#BILLCSTop30 #626, November 8/21

It’s getting to that time of year now when chart makers like begin to think about our favourite songs of the year so far, and what ultimately are our year-end faves.  There are quite a few on this chart, and perhaps even some of the new arrivals will make the cut.  

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

To lead off the new list, “Sanctuary” (above) by Dutch producer Howen and “American Idol” season 10 contestant Robbie Rosen gets a third appearance – six weeks – at #1!  It’s such an irresistible song with a captivating melody and a brilliant vocal by Robbie, and it even ends with a beautiful piano coda.  More good news for Robbie – his other entry on the chart, “To The Top” (below) with German producers Natixx and LyonBrotherz, is the Fastest Riser, moving 18-8!  You’ll dig its flute-led melody along with the rich bass synth that carries the hook along.

Up a notch 3-2 is “Never Going Home” (above) by France’s Kungs.  Fascinating fact about this song:  The vocalist is none other than veteran dance producer Martin Solveig (who also co-wrote it).  Kungs has another catchy new release called “Lipstick” which you can check out below.

Climbing 5-3 is “Microdose” by Denmark’s Boye & Sigvardt and vocalist Jordan Shaw.  This is one song that has gotten under my skin – I love both its lyrics and melody.

“15 Minutes” (above) by Damon Sharpe & The Disco Fries moves up 7-5 and is a definite club banger.  You can also check out the artists’ new song together called “React”, below.

UK trance legends Above & Beyond were last in the Top 10 back in 2004 when, under their alias of Oceanlab, their song “Satellite” reached #1.  Their latest, also with Justine Suissa on vocals, is “Almost Home”, which climbs 12-6.

“My Time”, the title song of the EP by NYC singer and actress Gina Naomi Baez, is in it for the long haul, and moves up 11-9.

“Angel” by Sonny Fodera and Clementine Douglas always goes down so easy. From Sonny’s latest album Wide Awake, “Angel” rises 21-13.

With its snappy synths and super-playful vocal and rhythm, “Play It Cool” by MENRVA and Island Banks is a British house track on the move, up 23-16.

Now breaking at North American dance radio, with no surprise, is “You & I (All I Need)” by Karen Harding, from her EP Sweet Vibrations, which climbs 27-19.

Just as “Can’t Stay Away” finishes off its maximum 10 appearances (20 weeks) on the chart, along comes Darin’s beautiful new ballad “Holding Me More”, which arrives at #20.  He performed it at his online acoustic concert yesterday from Sweden, along with “Can’t Stay Away” and many others. Having never seen the man perform before, I was duly impressed and would certainly love to see him perform live in concert too. Expect big things in the coming weeks from “Holding Me More” – while the rest of the world is loving Adele’s “Easy On Me”, “Holding Me More” is more my kind of ballad!  Check out the live TV performance above.

Debuting on the chart is L.A. dance production trio TELYKast with “Unbreakable”, co-written by and featuring Nashville’s Sam Gray on vocals, which bows at #25.  The independently released, impressive track is flourishing at US dance radio, and is definitely one to which you need to pay attention.

The third debut at #30 is from the classic 80’s duo Tears For Fears, with the original twosome of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith making their first album since 2004, and the title track called “The Tipping Point”. I have been long a fan of Tears For Fears. I bought their single “Mad World” back in 1982 as an import 12″ vinyl, and enjoyed much of their music through 1993’s Elemental album (which did not include Curt). As usual, the duo makes a great hook along with some pointed observations.

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

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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 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!

 

 

 

 

“Float” is about a difficult balancing act done with pizzazz by @JayB1rdmusic @TWSTDZOO and @HarleyBirdmusic

JAY BIRD, TWSTD ZOO and HARLEY BIRD, “Float”

“Float” is an accessible new dance track with future bass elements which comes to you from three Californian talents, Bay area producer Jay Bird (continuing to be a talent to watch), production duo TWSTD ZOO, and vocalist Harley Bird (no relation to Jay, natch). It’s a compelling song about that difficult balancing act when you try to keep your head above water in a relationship, and those times when you just sink. It’s also about doing what’s right for you. It’s sung with panache by Harley, who has an easy going Ryan Cabrera-Howie Day guy next door voice.  The partnership with Jay Bird and TWSTD ZOO results in a creative ‘best of’ production skills that end up as firepower that drives the wicked melody.  And if you look at the credits, there’s quite a team behind “Float”, which has not only club and festival potential, but dance radio too.

