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.
There’s no secret motive behind “I Got Joy” by King Topher and vocalist MOYA – just celebrate and have a great time. It will generate some flashbacks for some of you who enjoyed the classic, no-nonsense house music of the early 90’s that crossed over to pop (think of C+C Music Factory, Black Box and others). I’ve written about the sensational MOYA several times and she’s had a stellar year, recently releasing for RCA with Noizu and Disciples on “Catch My Love”. When MOYA flexes her vocal muscle like recent and past contemporaries such as Jennifer Hudson, Martha Wash and Jocelyn Brown, you simply surrender and enjoy. King Topher is a skilled veteran American producer previously well-known as King Arthur who keeps the synth sounds lean and punchy to compliment MOYA’s commanding voice. Club DJ’s can’t go wrong with dropping “I Got Joy” around the midnight hour, your patrons will thank you for it!
This past Fall, Australian quintet Moonwood – actually a group comprising members from Australia, the USA and Canada – caught my attention with their edgy rock ballad “Slow Down”. “Sydney Lights” takes a few steps away from “Slow Down” and shows off the versatility of the group that once again throws a huge spotlight on talented singer Jake, holding down tightly the song’s almost five minute length. “Sydney Lights” is about Jake’s relocation to Australia from the USA and finding a growing appreciation for his new surroundings. But the song can be taken even in broader strokes, with a melody that would generate amazement and wonder under the bright lights in any big city. The guys in Moonwood no doubt know their U2 and Coldplay well, but “Sydney Lights” glistens with a lot of subtleties which convince the listener in the end that they shine at what they do, leaving the door wide open for what’s to follow.
In these days when the music scene is saturated with truly awful cover versions, it’s refreshing to find new talent that decides to do their own take on a popular song. Meet 20 year old York, England singer Lucy Eliza, whose debut single is a cover of the Billie Eilish theme for the James Bond movie “No Time To Die”. While the movie finally made it to theatres this year, the song was released in February 2020, promptly debuting at #1 in the UK, achieving Top 10 status in most of the world, #16 on the Billboard Top 100, and a Grammy for best song in a visual medium. That’s an incredibly hard act to follow, so the wise thing to do is to avoid competing with it. Lucy Eliza’s rendition of “No Time To Die” is a pure pop spin with a vocal that recalls Katy Perry or Ellie Goulding, and has a backdrop of ear-catching synth effects. And what could be a questionable idea for a debut release actually works surprisingly well because of its integrity in staying in its own indie lane. Lucy Eliza’s vocal captures a similar emotion to Billie’s without honing in on her now-trademark goth-meets-emo style. So yes, “No Time To Die” by Lucy Eliza is certainly worth your attention and we’ll see where she heads next.
I fully admit I don’t listen to commercial radio anymore. Radio lost my interest years ago when it steered away from being a discovery place for new music for me. And now it is proving even more that it’s way more about the profit and less about the music. Radio missed its opportunity recently to make “Easy On Me” by Adele or her follow up “Oh My God” or “Cold Heart” (Pnau remix) by Elton John & Dua Lipa event records. Radio could have used its still significant platform to dazzle audiences again by getting behind three songs that are very good for any pop radio format. Instead, it treated the Adele songs just like any release by a major perform, and Top 40 radio in particular has been reluctant to play an Elton John record because he is outside of their under 40 demographic. So until radio can prove to me again that it is interested in music again, I will do without.
Make sure you read about myONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!
Obtaining his second #1 of 2021 is Sweden’s Darin with the beautiful ballad “Holding Me More”, an ideal song to cuddle up with during the winter months. This and previous #1 “Can’t Stay Away” are big comeback songs for Darin, whose last English-language release was in 2013. Both mark complete shifts in direction after many years of success in Sweden, and I’m just loving it! It’s also the 14th #1 song of 2021 on my chart, the most in any year since I began the chart in 1998.
One song that is a unique change of pace for pop/dance music this year is “To The Top” by German producers Natixx and Lyonbrotherz with vocalist/songwriter Robbie Rosen, which climbs 5-3. The contrast between such deep rich bass synths and a medieval sounding flute creates an interesting effect in this anthem that will have you cheering in your own way.
