BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSTop30 #589 – June 8/20

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 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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

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

Want to see what I’ve been listening to and charting for the past 22 years? Take a walk through the BILLCS Top 30 Archive (where you can click on the link within) when you have a chance!!

#BILLCSTop30 #588, May 25/20

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.

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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

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

Want to see what I’ve been listening to and charting for the past 22 years? Take a walk through the BILLCS Top 30 Archive (where you can click on the link within) when you have a chance!!

Your summer singalong is here: “S.O.S” is the latest from Nashville’s @ChazCardigan

CHAZ CARDIGAN, “S.O.S”

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.

Dance music doyenne @Rozallab is back with luminous “Magnificent” in a @MattPopofficial radio edit

ROZALLA, “Magnificent” (Matt Pop radio edit)

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.

Get to know Memphis singer/songwriter @NickBlackmusic with “I.R.L.”

NICK BLACK, “I.R.L.”

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.

“Everyday” is @Trivectamusic’s new 4-song EP that helps reshape and refine dubstep and melodic bass

TRIVECTA, Everyday (EP)

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.

“Cry Wolf” weaves a sophisticated-sounding story of lies, as written and sung by England’s @SamDickinson

SAM DICKINSON, “Cry Wolf”

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.

“I Don’t Know Why” is shiny danceable pop from Sweden’s @NOTD and Norwegian singer @AstridSofficial

NOTD and ASTRID S, “I Don’t Know Why”

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.

#BILLCSTop30 #587, May 11/20

Another weekend in quarantine/shutdown, another weekend of live performances and festivals! Plus in this chart, there is a new #1 and 4 smashing debuts.

Most noteworthy of all on the weekend however was Saturday’s “Secret Sky”, curated by none other than Porter Robinson along with the Brownies & Lemonade crew and others. I couldn’t catch all of the festival but the sets I saw were all enjoyable and always interesting. Best of all though was by the man himself, Mr. Robinson, who truly outdid himself with an ever-changing, unique set.

So it is entirely fitting that “Get Your Wish” by Porter Robinson ascends from #4 to the top of my chart to displace Whethan and grandson’s “All In My Head” after 3 appearances (6 weeks). And while I haven’t been entirely familiar with his body of work over the years, the “Nurture” era is one that I’m glad to get to know better. You can watch Porter’s amazing set from “Secret Sky”, below.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7zH1LFSAzS4a1h5VIcdZ8R

The Top 5 is flooded with fantastic electronic dance music, and Nashville producer Super Duper has his eyes on the top of the chart as “All On You” rises 6-3.

https://open.spotify.com/track/1ENw3XgddAepxjjQAJSdgs

Also stationed comfortably in the Top 5 is L.A. producer The Prizm with “I Don’t Wanna Go Home” (featuring ARTFCAL) climbing 5-4. The Prizm continues to drop new music, with more coming in the next few weeks. This week, check out “Into The Abyss”, below.

In a busy Top 10, the fastest riser leaping 14-6 is the pensive “You’ll Be OK” by British producer Gareth Emery featuring Annabel. I couldn’t check out his online performance last week, but there are more to come, and the summer will bring his album The Lasers.

Other songs in the Top 10 all acquire new peak positions. Arty’s “You’re Not Alone” (featuring Griff Clawson, above) climbs 8-5, while “Diamond Skin” by Sam Dickinson (below) advances 10-7, and Shawn Hook’s “I Don’t Wanna Dance” (also below) moves up 9-8.

Also new to the Top 10 besides “You’ll Be OK” is “So Ready” (below) by Raphael Saadiq (17-10), a comeback single of sorts for the R&B singer, and it is spiced up by a remix from The Brothers Macklovitch (aka A-Trak and his brother Dave from Chromeo).

