in last night’s festivities.  “Animals” moves up 11-6.

  • “Gold” by UK singer Eurielle vaults into the Top 10 at #7, from her compelling 3 song EP The Incarnation.  Watch the tantalizing video above.

  • “Breathe Me” is a poignant and minimal cover of the Sia song by Portugal’s Carlos Nóbrega, climbing 15-10 and becoming his second Top 10 placing on my chart.
  • The middle of the chart finds songs still on the rise from Jarell Perry, “Glee”/Adam Lambert, Lady GaGa & R. Kelly and Corey Niles & Dru.

  • Debuts from the last chart are all taking off smoothly.  Bright Light Bright Light’s “In Your Care” is the fastest riser, up 24-16, making this a double whammy week for Rod Thomas who also has the #1 song.  Lady GaGa’s “MANiCURE” and Cage The Elephant’s “Come A Little Closer” (coming closer to becoming a pop hit, I think) climb 28-21 and 29-23.

  • I’ve written about both of our newcomers.  It’s no surprise that “Motel Pool” by Travis Garland bows at #22 complete with its damn proper sexy video.  Travis’ self-titled album is my go-to when I don’t know what to listen to.  The song is also from the new Motel Pool EP available on iTunes.  “Talking To The Walls” got a flood of attention right away when I wrote about it in October, but it’s gone a little too quiet.  I’ve not forgotten about this hypnotic song from new singer Své.  Watch the video below, which has some strange twists and a cameo from “Go For Gold” and former Click Five singer Kyle Patrick.  It debuts on my chart at #28.

EXTRAS:

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  • If you thought Neverest might go back to a ballad for their next single, you might not be prepared for the techno/dubsteppy power in “Take Cover”, which was released today as a free download from their Facebook page (you have to “like” it of course) right here.  Like “Rewind” (my #13 song of 2013), “Take Cover” is an ambitious and tight record that will slide into their set list rather neatly.  Can’t wait to hear it in concert!  There’s no link yet for me to provide – just take my word on this one folks!

remyshand

  • Juno Award winning Canadian R&B/pop singer Remy Shand has eased back into the music scene this year after being away from it for a decade.  He’s very active on Twitter, often providing many links to some great obscure and not-so-obscure songs which obviously shape his styles of music.  His new song released today on Bandcamp, “The Best In Me”, starts off with a low vocal register introduction, but doesn’t venture much beyond what he gave us in the past, which is not a bad thing at all.  Slick production and some amazing guitar work that rounds out the end of the song make it more than worthwhile.  You can hear and purchase the song right here.

mattblue

  • Dutch singer Matt Blue keeps issuing fine singles that hopefully one day will make an EP or album.  Released on You Tube just before the New Year is “Fireworks”, a bit slighter than past efforts “Can’t Help Myself” and last year’s #32 song “Outta My Mind”, but still in a positive and upbeat vein.  And when there’s such a fine voice singing the song you can’t help but be impressed.

Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and details web edition of my chart.

01 01 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light
02 02 WHAT’S GOING ON Monsieur Adi F/ A*M*E
03 03 CAN’T HOLD BACK Anton Ewald
04 04 EASY Travis Garland
08 05 EVERY SINGLE MOMENT   SIRPAUL
11 06 ANIMALS Martin Garrix
13 07 GOLD Eurielle
05 08 I HAVE A NAME Osvaldo Supino
07 09 DO I HAVE TO DANCE Simon Curtis
15 10 BREATHE ME Carlos Nóbrega
06 11 WE CAN’T STOP SUMMERTIME SADNESS   DATABOY
14 12 4TH OF JULY Jarell Perry
18 13 MARRY THE NIGHT Glee Cast F/ Adam Lambert
09 14 JULIET Lawson
19 15 DO WHAT U WANT Lady Gaga F/ R. Kelly
24 16 IN YOUR CARE Bright Light Bright Light
22 17 ROLLERCOASTER Corey Niles F/ Dru
20 18 KEEP ME RUNNING Andy Suzuki & The Method
21 19 I CAN’T HELP IT Dangerous Muse
10 20 BERLIN WALL Simon Curtis
28 21 MANiCURE Lady Gaga
New 22 MOTEL POOL Travis Garland
29 23 COME A LITTLE CLOSER Cage The Elephant
12 24 SOMEBODY LOVES YOU Betty Who
16 25 ADORN Miguel F/ Jessie Ware
17 26 APPLAUSE Lady Gaga
23 27 IMPOSSIBLE Ryan Star
New 28 TALKING TO THE WALLS Své
25 29 HEADHUNTER Parralox
26 30 MA RADIO Osvaldo Supino