“Tuff” by VASSY and GT_ofice is a fun, punchy dance song currently making its way up my personal chart that might be a hard act to follow. But Miami producer GT_ofice found its successor with “Moving On”, a relatable house track featuring singer and co-writer Britt Lari, also on my chart singing on Syence’s insanely catchy “don’t you wanna know”. The melody and rhythm are key to creating a memorable groove under Britt’s resolute vocal. So “Moving On” should be easily embraced by those dance radio stations that love and are still playing “Tuff”.
“Tuff” also recently received a series of remixes in a new EP designed for clubs and festivals, with a couple of notable highlights from a pair of Australian remixers. Kondo has the most fun with deeper house elements that seem to draw from late 90’s favourites, while Mind Electric alters the pacing more deliberately and adds some percussion flavours which give his remix added sparkle. Check ’em all out below.
THE DISCO FRIES and DANNY & TARIQ, “Weight Off” (club mix)
“Weight Off” is a top drawer collaboration between NYC’s The Disco Fries and busy Dutch producers Danny & Tariq. I’m focusing on the Club Mix here because if its impeccable progressive fusion of trance and house elements. While pure 90’s/early 2000’s trance is in big comeback mode, not too many artists marry it with another dance sub-genre. So just when you might think it’s another fun house rave up, along come these cool European-sounding synths which send the song off in a different and welcome direction. Its taut pacing and dramatic middle set piece makes “Weight Off” a no brainer for clubs and festivals.
It’s a little bit more off the beaten path for Cobi, but his fourth single release in 2022 is the soulful rock ballad “Temptation”. With the release of last year’s moody, compelling album Songs From The Ashes as well as frequent performances online, Cobi seems to have moved on from heart-drenched, blues-soaked rock tunes in favour of equally introspective songs through a different lens. “Temptation” is about being withdrawn and caught up in your head, and finally giving in to follow another path, despite the unknown attached to it. Some of Cobi’s past, highly emotional vocals have left him with this naturally-sounding soulful tone in his voice that pervades “Temptation”. And being a rock ballad in a time where really good ones are few and far between makes “Temptation” a really unexpected earworm. Cobi has just announced a limited European tour, so let’s hope he’ll come back for some live performances later in the year in North America.
Due to the fact that there are a lot of songs on the BILLCS Top 30 that I really love, there’s plenty of activity, just not a lot of really BIG movement. This is quite a contrast to my charts of 15 or 20 years ago when many songs would debut high on the chart and spend a longer time at the top before they dropped down the chart. Within the last seven or eight years, songs have usually started off in the 20’s and made a steady climb before peaking and then making a often a big drop. I think this has to do with the sheer volume of music that’s available now, and less reliance on influence from Top 40 radio and major labels, which makes the chart much more unique and personal. Anyway that’s my take on how my current chart is today and you have plenty of music to check out and enjoy!
Make sure you read about my frequently updatedONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
The timing of the new BILLCS Top 30 is a bit off this week as we’ll have a new song from Odesza tomorrow! In the meantime “The Last Goodbye”, their rework of Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy” continues its reign at the top for a second appearance.
Rising from 8-2 with a firm design on a future destination of #1 is French electronic dance producer Mercer with his tribute, “Aretha”, which is an absolute sure dance floor killer. It becomes Mercer’s third Top Three entry on my chart.
The dynamic trio of Mahalo, Milkwish and Lena Leon climb 6-4 with their deep house track “Careless”.
“Reflection” (10-6) is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Years & Years only available on the deluxe edition of the album Night Call.
New to the Top 10 are a pair of house tracks that you can play back-to-back and will keep you moving. “Hold Me Down” (above) by Italy’s Luca+ Giam with singer Sam Merkin moves up 11-8, while “Prisoner” (below) by England’s Shadowkey and singer Jordan Jane climbs 14-10.
Only a handful of songs in the next ten move up four or five spots ohttps://youtu.be/h9CNGPy11Jcn the chart. Rising from 17-13 is “My Love” (above) by Florence & The Machine from the album Dance Fever. Also moving up 21-16 is “Tuff” (below) by Australian dance queen VASSY and Florida electronic dance producer Gt_ofice. Sweden’s Liamoo continues to climb the chart with “Bluffin'” (also below), up 24-20.
And the Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to Harry Styles, who sang recently with Shania Twain at Coachella. His worldwide #1 “As It Was” soars 25-17.
With the new chart so loaded there are only two debuts. New York City singer/songwriter Victor Perry already has a song in the Top 10 with Saxity called “Oxygen”, but he’s back with his first solo work in two years called “Punching Bag” (above) which bows at #27. It’s Victor’s 14th entry on the chart, and his fourth as a solo artist. He’s also appeared once with his side project Labrose. And at #28 is LA based electronic dance duo capital Syence featuring singer Britt Lari and “don’t you wanna know” (below). Syence’s first chart entry was back in 2017 with Steve Void on the thoughtful electronic ballad “We Won’t Leave You” (#7), and it’s nice to have them back with a rollicking dance track!
