BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – January 15/25 with new songs by The Waterboys, Luca Hänni, Aysanabee, Cam Blake, Beauz x Pascal Letournon x Polar Bears x Stephen Puth, Ernar x JeLa x Robbie Rosen, The Octopus Division, and Battleflagg

The music business is now back in full force, but I don’t have much to add this week, other than being curious about what will happen for American artists if Tik Tok is banned in the United States on January 19.

If you have any suggestions for this blog, don’t hesitate to hit me up on one of my socials at the following Linktree link www.linktr.ee/billcs777, or email me directly bill@billcsmusic.blog.

In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with a record of the week from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers’ Classic Five provides a mix of late 70’s Canadiana for your listening pleasure. You’ll also find out what songs were #1 and the Fastest Riser on the latest BILLCS Top 30.

Reminder: Click on the photos below to listen to the songs. If the song has a video, a You Tube link is now provided underneath the artist and song title.

THE WATERBOYS, “Hopper’s On Top (Genius)”

Video link: Hopper’s On Top

About the artist: The Waterboys is one of my favourite and most fascinating rock groups who I’ve seen several times in concert during the last 40 years, first in December 1984. Led by Scottish musician Mike Scott, The Waterboys has one of the most unique repertoires of any rock band. In more recent years, Mike seems to have found a successful and crowd-pleasing balance of rock and folk on Waterboys recordings.

About the record: “Hopper’s On Top (Genius)” leads off the upcoming concept album Life, Death and Dennis Hopper. It’s not the first song about the late trail-blazing character actor that Mike and band have recorded, so there seems to be an intrinsic fascination enough to make him the focal point of an album. “Hopper’s On Top” is certainly a fine celebration of the actor-as-everyman, who had many highs and lows in his career, led by Mike’s exuberant vocal. The vivid instrumentation is bound to make this an audience favourite in concert.

Other comments: You don’t need to know about Dennis Hopper or even The Waterboys to appreciate the vitality of “Hopper’s On Top”. Mike has called in a cavalry of musicians for the new album which also features appearances by no less than Bruce Springsteen, Fiona Apple, Steve Earle, Kathy Valentine of The Go Go’s, Barny Fletcher, and Sugarfoot. I have high hopes for this one and a concert tour!

LUCA HÄNNI, “Love Me Better”

Video link: Love Me Better

About the artist: Switzerland’s Luca Hänni is best known for winning Germany’s version of the “Pop Idol” contest while still a teenager, the youngest winner of that contest. He then went on to perform for Switzerland at EuroVision in 2019 with the insanely catchy “She Got Me”, which finished fourth, and also reached #5 on the BILLCS Top 30.

About the record: Like “She Got Me”, “Love Me Better” draws you in quickly, this time with engaging and timely lyrics about self-love after a breakup, with an anthemic hook that will have you singing along. The video also shows off some superlative dance moves by Luca, as well as a satisfying ending.

Other comments: Could “Love Me Better” be a contender for Switzerland at EuroVision this year? It certainly has the appeal as well as a provocative story line. 2025 could be a big year for Luca Hänni if this song is any indication.

AYSANABEE, “Edge of the Earth”

About the artist: Canada’s Aysanabee has won two Juno Awards, for Songwriter of the Year, and Best Alternative Album of the Year for Here And Now. He’s an Oji-Cree singer/songwriter who is a member of the Sandy Lake First Nation, and grew up near Thunder Bay, Ontario.

About the record: “Edge of the Earth” is about finding yourself at a moment in time where you realize that everything and everyone that immediately surrounds you is good and okay, after having fallen in and out of love and come out the other side rather unscathed. Aysanabee has a distinct but often world-weary kind of voice, but in “Edge of the Earth” he surrounds himself with the words, an inspiring arrangement, and production that are bound to give you a lift if you need it.

Other comments: “Edge of the Earth” follows up Here And Now, which also featured guest musicians of Indigenous heritage such as Raye Zaragoza and fellow Canadian Ruby Waters, and shows Aysanabee to be one of Canada’s most prolific and prominent artists, releasing new music in each of the last four years.

