Tag Archives: Afrojack

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 2/22 spotlighting songs by @ShawnMolko, Shawn Desman @DaRealSD, @ZacPoor, @CraigDavid & @MuniLong, and Lilly Wood & The Prick @LWATP

Check out my posts about 12 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself.  “The Musicman” James Rogers takes his Classic Five to the 80’s, and I look back at #1’s on the BILLCS Top 30 from this week over the previous 23 years, from Rufus Wainwright through to Justin Timberlake through to Karen Harding.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

SHAWN MOLKO, “I Will Wait”

There’s a new Shawn from Canada in town, and Toronto’s Shawn Molko has a voice that you won’t soon forget. Witness his new single “I Will Wait” – he has the gorgeous finesse of a Michael Bublé or Matt Dusk, but in a higher key with a light falsetto, so it’s no wonder that a cappella group Pentatonix has caught their attention – he could be a crooner like either gents, or stand alongside someone like Sam Smith. It also helps that “I Will Wait” is a beautiful piano-led song with a classic structure. Shawn recently sang the national anthems at Madison Square Garden for a Rangers/Flames game and stunned the arena. So if we’re just at the start for Shawn Molko, then I’m here for what’s next. Pop radio is playing similar new male vocalists like JVKE and Stephen Sanchez, and so would be missing out by not adding “I Will Wait”.

SHAWN DESMAN, “Maniac”

There’s another Shawn in Canada making an auspicious return. Toronto’s Shawn Desman is one of Canada’s most successful domestic pop stories of the 2000’s, yet despite often R&B-inflected pop smashes like “Get Ready” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30), “Shook”, “Nobody Does It Like You” and “Electric”, has not released any new solo material since 2015 when his record label deal ended. After taking some time to raise a family, he came back recently as one half of electronic production duo Radioclub with a couple of recent singles. But the soulful dance/pop of “Maniac” should put him back in the fore, with a solid vocal and production as well as some nice choppy guitar riffs that help it stand out. Fans who saw him perform at Drake’s OVO fest in Toronto gave Shawn a warm welcome back, so following it up with a strong single like “Maniac” – which has just landed in Canada’s Top 40 at radio – completely makes sense.

ZAC POOR, “Ghost Boy”

It’s been a while since I’ve heard or written about L.A.-based singer/songwriter Zac Poor, but over the years he’s been busiest as a songwriter as part of tunes recorded by the likes of Tori Kelly, Backstreet Boys, Nick Jonas, and many others. His new solo release “Ghost Boy” is one that strikes all the feels as the protagonist relates recalling younger versions of himself. And while some memories are painful, “Ghost Boy” will always be a part of him through good and bad, including one of the worst – discrimination. As usual, it’s beautifully sung, and set to a contrasting carefree, danceable rhythm, but the poignant narrative is what hits the home run.

CRAIG DAVID and MUNI LONG, “Obvious”

British R&B/pop singer/songwriter Craig David has released a new album in his 22 year chart career called – well, 22!  “Obvious”, which is included in the album, is a more pop companion to his classic “7 Days” than his other recent releases, and it features Tik Tok breakthrough artist Muni Long, who leaves a potent vocal stamp on this song that you’ll remember. Craig sounds as smooth as ever and “Obvious” is refreshing and fluid ear candy.

LILLY WOOD & THE PRICK, “You Want My Money (Quieres Mi Plata)”

You will remember the French duo Lilly Wood & The Prick, comprising Israel-born vocalist Nili Hadida and guitarist Benjamin Cotto from their inescapable 2014 worldwide smash, the Robin Schulz remix of “Prayer In C”. Last year, the pair released their first album in 7 years called Most Anything, which included the initial English-language version of “You Want My Money” (below). Now re-recorded in Spanish as “Quieres Mi Plata” (above), the song will capture Latin music fans as well as appeal to those of you who enjoy another talented electronic duo, Sofi Tukker. I’m enjoying both versions of the song with its chugga-chugga house rhythm and edgy vocal, so pick your favourite!

FEATURING

AASH MEHTA, “I Just Wanna Love You”

Following up his personal and atmospheric electronic pop album The Moments In-Between, Chicago producer Aash Mehta dishes out some contemporary house this time with “I Just Wanna Love You”. It’s also a successor to one of my faves from last year, the deep house rave-up “Back To You” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30). What the song might lack in terms of lyrical punch is completely compensated by on-point production, which stirs up the vibe a bit before reprising the drive of its melodic hook.

LOST BOY, “Ready2Go”

It’s been a while since I wrote about Bay Area multi-talent Lost Boy. Otherwise known as Dillon Deskin and now based in L.A., “Ready2Go” is a strong release waiting to be discovered, and caught my attention with its vibrant vocal and playful production. Lost Boy seems to be headed more in a pop direction than in past, and I think the cheery flavours in this song will draw in fans of Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, while the rich backdrop will continue to appeal to Zedd or Alesso enthusiasts.

AFROJACK presents NLW x PHLEGMATIC DOGS, “Get It”

Afrojack steps away from the melodic dance that gave him one of his biggest hits last year with David Guetta with “Hero”, and back into the bass house realm with a new banger called “Get It”. And this one is strictly for the clubs and festivals, once again under the name “Afrojack presents NLW”. With its irresistible rhythm and deadpan vocal, plus additional production by Russian duo Phlegmatic Dogs, “Get It” is sure to please Afrojack’s hardcore house fans.

