“Step By Step” confronts the feelings of loneliness when you’re in a relationship and the other person is no longer making an effort and has just got too comfortable. It’s brought to you by Dutch quintet EUT, led by Megan de Klerk, which spins bright synth and guitar melodies and rhythms against down-to-earth lyrics. Although the vocals and harmonies offer a lush sound, the production on them to me could have been scaled back in a less layered effect for such a direct song. But that’s my only quibble – the song has a classic structure which will transport listeners to great moments of 1970’s and 1980’s pop, and the overall result with “Step By Step” is an assured and amiable alt.pop sound. “Step By Step” will be a part of EUT’s upcoming album called Be My Reactor.
I’m pleased to bring you another strong effort by Harry Lloyd, aka Amsterdam-based, UK-bred singer/songwriter Waiting For Smith. Although past efforts have highlighted his masterful guitar work, “Skylight Dawn” zeros in on his vocal and songwriting skills. “Skylight Dawn” touches on those moments of quiet epiphany when you notice all of the special things about your lover, and how great it is to be with them. And in the good company of singers like James Bay, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, Waiting for Smith’s vocal builds and builds and then busts loose in a splendid, memorable climactic moment. “Skylight Dawn” initially requires some close listening but after Harry’s voice soars you’re going to want to quickly press rewind and listen again to how it got there. It’s an unanticipated and delightful treat.
Go back to those moments in time where you’ve had a bona fide crush on someone, and feel guilty about it because they’re with someone else, but don’t quite know how to let it go. Sydney-based Singapore-born singer/songwriter St. Humain is back (following up another stellar recent single, “Memento”) to give you some perspective on that scenario with “Tastes Like You”. Yes, you’ll fantasize and no, drinking won’t help that whiff of jealousy go away. It’s an enjoyable, totally on point story graced by one of St. Humain’s best vocals. And you’ll be singing along in no time.
With so much music out in the world, it’s hard to come up with a unique angle sometimes when writing songs. Connecticut alt.pop singer/songwriter JULS scores with “Heartbreaker”, which takes a hard look at the cycle of heartbreak and heartbreaking. The song’s about someone who is so heartbroken that they immediately want another relationship, and so ensues the ongoing heartbreaking when she can’t find who she wants. It’s a bit heavier a listen than the recent “Summer Thing” but JULS has an expressive voice that keeps your attention against a versatile electronic backdrop that augments the mystery behind the lyrics.
Look for a format change from this blog starting next week. While I’ve enjoyed writing about individual songs post-by-post for the last several years, with interjections from my “10/10” feature to feature 10 songs all at once, I’m finding that it’s too time consuming to keep up, given the insurmountable number of releases each week, and not as productive as it can be.
So starting on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, this blog will change to a once a week “newsletter” kind of format. What that looks like exactly I think will develop over the next few months with input from you. And with ONLINE RADIO SHOWS now being a big part of my life, there will be more integration with the radio programming. My New Music Pick of the Week, which is currently only a radio segment, will be featured in the newsletter. The focus will still be on new and mainly independent music. Submissions for the blog continue to be welcome!
The other thing I’ve noticed this year is that music people – including artists, producers, managers – are no longer as approachable online as say 10 years ago. A lot of artists use social media as recipients only, don’t look at their timelines, and only post/tweet to promote their music. There are also a lot of artists who prefer one platform over another (and I’m still not and have no plans to be on Tik Tok!) – but we don’t know that till we follow them on that platform, so it’s a guessing game at best at times.
Independent artists, producers and managers who want exposure by my blog – over 13 years in existence with a tie-in to online radio – need to communicate with me. To be honest, there are several songs I’ve written up and had good connections with the artists or their teams, and then with the next releases, nothing!! I will however continue to promote and write about songs/artists I discover on my own. And my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30, has been online since 1998 – 25 years in January!! – and I’ll continue to write it up and count it down every second Monday.
The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.