CAM BLAKE, “Passenger”

Video link: Passenger

About the artist: Cam Blake is an alternative rock artist from Vancouver, B.C. who has to date released two albums and a remix album. I previously wrote about his song “Gravity”.

About the record: “Passenger” is a sweet change of pace for Cam, it’s more of an acoustic pop-folk track that really suits his voice. The song has a rather unconventional flow about it led by a jangly, carefree guitar melody that keeps going until later you might expect in a song. Anyone who enjoys travelling will appreciate the relatable lyrics, particularly during and nearing the end of a vacation. It’s always nice to be a passenger for a while when we can escape our regular routines.

Other comments: According to You Tube, a third album is in the works called Five Months In Manchester, so it looks like travelling and being away from home will be common themes.

BEAUZ, PASCAL LETOUBLON, POLAR BEARS, STEPHEN PUTH, “Vertigo”

About the artists: BEAUZ is the Asian-American dance production duo of brothers specializing in hard techno and noted for their strong presence on Instagram and Tik Tok and a loyal fan base called BADDIES. Pascal Letoublon is a French dance producer, while Polar Bears (formerly known as Electric Polar Bears) are an American dance production duo who in concert wear polar bear masks, and I’ve written about them several times. Stephen Puth is the talented younger brother of Charlie who had a #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 with Loud Luxury and Frank Walker in 2021, “Like Gold”.

About the record: Talking about the cadre of artists involved would take as long to play “Vertigo”, which is a brief 1:56 electronic bop in which Stephen Puth duets with an uncredited female vocal (which may or may not be his own sped up voice). Nonetheless, “Vertigo” is a catchy head-turner whose well-defined synth hook might just show up as an ID in a number of DJ’s sets.

Other comments: “Vertigo” is a shining example of how not to underestimate the power of brevity and conciseness.

ERNAR, JeLa, ROBBIE ROSEN, “Spirit”

About the artists: Ernar is a 22 year old Kazakh dance producer whose style includes chill, tropical and deep house. JeLa is the performing name for NYC singer/songwriter Jessica Lattman, who is also a frequent collaborator with the other vocalist, former “American Idol” contestant and frequent visitor to this blog, Robbie Rosen.

About the record: “Spirit” is a pretty, uplifting, easy-going slice of dance/pop. If you’re not looking for bangers or frenetic electronic dance music, you can relax and chill while the deft blend of vocals by JeLa and Robbie along with a gentle story are sure to help alter your mood for the better. It’s also a slick introduction to the production work of Ernar, who aptly captures the flow of the song as well as the chemistry of the singers together.

Other comments: A release like “Spirit” could get easily lost in the shuffle. It’s a versatile song that’s suited for just about any pop playlist.

THE OCTOPUS DIVISION, “Games”

About the artist: The Octopus Division is the performing name for San Diego producer and vocalist Matthew Muncie, who is a relative newcomer, having released several singles in 2024. His specialty is 80’s flavoured electronic pop.

About the record: “Games” weaves an intriguing story, culminating in a catchy chorus. The target of mid-80’s flavours is spot-on, particularly in the minimalist-sounding synth work. For those of us who were around, it’s a time-shift back to 1985 in the post-new wave era of groups like a-ha, Simple Minds, and Duran Duran. Matthew’s vocal suits the song but at times sounds like he’s holding back, and that could just be the way his inflection articulates the emotions in the song.

Other comments: Matthew’s point of reference for “Games” is “The Neverending Story”. “Games” is solid indie bedroom retro electronic pop that takes a few spins but sinks in nicely and deserves your attention.

BATTLEFLAGG, “I Gotta Love”

About the artist: Veteran Philadelphia musician Jeff Hartwig (King Flux, The Dangs) leads Battleflagg, which is a collective of musicians who straddle the sub-genres within rock music to provide authentic songs that cut through the cynicism and all of the other daily crap out there.

About the record: “I Gotta Love” has an unconventional song structure in which Jeff and friends play out his treatise about winning over the object of his affection long before the song’s hook (and defining moment) drops. So you wait and then BAM! what a chorus – you know that it was all worth it. The remainder of “I Gotta Love” plays on that hook, and may strike some as a little long at 4:50, but its joyousness is contagious. The pristine production is by Daniel Knowles, noted for his recent work with Sharon Van Etten.