CRISTÓVAM, “Ferris Wheel”

An award-winning star in his native Portugal, singer/songwriter Cristóvam brings you “Ferris Wheel” from his new album Songs On A Wire. It’s a provocative slice of folk-flavoured alt.pop that covets looking after your own problems before you try and help someone who has perhaps even more complex matters at hand. With a voice that’s a hybrid of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and simple but crisp production and some nifty guitar work, the lyrics in “Ferris Wheel” aren’t judgmental and choose to guide rather than criticize. Let’s hope anyone having some difficulties will recognize and enjoy Cristóvam’s intrinsic perspective, while many others will have no problem connecting with it.

BROOKS, VLUARR, and JAY MASON, “Sober”

There’s a lot of European dance music that receives so much success at home that it often doesn’t get as much notice or praise outside of Europe. Brooks is a talented Dutch producer who is a protégé of Martin Garrix who has recorded numerous singles with his superstar buddy such as “Byte” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30) among Brooks’ earliest releases. Teaming up this time with two newer Dutch artists, producer/DJ/cellist Vluarr and vocalist Jay Mason, “Sober” is a punchy and gritty slice of deep house which is recognizably Brooks from its bounce, but spearheads other elements such as Vluarr’s supurb cello work. Jay Mason has released a few fistfuls of singles these last two years and has an earthy, compelling voice for a convincing delivery in “Sober”.

ROSEBURG, “Alice”

Utah-based alt.rock quartet Roseburg follow up their debut 2020 album Righteous Punk with a straight forward ode to life, love and having a purpose called “Alice”. The group deliberately stripped back their rocking sound for “Alice”, which is a more pop-oriented song that singer/guitarist Zack Knell wrote when he was 16. The production incorporates some winning harmonies alongside a tight arrangement. The band are originally from Roseburg, Oregon and can continue to happily represent the proud name of that town. Fans of early 2000’s alt.rock will be the first to love it, and you can watch for social media stars Dylan Jordan and Summer McKeen in the video for “Alice” above.

KINGA, “Sexy Boy” (Champain remix)

In the music biz, everything that’s been done before can be reinvented, remixed and rebooted into something that can fit into whatever is contemporary today. “Sexy Boy” has a timeless, easy-going electronic pop mystique that can fit into the fun and flirty part of dance music that is giving artists like L.A.’s Michael Medrano and even Sweden’s Darin a niche that was begun long ago by Brits Boy George, Marilyn, Pet Shop Boys, and Dead Or Alive. So what’s new to you, isn’t to me – Canada’s KINGA originally released long out of print indie “Sexy Boy” back in 1989 (you can listen to it at the link below), when it obtained a modicum of success on some adventurous pop and college radio stations, which gave the androgenous KINGA a chance to shine in local performances. The fast-paced synthpop Champain remix of “Sexy Boy” brings him back with an alluring, smoother Boy George-ish vocal that sounds fresh all over again.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Yours” by Conan Gray from his album Superache

BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Red and Gold” by new Manchester rockers Gathering Of Strangers

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“What You Got” by Oryon featuring Woodz

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
John Cougar – Jack and Diane
Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes
Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl
Christopher Cross – Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)

23 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 23 years.

“Pink Cadillac”, in 2009, was the first song available as a free download to top my chart.

1998 APRIL FOOLS Rufus Wainwright
1999 THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE (STAY GOLD) Everything But The Girl with Deep Dish
2000 TWISTED TENDERNESS Electronic
2001 BLACK BLACK HEART David Usher
2002 JAMES DEAN (I WANNA KNOW) Daniel Bedingfield
2003 SUPERFABULOUS BT featuring Rose McGowan
2004 THEY MIGHT SAY Mitchell Hunter
2005 PRETTY VEGAS INXS
2006 FUTURE SEX/LOVE SOUND Justin Timberlake
2007 APOLOGIZE Timbaland featuring One Republic
2008 RELAPSE Jesse McCartney
2009 PINK CADILLAC 100 Akres featuring Roz Bell
2010 RESURRECTION (Penguin Prison remix) The Temper Trap
2011 NO I.D. Frankmusik featuring Colette Carr
2012 MUSIC MAKES YOU LOSE CONTROL Carlos Nobrega
2013 ADORN Miguel (also featuring Jessie Ware)
2014 SMILE Mikky Ekko
2015 LET YOU GO River Tiber
2016 NATIVE SON PREQUEL (Jenaux remix) Gramatik featuring Leo Napier
2017 PERFECT Mahalo featuring Cat Lewis
2018 PHANTOM OF THE DANCE FLOOR Kiesza featuring Philippe Roy
2019 DREAMER Throttle
2020 UNDO MY HEART Karen Harding x Digital Farm Animals
2021 SANCTUARY Howen & Robbie Rosen

Dance floor classic “No Beef” by @SteveAoki and @Afrojack gets all star remix treatment from @TimmyTrumpet and more for its 11th anniversary

STEVE AOKI & AFROJACK and MISS PALMER, “No Beef” (Timmy Trumpet remix)

If you’ve been in a dance club or at a festival in the last 10 years, you’ve heard Steve Aoki and Afrojack’s classic “No Beef” (featuring vocal by Miss Palmer). The legendary release is receiving two remix packages – part 1 has remixes from new blood like GoodBoys, while part 2 is the all star treatment: R3HAB, Timmy Trumpet, Italy’s Gabry Ponté (of Eiffel 65 “Blue” fame), and Canada’s DLMT. While each of the latter bring enjoyable elements to the table for their remixes and take nothing away from the power of the original, it’s Timmy Trumpet’s techno-flavoured redux that grabbed me, largely because techno seems to be in comeback mode and it perhaps had more of a sense of fun going on in the mix. Regardless, dance music fans can’t lose with this versatile package!