Out of the six debuts from two weeks ago, Bright Light Bright Light continues to lead with his 90’s throwback called “This Was My House” (above), featuring former Madonna backup vocalists Niki Harris and Donna DeLory. From BLx2’s upcoming album Fun City, it’s well on its way already, rising 20-14. Also checkout his next single “Sensation”, featuring Jake Shears (who is at #17 with “Meltdown), below.

https://open.spotify.com/track/7LeHBZobg2MDvZcwI3pZDq?si=JyLnC7YuSvSm-nBLoUDacg

And yes that is Toronto’s REZZ who you are starting to hear on the radio with her collaboration with vocalist Grabbitz called “Someone Else”. This alt.rock flavoured song will creep up on you, and it climbs 24-18.

Out of four familiar names that have created the debuts, the highest one belongs to Sweden’s Alesso with “Midnight” arriving at #24. It’s Alesso’s first appearance on the chart since “Falling” (#4) a couple of years ago. And with “Midnight”, Alesso brings former One Direction member Liam Payne onto the chart for the first time. Out of the 1D members, only Niall Horan has yet to appear on the chart.

Bowing at #26 is “Drown” by Martin Garrix featuring newcomer Clinton Kane. It’s Martin’s 8th time on the chart after starting out his career with two #1’s “Animals” and “Proxy”, both in 2014. He continues to make careful choices with new vocalists and Clinton Kane’s vocal simply steals the song in a great Nicky Romero remix.

New at #28 is a fable that presciently represents what’s going on today, “Modern Loneliness” by L.A. based singer/songwriter Lauv. It’s Ari Leff’s third appearance on the chart, following two #3’s, “I Like Me Better”, and “i’m so tired…” (with Troye Sivan). And it’s culled from an album that a lot of people love called How I’m Feeling. I’m still hoping – though it’s highly unlikely – that I’ll be able to see the Lauv show in July for which I bought my ticket months ago.

The fourth debut at #29 is “Aftertaste” by L.A.-based Canadians Loud Luxury featuring vocalist Morgan St. Jean. It’s from the duo’s EP Nights Like This and is their fifth entry on my chart, following songs that reached #1, #1, #2 and #3!! Check out the guys in animated form in their video above.

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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

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

It’s 10/10 #11!: @YEBBASmith @Kseniasolo #VIZE & Tom Gregory @tgofficialmusic @DannyDeardenuk @thehim & @ambervanday Axel Mansoor @iamaxelm @Spencermusic @Xaverius Funk @djDWaynemusic @Melyzofficial @Brigsounds

A week or after the last one and I’m back with an 11th edition of “10/10”!

I’ve just had a week where a slew of fantastic music was released. I’ve had to continue to be selective with what I write about since my daytime job continues to keep me busy in the home office during the week.

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. Three of the six debuts on my most recent chart were featured in the 10/10 blog feature.

Writing 10/10 posts 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.

YEBBA, “Distance”

“Distance” is a song many of us have been waiting for by YEBBA, the Grammy-award winning, rising singer from Arkansas who has already worked with Mark Ronson, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, A Tribe Called Quest, Stormzy, and Maroon 5’s P.J. Morton. From her stunning indie solo debut in 2017 with “Evergreen” (which got to #4 on my chart), the musical red carpet was laid in waiting, and now YEBBA continues to walk that walk with “Distance”. It’s a beautiful, laid back song, just perfect for these times in doors, that somehow fuses styles of Sade and Adele with the less likely soulful ones of long ago faves like Deniece Williams or Stephanie Mills. And talk about an amazing vocal!! It’s also her solo major label debut for RCA, with an album coming. Indulge in this one – I’m sure the album will be full of other gems!

KSENIA, “Fire With Fire”

Poised to break out with a powerful voice is Russian singer Ksenia. Her recent single “Fire With Fire” also packs a memorable punch as a song, for what is a great vocalist without a great song? Comparisons to JoJo or Demi Lovato are apt; her voice flows with such ease from note to note. The acoustic moments sung over piano work as well as those with full instrumentation. We’ll definitely be hearing much more from Ksenia in a big way!