Toronto singer/songwriter/guitarist Francesco Yates gets his first #1 on my chart with “Jimi”! It knocks Jessie Ware’s “Free Yourself” out of the top spot after a month because it’s simply the song I look forward to hearing the most right now! Francesco is also the first Canadian artist to reach #1 on my chart since Loud Luxury & Frank Walker took “Like Gold” to the top early last year.
There’s a lineup of songs waiting to take over from “Jimi” at #1, but more about that will be known in two weeks. In the meantime, I’m happy to see Steve Lacy at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Bad Habit”, which rises on my chart 6-4. Watch for a flood of Grammy nominations for Steve at year’s end.
“Turn On The Lights Again” by Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia reworking Future’s 2012 release into a trance-y festival anthem climbs 7-5. It’s a song that never fails to draw you in every time. Fred Again.. has a new album coming at the end of the month called Actual Life 3.
NYC’s Robbie Rosen, a former “American Idol” contestant, is ultra-prolific and now has two songs in my Top 10. The sublimely catchy “The Boss” (above), created with French producers Coopex and Charles B, rises 8-6, while “Stained Glass” (below), an arpeggio-loaded big room-flavoured collaboration with Germany’s Severman and India’s Arshan Joel, rises 12-9. They are Robbie’s 6th and 7th Top 10’s on this chart.
Greyson Chance now has two songs on the chart from his album Palladium. The riveting “Athena” (above) moves up 13-10, and becomes Greyson’s third Top 10 on the chart, following “Dancing Next To Me” (#2) and “Hellboy” (#3). But the more provocative winner “My Dying Spirit” (below) also arrives on the chart at #26. Greyson’s North American tour is now underway, and I look forward to his December 1 show in my city!
The Fastest Riser on the chart is probably the most joyous one too. It’s “Celebrate” (above) by Dutch producer Laurentius and Luxembourg singer/songwriter Oke, which soars 25-15. Check out “Jaiye”, the title track of their upcoming EP together, below.
“Castles” by Florida’s Tonner has a dreamy, lilting melody and a feel good vibe, and it rises 21-16.
Two Friends and Mod Sun have a real grower with the anthemic “Timebomb” (above), which moves up 22-17. You can check out Two Friends’ new one with Jutes called “Chloe”, below.
Oliver Sim’s pensive “GMT” is off to a great start, climbing 26-19. It’s from his new solo album Hideous Bastard. He has indicated that new music from his band The xx is in the works, but with no ETA as of yet.
The Highest Debut of four songs belongs to Rhode Island’s JVKE with “Golden Hour” at #24. The song is gradually becoming a pop radio hit. It seems like unconventional songs like this that are soaked in influences from the early pop/rock era are striking a chord with younger listeners today. JVKE is only 19 and definitely has a great voice. He also produces and plays multiple instruments. “Golden Hour” is culled from JVKE’s new album This Is What ___ Feels Like Vol 1-4.
Then at #25 we have another 19 year old (soon to be 20), Stephen Sanchez, with “Until I Found You”. The northern California native to me echoes The Everly Brothers on this song, whether or not he’s familiar with the late great duo. It’s a beautiful, ear-pleasing song from his new album Easy On My Eyes.
The fourth debut is the rollicking drum ‘n bass-influenced track by Manila Killa and fknsyd called “Take Me Higher” at #29. As the title song from his album Dusk wraps up its chart run at #27 (with a #2 peak), and after seeing Manila Killa’s live show last week, it’s timely to revisit this unique and infectious offering from him.
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! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: BILLCS Top 30 Songs.
ONLINE RADIO SHOWS
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!
Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.
On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.
“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.
Addictive Energy
This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Sundays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.
For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!
With his own personal tastes including the likes of Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald, you could almost expect that a songwriter like India-born Sid Seth would aim for major heights with his vocals. And they indeed are the highlight of “Simple But True”, which is a great introduction knowing that the song was borne out of the loneliness of being in NYC after five years all by himself in the pandemic. Being resourceful, he sought escape in painting, which brought about images of his childhood, and re-launched his songwriting. “Simple Yet True” is well-crafted with a beautiful melody to support Sid’s gorgeous tones. A recent grad of the Manhattan School of Music, Sid Seth is a new talent well-worth watching with songs like “Simple Yet True”.