#BILLCSTop30 #615 – June 7/21

It looks like we might have a dancin’ summer after all, as cities start to reopen and concerts and venues begin to be booked.  So be prepared to get your dancin’ shoes on for the five debuts which come aboard to give the chart even more energy than usual!

After four appearances (eight weeks) at #1, there are signs of a replacement for “No More Looking Back” by Idris Elba and Inner City featuring Steffanie Christi’an.  It’s likely my favourite release in 2021 so far but it’s still early to see if another equally strong one will come along during the balance of the year.  I’m also looking forward to any further collaboration between Mssrs Elba and Saunderson (Kevin, he of Inner City fame) which will be very welcome indeed.

Holding snugly at #2 is Mahalo with “Got That Love”, which seems the likely successor at the top to “No More Looking Back”.  We’ll see if that happens in two weeks.

Also making moves with eyes on the top is “Myself In You” (above) by Italy’s Lordnox and NYC’s Victor Perry, which climbs 5-3.  Victor keeps his charting streak going – his songs have been on the chart continuously for the last year, in fact since June 22, 2020!! – also has one of the five debuts which at #25 is his recent collaboration with French producer Kislaw called “Slip Away” (below).  It’s more of a soft and soulful cha cha, which continues to show Victor’s range.

Jessie Ware’s “Please” (above) has zipped right up the chart, this week moving 11-6, so don’t rule it out for the #1 slot either.  Jessie’s already followed it up with “Hot ‘N Heavy” which you can check out below.

The second new edition to the Top 10 is “Morning” by Karen Harding and Shift K3Y, which climbs 12-10.

The Canadian dance project Glass Petals, comprised of Felix Cartal and Johnny Jover, climbs 18-13 with their most recent single, the propulsive deep house track “Heartbeat”.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the emotional whirlwind called “Sideways” by Illenium featuring vocalist Valerie Broussard as well as fellow producer Nurko.  It soars 24-15, with Illenium’s new album Fallen Embers coming soon.  I’m definitely jealous of lucky fans who can attend Illenium’s “Trilogy” show in Las Vegas on July 3!

The hard hitting “La Di Die” by Nessa Barrett and jxdn lands in the Top 20 as it moves 25-19.

Right behind it is Toronto pop/rock duo Crash Adams with “Symphony” rising 26-20.

Greyson Chance has a new album coming out soon called Trophies and from it is culled his latest single, the seductive and fun “Hellboy”, which moves up 27-22.

The Highest Debut belongs to New Jersey’s Cash Cash with vocalist Alex Newell (who played Unique on “Glee), both first timers on this chart, with “The Feels” at #23.  This massive house banger features vocals by Alex that will blow your socks off.  It’s from Cash Cash’s first album in five years called Say It Like You Feel It, which also includes some of their other singles from the last few years.

Next in line at #24 is “Drown” by Dabin and Mokita.  It’s the second chart entry for Toronto’s Dabin Lee, most often seen in support of Illenium or part of his band, following “Hearts On Fire” (#5, with Illenium and Lights) from earlier this year. Nashville’s Mokita is back in a delightfully different setting, though he has also remixed dance tracks himself and charted here previously with R3HAB.  This is Mokita’s fourth appearance on this chart and first since 2019.

“Give Me That” marks the chart debuts for a bevy of Brits, producers Charlie Lane and Gold 88, and absolutely wicked vocalist Kate Wild.  This is British house music that goes down so easy, and arrives at #29.

Bowing at #30 is a euphoric anthem for the summer, “Hero” by Afrojack and David Guetta.  Ever popular Dutch producer Afrojack first appeared on this chart in 2014 with “Ten Feet Tall” (#8, featuring Wrabel) and you might have seen him on the EuroVision broadcast too, while David Guetta’s first of six previous appearances was in 2004 with “Just A Little More Love” (#7, featuring Chris Willis), though he has been absent from the chart since 2010. He did have my #1 song of 2005, “The World Is Mine” (featuring J.D. Davis).

NEW!! Planet Radio Canada has 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 Nancy Sinatra!  Planet Radio Canada’s “3D Variety Show” is simulcast on http://www.classichits.ca and 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 and another project is in the works and coming soon 🙂  You can start by joining Radio GTA’s 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 🙂

 

#BILLCSTop88of2018

As we head into 2019, 2018 set the foundation for dance music to evolve in a big way – to make people want to dance together again, and to create festive, fun music which moves away from a lot of mid-tempo songs over the past few years. 

Unfortunately it may have taken the death of Avicii to realize how much many of us miss the frenetic synths and arpeggios of dance music of the early part of this decade.  It also made many of us look back in time to soak in what dance and disco music of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s brought us, and how it all made us feel great.  

While dance music is the main genre I listen to, there are other pop, alternative, and R&B/soul songs in my year end list.  These are simply my favourites, in an order that could change at any time in the near future, so for now it’s a snapshot in time. 

Songs that were on the BILLCS Top 30 at year’s end appear on this list if they had 4 appearances or more and may appear on next year’s list too if they end up ranking higher than this year. 

You’ll see some of my favourite performers multiple times – The Chainsmokers, The Him, Miguel, and Bobby Nourmand all have three entries – while there are less remixes on the chart than in recent years. 

And a tip of the hat to the many performers that continue to release excellent music on their own, represented here by the UK’s Sam Dickinson and Lostchild, Florida’s Adam Foster, Philadelphia duo NiGHTS, Germany’s Saxity, US sensation-on-the-rise YEBBA, NYC’s Squired, and even Australia-born actor Keiynan Lonsdale.

