It’s so important to find the right match for a great voice, and I’m glad that French dance producer Eneko Artola and NYC singer/songwriter Victor Perry paired up for the mid-tempo ballad “Velvet Garden”. It’s a strong song that could easily have been made into a too-familiar slow and seductive ballad, but the team behind it went another route, with snappy but subtle production that allows Victor to work his vocal magic. The “Velvet Garden” here could be a secret, safe and special place for a regular rendezvous, or you can choose to interpret it differently. Victor has released so many high quality songs in 2021, including a few covers, and “Velvet Garden” stands out among his best originals. It’s first-class soulful pop/dance that could fit into just about any playlist.
Continuing with The Him as a solo project, Dutch dance producer Jeroen Kerstens is back with a track tailor-made for clubs called “When It Falls On You”. The music is classic house with familiar piano chords and bass synth drops that flourish under the recognizable vocal of British singer Mila Falls. If you watched FIFA matches a few years back, Mila’s voice was all over the music that was played at each event, and it’s a solid contemporary addition to the likes of Rita Ora, Jess Glynne, and Becky Hill. And thanks to some unique lyrics, “When It Falls On You” is an easy dance floor draw that also has dance music radio potential.
Fox Jackson had the start of an acting career as a child when he starred in the West End production of “Billy Elliot: The Musical”. But his true love was music, and he gradually transitioned into the pop music scene. “This Other Girl” is a slight-sounding pop single about being caught up with infatuation, and being okay with it, that is countered by a fresh ‘n funky melody. Fox has an easy-going charm and a penchant for story-telling, perhaps reminiscent of the early songs of Elton John and the later pop songs of Chris de Burgh. But it’s the groove that guides “This Other Girl” along and makes the song even more memorable.
The end of 2021 is upon us, and edition #629 is my last chart of the year, with the next one coming on January 3. At the very end of this year, I will have the BILLCS Top 100 of 2021 for you. This is the first year I’ve compiled a Top 100 since the mid-90’s. There was simply a lot of great music this year and I want to highlight my 100 favourite songs. I’ll do that not only through a blog post, but also through a pre-recorded radio program. My year end BILLCS Top 30 will be broadcast on a few of my online radio station affiliates, and I will confirm which ones and when in my socials! I’m truly blessed to be able to have the time and the access to so much fine music which I have written about during the year. I’m always here for the underdogs. There are so many artists who should be signed to major record label deals that it makes my head spin.
Make sure you read about myONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!
Darin’s “Holding Me More” easily gets a second appearance at #1. Not many ballads ever make it to the top of my chart, but you can be sure that when they do, they are top notch!
The Top 5 has got crowded to see which song will succeed “Holding Me More” at #1 when that happens. “To The Top” (above), the fanciful anthem by Natixx, Lyonbrotherz and Robbie Rosen, rises 3-2, while “Play It Cool” (below), featuring the slick deep house style of UK/Irish producers Menrva and the snappy vocal by Island Banks, climbs 8-3.
Then there’s “Angel” (above) by Sonny Fodera and Clementine Douglas, which reaches a new peak by moving up 6-4. And bounding into the Top 5 up 12-5 is “Unbreakable” (below) by TELYKast and Sam Gray, which reached #1 on the national dance radio tracks this week. And even better – it’s one of a few independent releases on the radio chart.
UK dance chanteuse Karen Harding gets her fifth consecutive Top 10 on my chart with “You & I (All I Need)” (above), which rises 11-8. Check out this fun banger, the title track from her recent EP Sweet Vibrations, below.
“Everything” by Brandyn Burnette & Charlotte Sands (15-10) becomes Brandyn’s 14th Top 10 on my chart (including features and one under his other performing name EMAN8), and his second this year, following “Airplane Mode” (#9).
The three debuts from the last chart all make nice moves and should likely move up the chart swiftly in the coming month. The Fastest Riser is “Sweet Talker” (above) by Years & Years and Galantis, which soars 26-18. Toronto’s Scott Helman has a radio hit in the making with “Pretty” (also above), which moves up 27-21. And Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware’s new disco anthem “Kiss Of Life” (below) climbs 28-22.