Other comments: The EP which contains “I Gotta Love”, called Solastalgia (which means “the homesickness you have when you are still at home”), also includes contributions by members of The War On Drugs, Japanese Breakfast, and Elvis Costello’s band. It’s Jeff Hartwig’s second EP for Battleflagg after returning to music from a sidestep into a career as a lawyer.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world, and now debuts each Wednesday at 10pm EST on The Big 20 on Halton Hills Radio Online. Here are my picks for this week and last week.

Gareth Emery and Annabel collaborate again under the moniker LSR/CITY with the electronic ballad “without u”

Video link: without u

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week which debuts every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Big Daddy’s record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

British alternative rock artist Bishop Briggs returns with “My Seratonin”

Video link: My Seratonin

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio show “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and is newly anchored at Party Dog Radio, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week.

Electronic duo MAAPS put an unlikely spin on Flo Rida’s “Low”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show, where you can also now hear my Retro Pick of the Week. The 3D Variety Show is now on hiatus, returning in April 2025. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

April Wine – You Won’t Dance With Me (1977)
Burton Cummings – Break It To Them Gently (1978)
Gordon Lightfoot – The Circle Is Small (1978)
Anne Murray – You Needed Me (1978)
Ken Tobias – Give A Little Love (1976)

BILL’S RETRO PICK OF THE WEEK

My Retro Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world, including those mentioned above. It debuts Saturdays on Russ Horton’s Top 40 Timeline on UK National Radio at 1pm EST.

It’s Neil Sedaka’s biggest North American hit, featuring Elton John on harmonies,”Bad Blood” (1975)

Video link (Live on TV’s “Midnight Special”): Bad Blood

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Swedish House Mafia and Alicia Keys score the top spot this week with “Finally”

Video link (Live from Ibiza): Finally

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Crash Adams’ “Optimist” moves up 27-19

Video link: Optimist

BILLCS Top 30 #709 – January 13/25

A new year means it’s the 27th (!!) year for the BILLCS Top 30. The chart originally began as a bi-weekly Top 10, but then expanded in August 1998 to a Top 30. And with this chart, close to 2,800 songs have come and gone and made BILLCS Top 30 history over the years.

Check out information about my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the chart below as they are now directly tied in with this blog. As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

NOTE: I will be gradually phasing out the You Tube links for the songs on the chart for accessibility purposes. With this week’s new entries, the links in the photos are now Spotify links.

“Finally” by Swedish House Mafia and Alicia Keys takes over at #1 to kick off a new year of the BILLCS Top 30. And it’s been a long time for both artists to acquire their second chart topper. Swedish House Mafia got there with “Don’t You Worry Child” in late 2012, and Alicia Keys had her first #1 in 2004 with “You Don’t Know My Name”. It’s an amazing collaboration that bears repeating.

Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Talevski climbs 5-3 with “mine”. It joins 2015’s “Guilty As Sin” as his highest ranking single to date. Will it go higher in two weeks?

I can’t get enough of “Somedays” by Sonny Fodera, Jazzy and D.O.D. right now and it makes short work of the Top 10, rising 9-4. Is #1 in its future?

NYC’s Bud Cahill gets a new personal best on the chart with his soaring electronic instrumental “Intergalactic Highway”, rising 6-5.

Following last year’s #2 “Harmless”, New Zealand’s Will Swinton has climbed into the Top 10 again with “Flames”, which moves up 14-9.

In his socials, James Bay seems to be teasing a deluxe edition on the way for his recent album Changes All The Time. “Easy Distraction” climbs 17-10 and becomes his sixth Top 10 entry.

Following his #3 entry with Two Friends, “Wrong Way”, Toronto’s Alexander Stewart is headed towards another Top 10 song with rocking “His Problem Instead”, which leaps 21-14.

“Always Time” by Miguel seems to be a bit of a sleeper track for him, but it’s not one that you should pass up. It’s a heart-wrenching ballad with one of his superlative vocals. It moves up 20-15 and is from his forthcoming album Viscera.