I’m in the process of entering all of my year end lists from 2009 to present in a Google Docs spreadsheet, and you’ll find these listings with tabs for each year at this link:

https://tinyurl.com/BILLCSTop88of2018

Spotify playlist – listen to all of the songs! 

BILLCS Top 88 of 2018 

88 BIG FISH featuring MIKE GOMES Moves
87 JYYE Somewhere Else
86 CHICO ROSE featuring DJ AFROJACK 2012
85 TWO FRIENDS featuring KEVIN WRITER Just A Kid
84 ROZES & NICKY ROMERO Where Would We Be
83 SQUIRED Peace Out
82 FELIX CARTAL featuring VICTORIA ZARO Worry
81 BTS DNA
80 SAN HOLO featuring BIPOLAR SUNSHINE Brighter Days
79 SAM SMITH featuring YEBBA No Peace
78 REVELRIES featuring THE BEAMISH BOYS Infinitum
77 LABROSE Gravity
76 EKALI & ZHU Blame
75 RYAN SHEPHERD featuring DIRTY HARY Right Now
74 REIGEN Dreams
73 ARIANA GRANDE Breathin
72 MATOMA featuring MAX Lonely
71 YEARS & YEARS Sanctify
70 MIKA It’S My House
69 BOBBY NOURMAND featuring ADAM ENGLE The Sun
68 BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT How I Feel
67 FRANK PIERCE featuring MILES B. Do Me
66 SHAWN MENDES Lost In Japan
65 TIESTO & DZEKO featuring PREME & POST MALONE Jackie Chan
64 CADEN JESTER featuring BLAKE ROSE Vacant Love
63 BOBBY NOURMAND featuring LAURENT JOHN Prisoner
62 IDEO featuring J. PAULISHED Multiply
61 HELLBERG & LEONA LEWIS Headlights

60 WHETHAN featuring BROODS Be Like You
59 MADISON MARS Back The Funk
58 SAINT WKND & MAX Survive (PLS&TY Remix)
57 JAMES POOLE Perfectly Me
56 TROYE SIVAN Bloom
55 JESSIE WARE Overtime
54 ADAM FOSTER  Time
53 THE CHAINSMOKERS featuring KELSEA BALLERINI This Feeling
52 THE HIM White Lies
51 SAXITY featuring VICTOR PERRY You Found Me
50 THE KNOCKS featuring METHOD MAN Goodbyes
49 JONAS BLUE featuring JACK & JACK Rise
48 KEIYNAN LONSDALE Preach
47 ROBOTAKI featuring JAMIE FINE & FALCXNE Butterscotch
46 AXEL MANSOOR Talk To Me
45 YEARS & YEARS All For You
44 BOTNEK Days Of Disco
43 WAITWHAT featuring RIELLE Alive
42 JESSE McCARTNEY Better With You
41 MARTIN GARRIX  featuring BONN High On Life
40 PLS&TY Down For Me (Morgan Page Extended Remix)
39 SAM DICKINSON  Wild Sun
38 GROMEE featuring JESPER JENSET One Last Time
37 NORA EN PURE Tears In My Eyes
36 ALYX ANDER & REDONDO featuring MARIA Z Casually
35 NiGHTS Eyes
34 BRANDYN BURNETTE Run
33 SOFI TUKKER Baby I’m A Queen
32 ILLENIUM featuring ANNIKA WELLS Crawl Outta Love (PatrickReza Remix)
31 YEBBA Evergreen

30 LOSTCHILD Blacklist
29 MIGUEL Told You So
28 THE HIM featuring IVY ADARA Everybody Hurts
27 MERCER Fireworks
26 RETROVISION Get Down
25 DAVE EDWARDS featuring MARK ASARI What We’Re Made Of
24 MIGUEL featuring TRAVIS SCOTT Sky Walker
23 GIIANTS Small Talk
22 ARTY Tim
21 DZEKO Crazy (Tiësto’s Big Room Mix)
20 PETER WILSON & SEAN SMITH Verona
19 MK 17
18 TONY MORAN featuring JASON WALKER I’m In Love With You (Victor Dinaire/Bissen Remix)
17 RUFUS DU SOL No Place
16 ROBOTAKI & MANILA KILLA featuring MATTHEW JOHN KURZ I Want You (Spirix Remix)
15 THE CHAINSMOKERS Sick Boy
14 MAKO Breathe
13 BENNY BENASSI & SOFI TUKKER Everybody Needs A Kiss
12 THE CHAINSMOKERS Everybody Hates Me
11 KIESZA featuring PHILIPPE SLY Phantom Of The Dance Floor
10 JAMES BAY Pink Lemonade
09 A-TRAK featuring TODD TERRY DJ’S Gotta Dance More
08 BOBBY NOURMAND Subterranean/Estranged
07 ODESZA Loyal
06 LOUD LUXURY featuring BRANDO Body
05 TROYE SIVAN My My My!
04 DYRISK featuring NIK ERNST Smile
03 MERCER featuring RON CARROLL Satisfy
02 THE HIM featuring PARSON JAMES Broken Love
01 MIGUEL Pineapple Skies

#BILLCSTop30 #538 – June 25/18

The new chart gets shaken up a whole lot, with a bunch of songs making large moves.  There are five debuts, but somehow the two on top remain the same…

The Top 10

  • Mercer and Ron Carroll’s “Satisfy” (above) has enough staying power to wrap up a 3rd appearance (6th week) at #1, while The Chainsmokers’ “Everybody Hates Me” (below) matches the two appearances at #2 that “Sick Boy” had not long ago.  Be prepared for changes next week, which are being instigated by the huge movement below.