Four songs make their debuts. The Highest Debut belongs to Buffalo, New York’s Grabbitz with his alt.electronic track “Pain Killer” (above) at #25. It’s Grabbitz’s second appearance on my chart. He first appeared last year with Rezz on the alternative radio and dance smash “Someone Else” (#5). Next, at #26 is “Cold To Me” (also above) by British producer Louis La Roche, who recruited none other than Darren Hayes to sing this pensive ballad, which comes from Louis’ album We’re Not So Different. Darren has now appeared 17 times on my chart as a solo artist, but this is his first appearance since his delightful cover of Madonna’s “Angel” (#11) – the flip side of his 45 of “Talk Talk Talk” – charted in the summer of 2012.
At #27 is “In My Head” (above) by chart newcomers Atlanta producer Paraleven and Australian vocalist/songwriter Fractures. This is culled from the first release from Rüfüs Du Sol’s label Rose Avenue, Paraleven’s album Apollo, which is well-worth checking out. And Norway’s Matoma returns to the chart for the first time since 2018 and as an independent artist with “Never Surrender” (#28, below), which features Kodaline vocalist Steve Galligan in a fresh and powerful anthem. It’s Matoma’s fourth chart entry.
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!
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.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!
Strange Advance is one of the most beloved Canadian groups to arrive out of the new wave scene in 1982, which yielded a number of domestic hits such as “We Run”, “Love Becomes Electric”, “She Controls Me” and the alternative radio classic “Worlds Away”. According to a recent TV interview, the death of David Bowie five years ago compelled leader Drew Arnott to record new songs and perform live, over 30 years after the release of their third album The Distance Between (which was reissued in 2016). Plans to play live until recently were scuttled by the pandemic, so Strange Advance have now released the album Strange Advance 4. Time took no hiatus from Strange Advance’s unique sound, a blend of 80’s new wave, pop, and progressive rock, so the songs on 4 sound more like a continuation of their 80’s music rather than an entirely new start. 4 is a solid album of many moods, but the punchy, big sound of “In Your Mind” (above) is the standout. It offers a fulsome band sound rather than one strictly carried by synthesizers, and leaves you with anticipation about further live performances that Strange Advance has scheduled for next spring, in Vancouver and Toronto to start. Strange Advance also recently recorded a faithful cover of the 1982 Canadian smash “Nova Heart” by then-contemporaries Spoons for the recent compilation Spoons tribute album Spoons Echoes, which you can hear below. Let’s have a big welcome back for Strange Advance and do check out Strange Advance 4 as well.
KACEY FIFIELD & LITTLE RAIN, “Ghost” (Jay Bird remix)
It happens now and again, but to be upfront, I had a bit of a “matchmaking” hand in how this remix came to be. Tipsy Records was looking for a remixer who could put an original spin on their summer electronic ballad release “Ghost” by Los Angeles singer/songwriter Kacey Fifield and South Korean electronic dance producer Little Rain (read my original blog post). I’ve written about Jay Bird’s releases several times over the past few years and have seen his style progress as an electronic dance producer to include genres like house and future bass. So I thought that “Ghost” would be a great song to see where he could take it. Jay Bird clicked with the song and got the green light for the remix. Hearing the results, I’m so pleased at what Jay Bird achieved, taking nothing away from the emotional and detailed melodic qualities of the original, and applying some harder future bass bounce and additional synth elements to give “Ghost” an unanticipated lift. This remix will continue to appeal to Kacey’s many young fans, who can sway and get lost in the changed-up melody of the chorus, and is a nice segue into the future bass genre for all of the artists, where it would not be out of place played along with music by Illenium, Seven Lions and others at a stadium concert or festival.
Rebel Kicks is a duo comprising NYC brothers Anthony and Steven Babino, who have a compelling and energetic sound on “We Should Go Missing” that probably translates well from their live performances. “Missing” follows up Rebel Kicks’ album A Portrait Of Man: Part One, and it’s a euphoric rock anthem of escapism that sings about that magical place where we can all be free and happy. That’s not a new theme by any means, but Rebel Kicks have all of the key elements in their favour – passionate vocals, tight musicianship, well-grounded production, and a vibrant, memorable melody. Sometimes it’s harder for bands who play live to translate what they do well to record or vice-versa. “We Should Go Missing” is one song that you’ll want to experience in concert.
