Tag Archives: alternative

#BILLCSTop30 #641, June 6/22

I must admit, I came back to watching “Stranger Things” after enjoying season 1, being disappointed with the first four episodes of season 2, then skipping the rest. Now the first 7 episodes have finished with a cliff-hanger till July 1. And I’m writing about this because of the accompanying success of the revival of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” from her 1985 album Hounds Of Love.

It was already one of my favourite songs of that year, and has been much enjoyed since, so you won’t see it any time on the BILLCS Top 30. And it’s definitely one of the best recent examples of “sync” – when music supervisors of movies and TV shows choose their songs. In the past, we have experienced other songs that succeeded as a result of being placed in movies – “(What A) Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong in 1988 from “Good Morning Vietnam” or “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen in 1992 from “Wayne’s World” for example.

While successful syncs will continue long into the future, pop radio’s past discovery of songs seems to in the past, otherwise they would take advantage and play “Running Up That Hill” to death. Often in the past songs would break out of certain key cities and spread throughout North America and the world. But that doesn’t happen anymore because radio is stuck on making money and serving up background music fodder for its listeners. That’s where online radio is becoming an emerging alternative – listen to lots of great music, played pre-recorded or sometimes live, curated for the listener that wants more music and less repetition. And online radio will play “Running Up That Hill”, too, just not every two hours like every other big hit.

Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

Mercer’s “Aretha” holds at #1 for a third appearance, the longest time at #1 for any song so far in 2022. The song samples Aretha’s “Rock-a-Lott” and uses her voice as a weapon without even singing any words. An amazing idea and the result is so enjoyable.

Florence & The Machine’s “My Love” climbs 4-2, to match the 2009 peak of their first entry, the now-classic “Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)”.

“Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s vocalist and bassist Oliver Sim has suddenly become the one to watch in the Top 10, as it makes short work of the chart, climbing 14-6.

Belgian producer NIVIRO and California singer/songwriter Harley Bird have also got a great song with “The Edge”, which moves up 13-8, thanks to heartfelt lyrics and a euphoric melody. It becomes Harley’s 2nd Top 10 after singing on “Float” by Jay Bird and TWSTD ZOO (#3).

Victor Perry collects his 14th Top 10 as either a lead or featured artist on the chart with his recent solo single “Punching Bag”, which rises 12-10. It’s his 2nd Top 10 in 2022 as “Oxygen” (#7, with Saxity) departs the chart.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is “In The Stars”, the dreamy song about heartbreak by Washington’s Benson Boone, which soars 24-11. 

“Unity” by Gareth Emery & Omnia, with proceeds via UNICEF to Ukraine, climbs 25-18.

Two softer, emotional tracks are also off to good starts.  Rising 27-20 is Conan Gray with the touching “Memories” (above), and then moving up 30-22 is Why Don’t We with the more biting “Let Me Down Easy (Lie)” (below). Why Don’t We have their Good Times & The Bad Times tour this summer to watch for in a city near you!

The chart has room for four debuts this week, which is topped by a second song from Harry’s House by Harry Styles called “Daydreaming” at #26. Although to me the song has a 60’s vibe, it actually samples The Brothers Johnson’s “Ain’t We Funkin’ Now” from the 70’s. At any rate, it will eventually compete with my current #4 “As It Was” as my favourite song from the album.

The third time is also a charm as Sweden’s Darin returns with his third recent English language single called “Superstar” at #27. It follows the similar dance/pop vibes of “Can’t Stay Away” and his ballad “Holding Me More”, which both got to #1 on the BILLCS Top 30.  It’s his 7th overall chart entry.

I’m impressed and excited about what I hear from dance producer Manila Killa as we approach a July release for his album Dusk.  First we had the drum’n bass flavours of “Take Me Higher”, and it was immediately followed by “Dusk”, a collaboration co-written and sung by Canada’s Lights.  “Dusk” arrives at #28, becoming both Manila Killa’s and Lights’ 3rd chart entries.

At #30 are the heavier sounding but engaging future bass rhythms of “Crown” by Vancouver production duo We Are Fury. It features fine vocals by Washington DC’s brassie and California’s Kyle Reynolds, and is culled from We Are Fury’s new EP The Lost and the Damned.

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.

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

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.

Radio GTA

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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!

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.

Halton Hills Online

“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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario!  “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:

  • Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
  • Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
  • Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
  • WXNZ, community radio in Maine, Mondays after 10pm EST
  • Party Dog Radio, Sundays at 9pm EST
  • Unique Radio Australia, Fridays at 7am EST

More new affiliates are joining and I’ll update this list as I receive new information.

 

 

Meet new London alt.rock quartet @FRANSISmusic with reflective and joyous “Honeymoon”

FRANSIS, “Honeymoon”

With songs like “Honeymoon”, new London-based quartet FRANSIS can guarantee it won’t be a flavour of the month on the indie alt.rock scene. Featuring powerful and expressive lead singer Emma Withers, the sound of FRANSIS has the backbone of Florence & The Machine led by a charismatic singer (check out the video above) whose voice is Rita Ora meets Zara Larsson. “Honeymoon” is a well-produced release full of subtleties and tells a positive and joyous reflection upon teen years as leading to an even happier adulthood. The music scene needs more singer-songwriters like Emma who can spin honest lyrics with which many young people will identify. And the complete package as FRANSIS is a tight band that you’ll want to hear more from when their EP is released later this year.

#BILLCSTop30 #640 – May 23/22

Thanks to my recent online announcing gigs, the music from my blog continues to find new outlets online. My new music pick of the week segment airs 13 times per week, and the songs I feature on The Big 20 air 4-6 times per week. This is all growing thanks to the diligence and foresight of Russ Horton who operates two of the stations, Radio GTA and Halton Hills Online. I’m glad to be a part of this! I was a college radio station DJ, as well as Music Director, