MICHAEL MEDRANO and FUNK LeBLANC, “Do Your Thing” (Dance Floor version)
Michael Medrano, gradually becoming everyone’s favourite disco dad, is channeling 70’s disco at its best (take it from someone who lived through that era), and he might have a corner on that market in the indie US scene. Taking some cues from artists like The Knocks and Sofi Tukker, “Do Your Thing” in its dance floor version with Funk LeBlanc, is a joyous butt-shaking celebration of you being you wherever you want to just be you. A dance floor in a club is always a safe and welcoming environment for exactly this, and Michael’s R&B-flavoured graceful tones have a field day with “Do Your Thing”. It’s a great follow-up to recent singles “i don’t wanna talk about love” (currently Top 5 on my personal chart) and “Personal Heaven”.
HAZELL DEAN, “Out Of Control” (Back In Control mix)
Singer/songwriter Hazell Dean has left an indelible mark on the UK Top 40 pop charts and dance music charts worldwide with her memorable 80’s smashes “Searchin’ (I Gotta Find A Man”, “Whatever I Do (Wherever I Go)” (an early Stock-Aitken-Waterman production), and “Who’s Leaving Who”. She continues to be a highly popular draw in the UK, and last year released two albums, Parts 1 & 2 of The Dean & Ware Collection, as well as a vibrant cover of ABBA’s “Happy New Year” to usher in 2022. “Out Of Control” is an original from Part 1 of The Dean & Ware Collection which has been elevated with a “Back In Control” remix. While geared towards clubs due to its length, “Out Of Control” is a whole lotta fun. The 80’s elements recall S-A-W and other producers in their heyday but it’s the euphoric and dynamically sung chorus, zippy melody and soulful rhythm that all stand out. My wish would be for a tight edit of this song, but Hazell’s many fans and lovers of 80’s dance music will make the utmost of “Out Of Control”.
Bloodkorp is a new Belgian singer-songwriter-producer otherwise known as Chayene, who was signed to a development deal with Sony ATV France when he was 16. And the bells and whistles haven’t been spared for his new single “Elle veut ma vie” (which means “she wants my life”), which is mastered by none other than Randy Merrill, known for his work with Adele and The Weeknd. And The Weeknd is the likely comparison you’ll have here, right down to the Bloodkorp artist name and the mystery behind this talented young man. The chorus of “Elle veut ma vie” translates as “She wants my life and I want her body / just for a night / a honeymoon under a blood moon”, which gives you a flavour of what you’re getting into in this entertaining song. It’s accompanied by an expensive-looking, video-game inspired video, which lends the song its space-age love song appeal. Bloodkorp joins his fellow Belgian artist Stromae as having the ability to crossover to the English language market with a song in French. He’s someone you’ll be hearing much more from in 2022.
A great voice always needs an equally fine song as its match, and that is achieved by NYC newcomer Amaya Santos with “Carousel”. Her voice effortlessly glides over the funky bass and soulful melody which you would sometimes find in an old Doobie Brothers or Chicago song. But Amaya’s voice is all about the 2000’s, influenced by singers such as Aaliyah and Alicia Keys and with precision like Mariah Carey. “Carousel” is about being trapped in, and still fascinated by a relationship even after it’s over, but with a reflective side to encourage yourself and others to recognize the warning signs while it’s in play in order to avoid the same results. The buoyant melody indeed moves like a “Carousel” which helps keep the song stuck in your head long after it’s over.
As was anticipated from the last chart two weeks ago, this new edition of the BILLCS Top 30 gets shaken down pretty significantly. A lot of favourites leave or are about to leave the chart, and others slip down to make room for new ones. And surprisingly, there are another four debuts. But with the fast pace of the music industry it is next to impossible to keep up with all of the new songs that are released each week. I like to think that this blog offers some highlights that you should hear, but I still hear songs months after their release for the first time. And it’s only fair to independent performers who have been pushing out their songs as quickly as they can, to give them a chance for a review up to six months after their songs are released. I’ve seen it happen before, and all it takes sometimes is one door to open, and the song gets a new lease on life.
Just a reminder about my New Music Pick of the Week online radio segment: It now airs on four separate online radio stations! These are segments that usually last between four and a half and seven minutes, depending on the length of song being featured. If you participate in or own an online radio station, feel free to connect with me if you’re looking for additional programming like this!
“Bad Things” (above) by Swedish indie pop/rock quartet Louis Pax has been flying up my chart for the last month of so, and it’s only fitting that the song advances 4-1 this week. It’s a bright, feel good song with an amusing video and a terrific guitar solo that screams 80’s influences but sounds contemporary in its own lane. The band released a new softer new single recently, you can check out “Spanish Rain” below.