  • Bobby Nourmand’s been a busy guy, and his Subterranean EP, featuring the dark title song (above) and the creepy and forboding “Estranged” (below), climbs 7-3, making it a contender for the top in two weeks.  Bobby has a new song called “The Sun” on deck and it receives release on Friday June 29. Watch for words on this one at that time!

  • James Bay’s “Pink Lemonade” soars 15-4 from the Electric Light album, making it his biggest hit on the chart to date and also a #1 contender.

  • The one to watch though is the beautiful and timely “Broken Love” by The Him and Parson James, which is the fastest riser, up 20-5.  It’s the Dutch producers’ third Top 5 hit on this chart.

  • “Run” by Brandyn Burnette, from his forthcoming debut album Emanate, climbs 11-7, to arrive next to his co-write with Jesse McCartney and Molly Moore, “Better With You”, hanging at #6.  The third single from Emanate will be “Amen”, coming in July, while the album will arrive in August on the singer’s birthday 🙂

  • Troye Sivan’s third single, featuring Ariana Grande, called “Dance To This”, may be taking some attention away from “Bloom” (above), but it still climbs 12-9 on this chart, while Adam Foster’s “Time” (below) also bows in the Top 10 at #10.

Movin’ On Up

  • “Lonely” is a great end of school song for the romances that never were, courtesy of Norway’s Matoma and ever-energetic singer MAX.  It rises 19-12.
  • “2012” does indeed recall songs from around that year, becoming common particularly with veteran producer DJ’s like Tiësto, Hardwell, and Afrojack, who know dance audiences are clamoring for updated tastes of that classic EDM era.  So not coincidentally Afrojack shares billing with protégé Ravitez on “2012”, which rises 18-14.
  • Rüfüs Du Sol has announced a North American tour, which will bring the Aussies to a city near you (including my city Toronto, on November 16).  Their latest single “No Place” moves up 24-18.
  • Madison Mars’ “Back The Funk” is one of the cleverest, non-sensical dance songs to come along in a while to make you love it to death.  This new party anthem will be heard all summer long and rises 25-19.

5 Debuts

  • Making it four songs on the chart from his Musical Freedom imprint, Tiësto pairs up with Canadian buddy Dzeko but gets Preme and Post Malone on vocals for the incredibly infectious “Jackie Chan” which bows at #23.
  • French producers RetroVision liberally borrow the hook from The Shapeshifters’ “Lola’s Theme” and a sample from “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & DJ E-Z Rock to make “Get Down” memorable.  The rest of the song is great house music for the summer.  “Get Down” arrives at #24.

  • UK singer Lostchild premieres with his independent release “Blacklist” at #25.  In video format, it comes with two interesting personalities, the NSFW one influenced by Madonna’s “Justify My Love” above, and the acoustic one (below) which emphasizes the singer’s excellent voice and layers of charm.  He’s one to watch 🙂

  • Canadian producer Felix Cartal has a residency in Las Vegas happening, so watch for dates.  He recently released the versatile and generous (18 songs) album Next Season, from which comes the undeniably catchy “Worry”. featuring singer Victoria Zaro, at #26.
  • Another independent UK singer debuts on the chart.  She calls herself Jazz Mino and her song “Misunderstand” is an eloquent, upbeat way to kick the door closed on a relationship that didn’t gel.  “Misunderstand” gets the #27 spot.

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 new BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

#BILLCSTop30 #537 – June 11, 2018

The top of this week’s last chart for Spring stays pretty consistent, leaving one to wonder what will succeed the current #1 song.  Some other recent songs make key moves, while the new chart brings three top-drawer debuts.

The Top 10

  • “Satisfy” by Mercer and Ron Carroll handily lands at #1 for a second appearance, and a third one is beckoning from the dance floor 🙂

  • Both “Sick Boy” and “Everybody Hates Me” by The Chainsmokers really got under my skin for their topical and unconventional lyrics, and for the duo’s sidestep away from danceable Top 40 pop.  Like “Sick Boy”, “Everybody” has reached #2… but does it have enough to get to the top?
  • Following “I Want You”, Canadian producer Robotaki obtains his second Top 5 hit here with the soulful “Butterscotch”, produced with Falcxne and owing great thanks to a scorching vocal by Jamie Fine.  
  • Jesse McCartney’s “Better With You” advances 8-6, but it’s not his biggest hit on this chart.  Album track “Relapse” from Departure got to #1 in 2008, and his biggest hit in general “Leavin'” reached #5.  “Bleeding Love”, which he co-wrote, got to #3 for Leona Lewis also in 2008.
  • Whethan’s “Be Like You”, featuring New Zealand duo Broods, climbs 13-9 becoming the first Top 10 entry for both the 19 year old producer (real name: Ethan Snoreck) and the duo.  I wrote about Whethan’s recent remix for Clairo this week.
  • Shawn Mendes gets his second Top 10 song on this chart with the romantic “Lost In Japan” from his self-titled album.  “Japan” climbs 12-10.

Movin’ On Up

So many new songs about to breakthrough even more in two weeks!

  • Brandyn Burnette’s debut album Eminate is due on his 28th birthday, which is August 23.  In the meantime, “Run” is a few pages from his recent years documented in song, and it rises 16-11.  Brandyn also co-wrote Jesse McCartney’s “Better With You” at #6 above.

