“Castles” has the hybrid distinction of being upbeat and inspiring, as well as touching and sentimental. It’s brought to you by Orlando-based singer/songwriter Tonner, who is perhaps better known as being a producer for the last 10 years or so as well as a member of indie Tik Tok favourites The 502’s. A few years back, Tonner decided to step into the spotlight and hasn’t looked back since, while still producing and being part of The 502’s. “Castles” is a beautifully written song that acts as a source of gentle escape for those who have experienced loss or have found difficulty coping through the pandemic. The imaginative lyrics, set to a mellow electronic production, are highly appealing with a lot of bright summery touches. If you enjoy songs by singers like Ed Sheeran, James Bay, or Mokita, then “Castles” is especially for you, although it reminds me a lot melodically of Marc Cohn’s “Walking In Memphis”.
Although I initially wrote about FRANSIS a while back as a four-piece alt.rock band, it’s now a showcase name for singer/songwriter Emma Withers. Following up the title track of her EP Honeymoon, “Pin Me Down” is a compelling folk-rock song that takes its time to unfold its words about the struggles that women face in the aftermath of crimes like sexual assault. The first three minutes are sheer cathartic release in which FRANSIS’ lyrics are sung over a softer, guitar-led melody that gradually builds. After the three minute mark in “Pin Me Down”, all of the anger and frustration kept under wraps in the first part of the song let loose in a highly memorable, no holds barred vocal performance. Not shying away from being provocative and honest in her music, don’t be surprised if FRANSIS continues to acquire more attention outside of her native England this year and next.
If 2000’s alt.rock is your thing – think Panic! At The Disco, Saint Motel, Good Charlotte – then the music of Detroit trio If Walls Could Talk awaits. Tony, Nick and Steven have been best buds for years, and their enthusiastic approach to their ode to gaming, “Fs in Chat”, will win you over. Tony’s friendly and distinct voice leads the way as “Fs in Chat” is all about enjoying gaming for the heck of it, regardless of whether other online streamers are wanting you to fail or not. The creative and humorous video gives good visuals of the guys while capturing the essence of the song. It will take no time for you to want to stick around for the ride with If Walls Could Talk and “Fs in Chat”.
Las Vegas sextet Forgotten Door creates memorable melodies amid a mysteriously ambiguous retrospective story in their recent single “Masquerade”. Led by singers Johndale Stanley and Melody Ritz, Forgotten Door plays classic-style guitar-led rock with keyboards fleshing out the mix. The song structure of “Masquerade” is pretty straight forward and the band works hard to create original flavours that will captivate your ears. The overall sound is tight and “Masquerade” has a real hook that will stay in your head long after the song’s over.
It’s almost the middle of the summer, and the feel-good summer songs are definitely making their impact with me. Aside from a couple of great softer songs to have in the mix, the upbeat songs are flourishing on my stereo, and some debut this week and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. And in two weeks I’ll be visiting Las Vegas for the first time in six years and will have access to attend electronic dance music shows by The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Loud Luxury, Cash Cash, Dillon Francis, NGHTMRE, Tiësto and others for pool parties and evening events, which promises to be a vacation like I’ve never experienced before! It’s going to be extremely hot too so I will try not to get scorched. The next chart will be posted after I return, on Tuesday, August 2.
Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
The xx’s Oliver Sim hangs on to #1 for a second appearance (4th week) with his Prince-worthy “Romance with a Memory” (above). But he’ll be challenged in two weeks by Benson Boone’s captivating “In The Stars” (holding at #2) and Harry Styles’ glistening “Daydreaming” (9-3, below), which I hope will eventually be promoted at radio.
The Fastest Riser zips into the Top 5, and it’s the incredibly summery “Superstar” by Sweden’s Darin (14-5). It’s Darin’s third Top 5, following two #1’s, “Can’t Stay Away” and “Holding Me More”. Will it get its turn at #1 too?
henrikz and Danny Dearden inch up 7-6 with their beautifully sung house track “Mind of Mine”.