I can’t rave enough about Years & Years’ Night Call album. I think it’s now passed The Weeknd’s Dawn FM as my favourite album of 2022 so far (and it’s still early, mind you). So while “Sweet Talker” (with Galantis above) stays put at #2, the title song (below) advances 28-20.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to spread the love about Darren Hayes’ solo return to the pop music world after 10 years. And the song has been released without any expectations and any designs on radio play. So do take the time to enjoy “Let’s Try Being In Love”, which leaps 10-3. And your eyes will definitely be moist at the end. His vocal contribution on Louis La Roche’s “Cold To Me” gives Darren two songs in the Top 10, just like old times, as it climbs 12-9.
Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware offer up everything that was fun and memorable about disco music in “Kiss Of Life”, which climbs 9-6.
And speaking of The Weeknd, both of my featured songs from Dawn FM move up in fine fashion. First we have “Less Than Zero” (above) climbing 16-7, while current single “Sacrifice” (below) rises 22-15.
Rounding out the Top 10 in a big way this week is the punchy rock-flavoured “Pulling Me Down” by Emirati producers Revelries, which soars 19-10. It’s the duo’s third visit to the Top 10, following “Don’t Think Twice” (#2) and “Fall-Out” (#7).
The sound of Martin Garrix is evolving eight years after “Animals” created a defining moment in electronic dance music history. Now one of the richest producer/DJ’s in the world, he can write his own ticket, and working with Russian producers Matisse & Sadko and vocalist John Martin has given him one of his best recent singles, a natural for play at upcoming festivals called “Won’t Let You Go”, and it moves up 21-14. And is that Zedd collaboration actually coming soon? Hopefully all of the photo teasing of them together means that the song is on its way.
Given that The Chainsmokers have had 3 #1’s on my chart and 3 #2’s too, it’s no surprise that the incredibly infectious “High” flies up the chart as the Fastest Riser, moving 26-16.
Lifehouse’s rocking “Cut and Run” is wasting no time proving that a straight-ahead rock track still kicks ass in today’s music world. It climbs 24-17 and is culled from the EP Goodbye Kanan.
Arriving on the chart at #24 as the Highest Debut for the first time since 2014 is L.A.-based British electronic artist Frankmusik, and it’s with a song he didn’t even write. But the production and vocal here are outstanding so be sure to check out “The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky”. It’s Frankmusik’s 14th chart entry, which all began back in 2009 with “Confusion Girl” (#9).
L.A.’s Mahalo returns to the chart with his 11th chart entry, the piano-house track “Careless” at #25. It’s his second collaboration with Poland’s Milkwish – they previously charted together with “Alone Again” (#11) in 2019. The vocalist on the track is the fantastic Lena Leon. Mahalo’s last two entries, “Not Watching Anymore” and “Got That Love”, both went to #1 and were both in My Top 10 of 2021.
NYC singer/songwriter Victor Perry is also back on the chart with his 13th entry under his name (which includes the #1 “Myself In You” plus one entry under his project as a duo called Labrose) with German producers Saxity with the dance rave up “Oxygen” at #26. It’s Victor’s sixth time working with Saxity, previously charting with “You Found Me” (#8) and “Fantasy” (#4), and it’s Saxity’s 5th entry. I love hearing whatever they come up with together!
The fourth debut is NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen’s 8th entry in less than two years, this time with Finnish producer Foxela, called “Think About You” at #28. With “To The Top” still hanging in at #30, “Think About You” continues Robbie’s unbroken streak of regular chart entries which began with last year’s “When I Lost You” on the March 15, 2021 chart.
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.
Radio GTA– listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm 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! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, proudly brought to you by Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown, Ontario!
The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the 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. The “3D Variety Show” now repeats on Friday evenings at 9pm EST on Radio GTA .
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Onlineon Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.
It’s time for edition #23 of “10/10”, my blog feature in which 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. Writing “10/10” posts means I can just cover more songs in one shot with a few sentences about each. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I sometimes don’t get a chance to write about. Three songs featured in the last edition of “10/10” are currently on my chart: “Bad Things” by Louis Pax, “In My Head” by Paraleven and Fractures, and “Gracie” by Gabe James.
BENEDICT CORK, “Miracle”
The sound of British singer/songwriter Benedict Cork continues to evolve with “Miracle”. It’s an uplifting and entertaining song that moves at a deliberate pace, so you need to stick with it, and revel in Ben’s vocals and the harmonies which help make “Miracle” stand out. It’s especially well-written and absorbing, and follows up Ben’s well-received EP from last year called Secrets I’ll Never Tell.