Houston artist NYNE rises 23-16 with “In The Back Of My Cadillac” in an Eric Kupper remix. He’s the musical director for K.C. & The Sunshine Band, which performs on the track. Harry Wayne Casey also co-wrote and co-produced it.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is Crash Adams, soon to be one of Canada’s favourite exports, with their affecting bop “Optimist”, which climbs 27-19.

British dance producer PAWSA teams up with 90’s producer and fellow Brit Stevie V for a revival of The Adventures of Stevie V’s “Dirty Cash (Money Talks)”. This slamming rendition moves up 28-21.

“Born With A Broken Heart” is pretty far away from the hard rock of Italy’s Maneskin, but it suits vocalist Damiano David so well. Sounding nothing like what else is on the radio right now, “Broken Heart” rises 30-23.

The Highest Debut belongs to “without u” at #25 by Gareth Emery and Annabel under Gareth’s LSR/CITY moniker. It’s Gareth’s 5th chart entry and 2nd with Annabel as vocalist/songwriter, their first together was the 2020 #1 “You’ll Be OK”.

At #26 is the 2nd chart entry together for Dutch dance producers Lucas & Steve and British vocalist/songwriter Jordah Shaw with the lovely and winning “Heart First”. Their previous collaboration, “End Of Time”, got to #12 last fall.

Arriving on the chart for the first time at #27 is Belgian dance producer Henri PFR with “Up In The Sky”. It’s a dance bop that doesn’t let up and the uncredited male vocal is memorable too.

The fourth debut at #28 is “On My Mind” by L.A.-based, Israel-born singer/songwriter Mergui in a Sam Feldt edit. Mergui has a great voice and is someone to keep your eyes and ears out for in 2025.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Radio Online

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. JC Legend fills in for The Musicman until April. The show also repeats on Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at the following link: The Big 20.

My New Music Pick of the Week debuts each week on The Big 20. It airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking at the following link: Schedule.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week airs each week on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline”, Saturdays at 4pm EST. You can view its schedule by going to the lower right corner of the home page of this blog.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

The 3D Variety Show is on hiatus and will return in April 2025.

Party Dog Radio

Canada’s Party Dog Radio now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Saturdays at 6pm EST, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. Party Dog Radio also airs “The Big 20”, where you can also hear my New Music Pick of the Week on Sundays after 9pm EST.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! Schedules are updated regularly.

LISTEN to “The Big 20” edition #215, December 25, 2024

Listen to edition #215 at the following link: The Big 20 #215

The Big 20 is hosted by Bill Smith and “The Musicman” James Rogers and produced by “Big Daddy” Russ Horton.

ONE REPUBLIC, Sink Or Swim
THE FRAY, Time Well Wasted
COLDPLAY, All My Love
LENNY KRAVITZ, Honey
JAY PUTTY, On My Way
ALEX WARREN, Carry You Home
ADDISON RAE, Diet Pepsi
GLASS ANIMALS, A Tear In Space
BADFLOWER, Detroit
THE CURE, A Fragile Thing
JUSTICE, TAME IMPALA, Neverender
FRANZ FERDINAND, Audacious
NEON TREES, Bad Dreams
MIGUEL, Always Time
JUDE YORK, Those Were The Days
NYNE, K.C. & THE SUNSHINE BAND, In the Back of My Cadillac (Eric Kupper remix)
SALUTE, JESSIE WARE, Heaven In Your Arms
MAX EHRICH, Can’t Forget Her Now
WILL SWINTON, Where I Belong
COLOR THEORY, Punching Shadows
WILL CLARKE, KAREN HARDING, Worship
GRACIE ABRAMS, That’s So True
THE WEEKND, PLAYBOY CARTI, Timeless
SABRINA CARPENTER, Bed Chem
THE MARIAS, No One Noticed
THE KOOKS, lovelytheband, Jeanie
BLOSSOMS, So Hot You’re Hurting My Feelings
MOODY JOODY, El Camino High
HARD-FI, Don’t Need You
HARRIET, I’d Really Love To See You Tonight
SID SETH, Wave

BILLCS New Music Report – January 8/25 with new songs by MGR Mike & Milton V, Mercer & Tony Romera, Michael Medrano, Jack Drinker, Samantha Gongol, The Moving Stills, Elephants & Stars, and MRKO & Sophia May

Welcome back to the BILLCS New Music Report, mach 2025! Despite most of the biz shutting down over the holidays, new music never sleeps and I have plenty of songs for you to check out, as well as our regular features.