Also new in the Top 10 are: “Afterglow” (above) by Nicky Romero, GATTUSO and Jared Lee, rising 11-8. It’s the first Top 10 for Nicky and GATTUSO, but third for Jared following “Those Were The Days” (with Midnight Kids, #5) and “Ain’t Deep Enough” (with Autograf, #3). And Manila Killa and Lights soar 17-9 with their collaboration “Dusk” (below) which is the title track of Manila Killa’s new album, out on July 22.
Conan Gray scores his highest charting song to date as “Memories” (above), from his new album Superache, moves up 13-11. Listen to another thoughtful track from Superache called “Yours”, below.
Had there not been so many other songs that I love ahead of it, “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé would have jumped to a higher position. Instead it scores a not-too-shabby 21-14 leap which positions it well for the Top 10 in two weeks.
Also keep your eyes on the three other debuts from two weeks ago. Louis Pax’s “Ophelia” (27-21, new video above) is a real grower, Steve Void and Sharon Doorson’s cover of Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee)” (28-22, below) will keep you grooving, and Frankmusik’s redux of “Confusion Girl” (30-23, also below) turns it into a contemporary pop bop.
The Highest Debut is Francesco Yates’ impressive and addictive “Jimi” which bows at #24. The Toronto-born singer/songwriter/guitarist’s last two chart entries did well, “Bad Decisions” reached #5 in 2020 while the steamy “Late Night Love” peaked at #3 in early 2021. It’s his sixth chart entry overall.
After landing at #2 earlier this year with “Play It Cool” (featuring Island Banks), UK/Irish duo Menrva are back on the chart with “You”, a collaboration with American belter MOYA, which bows at #29. It’s also the duo’s first release in a new deal with Capitol Records!
Rounding out the chart is Canadian/German duo Lola Dutronic with their retrospective look at summers gone by with “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)” at #30. It’s their first chart entry, though Lola Dutronic has been around for about 20 years in one form or another, with Canadian producer/songwriter Richard Citroen being the constant.
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.
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.
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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!
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.
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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario! “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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:
Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
SEVERMAN, ARSHAN JOEL and ROBBIE ROSEN, “Stained Glass”
Call it a weakness, but glorious arpeggios will get to me almost every time, provided they are surrounded by the right song, production, and vocals. And “Stained Glass”, which is a co-write by Germany’s Severman, India’s Arshan Joel, and NYC singer/songwriter and former “American Idol” contestant Robbie Rosen, scores in all departments. I’ll forever associate arpeggios with a big room sound that was popular between 2010 and 2015, a sound that some producers wrongly squawk about as being dated. “Stained Glass” is more than suitable as a club or festival anthem, with its lyrics about putting the past behind and seeing the colours of the future through the title object. Though I understand this release was long in the making, it’s rare that you would find Robbie’s vocal associated with a potential festival banger. But everyone’s hard work lifts this song to the next level, and I’m hopeful that the right club DJ and festival programmers’ ears will land on it.
Hypnotic rhythms and a sultry male vocal lead the way in “Give It All Up”, the latest release by Emirati dance producers/songwriters Revelries and L.A. producer/songwriter Sam Smyers. These guys are make it all sound easy with the slick sounds of “Give It All Up”. They previously released one of my favourite tracks of 2018 “Don’t Think Twice” (with vocalist Oktavian, reaching #2 on my personal chart), and have had other solid collabs since like “End Up Like That”. And making it easy doesn’t mean there’s a boring formula, this is simply high quality work – knowing how to make a winning vocal, a brisk house rhythm, and a regretful story of infatuation all gel together – that stands out and will immediately grab your attention.