VASSY and GT_OFICE, “Tuff”
In the dance music world, you can never go wrong giving a release by VASSY a spin. The veteran Aussie singer, songwriter and producer broke out in Australia and North America with her smash “We Are Young” in 2013, a #1 on Billboard’s dance club play chart, which was followed in subsequent years by 6 other #1’s – that is pretty amazing unto itself – gold and platinum certifications, and collaborations with David Guetta, Showtek, Dave Audé, KSHMR, Sultan + Shepard, Tiësto, The Disco Fries, and others. “Tuff”, in collaboration with Miami-based producer/DJ Gt_Ofice (aka “Caine”), will knock your socks off with its vibrant vocal and slick production that doesn’t hold back, guaranteed to stand out from any other dance tracks with which it’s played. VASSY’s winning streak continues with “Tuff”.
BIG GIGANTIC and PARTY PUPILS, “Renegade”
“Renegade” is one tight musical ball of fun that will leave you breathless after 3 minutes. Brought to you by the intriguing pairing of Colorado-based producers Big Gigantic and NYC’s Party Pupils – who are also all musicians, hence the big presence of real drums and saxophone here – “Renegade” is actually a house rework of late 90’s hyper-trance dance favourite “Renegade Master” by Wildchild, which was a Top 5 UK pop hit. Confession: “Renegade Master” drove me batty back in the day, so this tempered house take on the song is much appreciated. Both artists have the flair for making top notch tracks full of bounce to make you forget about everything else for a while, and Party Pupils’ biggest release thus far, with MAX and Oliver Heldens on “Set Me Free”, got to #8 on my chart in 2021. I’m hoping “Renegade” will catch the attention of some huge DJ’s. With late 90’s trance and techno very in vogue right now, crowds will go nuts for it if it’s played at a festival.
SHADOWKEY and JORDAN JANE, “Prisoner”
“Prisoner” has actually been on release for a while now but it’s one of those songs that needs to swim a bit in the huge sea of music before finding its believers. It’s an infectious tune with great vocals as brought to you by British producer Shadowkey – a behind-the-scenes music guy turned producer – and Cornwall, England singer/songwriter Jordan Jane. It’s another example of a song that doesn’t quite sound like anything else out there, but has enough polish and power behind it to pop out from the rest. “Prisoner” instantly caught my attention while listening to online radio station Mix88.ca, which airs my new music pick of the week each week, and online radio is definitely where it’s at for the best choices for new music. It’s a house track that has edgy rock elements to it, and it all goes down easy.
MEDII and CASEY COOK, “Don’t You Worry Child”
You’re probably wondering, just by looking at the title, if there is room for another cover of Swedish House Mafia’s essential “Don’t You Worry Child” (which reached #1 on my chart in 2012). The answer is a resounding YES, with this rendition by US/UK producers Medii and L.A.-based singer Casey Cook being a stripped back, emotional ballad version of the dance classic. The production is amazingly balanced, with a gorgeous vocal by Casey given full attention. Casey has sung before with Medii, and with artists like Wooli. She’s had her songs recorded by Tritonal, William Black, and others, and she was also a contestant on TV’s “Songland” who got to advance in the show to write with Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder and Shane McAnally. Medii is a well-respected duo who have released for Lowly Palace and Strange Fruits, as well as independently, with an album on the way this year . “Don’t You Worry Child” is a striking cover, equally as heart-warming as the original, that’s most deserving of your attention.
SHIRLEY EIKHARD, “Good News”
Shirley Eikhard is a Juno Award-winning Canadian pop-folk-country singer/songwriter most noted for writing Bonnie Raitt’s 90’s smash “Something To Talk About”. Her career began however as a teenager when she wrote “It Takes Time”, which was subsequently recorded by Anne Murray. She also had a domestic hit with “Say You Love Me”, a cover of the Fleetwood Mac song, which was released ahead of the Fleetwood Mac single and they ended up charting concurrently in the Top 40 in Canada. She has released many albums independently over the years and On My Way To You is her first in almost 10 years. It’s a refreshing and moody album that won’t disappoint her fans. The song that stands out for me is “Good News”, a jazz club piano ballad which seems to be well-timed as we come out of pandemic restrictions. Her voice is deeper now, richer sounding and in beautiful tone on “Good News”, which is a fine pick-me-up for you to enjoy.
SABRIEL, “Pulse”
Sabriel (pronounced shä brē el) is a unique voice on the new music scene hailing from Las Vegas. Her gentle neo-soul style is an interesting draw for her highly personal lyrics which often draw from past heartbreak and look towards the unknown as an open opportunity. According to the press release, “Pulse”, which is the title track from her recent EP, sings of “conditional love received in an abusive relationship”. That’s a very dark place for a songwriter to go to find not only positives out of the relationship, but also for it to be part of the healing process. The theme is all kind of hidden by her highly unique vocal, which might draw as much from Lana Del Rey and alternative pop as it does Billie Holiday and progressive jazz, and Sabriel leaves it up to the listener to connect with the song however they wish. Check out the video for “Pulse” above.