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
While he is best known as the lead singer of the British 90’s alt.rock group The Charlatans and has released five solo albums to date, Tim Burgess has also been offering “Tim’s Listening Party” on a regular basis on Twitter for the past two years, which through his many fellow artist connections in the biz, has been welcoming and highly entertaining during the pandemic. With The Charlatans not having released new music since 2017, he turns the spotlight back on his own music with the release of “Here Comes The Weekend”, his first new music in almost two years, supported by the above video directed by Kevin Godley. “Here Comes The Weekend” is a light refreshing rock tune about two people who seemingly can never meet in person and always meet online on the weekend. The song has some lively moments thanks to a very prominent Hammond organ-type of sound, very similar to what was used in early 80’s songs such as Dire Straits’ “Walk of Life”. Nonetheless “Here Comes The Weekend” is all about the good times, even if they are at a distance.
With “Take Me Higher”, dance producer Manila Killa goes down a more progressive electronic path than usual, incorporating drum ‘n bass flavours that really invigorate this release. In fact “Take Me Higher” could easily be a rock and roll record with the addition of live instruments like electric guitar. But with that aside the synth work is really impressive and the song has a fun, frenetic pace to it. He also added vocals by FKNSYD which help make it sound richer with that other layer. “Take Me Higher” more than sustains it’s 4 1/2 minutes length, and the stylistic musical journey of Manila Killa continues to evolve.
Louis Pax is a Swedish pop band that readers of this blog will already know well from their recent #1 on my personal chart, the instantly engaging and memorable “Bad Things”. “Get You Off My Mind” follows up their last single, the ballad “Spanish Rain”, and is more of a return to the upbeat pop of “Bad Things”. The band continues to acquit themselves well with their tight, well-honed sound. The dreamy lyrics are instantly relatable as we head into Spring romance season, and you’ll hang on every word once again beautifully sung by Oscar, who has one of the best new voices around. So if you enjoy the music of 5 Seconds of Summer or Why Don’t We, then “Get You Off My Mind” will also fit snugly into your pop playlists.
Australia’s benjamin quickly follows up his taut, funky pop single “Tunnel Vision” with the lyrical and emotional “Spiralling”. In collaboration with Singapore electronic producer DSML, benjamin creates a story that many young people have known all too well during the pandemic, when anxieties take over and you feel helpless and out of control. During this time many people felt that they had to put on a happy face on zoom calls and hide their feelings, which made it more difficult when they were on their own for so many hours on end. benjamin’s vocals are at their best here and “Spiralling” is a deeply personal contrast to the much lighter “Tunnel Vision”. While he has recorded several fine releases as one half of the Beamish Brothers, benjamin is off to a great start with his first two solo releases.
March and April have been chock full of great new songs, so my feature “10/10” returns for a 25th edition! 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, or receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!
OLIVER SIM, “Romance with a Memory”
Until I saw the video, all I could think about was how splendidly Prince-influenced “Romance with a Memory” sounds, as recorded by The xx bassist and vocalist Oliver Sim. It’s an unconventional song musically and lyrically, and perhaps not what The xx fans might expect. Oliver has a marvelous voice to be now front and centre, and the deeper vocal touches near the end provide an interesting contrast. The video features “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Dragula” performers Charity Kase, HoSo Terra Toma, and Gena Marvin decked out in a variety of odd outfits performing to the song. And as a solo artist, Oliver Sim is one to keep a close ear on.
HUGEL & LOVRA, “Madonna”
“Madonna” is a fun track that I heard while watching French producer Hugel spin a set during Miami Music Week. In collaboration with female German producer Lovra, “Madonna” is a scrappy, manic dance track that will have prospective dancers moving within about 20 seconds. There isn’t much to it lyrically, with a sneering, edgy vocal that will grab you as being a little out of the ordinary for this kind of record. All in all “Madonna” is loads of high energy fun that will rev up a set.
JAK LIZARD, FATHERDUDE & JULIA ZIVIC, “Ride Home”
Home is where the heart is, and NYC’s Jak Lizard knows that in spades as he expresses in his new single “Ride Home”. The first artist it reminded me of is Arrested Development, the now seldom-heard Grammy-winning 90’s R&B group who for a while dominated with their unique, often chill spin on life with songs like “Tennessee”. “Ride Home” is similarly easy going, with delightful features from Julia Zivic and go-to guy Fatherdude. Jak Lizard’s influences are rooted in classic R&B like Sly & The Family Stone, and the welcoming groove and lyrics of their music is felt in “Ride Home” too. If you’re looking for a classy soulful spin on pop/R&B, then look no further.
