Regular readers of this blog know that I’ve written an awful lot about the talented NYC-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry over the last almost four years. It’s because he can sing just about anything, make just about any song sound fabulous, and has often intriguing and different vantage points in his songwriting subject matter. To introduce you to his upcoming EP Rewind, Victor brings us “What I Deserve”, which showcases the latter. It’s a sad but poignant song about being injured emotionally in a relationship, perhaps after an argument, and unable to figure out how to resolve it. Victor’s tender vocal makes you empathize and know somehow that the protagonist will figure it all out. Many of Victor’s songs are sung in his head voice, and it’s refreshing to hear his chest voice convey a bit of a narrative at the start. It’s definitely for fans of quieter alt.soul but a pop edge and synths in the backdrop, and the latter form a 30 second coda of sorts which makes for an interesting ending. All in all “What I Deserve” is a bold step forward, somewhat in keeping with the music of his side project Labrose or his song “Eve” with ZEROBADDAYS. Be sure to check out the lyric video up top.
When you don’t write a blog post for two weeks, then the new music accumulates, so I’m glad I have this feature which helps me continue to bring you some new songs you might not otherwise hear.
In 10/10 (or tenoutoften) , 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, and they are not listed in any particular order. The song residing at #1 on my current chart, “You’ll Be OK” by Gareth Emery, was featured in a 10/10 blog post back in March.
Writing 10/10 features means I can cover more songs in one shot. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about.
RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, “You Ain’t Big”
Before I continue, you have to know that I’ve been a huge fan of Juno Award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright since his debut self-titled album was released in 1998. I’ve seen him perform 6 or 7 times, but not now for many years. “You Ain’t Big” is the title song from his new EP, his first new pop music since 2012’s album Out Of The Game, after forays into opera and Shakespeare as well as a live album. It’s a return to the carefree, whimsical songwriting of his earlier career. To me he’s also in his finest pop voice since 2007’s Release The Stars. “You Ain’t Big” is the standout, and though no song on the EP disappoints, also check out “Trouble In Paradise” and “Peaceful Afternoon”.
FRANCESCO YATES, “Bad Decisions”
My fellow Canadian Francesco Yates is back with another great new song that taps into the punchy R&B-flavoured pop that gave him his start with jams like “Better To Be Loved”. To me, “Bad Decisions” is his best one since the early days, it just brims with energy and devil-may-care lyrics about getting into some specific trouble with a special someone. Like with “Superbad”, Francesco teases us with a short video, with more to come. Check out this dynamic release with video and full song above. Canadian radio stations definitely needs to jump on it.
THE BEAMISH BROTHERS, “Nature”
Rising and talented siblings from Queensland, Australia, the Beamish Brothers have released their first 2020 single in style with “Nature”. Ben and Jeremy have been well established as regular voices on several dance tracks over the past couple of years, and started to release their own music last year with the alt.pop EP Brutalism. “Nature” had the bonus of being featured as a runner-up in February in Eurovision Australia Decides. It draws from numerous styles which will appeal as much to fans of Paul Simon as it would fans of Years & Years. The brothers’ seamless vocal interplay is a big draw, and is punctuated by rich and soulful, memorably choir-like bursts of the title. “Nature” is a classic lesson in the way to make DIY music work wonders.
GILLIAN, “high”
Boston teen pop singer/songwriter Gillian has an unconventional winner with “high”. The song’s protagonist has a major crush on someone who cannot reciprocate the attraction because his priority is to get high. It’s a frustrating scenario when you discover that someone is not who they say they are until you see their true colours, and hope for the best for the protagonist at the end. Gillian’s vocal style is proudly unique, stemming from a long line of singers with similar styles – Jill Sobule, Joan Osborne, Regina Spektor are some names that come to mind. “high” is a strong song with deft execution that makes it memorable.
VAMPA, “Dark Matter”
“Dark Matter” is the title song from the recent EP by relative newcomer, the Chicago-based bass music producer VAMPA, whose heavy and melodic style could easily fit alongside releases by Rezz, Kai Wachi, Zed’s Dead, and Wooli. “Dark Matter” instantly slams with the best of them and I think it’s her flair for melody and ear-popping synth effects that will get listeners’ attention. VAMPA’s vocal narrative at the beginning also nicely sets up what’s to come and flows into the rest of the song with ease.