  • The new “Bloom” video is out and it’s overflowing with colour and images.  Troye Sivan’s tour (announced last week on his 22nd birthday) is coming to a city near you (I’m going to his show with my daughter – who introduced me to his music from You Tube – in October), and the Bloom album is also on its way.  “Bloom” soars 17-12.
  • “Time” is Adam Foster’s retake on Marvin Gaye’s “Too Busy Thinkin’ Bout My Baby” – minus its original chorus.  He creates an entire new one and has made this one very club-worthy.  “Time” rises 19-13.

  • The fastest riser on the chart comes from my unexpectedly favourite albums of 2018, Electric Light by James Bay.  The New Order-ish “Pink Lemonade” advances 25-15.  You have to listen closely to the song to hear the title when James sings about drinking it ‘while watching movie trailers till late’.
  • Ravitez and his mentor Afrojack definitely have an old school-flavoured summer EDM anthem in play with the instrumental “2012”, which climbs up 22-18.

  • Norway’s Matoma and blog favourite MAX make an impressive pairing with the expressive “Lonely”, which rises 24-19.

Three Debuts

  • Just as their recent “White Lies” peaks at #7, don’tcha know that Dutch duo The Him come back aboard the chart with what might be their best song to date.  Co-written by and sung by American singer Parson James, “Broken Love” is a supreme soundtrack to lost love that arrives on the chart at an impressive #20!
  • I jumped on the Rüfüs Du Sol train a little late, but the Aussie trio are back and better than ever with “No Place” with its big instrumental hook.  They make their bow on the chart at #24.
  • Also new to the chart is Estonian producer/DJ Madison Mars who gets on the summer party anthem train with the brief but heavy and fun “Back The Funk”, which premieres at #25.

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 new BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

Party like it’s 2012: “Started” by @Afrojack @dj_DOD and @TimBerNL

DJ AFROJACK, D.O.D. and TIM-BER, “Started”

After accomplishing yet another well-received set at the Ultra Music Festival, Afrojack has gone right for the gusto – early 2010’s EDM style – releasing the instrumental “Started”.  Joined by Brit D.O.D. and fellow Dutchmen TIM-BER, “Started” is a brief but tight slice of EDM where the familiar arpeggios are all raring to go around the minute mark and then there’s positively no turning back.  “Started” is one of those party songs that doesn’t hesitate to be anything more than that – distorted computerized vocals included – and a grand time will be had by all!  Add it to your Party Starter playlist on Spotify.

“The Great Escape” is potent EDM from @Ravitez & @Afrojack feat. @AmbaShepherd

RAVITEZ & AFROJACK featuring AMBA SHEPHERD, “The Great Escape”

It was a great thing when Afrojack launched his own label Wall Recordings, otherwise we might not hear sparkling new talent like Ravitez.  Afrojack has brought his fellow Dutch protege on many recent tours, and “The Great Escape” is as potent a pairing as you could wish for, made even better with yet another great Amba Shepherd vocal to highlight the high energy of the song.  I’d be shocked if “The Great Escape” doesn’t end up on dance music charts worldwide, and like with past Afrojack records like “Ten Feet Tall” or “Take Over Control” has pop crossover potential.  Watch for Afrojack and Ravitez to bring their show to a city near you, and in the meantime you can buy “The Great Escape” on all digital platforms, and listen above on Spotify.

BILLCS Top 30 #439 – September 8/14

While I have three sharp debuts on this new edition of my personal chart, most of the big activity takes place in the upper half of the chart.  The top of the chart stays the same and all those newcomers from the last few weeks are jammed in line waiting for their turn to advance 🙂

WordPress also kindly reminded me that it was five years ago that I started this blog! 🙂

THE TOP 10

  • 1, 2, 3 BLAM!  All held tight by Bright Light Bright Light’s “I Believe”, Anton Ewald & Medina’s “This Could Be Something” (video is right here), and “Time Has Come” by Finland’s Hannis.  Let’s see who’s going to give up their place in two weeks as other songs below will advance!  Bright Light Bright Light also returns to North American for another leg of his tour with Elton John!  Check online for dates!
  • Sam Smith has already had three songs which have reached #1 here this year – “Money On My Mind”, “Latch” (with Disclosure), and “Stay With Me”.  Can he do the same with “I’m Not The Only One”?  It soars 13-4.  What kind of bet would you make? 🙂

  • The Presets are coming back to North America (in Toronto at Danforth Music Hall on October 29), and I’m hoping a new album or EP will follow that tour.  “No Fun” is close to matching the #4 peak of “If I Know You” from 2009 as it climbs 8-5.
  • The fastest riser on the chart, not surprisingly, is last week’s highest debut, the pensive and thoughtful “Afterglow” by new UK sensation Harriet.  It vaults 16-6 and Top 5 is an immediate destination!

https://soundcloud.com/harrietsmusic/afterglow

  •  I was a bit late on this song but it does resonate long-term!  “Ten Feet Tall” by Afrojack featuring Stephen Wrabel moves up 11-8.
  • Just as former #1 “Electrify The Night” leaves the Top 10, the team of Davis Redfield & Carl Man and their songwriting crew continue on as “Music Gods” leaps 15-9!

  • The fourth song new to the Top 10 is the bouncy and fun “Big City Girls (Don’t Fall In Love With Small Town Boys)” by the mysterious Zorro Blakk at #10.