I had the pleasure of being in the audience for Two Friends’ high octane return to Toronto on June 30, and got to hear “Timebomb” the day before release. It’s an enjoyable, energetic track that draws a lot from the early 2000’s melodically – think Blink 182, Good Charlotte, American Hi-Fi, and others. But of course, being a Two Friends release, you can expect some big synths and drops which ramp up both the song’s likeability and its power in concert. Minnesota native Mod Sun brings big attitude and edge to his vocal, and it couldn’t be any better of a match. While he’s had more than a 10 year career, it wasn’t till recent years working with Machine Gun Kelly, blackbear, Travis Barker, and of course now-fiancée Avril Lavigne that his style and talent have come to fruition. This one is destined to be a staple in Two Friends’ sets, and is a nice contrast to their recent sentimental dance radio hit with John.k, “Wish You Were Here”.
Dutch dance producers Lucas and Steve have been acquiring fans worldwide over the last decade with their energetic live shows at some of the biggest festivals and venues. This time, these prolific guys team up with New York City producer CRCLE for “Every Day”. And if the song seems familiar, it should be: Its playful verses are from American pop/R&B group Jade’s 1995 hit “Every Day of the Week”. But the three producers surround that chorus with a punchy new mix of synths which are guaranteed to get club and festival audiences supercharged. Then the chorus takes over and a crowded dance floor ensues. “Every Day” is smart and on point and is ready-made for dance music radio airplay too.
While I was on vacation recently in NYC, I didn’t write any blog posts, so of course the songs accumulate while I’m away. My solution: It’s “10/10” time with edition #27! In “10/10”,I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention. I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the “10/10” lists are any less than those featured individually. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I wouldn’t otherwise get to write about. Songs often end up on my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30. They may even receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for my radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!
PETAWANE, “Music”
The heart and soul of contemporary soul music lives and breathes in the form of veteran NYC singer Petawane (aka James Burris). His recent release “Music” is a passionate tribute to soul music of the recent past, and name-checks so many songs and performers in the process that it’s hard to keep track. “Music” could have been easily executed as a novelty track, but instead you’ll embrace it and put it on repeat. Petawane has a classic vocal style that’s influenced by the best, from Sam Cooke and Nat “King” Cole, to Curtis Mayfield and Teddy Pendergrass, to Patti LaBelle and Millie Jackson. He’s also a three-time winner of “Showtime At The Apollo”, and signed to legendary music executive Ray Caviano’s RFC Fresh label, so with “Music” you can expect something exceptional.
SHOWTEK and MC AMBUSH, “Welcome Back Home”
Longtime electronic dance producers, The Netherlands’ Showtek, have worked with many artists over the years on too many numerous smashes to count, and continue to come through with a fantastic, fun release. “Welcome Back Home” is a feel good, inclusive song uniting people with love and music. Netherlands-based American vocalist MC Ambush – whose notable work goes back to Kevin Lyttle’s classic “Turn Me On” in 2003 – provides the encouraging, anthemic vocal that carries the song over its buoyant and well-crafted synths and melody. Club DJ’s who want their audiences to cheer will want to crank up “Welcome Back Home” in their sets.
SHOFFY, “Nightmares in NYC”
Over the past few years, L.A.-based singer, songwriter and producer Shoffy (aka Alex Shofler) has garnered success at both Top 40 radio and on the dance music scene with his varied takes on electronic pop. In fact, the quietly introspective but direct “Flags”, from his 2017 self-titled album, reached #2 on my personal chart, and I played that song and others from the album for months. His new release “Nightmares in NYC” is laid back, reflective electronica, about being lonely in a city where it’s impossible to be alone, yet when missing someone who is thousands of miles away becomes the centre of your focus, then you might as well be in a desert instead of NYC. Shoffy’s every-guy vocal and thoughtful songwriting style here will appeal to fans of Lauv and John.k.