KARL WOLF and JULIUS WILSON, “City Of Lies”
It’s been a slice since Karl Wolf was all over the radio in Canada with his huge cover of Toto’s “Africa” and other songs such as two with Kardinal Offishall, “Ghetto Love” and “Amateur At Love”. You may not know though that he was a co-writer of bülow’s debut “Not A Love Song”, among his many other songwriting credits. He’s back with an infectious, retro R&B flavoured dance pop song called “City Of Lies”. It features the striking voice of Halifax-born (of Jamaican and Bajan heritage) Julius Wilson, whose diverse vocal fits snugly into the hybrid electronic pop mix of the song. The video above offers a glowing backdrop of Toronto which makes us pine for the nightlife that is currently missing from our lives. “City Of Lies” is from Karl’s forthcoming album Night Of The Wolf.
J-MI, “On Our Own”
“On Our Own” is a most pleasant and refreshing surprise. Sherbrooke, Quebec-based producer J-Mi, forever active on the gamer circuit, returns to pop music with her take on the 1989 Bobby Brown classic from “Ghostbusters 2”. Strangely and somewhat out of sync with these times, its production (by J-Mi with long-time collaborator Midi-D aka Dave Phaneuf) remains glued to the new jack swing vibes of the original. While that may leave you scratching your head, the results are charming and brimming with enthusiasm (with J-Mi being an ultimate “Ghostbusters fan). J-Mi has put loads of effort over the past few years into honing her vocals, and the results are flattering. Unabashedly bold, the aim of “On Our Own” is to leave you smiling and it is completely on point with that.
DEZZA and MIKE SCHMID, “Carry Me”
“Carry Me” is sophisticated, emotional house music for your soul and feet, brought to you by Halifax producer Dezza, and co-writer and veteran vocalist Mike Schmid, who has performed in concert with the likes of The Chainsmokers, Troye Sivan and Miley Cyrus. Dezza has been releasing music consistently for the last few years as either a producer or remixer, with much success in Europe in the company of the likes of Armin van Buuren. “Carry Me” stands out as a pensive house track with elegant synths that support Mike’s soothing voice. While atypical, “Carry Me” will win you over with a few listens.
FRANCESCA LOUISE, “Ride The Waters”
I’m bringing you another song by British pop/folk singer Francesca Louise after I first wrote about her a month ago. Her voice is a breath of fresh air, with its own unique spin on pop music, which in “Ride The Waters” recalls the confidence of a Christine McVie or Sheryl Crow, while retaining her own sound. In fact the song is about being successful on your own terms and directs an empowering message towards young women. So this is not dreary folk music from another era. “Ride The Waters” is spirited and engaging and deserving of your attention.
BELLSAVVY, “Queen Of My Mind”
Bellsavvy is a new voice to get to know, and she hails from London but was raised in Brazil. The daughter of a pop star in Brazil, Bellsavvy follows mom’s lead after a modelling career with the potent “Queen Of My Mind”. It’s an ode to self-realization after the singer herself faced mental health issues. With production from David Lei Brandt, who worked with Lady Gaga, there will be the inevitable Gaga comparisons, which are completely justified. Bellsavvy has a well-honed, stunning tone in her vocal, and “Queen of My Mind” will also appeal to fans of Kiesza, Charli XCX, and Madonna. “Queen Of My Mind” is a striking debut indeed!
After a two week hiatus, during which I listened to a lot of new music while reflecting and trying to better understand our current situation, the chart returns with a few changes up top as well as four debuts. It appears that Lady Gaga’s Chromatica is the album of the summer, which sees not only the fastest riser on the chart, but the highest new entry as well.
But climbing 5-1 is the wondrous beauty in the heartfelt emotion of Gareth Emery’s “You’ll Be OK”, featuring singer Annabel to unfold the story. I’ve mentioned it before, but Gareth wrote the song when commuting on an airplane that he thought was going to crash. He turned that daunting premise that no one should experience into electronic bliss, captured nicely in the video above.
That leaves “All On You” by Nashville producer Super Duper at #2 for a second appearance. This one is full of majestic effects which also revolve around some intense emotions. I’ve also mentioned it before but the song is an unintentional cousin of Talk Talk’s 1984 hit “Life’s What You Make It”, melodically and song structure-wise.