I’m continuing with the more structured approach to the reviews which allows them to be digested in more bitable chunks while getting across the critical information about the artist and the record. This change has already been received positively. I have made one other change, to support accessibility. The photo accompanying the review will now embed a Spotify link. If the song has a video of note, a link for it will be provided underneath the song title and artist before the review begins.

If you have any suggestions for this blog, don’t hesitate to hit me up on one of my socials at the following Linktree link www.linktr.ee/billcs777, or email me directly bill@billcsmusic.blog.

In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with a record of the week from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers’ Classic Five is a mix of some fine new wave and rock from the 80’s. You’ll also find out what songs were #1 and the Fastest Riser on my December 30 chart if you missed it, and you’ll see what songs were in the Top 5 of the BILLCS Top 30, 5-10-15-20-25 years ago!

Reminder: Click on the photos below to listen to the songs.

MGR MIKE, MILTON V, “The Message”

About the artists: MGR Mike from Nashville specializes in disco-spiced dance music, and is joined on this release by Mexico’s Milton V.

About the record: It’s an inspirational Latin-flavoured house track that quotes a speech from 2021 by Ricky Turcios, the bantamweight Ultimate Fighter contest winner held in Philippines. Like songs that feature Chicago house music king Ron Carroll and producer MKJ’s “Time”, which went viral a few years back in Asia thanks to its inclusion of an excerpt of a Morgan Freeman speech, “The Message” is an immediate call to the dance floor. And I can’t imagine what it would be like hearing it live at a festival – its effect on an audience of significant size could be powerful.

Other comments: The producers have done a great job fusing the styles together and for making Ricky Turcios’ words and enthusiasm stand out. MGR Mike has reported in his socials that more people are finding out about the song each week, and I am here for it!

MERCER, TONY ROMERA, “Rendez-Vous”

About the artists: Mercer is a French dance producer and songwriter who has had two #1’s on the BILLCS Top 30 (2018’s “Satisfy” and 2022’s “Aretha”) and is a co-writer/producer of Lady Gaga’s “Applause” among others. Tony Romera is a French house producer who has toured the world and recorded with too many huge names to mention in the last 10 years.

About the record: “Rendez-Vous” is an instrumental that’s as slick as it gets in terms of the classic sound of piano house music. Mercer and Tony Romera are two producers who know their craft backwards and forwards, and club DJ’s have lots of wiggle room to integrate “Rendez-Vous” into a mid-evening set.

Other comments: I don’t know if “Rendez-Vous” sneakily interpolates another older track into its mix. Mercer has been known to do it such as in previous releases “Satisfy” (Don Ray’s disco classic “Got To Have Loving”) and “Overrr” (The Jacksons’ 1980 album cut “Wondering Who”), so it’s always fun listening to his releases for such surprises. If not, “Rendez-Vous” is a classy original anyway!

MICHAEL MEDRANO, “Hollywood”

About the artist: Michael Medrano is L.A.’s resident disco dad and specializes in dance-pop that’s often risqué, NSFW, and pushing boundaries. The “raw and uncut” mix of 2022’s “Disco Sleaze” reached #2 on the BILLCS Top 30, his highest chart entry to date.

About the record: “Hollywood” is a cover of Madonna’s #1 dance hit from 2003’s American Life album, which also reached #2 in the UK, #5 in Canada, and went Top 20 around the world, but never charted on Billboard’s Hot 100 and isn’t heard much today. The overall sound and appeal is similar to Madonna’s original version, with a dash of sordidness and cheapness to make its connection with Hollywood’s underbelly, but with a more frenetic synth hook. Michael certainly gets to embrace his inner Madonna and fans of the song will enjoy the update.

Other comments: About a minute is knocked off the time of the original which makes Michael’s version of “Hollywood” much tighter than the original. I think a “sleazier” deep house remix could help “Hollywood” for potential play in clubs.