U.S. singer/songwriter @JohnnyStimson releases new EP “Butterflies” featuring “Material Things”

JOHNNY STIMSON, “Material Things”

Johnny Stimson is no newcomer to the music scene and used the pandemic as a way to create his focused new 8 song EP Butterflies.  Pairing new songs with singles that he’s released over the past year or so, the imaginative Dallas-born singer/songwriter has created his own fresh start with this EP.  “Material Things” is as good as any song to begin with, a quick and gently sung tune with some pop culture references that we can relate to when we shop for stuff because it makes us feel good. The video is light-hearted, the production is clean and the melody is strong which help put “Material Things” over the edge. Johnny has had support from the hit machine that is BTS, was previously signed to Elton John’s Rocket Records, has toured with Tori Kelly, and had a #2 hit in Indonesia as well as Shazam’s most-played indie song in the UK.  With all of those remarkable career highlights and a new EP of solid songs, Johnny Stimson continues to be a performer who will surprise you with what comes next.

L.A.-based British singer/songwriter @itsJohnnyAshby returns with “Wild” from debut album “Time Of Our Lives”

JOHNNY ASHBY, “Wild”

“Wild” is a provocative and captivating new song by Johnny Ashby, who recently released his debut album Time Of Our Lives.  The album contains mainly new songs but also some released this year and last year such as the illuminating “Born Again” and “In Bloom”. “Wild” is about living life to the fullest and wanting that special someone to share in all of those fantastic moments life can bring. Johnny is a diverse songwriter who can be a fine, earnest storyteller with a lot of personal touches, or someone who wants to be in the front of the line to step first into the unknown. Fans of John Mayer, Niall Horan and Vance Joy will particularly enjoy “Wild”.

It’s “10/10” Edition 21: @TylerGarrettusa @MacyrCrawford @_Aniqo @Maya_Delilah & @SammHenshaw @iamAlicePisano @ScottMagnus9 @CrawfordMack_ @LexiMariahmusic @ANJXLXE #Kitone

These days, the new music just keeps coming, and for people like me who live for what’s coming next, it can get a little overwhelming when you find out there are so many new songs you want to hear. So my “10/10” feature helps alleviate the pressure for me, and also allows me to introduce you to 10 new songs in more capsulized reviews.

For those not familiar with10/10,  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 – “siic” by stef, from edition #20, just debuted on my personal chart – and they are not listed in any particular order.  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.

  • TYLER GARRETT, “Stardust”

For the last while, I’ve been enjoying the R&B-inflected dance pop of Tyler Garrett’s new album called Runaway.  The L.A.-based, South Carolina-born singer has a diverse set of pipes which are particularly showcased well on the track “Stardust”. This is a crunchy, gritty one for the dance floor which allows Tyler’s voice to really let loose, while its funky Prince-meets-OutKast groove really stands out. I’d love to hear “Stardust” in extended or remixed form!

  • MACY CRAWFORD, “juliet”

It’s rare that an artist will release songs that have a common conceptual theme, outside of many progressive or perhaps hard rock performers who create huge epic stories.  So “juliet” is the first of five songs from an EP still to come from new South Carolina talent 20 year old Macy Crawford, and they all shed some different light on some well-chosen tragic heroes and heroines from mythology and literature. Naturally, “juliet” is she of Shakespeare fame, with a song that takes a specific view about why the star-crossed lovers met their fate. Macy has a stunning voice and makes for a fine story-teller through song, and “juliet” is co-written with and produced by Robbie Rosen, who is currently sitting up top of my personal chart with “Sanctuary”.

  • ANIQO, “Fear”

Germany’s ANIQO (Anita Goβ) writes and releases mainly electronic alternative pop songs that are never, ever boring, and always make you think (usually accompanied by well-crafted videos), even when they might be at their most polarizing. “Fear” takes a step sideways from “Wonderland” and “LoveLife”, two of her bright and most accessible songs.  It takes you on a dark, ponderous journey of self-realization where one of the things you might discover about yourself is that fear lies within everyone, something we must embrace and reconcile ourselves with frequently, and try not to let it overwhelm us.  The video for “Fear” is full of striking, well-shot imagery, with a nice reveal at the end.  