GLASS PETALS and DREW RAY TANNER, “Cardio”
As its title implies, “Cardio” is destined to give night club dancers a real workout with its heavy bass synths pounding from big speakers. Glass Petals is the deep house side project for Canadian producer Felix Cartal with fellow producer Johnny Jover, and it follows up the recent “Leave Your Mind Behind” once again for the Hau5trap label. TV’s “Riverdale” fans might be doing a double take at the second artist featured – fellow Canadian Drew Ray Tanner, aka Fangs Fogarty, one of my favourite characters on the show. His distorted voice provides the sublimely ominous vocal that will compel you to give it your all on the dance floor. Just say “Fangs made me do it”.
FUTURE KINGS and LIFFORD, “Brick House”
If you’re looking for some house music that’s laced with funky sounds, then you should be undoubtedly satisfied by this cover of The Commodores’ “Brick House” by UK producers Future Kings and British R&B/pop vocalist Lifford for Oliver Heldens’ OH2 label. While the original is certainly still heard all over the world in clubs today, Future Kings (Alex Ross and Paul Webb) deliberately turn the song on its side with a sassy, trance-house production that breathes some new life into it. And it’s helped even further by Lifford Shillingford’s compelling, rich voice, which gives it more contemporary flair while still sounding like a mix of classic Joe Simon and Clarence Carter. Fans of “Britain’s Got Talent” will also know Lifford from his performances on that show in season 12. Future Kings and Lifford deliver “Brick House” 2022 which will go down easy in clubs.
MELØ, “XEX”
At the top of the year, I introduced you to Windsor, Ontario singer/songwriter MELØ and his catchy single “Mysteria”. You can find that song as well as three more on his EP Things We Lost, including the intriguing “XEX”. Again drawing from a myriad of influences that transport you back to the middle of the 80’s, and I might be entirely wrong, but “XEX” to me is an anthem to that which is intangible or unexplainable in the world, which is encouraging to those who always enjoy a good mystery. In some ways MELØ’s songwriting in “XEX” reminds me of British pop group China Crisis, who have an art for writing songs that often are about nothing in particular. That places a lot of emphasis on the production, harmonies and melody, which are all solid on “XEX”.
SAGE CASTLEBERRY, “I Kinda Like It”
A charming, versatile voice goes a long way over jangly guitars and perky synths. Michigan-raised Sage Castleberry definitely has the goods as a singer, songwriter and guitarist as he proves in “I Kinda Like It”. The song’s about recognizing that it’s perfectly fine to have someone to talk to and keep you company when you’re feeling lonely, without having to commit to a relationship. “I Kinda Like It” will appeal to fans of Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Bruno Mars. Sage Castleberry isn’t an easy name to forget, and his high energy level and earnestness will take him far.
STEVEXCOOPER & ROTHSTEIN, “Water Wings”
“Water Wings” is an upbeat new song with minimal synths carrying a slight but infectious melody, brought to you by Brooklyn producer stevexcooper and vocalist Rothstein. The song is from their upcoming EP What Are You Made Of?, and is a delight for alternative and college radio fans. Steve Cooper has had a nearly 20 year career in the music industry, and his flair for the atypical with a lot of genuine touches in “Water Wings” is impressive to the ears. You’re guaranteed to dig “Water Wings” from first listen, even if you don’t quite know why, which makes the subsequent listens all the more inviting.
BRUNO FURLAN with MEDUSA, “Nobody”
“Nobody” is an inspired house track whose roots show reverence for the 80’s house of producers like Todd Terry. Producer Bruno Furlan hails from Brazil, and he’s got a heater here that’s guaranteed to put some big bounce into any club set. The song is led by the enticing voice of Medusa, who has brought her talents to many electronic and house tracks. From start to finish, “Nobody” is a dancefloor winner.
BEXX, “One More Night”
There’s an interesting story behind how “One More Night” came to be. It’s brought to you by new UK pop/dance singer bexx who hopes to follow the successes of fellow Brits like Becky Hill and Rina Sawayama. The endless positive vibes of “One More Night” were inspired by the film “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, despite bexx going through a breakup at the time of writing. As you can see from the joyous video above, it’s a bright, solid three minute pop tune that show’s off bexx’s sharp vocal as well.
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