Simply put, “Get Up” is designed for a good time, and once you’re up you’re gonna stay there if Australia’s Needs No Sleep and Germany’s Fab Massimo have their way. The song features a cool sung/spoken vocal that brings a number of other songs come to mind (90’s dance smash “People Are Still Having Sex” by LaTour and “Right Here Right Now” by Famba, among them). It’s designed for loud play at festivals and clubs, and there it will find its greatest success with its rich deep house groove and huge synth beats. Just….. dance!!
Lillian Hepler is a 19 year old singer/songwriter who grew up in Utah and Arizona, with artists like Taylor Swift, Adele and Justin Bieber as inspiration. So naturally, she followed them on social media and took their lead when developing her own social media identity, particularly through Instagram and Tik Tok. She’s got a gentle, sincere voice and approach which is captured in her new single “I Only Love You When I’m Sad”. It’s a reflective song about regret – unintentionally using someone as a safety net after a relationship, but not wanting that new relationship to go beyond friendship… and not articulating this to that person. Lillian definitely has a flair for concise and direct songwriting, and listeners will easily understand her perspective and enjoy how she gets it all across musically. Lillian Hepler is someone from whom you will certainly hear more very soon.
F/L/P is a new performer from Norway who is quickly coming into his own with the sensual and atmospheric “Kiss That”. Though he’s only released a few singles to date, F/L/P (otherwise known as Philip Dementiev) grew up surrounded by music that ran the gamut from classical to hip hop in a multi-cultural household raised by Russian parents. Currently based out of Boston and attending Berklee College of Music, F/L/P uses his vocal astutely to alter the mood of “Kiss That”, from passionate to seductive to obsessive. The production is carefully crafted, paying attention to fine details which make the backdrop really pop. Though some of the lyrics sound a little cliché at times, “Kiss That” comes together nicely as a whole, making it well worth your attention.
I appreciate whoever thought of the brilliant idea to partner Canada’s Felix Cartal and England’s Karen Harding together. Both artists are coming off some of the best music of their careers, and it makes sense to combine the talents while lightning continues to strike. Karen’s silky and soulful vocal is a match for Felix’s precise production and melodies, which always seem to stay a few steps ahead of the game. The result is rich-sounding, sophisticated house music that favours pop flavours over a heavier dance beat. That makes it very radio-ready, as both artists have experienced recently with songs like Felix’s “Happy Hour” (with Kiiara) currently all over Top 40 radio in Canada, and Karen’s “Undo My Heart” a Top 10 smash at dance radio last year, while also chalking up millions of regular streams.
Breakups: we all have had them, and some are worse than others, after a longer period of time than others. Since the end of a previous long relationship, Brandyn Burnette has reflected to gather his thoughts about it in “Punching Bag”. Every relationship is different, so these are a unique set of lyrics that capture his perspective. And you can’t just put on airs or trash the relationship in a pop song because neither approach works. Brandyn has opted for some eloquence amid other direct words, including the title, because most people feel exactly like that in the same circumstances. The melody is on the bright side and the song looks out for the better for both parties as they move on. “Punching Bag” is probably one of Brandyn’s best recent songs, capturing the thoughtfulness of some of his earlier songs circa 2015-16 and continuing to show the diversity in the scope of his growing repertoire. The video above has another interpretation of the song, which is the aftermath of a spat rather than a relationship.
Ever the experimentalist, progressive L.A.-based electronic dance producer maintains his groove but with a different vision now with the songs in his new EP Life On Mars, including “SANTO”, which I previously wrote about, and “FADE”. Bobby’s new music is heavily instrumental and big on atmosphere, and would be a video artist’s field day. “FADE” is a song that would be a segue into the wee hours at a club, in preparation of what might come during a night out. I can picture DJ’s playing it to reach just past the two minute mark, when the only words are uttered, in a whisper – just to get that moment of awestruck silence from the audience which would then be followed by cheers. “FADE” is an enjoyable and very creative release with an undeniably hypnotic rhythm.
Talk about a blast from the past! Lee Wilson and El Funkador have reworked The Gap Band’s funky 1983 R&B hit “Outstanding” into a fun classic house music jam. It’s a great and unexpected choice, and you can hear why Lee is one of house music’s current go-to vocalists, having worked with Kenny Dope, Todd Terry and many other notables in the last five years. His vocal is brisk and effortless and El Funkador’s production retains a soulful vibe while transforming the song into a summery house smash that oozes nothing but positive vibes. “Outstanding” is a delightfully tasty treat with all of the right toppings, and a sweet change for the 2Dutch label.
“Arms Of Another” is the latest single by Bright Light Bright Light, otherwise known as Rod Thomas, but it’s not a new song. The NYC-based, Wales-born singer, songwriter and producer is about to release an album of “B-sides” called So Gay, So Dramatic (due June 25), and “Arms Of Another” is certainly one of the key highlights of that selection. Originally released in late 2014 and newly remastered, it peaked at #6 on my chart, was in my Top 40 of that year, and has been popping up regularly on my stereo over the years. It’s a timeless track featuring additional production by Jon Shave (who has worked with Darren Hayes among others), and harmonies by Millicent Blue and Sophie Galpin. Do check out the new video up top, as well as my original blog post below (my original words still stand).