“We’re Still Young” is a delightful deep house collaboration between Russian electronic dance producers M.O.O.N. Pro and New York-based singer/songwriter Alessa. It documents one of those ideal times when you’re with a special someone and nothing else matters in the world. M.O.O.N. Pro previously demonstrated how adept they are at creating a pristine backdrops of synths and beats with their spring release “Feel” with British singer/songwriter Joe Jury. Alessa is a relatively new name to the pop/dance world, with previous releases on Enhanced and Black Hole labels, and she provides a sweet, gentle and genuine vocal to bring home the song she co-wrote with a talent that’s ever-present in these blog pages in 2021, Robbie Rosen. “We’re Still Young” is enjoyable ear candy that will stick with you.
It’s time for edition #22 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. I’m particularly impressed with the talent which you will read about and I urge you to check out these songs!
PARALEVEN and FRACTURES, “In My Head” (original and RTIK remix)
Alternative electronic music is alive and well when you hear top notch progressive songs from the likes of Atlanta-based producer Paraleven (aka Josh Taylor). Paraleven had the good fortune to be recently signed to Rüfüs Du Sol’s new label Rose Avenue, and will in fact be performing at Rüfüs’ upcoming festival called Sundream Tülüm in March. “In My Head” is culled from Paraleven’s album Apollo, a multi-faceted and deep record of many moods, but reminiscent of Alan Parsons’ earlier works in some ways. It’s the most representative track from the album, featuring a thoughtful, taut and knowing vocal by Australian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Fractures (aka Mark Zito). “In My Head” is music for the wee hours, even more so in the melodic and chill recent extended remix by Italy’s RTIK. Paraleven is one to keep your ears on in the coming years.
LOUIS PAX, “Bad Things”
Swedish quartet Louis Pax is a new name you need to remember thanks to the vibrant 80’s throwback sound of their second release “Bad Things”. Previously known as Royal Prospect, the guys won a major unsigned talent contest in Sweden, which opened up many opportunities from signing to an indie label to touring in North America, including opening for Usher in Sweden thanks to SXSW. The band have now redefined its sound, and lead singer Oscar Reingsdahl has one helluva beautifully sharp and on-key voice. “Bad Things” has plucked so many elements out of 80’s pop music, from vocal and melodic flourishes through to guitar riffs, and made it sound fresh again. Louis Pax is creating tasty ear candy for us, and we’ll all want more of this in 2022.
GABE JAMES, “Gracie”
Gabe James is another new talent to get to know through his song “Gracie” from his EP City Of Lost Angels. As you’ve undoubtedly clued into from the title of the EP, its theme is being “lost” as a newcomer to Los Angeles, to which Gabe moved from his home in Colorado, and the subsequent adventures that unfold. “Gracie” is such an effortless song to like and make you smile, it simply oozes charm! Gabe has an easy-going, fresh-faced appeal as a singer, and while “Gracie” is a pure pop song about being lovestruck by a girl while still being new in L.A., I could picture Gabe rocking out in concert like Shawn Mendes or playing acoustic like John Mayer and capturing everyone’s undivided attention.
ST. HUMAIN, “Sick Sad Love Song”
St. Humain is a Singapore-born, Sydney, Australia based singer-songwriter who aims to please with his warm, far-reaching vocal in the soul-drenched “Sick Sad Love Song”. The song’s story is best explained in St. Humain’s words: “The song’s backdrop is (loosely) my high school prom where I didn’t really wanna go for the social aspect but I just really wanted to perform. Which I did, in a cover band with some of my friends whom I was in a band with at that time.” St. Humain channels his angst about not fitting in as a young Asian teen through his expressive voice, which elicits shades of many singers like Daryl Hall, Ed Sheeran, and Charlie Puth, and is capped by the beautiful tone of his falsetto. “Sick Sad Love Song” comes from St. Humain’s upcoming EP called Metadramatic.