A.J. SMITH, “Nobody”
While in Miami last month, I heard one of A.J. Smith’s earlier songs “Misfits” while having lunch at a cool cafe I found on a previous visit, so I decided to check out more of his songs. This is one of those happy cases where I’m glad I did, otherwise I wouldn’t have heard the delightful whimsy in “Nobody” or got to see his clearly “Bridgerton”-inspired video. It turns out A.J. is New York-based, hailing originally from Denver, who can play 10 instruments and has a Master’s Degree in songwriting from NYU. Like many others with the passion to create perform, he has chosen the artist path, which so far has led him to open up for the likes of The Eagles and Lindsey Stirling, and to perform off-Broadway too. “Nobody” is an inspiring song for the underdogs of the world, and the twists and turns of events in the video provide a surprising and satisfying finale.
BLACK SANDS and ISADORA, “Deserve”
American electronic producer Black Sands returns with a refreshing pop and R&B mix in the form of “Deserve”, featuring Australian R&B singer Isadora. While Black Sands – aka Andrew Balfour – put a nice spin on The Weeknd’s soulfulness in last year’s “Used To It” (featuring Weeknd soundalike Martino) – “Deserve” is brighter and more playful, and harkens back to Ariana Grande’s duet with The Weeknd on “Love Me Harder”. But lyrically, Black Sands is in a different place, wanting to embrace dark and light, with a swaying rhythm intended to move like the ebb and flow of the sea. So “Deserve” will keep you listening with a bang-on vocal by Isadora and some slick harmonies.
STUCKER, “Exhale”
“Exhale” is hard alternative rock from Stucker, a new five piece band hailing from Belgium. Their influences range from Arctic Monkeys to Queens of the Stone Age, so you’re in for some jagged, tight guitar-filled music with an angst-ridden vocal that doesn’t let up, that sometimes reminds me of Canada’s Billy Talent. So just when you might think the song sounds a little ordinary, the band members switch things up lyrically or musically to sustain your interest. Stucker is a band determined to bring the flavours of 90’s alternative rock back to the forefront, and hey with Nirvana’s “Something In The Way” getting new life through “The Batman” movie and even an Illenium remix, their approach may be timely. “Exhale” will help keep you rocking.
LISA WRIGHT, “Ready Now”
“Ready Now” is powered by an excellent vocal by its singer/songwriter, Essex-born Lisa Wright. Her commanding, vulnerable presence on this song could easily hush a room, so it’s no wonder the BBC are supporting her as an emerging British talent. Lisa has a voice that could sing any kind of song, and though she indicates she is influenced by the likes of Carole King and Alison Krauss, I’ll bet she could handle a traditional country song, a Broadway ballad, or a sultry soul number with ease. The song is about getting up the courage to fall in love again, and your ears will be glued to it as Lisa’s story unfolds.
NIVIRO and HARLEY BIRD, “The Edge”
Give me a well-done early 2010’s-influenced melodic house track, and I’m a happy camper! Belgian dance producer Niviro and L.A. vocalist Harley Bird team up for “The Edge”, which has early Avicii and Hardwell to thank, adding some equally punchy, energetic rhythms which are saturated in exuberant, splashy synths. You heard Harley Bird recently on his song with Jay Bird and TWSTD ZOO’s called “Float”, which got to #3 on my personal chart. “The Edge” is a different but equally suitable setting for his voice as Niviro also twists and alters it to great effect. Add a compelling and cathartic story about finding yourself standing at the edge of something critical in life, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy in “The Edge”.
LUCY WROE, “Same World”
“Same World” is the title song from an EP by new London singer/songwriter Lucy Wroe. It’s classic R&B-influenced upbeat pop that goes down as easily as you might take in songs by Jessie Ware and YEBBA. “Same World” is buoyed by an insistent guitar hook, and the sparse but tight arrangement gives plenty of room to showcase Lucy’s sparkling vocal. “Same World” also has a refreshing theme of the wonder of a new relationship as it’s starting out, a break away in general from many songs about them falling apart.
CHARLES B & JUSTMYLØRD, “Losing My Mind”
“Losing My Mind” is a percolating slice of deep house from French producers Charles B and Justmylørd. Both gents have already received support from the best producers in the biz and have released on most of the prominent dance labels – Spinnin’, Revealed, and more. “Losing My Mind” is an intense song for late nights led by an uncredited female vocal, and when the beat kicks in you can just picture all of those flashing lights on the dance floor. It’s polished songs like “Losing My Mind” that could easily help producers like Charles B and Justmylørd to another level of international recognition.
“Heart So Big” is the latest in four recent pop/dance releases by Norwegian producer Matoma which I’ve written about that ooze positivity and warmth, while still providing enough melodic bounce to keep you dancing. To recap, the others are “Never Surrender”, “Beautiful Wave”, and “Summer Feeling”. This time Matoma is joined by New Jersey electronic trio A R I Z O N A, who came a long way very quickly with two major-label albums, hits like “I Was Wrong” and “Oceans Away”, and features on songs by the A list of dance producers including Avicii, R3HAB, Don Diablo, and Louis The Child. The fusion of the combined talents of Matoma and A R I Z O N A in “Heart So Big” helps make the simple message of the song really stand out. It’s a welcoming song sure to make you smile, which will prompt repeated plays.
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