Online radio is now a bigger thing in my daily life than I ever thought it would be, and it’s a lot of fun to be back in the announcing element after many years. So be sure to check out my shows The Big 20 and Your Weekend New Music Mix, as well as my short segment My New Music Pick of the Week, every week. You can find the schedule of stations on which they air near the bottom of the home page of my blog site or go toONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the blog post.
Jessie Ware’s “Free Yourself” shot to #1 quickly two weeks ago, and it holds tight at the top for a second appearance. It’s still kind of early to call which song might succeed “Free Yourself” at #1, but there are rumblings below.
Francesco Yates gets a personal best on the chart with “Jimi” climbing 3-2. It’s a fun track with a great guitar solo – I’m hoping he’s holding out for the right deal while we all enjoy his independent releases. But can “Jimi” hold on enough to succeed “Free Yourself” at #1?
Scotland’s LF System continue to surge up the chart with their UK #1 “Afraid To Feel”, which climbs 10-4. Is #1 a possibility in the near future?
Petawane’s ode to sweet soulful love songs, “Music”, continues to rise steadily, this time up 7-5.
Rarely does half of the Top 10 make an exodus, but that’s what has happened on this chart, allowing several songs to move up quickly.
Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” is the deserved Fastest Riser as it climbs 16-6. Will #1 be in reach for this one?
Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia rework Future’s “Turn On The Lights” as “Turn On The Lights Again” (above), certain to be a festival anthem over the next year. The song moves up 11-7 but the red hot Fred Again.. has another new one worth checking out called “Danielle (smile on my face)” below.
French producers Coopex and Charles B team up with American super-talent Robbie Rosen for the fast but fun “The Boss”, climbing 17-8. You’ll be singing along to this one as it name-check’s Diana Ross’ same-titled song from 1979.
Canadian-German duo Lola Dutronic move up 12-9 just as the summer ends with “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)”.
And the Canadian Top 15 radio hit for DVBBS and Brandyn Burnette, “Summer Nights”, rises 13-10. It’s DVBBS’ fourth visit to my Top 10, and Brandyn’s 15th as a lead artist (add one to include a release under his pseudonym EMAN8).
Greyson Chance’s new album Palladium has arrived, and it’s a highly personal album of many moods and ruminations based on experiences which carved the strange path for Greyson that has finally led here. I’m still digging “Athena” (above), which climbs 19-13, but the album is chock full of songs to keep you paying attention, and one of those is the provocative “My Dying Spirit”, whose new video you can watch below. And I’m looking forward to hearing all of its songs at his show in my city in December!
Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin’s “Hold Me Down” reached #3 a while back, and their latest collaboration “Full Force” could get there too, if a 22-15 move gives any indication.
The Highest Debut at #25 belongs to the extremely infectious 80’s throwback “Celebrate” by Dutch producer Laurentius and Luxembourg singer/songwriter Khalid Oke. Emphasizing African rhythms and references, it’s a sheer delight that comes from their upcoming EP together called Jaiye.
The enduring #1 “Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s vocalist/bassist Oliver Sim exits the chart after the mandatory 10 appearances (20 weeks), and is immediately replaced by the enthralling “GMT” at #26. This is a slower, deliberately paced song with a striking story (partially an ode to London, England), carried by an excellent, sympathetic vocal by Oliver. It’s from his new album called Hideous Bastard, which also contains “Romance with a Memory”. You can also check out the minimalist extended remix by his bandmate Jamie xx above.
Canadian dance producer Famba returns to the chart for the first time since 2020 with his fifth entry, the splendid trance-influenced deep house track “Forever” at #27. Famba first appeared on the chart almost 6 years ago with the amusing “Right Here Right Now” which peaked at #2.