The Brothers Macklovitch – Dave (of Chromeo) and Alain (aka A-Trak) put a whirlwind deep house remix spin on Raphael Saadiq’s “So Ready” from his album Jimmy Lee. It climbs 7-5.
The 90’s grunge-influenced electronica of “Someone Else” by Toronto’s Rezz and Buffalo, NY’s Grabbitz slides into the Top 10, moving up 11-9.
The dynamic duo of German producer Levi and American singer/songwriter Victor Perry acquire their second Top 10 together on this chart as “Lost Boy” (above) climbs 12-10. Check out Victor’s new solo single below called “What I Deserve” (below), which I’m featuring here before I have some words about it later in the week in a proper blog post. All artist revenue proceeds for the song go to the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund in support of Black Lives Matter!
“Rain On Me” (above) by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande soars 20-11 as the Fastest Riser on the chart, ranking as one of the best songs by either artist. And let’s just say it already has designs on #1… Quickly to follow it up the chart is “Sine From Above” (below), Gaga’s duet with Sir Elton John, which bows as the Highest Debut at #25. Elton has never sounded this good in years, what a pairing! Elton has only appeared on my chart once since its inception in 1998, and that was in another duet, with his friend and chart favourite Bright Light Bright Light on “I Wish I Was Leaving”, which got to #10 in 2014. BLx2, of course, moves up to #7 this week with “This Was My House”.
Also faring well in its second appearance on the chart is another dynamite pairing of German producers VIZE and British singer Tom Gregory for “Never Let Me Down”, which zips up 23-17.
Canadian producers Loud Luxury are accustomed to residing in the Top 10, and they may get there yet with “Aftertaste”, featuring the soaring voice of co-writer Morgan St. Jean, climbing 25-20. “Aftertaste” comes from the duo’s EP Nights Like This.
Following the #6 “Mirage (Don’t Stop)” is Jessie Ware with the sheer romantic delight of “Save A Kiss”, which climbs 28-21. It’s from her album What’s Your Pleasure, which finally drops next week.
Arkansas native YEBBA returns to the chart at #26 with “Distance”, from her upcoming album for RCA/Sony. The ultra-talented singer/songwriter has been championed by both Mark Ronson and Sam Smith in the last few years, and won a Grammy as the vocalist on PJ Morton’s cover of The Bee Gees’ “How Deep Is Your Love”. The only way is up for YEBBA. “Distance” is airy alt.pop at its best. Those old enough to remember might recall what it was like to hear Sade for the first time in the midst of all of the music popular in 1984. “Distance” gives off that same unconventional but immediately enjoyable vibe.
They are never too long away from this chart, so Dutch producers The Him are back with “Tragic” at #28, featuring British singer and co-writer Amber Van Day. I tend to think of this and Loud Luxury’s “Aftertaste” as kindred musical bookends! It’s The Him’s 9th chart entry since 2016!
Rounding out the debuts at #29 is “Centerfold” (above) by Toronto R&B/pop singer Tafari Anthony (whose first name is pronounced “Ta-far-eye”), whose voice sounds like a slick blend of Sydney Youngblood and Seal. This song pointedly calls out a former lover, and the talented singer/songwriter has some words that will stick with you such as “Thinking every eyes always on ya /Boy you think you’re Beyoncé / You’re never gonna run me”. Tafari has also recently released another new one called “Live In A Dream” , which you can hear below.
A reminder that the music from my chart and blog are featured regularly on the new online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings 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 in 2020 🙂 You can start by joining our new interactive Facebook 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
Want to see what I’ve been listening to and charting for the past 22 years? Take a walk through theBILLCS Top 30 Archive (where you can click on the link within) when you have a chance!!
I hope everyone is keeping well and enjoying the bounty of music that is being released in these times. There are still plenty of online performances to check out as well, with another big electronic music online festival coming from Brownies & Lemonade and Proximity very soon. In the meantime, the new chart has some of the best new pre-summer entries that will endure until the Fall!
I suspect we’ll have more online entertainment from Porter Robinson in the coming months, after his very successful Secret Sky set. In advance of his album called Nurture, Porter holds on to #1 for a second appearance with “Get Your Wish”.