JACK DRINKER, “California King”

About the artist: Jack Drinker (his real name) is a 24 year old Los Angeles-based indie singer/songwriter who is also a recent graduate from the prestigious Herb Alpert School of Music.

About the record: “California King” is melodic pop that would find favour with Conan Gray fans. It’s a love story about putting someone on a pedestal while naively forgetting about the reality around them. But it’s perfectly okay to dream and fantasize, and Jack has a gorgeous timbre to his voice that pop fans in general will love.

Other comments: “California King” is a winner that you’re sure to put on repeat, but tell everyone else about it too!

SAMANTHA GONGOL, “Planes Are Low”

Video link: Planes Are Low

About the artist: Samantha Gongol is the vocalist for Philadelphia electronic pop duo Marian Hill, which had a US Top 10 radio hit with “Down” in 2017 and was prominently featured in an Apple Airpods commercial. Marian Hill’s name comes from two characters in the play/film “The Music Man” – yep Marian the librarian!

About the record: “Planes Are Low” is a song of self-reflection that Samantha wrote back in the early covid days. She mirrored the way she was feeling at the time to a plane she saw that was flying rather low. The song is ambitious and adventurous, accompanied by a beautiful vocal and arrangement which avoid making it downbeat. Instead there’s an opportunity for listeners to be honest and in touch with their emotions given the appropriate impetus.

Other comments: Samantha’s debut EP is coming soon and her new songs are intended to be a side project to Marian Hill.

THE MOVING STILLS, “Telephone”

Video link: Telephone

About the artist: The Moving Stills are one of Australia’s premiere indie rock bands from New South Wales, known for their live shows, and have released two albums to date.

About the record: 90’s post grunge flavours with edgy guitar work take the lead on “Telephone”. In the song, the protagonist wants to continue talking to his object of affection, but she hasn’t quite made up her mind yet. By the end of the song, a bit more of an obsession is revealed. It’s the kind of song that would sound great in a live performance.

Other comments: “Telephone” is a natural for college and alternative radio play, and I hope The Moving Stills continue to find an audience outside of Australia with songs like this one.

ELEPHANTS & STARS, “The Ceiling”

Video link: The Ceiling

About the artist: Elephants & Stars is a rock quintet whose members hail from Toronto and Hamilton, led by singer/songwriter Manfred Sittman. Manfred, along with bassist Mike McMillan, were part of the early 2000’s rock band Soap Opera, which released two albums.

About the record: “The Ceiling” is a raw, guitar-led slice of power pop, with a sound recalling 80’s groups like The Romantics and The Smithereens. The song captures the urgency and chaos associated with a panic attack. The guitar work by Adam Seed is fierce and Manfred’s vocal gets his story across without going over the top. It’s a solid release with a rock sound that isn’t often heard these days and the public fortunately still has a taste for this kind of hybrid sound.

Other comments: Elephants & Stars previously released an album called Last Chance Power Drive in 2022, and their upcoming album Under The Earth and Above Heaven will be produced by renown Toronto rocker Ian Blurton (ex-Change of Heart), who has also produced records by his contemporaries The Lowest of the Low and The Skydiggers.

MRKO, SOPHIA MAY, “Gonna Do”

About the artists: MRKO is an L.A.-based dance producer who doesn’t release often but when he does they are intentional. He’s had releases through labels by Austin Kramer and The Disco Fries, and “Gonna Do” is through Bay area producer Jay Bird’s The Birdhouse label. Sophia May is a veteran British dance music vocalist and songwriter noted for singing and co-writing Bellatrax’s #1 Dance Mix Airplay single “I Can’t Help Myself”.

About the record: MRKO has dabbled in a variety of dance and electronic music styles over the past five years, from moody electronica like “Dark Ocean” to bangers like “I Won’t Feel”, and “Gonna Do” is straight-up classic house with Sophia’s seamless vocal. Classic house never grows stale and “Gonna Do” would easily give a lift to a club set.

Other comments: I think house music is the way to go for MRKO, with last year’s “Fall” setting that in motion. “Gonna Do” is an ear-grabber.