ON THE RISE

  • Some nice five point jumps happening for three songs.  The fine collab between Corey Niles & Ish on “Get To Know You” soars 17-12 (already matching the peak of “Rollercoaster”!), while Brandyn Burnette’s entertaining kiss-off “Thanks For Nothing” and Eli Lieb’s retro-pop “Zeppelin” move up 20-15 and 21-16 respectively!

  • Other recent entries seem to be off to slower starts but could pick up in the coming weeks.  So there are three point moves for the re-entry of Adam Tyler’s “I Can’t Let You Go” in an Aron Friedman remix (22-19), Nashville-based singer Lyonn with “Just Say Hello” (23-20) (below), and Aussie sensations 5SOS with “Amnesia” (24-21).

  • The remaining two of last week’s debuts are also off to deceiving starts – “Criminal” by Adam Tyler climbs 27-23 and Jamie Scott’s “Unbreakable” (below) rises 28-24, but they should also get into full gear on subsequent charts!

 PREMIERING

  • Mikky Ekko’s “Smile” is one of the most stunning new songs of the year and arrives at #17.  Its sights are set for #1 so watch out!  Mikky’s also featured on Chris Malinchak’s funky and fresh “Stranger” at #11.

  • “Play For Me” by Chromatone debuts at #26 for the talented singer/songwriter/dancer.  Be sure to click on the picture on the chart to watch the video, which is filled with all kind of great dance moves and choreography.

  • The last debut is “Killer Whales” by Smallpools at #28, which I first heard in concert when they opened for Neon Trees this summer.  The quartet initially made the song available for free download, and I’m looking forward to their sophomore album which should arrive this Fall.

The Full Chart

Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.

01 01 I BELIEVE Bright Light Bright Light
02 02 THIS COULD BE SOMETHING Anton Ewald featuring Medina
03 03 TIME HAS COME Hannis
13 04 I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE Sam Smith
08 05 NO FUN The Presets
16 06 AFTERGLOW Harriet
07 07 WHEN YOU LEFT ME Sam Dickinson
11 08 TEN FEET TALL Afrojack featuring Wrabel
15 09 MUSIC GODS Davis Redfield featuring Carl Man
12 10 BIG CITY GIRLS (DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH SMALL TOWN BOYS) Zorro Blakk
14 11 STRANGER Chris Malinchak featuring Mikky Ekko
17 12 GET TO KNOW YOU Corey Niles featuring Ish
04 13 ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT House Rockerz featuring Davis Redfield & Carl Man
05 14 TIDAL WAVE Tristan Thompson
20 15 THANKS FOR NOTHING Brandyn Burnette
21 16 ZEPPELIN Eli Lieb
New 17 SMILE Mikky Ekko
06 18 BOOM CLAP Charli XCX
22 19 I WON’T LET YOU GO (Aron Friedman remix) Adam Tyler
23 20 JUST SAY HELLO Lyonn
24 21 AMNESIA 5 Seconds Of Summer
09 22 KNEW YOU BETTER Adam Tyler
27 23 CRIMINAL Adam Tyler
28 24 UNBREAKABLE Jamie Scott
10 25 LITTLE ME (STEVE SMART & WILDFUNK RADIO EDIT) Little Mix
New 26 PLAY FOR ME Chromatone
18 27 LOVE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Neon Trees
New 28 KILLER WHALES Smallpools
19 29 TELL IT TO MY HEART Jason Walker featuring Bimbo Jones
25 30 GOOD NEWS (FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS) Zorro Blakk featuring Deniz Olivieri

Listen for My New Music Pick Of The Week on D-Moos.com!

As many of you are already aware, after many years away from the microphone, I am now pleased to be back as a voice on D-Moos.com Canada’s National Internet Radio Station, which mainly plays a selection of oldies, mostly from the 50’s to the 90’s, with soon to be more intrusions from the 2000’s and other new music.

Do listen in for my New Music Pick of the Week feature on D-Moos.com 8 times per day starting at 2:05 AM EST on Mondays, and while the station is only live in the evenings from 9:00 pm to midnight (with my long-time musical partner in crime “The Musicman” James Rogers), you can hear my voice at other odd times, particularly if you’re an oldies loving night owl on the weekend overnights 🙂

BILLCS Top 30 #437 – August 11, 2014

The vacation season is almost as busy as being at work, though with Robin Williams’ passing last night it didn’t seem appropriate to post anything amid the sadness.

But on we go, to a new personal chart with six new contenders premiering, four of which I’ve already written about!

The Top 10

  • My Top 2 songs stay the same.  House Rockerz/Davis Redfield/Carl Man continue to light up the chart with “Electrify The Night” at #1, while former #1 Tristan Thompson hangs at #2 with “Tidal Wave”.  Tristan’s coming to Toronto for a benefit performance in a few weeks so I’ll keep you posted on that!
  • Eyeing the top spot for two weeks from now is the brilliant pairing of Sweden’s Anton Ewald with Denmark’s Medina on “This Could Be Something”, from Anton’s EP On My Way.  There’s truly international potential for this one, hopefully it can still break out of the Nordic countries!
  • New to the Top 5 at #5 is Finland’s Hannis with her europop/dubstep beauty, “Time Has Come”, one of the most different and alluring songs of 2014.
  • Charli XCX’s “Boom Clap” from “The Fault In Our Stars” appears to be headed for #1 in many places around the world and will become one of 2014’s defining pop songs.  It climbs to #7 this week.  It might be the best song Roxette never wrote! *Hums “Joyride*
  • The fastest riser once again on the chart is no stranger to that accolade, Bright Light Bright Light, with “I Believe” from his new album Life Is Easy, climbing 16-8.  “An Open Heart”, which got to #1 earlier in the year on my chart through its appearance on the In Your Care EP, will be the next official single release from the album.  Woooohoooo!