It looks like Nashville’s Super Duper has his eyes on #1 in two weeks as the big and bold sounds of “All On You” move up 3-2.
“You’ll Be OK” by British producer Gareth Emery and featuring vocalist Annabel becomes his second Top 5 hit on my chart, following the #3 “Yesterday” which is now at #27. The prolific producer has yet another single called “End Of Days” ahead of his album release called The Lasers, which you can hear below. You may have been lucky to catch one of two online events by Gareth, which unfortunately conflicted with the hours of my day job, so hopefully I’ll be able to check out another of his online events soon!
Sam Dickinson’s splendid “Diamond Skin” rises to a new peak of #6, while his new single “Cry Wolf”, which I wrote about recently, gains traction on streaming services.
The two new entries in the Top 10 are from BILLCS Top 30 veterans, who have visited the Top 10 many times each. Top 10 hit #17 belongs to Bright Light Bright Light, whose retrotastic “This Was My House” (featuring former Madonna backup singers Niki Haris and Donna DeLory, above) climbs 14-9. And Top 10 hit #6 belongs to L.A. producer Mahalo in partnership with producer Disco Killerz and vocalist/co-writer Brandyn Burnette for “Tongue Tied” (in its Danny Quest remix, below), which rises 12-10. There’s more new music from Mahalo on the way, and he’s someone else to watch for in online electronic music festivals.
Toronto’s own Rezz pairs up with vocalist, co-writer and co-producer, Buffalo NY native Grabbitz, for the electronic alt.rock vibes of “Someone Else”, which climbs 18-11. It’s got a cool sci-fi-themed video which you can watch above, and be on the lookout for those Rezz eyes!
The Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to the highest debut from two weeks ago, “Midnight” by Alesso featuring Liam Payne. It soars 24-16 and is definitely one song for some reason isn’t quite getting as much attention that I thought. It’s a great production with a fine vocal, so be sure to check it out if you haven’t!
Jerin James’ elegant and flowing “Birds And Bees” climbs 23-17 and showcases a top notch vocal by Deverano. It’s an unexpected treat that continues to be a grower!
Just as Martin Garrix’s “Drown” (featuring Clinton Kane in a Nicky Romero remix) is well on its way, up 26-22, Martin releases “Higher Ground”, featuring “Don’t You Worry Child” singer, Sweden’s John Martin, and you can hear it below.
The three debuts are forces to be reckoned with for the upcoming summer months.
Leading the pack at #20 is Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande’s “Rain On Me”. It’s an instant crowd-pleasure, recalling Gaga’s heyday and in particular the magnificence of “The Edge Of Glory”. Her performance at the start of the song is commanding, but then she lets go and hands the rest over to Ariana, and their voices work so well together – who would have thought this would even happen, say seven years ago? The video (with already 46 million views on You Tube) is an eye-popper with outstanding choreography, and “Rain On Me” will without a doubt be one of the year’s biggest songs. It’s Gaga’s 13th appearance on this chart (but first since 2014!) and Ariana’s 5th (her first was in Mika’s “Popular Song” in 2013, before she released “The Way”).
Next is “Never Let Me Down”, the insanely catchy new single by VIZE and Tom Gregory that you will be humming away for the next several months. It arrives at an impressive #23, the first entry for both acts, VIZE being the German production duo that has become a favourite in the electronic dance genre, and Tom Gregory the English singer-songwriter who has the featured appearance in the video for the song, above.
The third debut belongs to the always enjoyable Jessie Ware, from her upcoming album What’s Your Pleasure, due next month, with “Save A Kiss” at #28. It’s her 8th chart appearance following the recent #6 “Mirage (Don’t Stop)”. I definitely dig Jessie’s music when it’s stuck in 80s/90s British R&B mode, and can’t wait to hear more on the album. A video for the song is coming soon.
A reminder that the music from my chart and blog are featured regularly on the new online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings 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 in 2020 🙂 You can start by joining our 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
Want to see what I’ve been listening to and charting for the past 22 years? Take a walk through theBILLCS Top 30 Archive (where you can click on the link within) when you have a chance!!