The summer sounds of dance music are starting to fill the air, judging from the recent releases I’ve heard over the past two weeks, as much of the world starts to recover from the pandemic. There’s nothing like feel good music to fit the current situation!
It’s going to take a particularly strong song to replace “No More Looking Back” by Idris Elba and Inner City featuring Steffanie Christi’an, now at the top of my chart for a third appearance (six weeks). This one checks off all of the boxes and is one of my favourites of 2021!
And making a big show to reclaim #1 is Los Angeles-based producer Mahalo, who soars 9-2 with the rollicking and infectious “Got That Love”. As you’ll recall, Mahalo’s “Not Watching Anymore” (now #23) was on top immediately before “No More Looking Back”.
Look who’s back in the Top 5 already! It didn’t take long for Victor Perry’s collaboration with Italy’s Lordnox on “Myself In You” (above) to match the #5 peak of his own recent “Stories” (now at #29). Ever-prolific, Victor’s latest, with Russian producer Eleven Fly and Portuguese producer No ExpressioN, is called “50/50”, which you can check out below.
Two songs move into the Top 10, and they are “Want You Always” (above) by Ireland indie artist Four Nights, which climbs 11-8, and “One And One” (below), the second duet by Australia’s Peter Wilson and England’s Sean Smith to reach the Top 10, a cover of the 1997 Robert Miles hit.
The Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to one of my faves, Jessie Ware, whose song “Please” gets a big liftoff moving up 25-11, from the “platinum” edition of her acclaimed album What’s Your Pleasure.
Season 12 winner of “The Voice”, Chris Blue, is on a roll with his current catchy slice of R&B/pop called “Moon”, which climbs 20-14.
The rest of the last chart’s debuts are all making good progress. “Heartbeat” (above) by Vancouver’s Glass Petals rises 24-18, while Australia’s Needs No Sleep and Jeremy Beamish move up 26-21 with their domestic club hit “Unnatural” (above), and the joyous “Better Day” (below) by Brits WH0 and Josh Barry with the esteemed Nile Rodgers is right behind, climbing 27-22.
The Highest Debut is the fifth advance single from Illenium’s upcoming album Fallen Embers (due July 16) called “Sideways”. It’s a hard electronic track to be sure and I’m confident will make its biggest impact in concert. It features Philadelphia-born vocalist Valerie Broussard, known for her work with Kygo and Galantis among others, and New Jersey-born producer Nurko, who gives the track much of its edge.
#25 belongs to the potent duo of Nessa Barrett and jxdn (pronounced “Jaden”) with the smashing and thoughtful alt.rock of “La Di Die”. Both performers aren’t even yet 20 and with the help of Blink 182’s Travis Barker have come up with this standout track that straddles pop and could yet be a crossover radio hit.
Toronto’s Crash Adams have their second chart entry with “Symphony” at #26. The good natured pop/rock of this Toronto duo is hard to resist, and I hope we’ll see their trademark red sofa making cameo appearances throughout the city this summer. Crash Adams first appeared on the chart last fall with “Too Hot To Touch” (#13).
The last of four new entries belongs to Greyson Chance, who continues to take risks with his new music from his upcoming album Trophies. “Hellboy” (#27) is guaranteed to put a smile on your face as Greyson shows his darker side while continuing to incorporate moods and lyrics that he wears on his sleeve. It’s his third entry on this chart within the last year, which started with the still-beautiful “Dancing Next To Me” (#2).
NEW!!Planet Radio Canadahas returned to the interwebs with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers and his “3D Variety Show” each week for three hours of great music as well as a few features. Listen to my New Music Pick of the Week (usually featuring a song on the chart) in the second hour of the show. Tomorrow, the show will feature the music of Rick Nelson! Planet Radio Canada’s “3D Variety Show” is simulcast on http://www.classichits.caand http://www.radiogta.ca from 6 to 9 pm EST.
The music from this chart and blog are also featured regularly on the online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings, also with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers, and listen for songs from the chart too 🙂Scroll down the station’s main page to listen to lots of variety from across the decades! I’m the new music consultant for the station so you can expect even more 🙂 You can start by joining Radio GTA’s new interactiveFacebook group too!!
View the full BILLCS Top 30right 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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify:BILLCS Top 30 Songs
THE BOOMTANG BOYS and KATRINA ANASTASIA, “You Ain’t Gonna See Me”
Canadian dance producers The Boomtang Boys have released an original follow-up to their return to the pop music scene recently with a gentle cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Everywhere”. Once again using the delightful talents of Toronto singer Katrina Anastasia, “You Ain’t Gonna See Me” is a flirty and fun summer song that would sound great on the radio next to songs by Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, SZA and Ava Max. It’s brisk and uncomplicated with a catchy chorus that you’ll find yourself humming to when you’re not realizing it. The Boomtang Boys are masters of dance pop and it’s great to have them back!
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