VIZE and TOM GREGORY, “Never Let Me Down”

German producers VIZE have been fortunate to find major name support out of the gate since starting in 2018, with popular remixes for the likes of Sam Feldt (the much played “Post Malone”), Timmy Trumpet (last year’s excellent “World At Our Feet”), Alan Walker, Felix Jaehn, and Afrojack! Together with British singer/songwriter they may just have an electric dance Song of the Summer of 2020 with “Never Let Me Down”. The song is built around an insanely basic and instantly memorable hook. The overall results are extremely polished, playful and well-sung. “Never Let Me Down” could be a surprise breakout all over and is a must for dance music radio airplay.

DANNY DEARDEN, “Can’t Stop Me Now”

British singer Danny Dearden has been primarily known over the last few years as a songwriter or as a featured vocalist, working with dance producers such as Michael Calfan and Dario G. “Can’t Stop Me Now” is a big step forward as a solo record for Danny through Sony. And what’s fantastic is that the original co-write is such a no-brainer of an earworm, with a few undeniable hooks that leap out at you from your speakers. The team he’s working with knows what sounds good, and at a later date I think that remixes will help this one resonate with club DJ’s. “Can’t Stop Me Now” is a great start for a singer/songwriter with huge potential.

THE HIM and AMBER VAN DAY, “Tragic”

Games dramatic people play is the topic of “Tragic”, the latest release from Dutch producers The Him, following the wacked-out techno of “Freestyle Scientist”. British singer Amber Van Day convincingly and stylishly recounts how well she saw through a previous flame before ditching him as someone who deemed himself to be “Tragic”. It’s a fast eye-opener and perfect subject matter for the dance floor. The Him seem to be on an appealing retro tip, once again offering up synths and effects that are cool throwback to the beginning of the last decade.

AXEL MANSOOR, “Cold Sweat”

“Cold Sweat” is a slightly more sultry new release from L.A.-based, Emmy Awards-nominated singer/songwriter Axel Mansoor. It dropped a few weeks ago on the eve of his appearance as a contestant on NBC’s “Songland”, where he got to work with songwriter-to-the-stars Ester Dean (and perform for H.E.R.!) to polish up his great song “Scary”. I’m hoping that delightful song receives a release, but in the meantime “Cold Sweat” is a fine new song with some witty lyrics recounting a tense situation in a rather calm and collected manner. The record has a well-balanced mix of acoustic and band instrumentation, and features one of Axel’s best vocals.

SPENCER SUTHERLAND, “Help”

Part of watching a number of online festivals and performances over the past several weeks for me is always discovery. Spencer Sutherland is a singer from Ohio who has performed with Ariana Grande and Zendaya, and also auditioned for the UK edition of The X-Factor a few years back. He gave an outstanding acoustic performance in Elvis Duran’s recent online festival, and his latest release is “Help”. It starts off as an unassuming vocal track that draws you in immediately – and then the bigger production kicks in to showcase his potent voice. Spencer has a Sam Smith-calibre falsetto that is also a highlight in “Help”.

XAVERIUS FUNK, “Wicked” (D-Wayne remix)

I’m never gonna turn my back on a solid electronic banger with pop appeal. Such is the case with the infectious 2-Dutch release “Wicked” by well-known Dutch producer Xaverius Funk, whose music has been supported by many of the biggest names in the biz including Hardwell and Steve Aoki. “Wicked” also has the bonus of being remixed by another established Dutch producer, D-Wayne. It’s a big and bouncy number that pulls out some retro vibes from dance music of the earlier part of the last decade that really make it work.

MELYZ, “Bad Together”

Could you ever be in a relationship where you’re “Bad Together”? New British singer Melyz describes her thoughts about such an arrangement in this sly new original song. Fortunately she places most of the could-be-lurid story up front, leaving lots of room for a dark melody, punctuated by a few well-placed effects, and deliberate rhythm to take hold. Melyz rises above the song itself with a smart and seductive vocal delivery.

THE BRIG, “You Know”

“You Know” is a fun, rock-flavoured dance track from Russian producer The Brig. He appears to have an established following in Europe over the past 5 years or so with a heavier dubstep style. “You Know” strays from that path, and revvs you up with guitars and synths, then catches you off guard with the casual interjections of the title by a female voice throughout. “You Know” is also a good one to play up loud in the car.