  • I’m so torn between two or three other songs from the Deluxe Edition of Shattered Ice that another Adam Tyler song will have to wait for two more weeks to appear on the chart.  In the meantime, leading the way is the single “Knew You Better” – love all of the Madonna-ish French dialogue – rising 13-9.
  • Right behind, after releasing his Deluxe Edition of The Stories That Occurred last week on iTunes, is Sam Dickinson, receiving his second Top 10 placing on this chart with “When You Left Me”, moving up 14-10.

Movin’ On Up

A bit of a log jam happening for some fine songs, with a couple of last chart’s debuts making headway and looking to climb more in the next few weeks!

  • “Ten Feet Tall”, the affecting collaboration by Afrojack and Wrabel, climbs 20-13 – does anyone else think the melody sounds a bit like Marc Cohn’s “Walking In Memphis” at times?

  • Despite its title, “No Fun” by The Presets is indeed a fun, funky, grooving ride, full of great effects and a fine vocal.  It rises 21-14.

  • Zorro Blakk’s second chart entry, the bouncy “Big City Girls (Don’t Fall In Love With Small Town Boys)”, continues to move up after “Good News (For People Who Love Bad News)” peaked at #7 on the last chart.  “Big City Girls” jumps 18-15.
  • Look for “Stranger” by Chris Malinchak featuring Mikky Ekko (22-18), “Music Gods” by Davis Redfield featuring Carl Man (23-19), and “Love In The 21st Century” by Neon Trees (25-20) to break out more in two weeks.

A Half Dozen New Arrivals

  •  Sam Smith’s “I’m Not The Only One” debuts at #22.  It wasn’t what I expected as a follow up single to “Stay With Me” but it could do as well on the charts.  It’s also accompanied by a terrific and sometimes hard-to-watch video featuring “Glee”‘s Dianna Agron.  Give it a watch at the top of the post.
  • Corey Niles has his second chart entry with a rollicking slice of hip hop/pop, “Get To Know You”, featuring fellow Toronto rapper Ish.  It bows at #25.

  • It’s all about the hook and Brandyn Burnette knows how to write ’em.  It takes a couple of listens but “Thanks For Nothing” is a no-brainer winner.  It arrives at #26.

  • Remember those times spent with friends and rocking out to your favourite performers?  Eli Lieb makes it an emotional memory fest with “Zeppelin” at #27.

  • Talented Knoxville TN-based newcomer Lyonn arrives with “Just Say Hello” at #28 from his EP Promenade.  Huge thumbs up for the adorable and sincere accompanying video.

  • All of a sudden 5SOS are one of the biggest bands in the world.  The Aussie quartet lands on the chart for a second time as “She Looks So Perfect” exits with the pretty pop/rock ballad “Amnesia” at #29.

The Full Chart

Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart.

01 01 ELECTRIFY THE NIGHT House Rockerz featuring Davis Redfield & Carl Man
02 02 TIDAL WAVE Tristan Thompson
05 03 THIS COULD BE SOMETHING Anton Ewald featuring Medina
04 04 LITTLE ME (Steve Smart & Wildfunk radio edit) Little Mix
06 05 TIME HAS COME Hannis
03 06 TELL IT TO MY HEART Jason Walker featuring Bimbo Jones
08 07 BOOM CLAP Charli XCX
16 08 I BELIEVE Bright Light Bright Light
13 09 KNEW YOU BETTER Adam Tyler
14 10 WHEN YOU LEFT ME Sam Dickinson
07 11 GOOD NEWS (FOR PEOPLE WHO LOVE BAD NEWS) Zorro Blakk featuring Deniz Olivieri
12 12 MIRACLE E-Mute
20 13 TEN FEET TALL Afrojack featuring Wrabel
21 14 NO FUN The Presets
18 15 BIG CITY GIRLS (DON’T FALL IN LOVE WITH SMALL TOWN BOYS) Zorro Blakk
17 16 YOUR LOVE FADES AWAY Simone Denny
19 17 TRUST IT Nick Hagelin
22 18 STRANGER Chris Malinchak featuring Mikky Ekko
23 19 MUSIC GODS Davis Redfield featuring Carl Man
25 20 LOVE IN THE 21ST CENTURY Neon Trees
09 21 HEY I DON’T KNOW Kongos
New 22 I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE Sam Smith
10 23 STAY WITH ME Sam Smith
11 24 THE DAY YOU LEFT Convulsic
New 25 GET TO KNOW YOU Corey Niles featuring Ish
New 26 THANKS FOR NOTHING Brandyn Burnett
New 27 ZEPPELIN Eli Lieb
New 28 JUST SAY HELLO Lyonn
New 29 AMNESIA 5 Seconds Of Summer
24 30 BACK HOME Andy Grammer

Listen for My New Music Pick Of The Week on D-Moos.com!

As many of you are already aware, after many years away from the microphone, I am now pleased to be back as a voice on D-Moos.com Canada’s National Internet Radio Station, which mainly plays a selection of oldies, mostly from the 50’s to the 90’s, with soon to be more intrusions from the 2000’s and other new music.

Do listen in for my New Music Pick of the Week feature on D-Moos.com 8 times per day starting at 2:05 AM EST on Mondays, and while the station is only live in the evenings from 9:00 pm to midnight (with my long-time musical partner in crime “The Musicman” James Rogers), you can hear my voice at other odd times, particularly if you’re an oldies loving night owl on the weekend overnights 🙂