“Play It Cool” by UK/Irish duo Menrva and vocalist Island Banks rises 11-8 with its slick, infectious beats and a Craig David-ish vocal that matches its title quite aptly!
The other new entry to the Top 10 is the second for Vancouver’s Young Bombs, following last year’s #3 “Better Day” (with Aloe Blacc), called “Summer In Brooklyn” (with Jordy, above), moving up 12-10. You can also check out Young Bombs latest single with Stondon Massey called “U Up?”, below.
Heading for the Top 10 are two bona fide dance radio hits. Karen Harding’s “You & I (All I Need)” (above), from her EP Sweet Vibrations, climbs 14-11, while the independent release “Unbreakable” by L.A. trio TELYKast and Nashville vocalist Sam Gray (below) soars 17-12.
The haunting single “sicc” by Georgia-based alt.electronic singer/songwriter stef continues to flourish, rising 18-14.
Ballads are not often seen on my chart, but besides Darin’s #1, we’ve got Brandyn Burnette and Charlotte Sands serenading us in the gorgeous “Everything”, which moves up 19-15.
The last chart’s Highest Debut is this chart’s Fastest Riser as “Out Of The Dark”, a song glowing with positive vibes, leaps 25-18 for Austin duo Tritonal and vocalist EMME in a Morgin Madison remix.
In fact all of the last chart’s debuts are making their marks on the chart, each rising 6 points. “Float” (above) by Jay Bird, TWSTD ZOO and Harley Bird rises 26-20, while the astute pairing of The Knocks and singer/songwriter Parson James allows “River” (below) to rise 28-22, and Michael Medrano’s telling but fun “i don’t wanna talk about love” (also below) moves up 29-23.
The Highest Debut at #26 belongs to Years & Years in collaboration with Swedish production duo Galantis with the smashing retrotastic arpeggios of “Sweet Talker” from the upcoming Years & Years album Night Call. It’s the 9th chart entry for Years & Years (now simply an Olly Alexander project), which has included #1’s with “King” and “Shine”, and it’s the first one in two years, despite some good releases in-between that were also collaborations – the cover of Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s A Sin” with Elton John, and “Starstruck” and “Second To Midnight”, both with Kylie Minogue. It’s also Galantis’ second entry following their hit “Faith” (with Dolly Parton and Mr. Probz) which reached #5 in 2019. Watch Olly perform the song in his recent appearance on “BBC Strictly Come Dancing” above.
Next at #27 is “Pretty” by Toronto’s Scott Helman, which is his first chart entry. I saw Scott perform in concert a number of years ago and he is an engaging performer full of stories. I like the, good-naturedness, softer edges and gender neutrality of “Pretty”, reminding me somewhat of some of Conan Gray’s releases, and a lot of young folks will relate to this one.
And at #28 is the aforementioned Kylie Minogue, with her 10th chart entry and first since 2015 with “Kiss Of Life”, in which she is partnered with Jessie Ware on what is her 11th chart entry. “Kiss Of Life” is a not quite over-the-top dance floor filler that appears on the “Guest List Edition” version of Kylie’s album titled Disco. It’s a whole lotta fun, so dig out your dancing shoes for it!
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 mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while. 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 (currently on hiatus until January)– 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!
“Pain Killer” is the new standout track by Buffalo, NY native Grabbitz. Otherwise known as Nick Chiari, Grabbitz’s collaboration with Canada’s Rezz, “Someone Else”, became not only a Juno Awards-nominated electronic hit last year, but also an alternative radio smash – something that I was pleased to have envisioned when I wrote about it. “Pain Killer” (co-written and co-produced by Canada’s Shaun Frank) is a logical follow up to that track, with Grabbitz’s vocal once again channeling Kurt Cobain, with moody, inventive, and sometimes quite crunchy production that makes it memorable. I think that alternative radio will also have room for this one, which will appeal to fans who like their rock music heavier and electronic.
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