ALESSANDRA BOLDRINI, “What You Wanted”
Alessandra Boldrini is a new pop talent born and raised in Italy but based out of London. “What You Wanted” follows up the dance-pop of last year’s “Never Going Back” with a jazzier, more staccato melody and some cutting lyrics. Alessandra sings of a past lover with whom she had an invested relationship, who returns after having a “new life” as if nothing has changed. But this is where the tables get turned and he no longer returns to the comfort zone he once had. Along with the melody, Alessandra’s knowing and confident vocal sets the tone, and it’s left for the listener to use their imagination. “What You Wanted” is an above average and compelling release that’s waiting for you to hear.
JOHNNY STIMSON, “The Way It Was Before”
“The Way It Was Before” is a stripped-back new single by Dallas-born singer/songwriter Johnny Stimson, who follows up two recent EP’s, Flower, and Butterflies. The song is a quiet reflection on getting older, and how time flies when you really put your mind to it. Try as you might want to recreate them, some things just never will be the same again. It looks like “The Way It Was Before” is the start of a new string of story songs for Johnny, as the video above is identified as episode one with “to be continued” at the end. “The Way It Was Before” soaks in easily and Johnny’s vocal is warm with a simple, natural charm. The music of Johnny Stimson is something to keep your ears open for as it is unveiled.
AVA KAY, “Go”
Toronto’s Ava Kay returns with “Go”, a quietly uplifting new song about moving forward and leaving the past behind, without being afraid and keeping things on good terms. Ava’s beautiful voice was also showcased in last year’s “Wild Again”. She’s also a talented songwriter whose songs have been used in TV and film, and she’s worked with the likes of Afrojack, ATB, Raghav, and Tyler Shaw among others. The emotive melody of “Go” might make the song seem melancholy, but once you dig deeper into the lyrics you’ll hear how whatever sadness remains is turned into encouragement. Change is never easy and “Go” supports doing the right thing and starting a new chapter.
Jully Black is Canada’s reigning queen of R&B. She’s an amazing, multi-talented performer who has got away from recording music over the last seven years to turn her attention to other recent feats, such as the theatre as well continuing to be a leading international spokesperson for black women. “No Relation” is a firm kiss off to a lover who won’t take a hint, and Jully’s vocal, lyrics and video above lead the way to empower any woman to take back control when it’s needed. It’s solid contemporary soul and makes a lot of the new soul you hear on the radio pale in comparison. Deservedly inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame last year representing a diverse 20+ year career, Jully is back with new music and the best is certainly still to come.
Mahalo is a regular visitor to these blog pages because of all of the consistently fine dance tracks he regularly releases. “Careless” is the latest of these to follow up last year’s “Not Watching Anymore”, a massive national dance radio hit, and “Got That Love”, both of which were decidedly different from each other and reached #1 on my personal chart. Partnering once again with Poland’s Milkwish, the pair have developed a seamless deep house production with a stunning piano hook that glides along with Lena Leon’s recognizably potent vocal. “Careless” is one of those tracks tailored to leave you breathless on the dance floor and I hope that Armada will also promote actively to dance music radio. Aspiring producers – this is the way to do it!
“The High” is a decidedly different deep house track from Toronto area producer Ryan Shepherd and Arizona-based singer/songwriter Bella Renee. The song has a neat hypnotic, dreamy quality that support the different ‘highs’ that we can all go through, whether it’s being confident or just having fun. Ryan is definitely on a hot streak that began with “Hello Sunday” and was followed up last year with terrific dance tracks like “Never Give Up On You” and “All The Way Down”. Bella Renee is a rising relatively new voice on the dance music scene who has already graced tracks by MiTiS, TyDi, and RIOT. “The High” was apparently two years in the making and the wait has been well worth it. Look for Ryan on tour in select North American cities with fellow Canadian producer/DJ DLMT over the next few months.
“Leave Your Mind Behind” sounds like exactly what you need to do anytime you’re at a club or festival to embrace the slate of great tunes ahead. This frenetic track is brought to you by Canadians Felix Cartal and Johnny Jover on the Hau5trap label for the house lovers in us who also enjoy the pop/dance songs by Juno Award winner Felix. It follows up last year’s top notch but somewhat overlooked deep house banger “Heartbeat”, which reached #5 on my personal chart. “Leave Your Mind Behind” is another splendid track with an appropriately commanding vocal and a driving rhythm that will help keep you all revved up.
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