Singer/songwriter Lily Lane is now based out of L.A. but originally from Boston, and her song “Bad” arrives at #28. It’s taken from her EP Queen of Hearts and is led by an unmistakable, powerful vocal. Lily is also the sister of Tucker, one half of the duo Sofi Tukker.
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! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link: BILLCS Top 30 Songs.
ONLINE RADIO SHOWS
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!
Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of The Big 20 at this link.
On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.
“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.
Addictive Energy
This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Sundays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.
For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!
Drew Thomas is a promising talent from Nottingham whose affable personality shines through the songs through which he lives his life. “All My Friends” has an anthemic Killers-Sam Fender bent about it that fronts the reality that in certain times of our lives things change among friends, and sometimes we’re the spectator waiting for it to happen to us, or perhaps even resisting or even resenting those changes. “All My Friends” embraces that time full on with guitars ablaze and rocks out accordingly, splendidly sung by Drew. With songs like this that would sound great played live in concert (and the video above captures a favourable taste), I wouldn’t expect Drew Thomas to be a DIY talent too much longer.
British singer/songwriter Joulie Fox evokes the sultriness of Lana Del Rey with the power of Marina Diamandis and dashes perhaps of Lady Gaga, Sinéad O’Connor and Julee Cruise. Her new song “Running” focuses on someone getting as quickly away from a relationship as she can, but accompanying this are thoughts awash of unfinished business which will have to be dealt with at another time. It’s kind of an unsavory part of breaking up, but the song’s surreal melody and arrangement and Joulie’s careful, atmospheric vocal breathe it full of intrigue on an atypical musical ride.
Fine new music releases have been bountiful of late,so it’s “10/10” time again with edition #28! In “10/10”,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, in fact three songs from edition #27 by Petawane, Showtek and Sage Castleberry, all currently appear on the BILLCS Top 30. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I may not otherwise get to write about. These songs may even receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for my radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!
DIMASH QUDAIBERGEN, “Zhalyn”
He’s a superstar in his native Kazakhstan, but musically the global playing field becomes a lot smaller when you possess talents like Dimash Qudaibergen. He’s a classically trained singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist who can sing in a dozen languages. He can also reach High C notes with ease, which is always remarkable for a male performer because so few can do that. You won’t hear it in “Zhalyn” though, which means “flames” in English, and while it’s sung in Kazakh, you’ll be swept away by the enticing exotic rhythms, arrangement and Dimash’s commanding vocal. Very rarely do foreign language songs cross over into the English language music world, but “Zhalyn” warrants your attention.
CRASH ADAMS, “Give Me A Kiss”
It’s one of the brightest end-of-summer songs this year, and “Give Me A Kiss” is another winner from Toronto duo Crash Adams, their first release this year. They always come up with carefully crafted ear candy that rocks out with a goal of making you smile. The accompanying video above, which already has over a million views, is a treat as the duo, sporting matching jackets, shirts and slacks again, take over a part of L.A. to spread positive vibes, complete with the return of their sofa (this time it’s yellow). All that’s needed to complete the circle is for Crash Adams to resume playing some live gigs in the near future.
HANNE MJØEN, “I Never Told You”
Hanne Mjøen is a rising pop singer from Norway whose music is beginning to attract attention and resonate worldwide with streams approaching the 25 million mark. She also was featured on Canadian dance producer Felix Cartal’s “My Last Song” last year. “I Never Told You” is perhaps her strongest release to date, with her well-honed vocal set against a bubbly, sometimes euphoric backdrop that supports her story of confidence and being strong, knowing that you can’t always tell the people closest to you everything that goes on in your life. With “I Never Told You” leading the way, I’m sure Hanne’s songs will continue to grow and continue to reach more people through the integrity of her lyrics.