Quickly following up the EP Vulnerabilia, which has spawned the Top 30 alt.rock hit “Not OK!” is “S.O.S” by Nashville singer/songwriter Chaz Cardigan. Still in the anthemic vein, Chaz somehow manages to unintentionally intersect a fresh James Bay kind of journeyman rock style with the party “na na na” rock of 80’s hit “Centerfold” by The J. Geils Band. With a standout vocal, Chaz doesn’t mince any words (hint: the title does NOT stand for a cry for help!). He’s out to do himself right even if it doesn’t appear that way to others, and sometimes you need to give yourself the space to do just that so the next time it’s better for you and any others who are involved. “S.O.S” is rowdy on the outside, and a good time is had by all, but you won’t forget about its silver lining either.
Although she’s never truly been away from the music scene, UK-based, Zambia born singer Rozalla continues with another smashing recent dance release called “Magnificent”. The singer has been matched with great songs in the five years since “If You Say It Again” found her back in the clubland limelight. “Magnificent” happens to be another storied and starry Charlie Mason-John Matthews collaboration, so all it takes is the always special execution of a Matt Pop radio edit and Rozalla’s tried-and-true voice to make it soar. Which means you’ll find that “Magnificent” in Club Rozallaland manages to live up luminously to its title. “Magnificent” also comes in a variety of intriguing edits and club mixes for your pleasure.
Taking cues from diverse performers such as Allen Stone and Justin Timberlake is Memphis’ own Nick Black with his latest single “I.R.L.”. Nick is hardly new to the music scene, but chances are that he’s new to you. “I.R.L” has a fresh, easy-going, appealing sound that is an immediate draw for those who like their pop songs spiked with a touch of soulfulness over some punchy electronic beats. With a sly vocal from Nick that is sometimes semi-spoken, “I.R.L” is a tonic for these social media days of isolation when we long to see others “in real life”. It’s engaging, flirty, genuine, and fun – can’t ask for much more in a song these days.
After successful collaborations and tours with the likes of Seven Lions, Wooli and Excision, as well as well-received remixes for Illenium and Dabin which have garnered millions of streams, Tampa’s Trivecta (aka Sam Dobkin) helps refine and reshape dubstep and melodic bass in his new four song EP Everyday.
There are elements of both sub-genres present, but not as heavy on record as in concert, where I’m sure the songs will be amped up to please fans and showcase Trivecta’s fluid guitar work. Aside from the instrumental opener “The Feeling Of It All”, any of the songs in Everyday are well suited for big festival sets. “Leave It All Behind” (featuring vocal by co-writer Fagin) may not strike you immediately until its chorus, but draws you into its message deeper with each listen. “Wasteland” keeps you hanging on the edge with European-sounding intensity before its big emotional drop three quarters through. And the title song, quieter and more melodic than the rest thanks to vocal and songwriting assists by Rico & Miella, could find favour with fans of The Chainsmokers or Martin Garrix.
Everyday is a solid EP that will not only broaden Trivecta’s musical landscape, but will also bring newcomers further into the dubstep and melodic bass fold.
Following up his sleek single “Diamond Skin”, currently gracing my personal Top 10, is British singer/songwriter Sam Dickinson with “Cry Wolf”. It will be included in his album Off Script, due in Fall 2020. “Cry Wolf” has a sophisticated sheen that wears soulful influences from the late 80’s proudly. It weaves a classic and interesting story of deception that finally catches up with the perpetrator, which likely led to the end of a relationship. Sam’s voice is his signature weapon. It alternately calls out the antagonist while at other times steps back, knowingly letting what is deserved come to pass. As has worked well with previous releases by Sam, some remixes could also help “Cry Wolf” widen its appeal, with a topic that always resonates well with the dance music community.
Following up their 2019 massive dance and pop radio hit “So Close” (with Felix Jaehn, Captain Cuts and Georgia Ku) is Swedish production duo NOTD with “I Don’t Know Why”. Not long out of high school, these young lads continue to be in demand as producers, remixers, and songwriters with their bright, cheery, synth-driven takes on pop and dance music. Here they partner with on-the-bubble Norwegian singer Astrid S, who has already had in concert showcases in the US and Europe. The song is summery ear candy of all of the best flavours with a standout vocal that engages its listeners. All parties continue to have enormous potential and “I Don’t Know Why” scores big time in both melody and hook departments.
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