MACY CRAWFORD, “hamartia”
“hamartia” is the title track of Macy Crawford’s newly released EP. It follows the singles “juliet” and “elektra”, both of which I’ve written about recently. The 20 year old South Carolina native is a talent to watch. “hamartia” is the introduction to the EP, about the tragic flaws of popular heroes and heroines, this time with perfectionism being the fatal flaw of the protagonist. Macy’s diverse and powerful voice and her ability to craft an intriguing concept connecting the five songs within is abetted through the guidance of the honed songwriting and production talents of Robbie Rosen.
EMMY MAE, “Fake Smiles”
You’ve already heard Emmy Mae on Macy Crawford’s single “elektra”, which I wrote about recently, and “Fake Smiles” is a beautiful song that lets her voice shine. The South Carolina singer/songwriter’s execution, in a jazzy pop setting, is charming and breezes by, while aptly taking on the truths behind the title subject. Like Macy’s songs, “Fake Smiles” is co-written and produced by Robbie Rosen, who has a fabulous ear for talent. “Fake Smiles” is an enjoyable release that makes you want to hear more from Emmy Mae.
GEORGIA VALENTYNE, “Turn Off The Phone”
“Turn Off The Phone” is the debut release from 20 year old Toronto singer-songwriter Georgia Valentyne, who has the benefit of being the daughter of sparkling Canadian TV announcer and personality Jennifer Valentyne. “Turn Off The Phone” has a nice pop-jazz backdrop carried by a winning piano melody with lyrics that don’t beat around the bush, and it all puts Georgia’s voice front and centre. According to her Spotify profile, her songwriting is her diary so this is our first very welcome glimpse into the musical journal of Georgia Valentyne.
DEVON BALDWIN, “Forgot To Miss You”
“Forgot To Miss You” is part of a fresh start for San Francisco-area singer/songwriter Devon Baldwin after recovering from a significant health issue – a collapsed lung – and then wading through difficulties imposed by the pandemic. She’s already seen success as a collaborator with artists as diverse as rapper G-Eazy – with whom she went to school in New Orleans, and contributed on songs in his Top 5 album These Things Happen, with a featured vocal on “Let’s Get Lost” – and EDM producer Nurko, but “Forgot To Miss You” helps re-launches her solo career. It’s a strong song to which anyone can relate – the wounds caused by the end of a relationship never heal, you just accept them knowing they can reopen at any time, and move on. Devon’s pointed lyrics are supported by her striking vocal and a catchy melody. “Forgot To Miss You” is awfully brief at 2:16 but it’s a jam-packed and spirited showcase for Devon Baldwin.
NATHAN SMOKER, “Human”
You can tell in Nathan Smoker’s approach to covering Rag ‘n Bone Man’s “Human”, that he has every intention on making the song his own. And the London native indeed puts his own fine spin on the song, which wrings out every drop of emotion from the lyrics. Nathan’s been performing on stage since age eight, recently reached the semi-final of “The Voice” UK, and also completed a tour with boy band New Rules. Based on this single and his expressive vocal, I’d love to hear him interpret some original lyrics for a future release.
THE MOVING STILLS, “Truthfully”
Meet The Moving Stills, a four piece indie pop-rock band from South Wales, and “Truthfully” is their fourth 2021 release. It’s a direct, likeable listen, which takes you to that sometimes difficult “make it or break it” time in a relationship. The song has a fuzzy and raw feel to it circa the mid-80’s when new wave had wrapped up, and other more rock-flavoured bands like The Smiths, The Cure, and Siouxsie & The Banshees carried on, but left its indelible influence on the music scene. The vocal meshes with the gritty synth and guitar sounds, and the band capably rocks out a solid foundation and groove. “Truthfully” will be included in The Moving Stills’ upcoming album called Sunshine Corner.
RYAN SHEPHERD and GEORGI KAY, “Never Give Up On You”
Ryan Shepherd returns with a solid track for late night house sets called “Never Give Up On You”. His smooth beats and darker-than-usual rhythms are a fine match for the recognizable voice of L.A. based British-Australian singer/songwriter Georgi Kay, who is perhaps better known as a solo artist (you’ll recall her anthem “In My Mind”) and songwriter than as a featured vocalist. I like it when songs can pull out all of the stops and hit many of the right buttons without dazzling us with gimmicks and other bells and whistles. “Never Give Up On You” doesn’t offer anything new thematically but it’s an immediate dance floor draw for clubs for which some remixes could be beneficial.
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