THE HIM & BRUNO MARTINI, “Before You Break”
“Before You Break” recalls those points in time where you might want more out of a relationship or situation, but realize that for the best it’s wiser to just walk away. It’s the latest release from The Him (aka Jeroen Kersters) in collaboration this time with Brazilian producer Bruno Martini. It’s a solid house release that veers to the pop side of the spectrum, with an gritty vocal by an uncredited male singer. There’s some pedigree songwriting talent (Toby Jacob and Tiggi Hawke, among others) that have made “Before You Break” happen, so if you enjoy Loud Luxury, Joel Corry or Sam Feldt, then this one is perfect for you!
MAGGIE SZABO, “Uh Oh”
Hamilton, Ontario-born Maggie Szabo has been releasing her own music for the last decade or so, with her more recent songs getting increasing acclaim, and “Uh Oh” is one of the best of them. It features a vibrant melody with a vocal that has a sweet soulful edge. The production is sheer shiny pop and comparisons to Taylor Swift or Demi Lovato would not be unreasonable. Maggie’s also been a recognizable voice on dance music releases by the likes of Schiller and BEAUZ, and as a songwriter she recently co-wrote “Slo-mo”, the Spain Eurovision 2022 entry by Chanel which won 3rd place. With all of this quality plus the bounty of songs in her portfolio over the past few years, it’s only a matter of a little more time where you’ll see Maggie Szabo on the charts.
JAY BIRD, “Catch Me Again”
Bay area producer Jay Bird returns and continues to grow with his house music tracks with “Catch Me Again”. The theme of the song is familiar and relatable – needing someone to be there for you at the worst of times – and Jay’s synth work and rhythms keep this one moving smoothly. I must say I particularly enjoy the uncredited male vocal. It’s rough around the edges at times but world-weary, and completely embraces the vibe of the song without making it a desperate plea. “Catch Me Again” will definitely leap to attention in the middle of a house set and is a particularly satisfying listen.
GATHERING OF STRANGERS, “Red and Gold”
“Red and Gold” is a rocking new anthem for you to add to your list to check out. Gathering Of Strangers is a new quintet from Manchester who channel bands like U2, The 1975 and The Killers to create a refreshing mix with many familiar elements. What is most notable though about “Red and Gold” is its high octane jubilance, which guarantees instant reaction if played live in concert. The band’s tight instrumentation and versatile vocal instills a sense that they are capable of much more than anthemic rockers, so Gathering Of Strangers is fresh and worth watching.
SCOTT MAGNUS, “Wanting You Back”
“Wanting You Back” is a song about what people who are seeking a relationship positively dread – being ghosted, particularly after everything seemed to be going along well. Manchester’s Scott Magnus is back, and as you may recall I featured him three times last year in these blog pages with unique songs that demonstrate huge potential, particularly for an artist who has to face living with ADHD, Autism and Dyspraxia daily. “Wanting You Back” expresses the emotion and confusion that’s left when someone has lied. The urgency in Scott’s vocal drives the song and the low-fi production, complete with background chatter and white noise, represents all those colliding, irritating thoughts in our minds when something like this happens, and suits the song well.
HVNNIBVL, “Never Enough”
After writing about three of his singles back in 2020, L.A.-based John Hannibal V, aka HVNNIBVL, returns with what could be his best and most accessible one to date with “Never Enough”. The Buffalo, NY native writes about a past relationship which has caused some reflection, but elects to move on, and thus “Never Enough” is actually set to a driving, upbeat melody. What has improved immensely for HVNNIBVL is the production, which no longer overwhelms, in favour of a crisp, clean backdrop that enhances the melody and arrangement. Pop music wise, fans of many artists from Charlie Puth through to The Chainsmokers will enjoy the radio friendly vibe of “Never Enough”.
HOLNE, “November Sky”
Meet Holne, an indie pop singer/songwriter/guitarist who hails from Devon, England, and his gentle track about rekindling a past relationship called “November Sky”. What sets this one apart from others is the infectious and relatable chorus, and Holne’s often slight but precise vocal. I’m not sure if this is meant to be a serious stab at getting someone back or just wishful thinking but you can decide for yourself. “November Sky” is eloquent and sincere, and will appeal to fans of James Bay, James Morrison or Benedict Cork.
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