  • MAYA DELILAH and SAMM HENSHAW, “Breakup Season”

Breakup songs have been with us for so long, it’s safe to reassure yourself that people will never get enough of them, as they often come from deep and unique places within the songwriter.  Maya Delilah is a pop/R&B singer/songwriter/guitarist from London who has been causing a stir that has led to her new aptly titled EP It’s Not Me, It’s You.  Leading the EP is “Breakup Season”, featuring the amazing, effortless voice of Samm Henshaw (who I saw in concert last year), an ideal compliment to Maya’s own deft soulful tones.  Like other breakup songs, this one is a celebration of doing the right thing for yourself, while recognizing things that you did wrong too. The uplifting arrangement plays not unlike songs you might hear at a traditional New Orleans funeral, meaning that it’s time to move on in “Breakup Season”.

  • ALICE PISANO, “September”

I enjoy it when acoustic releases are made with intention, not just to release a decent song with limited production values.  Alice Pisano is a new singer based out of London but raised in Italy, and “September” hits home because of her vulnerable and striking vocal performance. Yes, it’s a sad, end-of-summer song relating a failed relationship and why everything you do or see reminds you of the person now gone from your life. “September” as a song takes a few spins to warm up to, but there’s no denying Alice’s talents through those repeat listens.

  • SCOTT MAGNUS, “Break My Heart”

I’ve continued to enjoy Scott Magnus’ previous single, “The Phoenix”, which I wrote about this past summer, for its anthemic energy and expressive vocal, coming from a performer who you would never know has multiple special needs challenges – ADHD, Autism and Dyspraxia.  The Manchester-born talent follows it up with “Break My Heart”, which, knowingly or not, has its roots set back in about 1983 when streetwise British new wave rock bands like JoBoxers, Aztec Camera and others had their time in the sun.  It’s very refreshing, and Scott’s every-guy voice, as set against appropriate minimal-sounding production, definitely makes the song stick with you.

  • CRAWFORD MACK, “The Last Perfect Day On Earth”

Protest songs forever have singer/songwriters like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez in their debt, and continue to this day in various shapes and forms. Glasgow-based singer/songwriter Crawford Mack offers some of his thoughts about the need for climate change in a gentle but provocative manner to make you think about “The Last Perfect Day On Earth”. If not us in our lifetimes, some future human beings may experience the subject of the song, so he encourages to us through song to act now, not later, to do our part.  Crawford wrote the song knowing that the critical GOP26 talks about climate change begin in his hometown tomorrow (November 1). His taut performance makes me think of a Paul Simon-meets-Joshua Radin style, while his band restrains itself nicely from rocking out too much to support the thoughtful but pointed nature of the song.

  • LEXI MARIAH, “Demons”

The voice of new US singer/songwriter Lexi Mariah is one that you’ll remember, as it fits in snugly with contemporaries alongside Bebe Rexha and Dua Lipa.  “Demons” also benefits from a catchy chorus and shiny production, which is perfect for a pick-me-up in these autumn months.  I don’t think the song offers anything new lyrically but Lexi’s refreshing vocal and the melody will seize your ears and happily make you look forward to more from her.

  • ANJXLXE, “Feel It”

Montreal’s ANJXLXE is a new voice to keep your ears happy with her single “Feel It”. Clearly there will be comparisons to Ariana Grande, Alessia Cara and Jessie Reyez, as she gracefully breezes through this tight and snappy but quick single which she also co-wrote.  Its bluesy, jazzy arrangement helps give it some needed edge, but for future releases I’d love to hear ANJXLXE flex more vocal muscle which will help take her songs over the edge. For now though, “Feel It” is a solid introduction.

  • KITONE, “Alright”

Russian dance producer Kitone has in a short time already been supported in mix-shows by just about every current major DJ/producer.  He brings you “Alright”, a song oozing with positive vibes that will certainly rev up a full dance floor and keep the party moving for the rest of the evening. The pitched down vocal is generic but the dynamic synths and well thought out arrangement makes “Alright” an easy spin for dance music lovers who enjoy their songs fast-placed, as well as for club DJ’s looking to add some pronounced bounce into a set. 

