I’ve written about NYC pop/dance singer/songwriter Reigen numerous times in recent years, but with “tu ritmo” he tackles a song that is principally sung in Spanish. It’s a beautiful, sensual song whose key phrase “deseo tu ritmo” means “I want your rhythm”. And that of course is the rhythm of romance, sex, and maybe even love. Reigen’s nuanced vocal leads the way, and the above video was shot in Spain featuring dancers from the LGTBailamos dance school providing an ideal backdrop for the story. Fans of Latin music and the singer will adore this one.
Mike Rogers is a Dutch alternative trio with pop, rock and dance music roots, consisting of producers Mike Mago and Roger van der Zwan (TWR72), and vocalist Micha de Jonge (from the group Kita Menari). Very reminiscent of the intent of dance act Miike Snow, Mike Rogers is intended to be a live act, with a full album coming next year. Ahead of all of that is “Can’t Stop”, a powerful new single about a guy trying to breakaway from his past life of being constantly misunderstood. Micha’s voice is bold and deep and unlike anything you’ll hear on the radio, and the overall sound of the single is of triumph and exhilaration. Put “Can’t Stop” on your list of songs to check out.
One of the sheer delights of 2021 was to have Swedish star Darin back recording in English after an eight year absence, during which time he focused on songs in his native language. “Can’t Stay Away” was my #2 song of the year, and it was followed up with the heartfelt ballad “Holding Me More” – both songs reaching #1 on my personal chart. “Can’t Stay Away” even got a second wind when it became a big hit in Italy this year. “Superstar” follows the happy, uninhibited groove of “Can’t Stay Away” with another airy dance/pop release that will please his fans immensely. Though perhaps not as strong as the previous two singles, “Superstar” features another impeccable Darin vocal and bright production by no less than the renown Stuart Price, along with rising British duo Billen Ted and co-writer Jamie Hartman. With “Superstar”, I certainly can’t get enough of Darin’s current releases, as well as the dynamic, memorable style in its video above (with the same director as “Can’t Stay Away” too).
Former “American Idol” contestant and singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen, is someone who lives and breathes music every day. With multiple dance music releases happening all the time, it’s almost impossible to keep up with him, and I do try to catch most of his releases. Today I’ve got two of his best recent ones for you.
“Purpose” is not only a splendid piece of songwriting, but it’s an exceptionally tight collaboration with veteran Florida-based producer Ted Bello. In a timely coincidence, Shawn Mendes echoed the theme of this song with his touching and eloquent speech at Canada’s Juno Awards this past week. “Purpose” is an uplifting song with a bubbly, friendly pop/dance melody with tropical flourishes that reassures the listener that they are enough and have a purpose. It’s one of Robbie’s best recent vocals too.
“D.A.M.N.” is simply too short at only 2 minutes long but Robbie makes the most of it in a crisp, rich deep house production by German producer Rolipso and mystery producer Booty Leak. This one’s about that deep down fascination with someone when they tweak that special spark that you want to pursue. Robbie’s convincing vocal and a concise story keep “D.A.M.N.” crammed with intrigue, but then… it’s over and you mutter to yourself “now, wait a minute”…
I recently introduced you to Jak Lizard with “Ride Home”, some down-home easy going R&B that reminds me a lot of 90’s well-remembered group Arrested Development. Jak’s recently released a six song EP, Young Americana, that includes “Ride Home” as well as the equally fine title song. About the EP, Jak says, “The six-track release is a love letter to optimism in a time of strife and the idea that when we stick together, we cannot be stopped”. And that is certainly a powerful, much-needed message especially for the young people who listen to this record. It fuses 70’s Motown and Stax flavours with 90’s R&B, along with a bevy of horns and beats that keeps the melody busy while Jak sings his optimistic message. As someone who through his songs is outspoken about love and positivity, Jak Lizard is definitely one to watch.
Two Friends (Eli and Matt) have been touring relentlessly in 2022, so in-between that and making Big Bootie mixes, we have their first release of the year, “Wish You Were Here”. It features and is co-written with singer John.k, known for his thoughtful acoustic hit “If We Never Met”. “Wish You Were Here” is an unexpected and interesting collaboration, a few steps away from the party-hard elements of many of Two Friends’ more recent singles, with a softer, reflective vocal by John.k that doesn’t feel out of place at all. In fact, although it’s not an anthem like past Two Friends’ songs like “Just A Kid” or “With My Homies”, it contains similar relatable sentiments and a bubbly synth melody which would make it fit tight in a Two Friends set. I’m looking forward to hearing this one in concert. PS: the video is a heart-tugger (keep a tissue handy)!
Two Friends perform at History in Toronto on June 30 and July 1.
“Starrdust (I Am Human)” by JJ Braves will grab your attention for two very good reasons. First, its tidy arrangement is packed with nostalgia circa 1986 – think John Parr, Mr. Mister, Heart, Bon Jovi. Second, it’s got a provocative set of lyrics which make you think about your limited time in this world and what you want out of your life. It’s all brought to you by new L.A. singer/songwriter JJ Braves, the performing name of Josh Keever, who has a big, earnest and convincing voice that reminds me of NYC rocker Ryan Star. While “Starrdust” may initially seem anachronistic, it ends up being fresh and bold, reminding us to be mindful not to place artists in closed boxes.
SYTË (which means “eyes” in Albanian) is a promising new duo from Kosovo with their sultry R&B and jazz flavored released “Where Did The Love Go”. The arrangement is very inviting, which makes it easy to enjoy the song. Singer Nita Kaja conveys her sentiments in writing through this song after reuniting with a friend after months of isolation. “Where Did The Love Go” cautions us not to second guess our feelings even during tough times. Its vibrant melody and catchy rhythm along with Nita’s crisp vocal make SYTË’s “Where Did The Love Go” a great song for quiet Sundays or long pensive drives.
On the eve of the release of his album The Way Back Up, Florida-based producer Trivecta continues to show why he is someone to always keep your eyes and ears on for solid music. “Back To The Start” is an optimistic ode to starting over and not giving up, and it’s bound to be a festival favourite. The focus this time is not on dubstep or future bass, but melodic and euphoric progressive electronic sounds. Aided by a top notch vocal by Isaac Warburton, “Back To The Start” immediately draws you in and leaves you wanting more, and that’s your clue to dive deeper into The Way Back Up. It has already been preceded by three singles and features stalwarts like Rico & Miella with strong assists.
BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT and IAN “H” WATKINS, “Moves”
One of my favourite albums of the 2010’s hands down is Bright Light Bright Light’s debut indie pop/dance album Make Me Believe In Hope, which includes a collection of his brilliant early singles like “Love Part II”, “Disco Moment” and “Feel It”, which were all written up in the very early pages of this blog. “Moves” remains an adoring highlight of the album as its final single, reaching #6 on my personal chart in 2012 (original video below). To celebrate the upcoming 10th anniversary deluxe re-release of Make Me Believe In Hope, BLx2 (Rod Thomas) has revisited “Moves” in a clever duet with Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins. It works beautifully, adding not only another layer of voice but meaning in the lyrics as two people struggle to move on in their lives instead of one. I’m sure Rod has more surprises up his sleeve and you owe it to yourself to check out the anniversary edition of Make Me Believe In Hope, particularly if you missed it the first time around.
Bright Light Bright Light is hosting a EuroVision viewing party in New York City at Club Cumming at 2pm on Saturday, May 14, 2022, along with co-host Ana Matronic (of Scissor Sisters), followed by a Best Of EuroVision dance party. It’s is also a Ukraine fundraiser so donate generously!
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