Canadian treasures Martha & The Muffins @marthajohnson13 are back with their signature sound in previously unreleased “Do You Ever Wonder”

MARTHA & THE MUFFINS, “Do You Ever Wonder”

Take it from someone who was there when “Echo Beach” rose from proprietary new wave status to one of the 1980’s biggest international hits out of Canada, “Do You Ever Wonder”, a previously unreleased song by Toronto’s Martha & The Muffins, has their recognizable signature sound all over it, and it’s remarkably fresh for 2021!  The Muffins, long a duo of singer Martha Johnson and guitarist/producer Mark Gane, have a retrospective album of unreleased tracks and demos called Marthology: In And Outtakes due on November 5.  For me, “Do You Ever Wonder” is a return to some of the songs of 1983’s Danseparc album all over again, which was a hybrid of alternative rock and the emergence of rhythmic disco-flavoured dance music of the time. Martha’s vocal is relaxed and vibrant while Mark’s jangly guitar work creates the underlying hook of the song.  If radio had a different model today, I would say “Do You Ever Wonder” should be a cross-format hit, but instead I’ll leave it to nostalgia fans,  as well as college and alternative online and terrestrial radio stations, to keep giving this one continuous love.

All about that bass: @ogAfroman and @__BLAZAR__ team up for funky and retro “Step It Up”

AFROMAN and BLAZAR, “Step It Up”

While nominally seen as a one-hit wonder, Palmdale, California native Afroman has actually had a successful 30 year career which culminated in 2001 with the Top 15, Grammy-nominated stoner hit “Because I Got High”. Now signed with BLAZAR’s Cosmic Wire imprint in collaboration with AntiFragile Music, Afroman has teamed up with Washington state native label head for “Step It Up”. The song is a refreshing throwback in some ways, with a totally kick-ass bassline that anchors it. With a solid all-round pop background, BLAZAR’s voice can adapt to any style, whether it’s the early 2000’s flavoured alt.rock of this past spring’s “Enough” (with DJ Chophead), or the Soft Cell/Duran Duran new wave flavours that he sprinkles throughout “Step It Up”. In this synchronistic collaboration, Afroman’s rap really gels in the second part of the song, making it easy for you to continue just enjoying the ride and digging that bassline groove. 

Check out @K3SSmusic’s atmospheric and early 2000’s trance-influenced “Tell Me”

K3SS and NANDA HAY, “Tell Me”

While some say progressive trance music may have had its peak in the early 2000’s, it has since continued to cultivate fans of its brooding, mysterious songs and its multi-layered, often stunning synth melodies. With a release like Above & Beyond’s “Almost Home” now becoming a national dance radio hit, a trance revival appears to be underway, which will make room for songs by artists such as San Diego’s K3SS (aka Ken Sierra, and pronounced “KESS”).  The first part of “Tell Me” is hypnotic, with Nanda Hay’s potent delivery suiting the futuristic setting and creating an atmosphere of lust and desire. The rest of the song is a trippy and enigmatic instrumental, taking you on an indefinite journey, prospectively to your deepest thoughts and wishes. “Tell Me” has significant sync possibilities for soundtracks to video games and short films. K3SS is in the midst of enjoying a prolific set of recent releases, and “Tell Me” is ripe for your attention.

Meet Lauren Ashley @lamissbevhills with heartfelt new single “All This Love”

LAUREN ASHLEY, “All This Love”

Sometimes keeping it simple is best, and Georgia-born Christian singer/songwriter/film-maker Lauren Ashley has that flair with her new single “All This Love”.  The song structure is classic pop, but with a tidy guitar hook that will make you perk up your ears from first listen. So while it all may sound a touch familiar, “All This Love” is still an easy, memorable listen. Lauren’s honed vocal veers from sultry moments to others which are earnest and direct in their intentions.  There’s some huge potential here and I think future releases with richer, more creative production and a few more defining moments will enhance Lauren’s vision as a pop artist.

L.A. indie electronic dance trio @TELYKast crack dance music radio with smash “Unbreakable” with Nashville’s @SamGraymusic

TELYKAST and SAM GRAY, “Unbreakable”

“Unbreakable” is one of those uplifting songs that’s going to get firmly planted in your head over the next few months.  It’s by hard-working L.A. electronic dance trio TELYKast with Nashville singer/songwriter Sam Gray, and they have managed to crack the dance music radio Top 40 for a second time this year with it, the first time being with “Nobody To Love” with social media star Loren Gray, which reached the Top 20.  That’s a mean feat for an unsigned act and I’m sure the offers will start to pour in after they played EDC in Las Vegas recently. “Unbreakable” benefits from rich production, deep synths, and a soaring vocal by Sam Gray that makes it all the more memorable and perfect for large club and festival settings, with pop radio potential too!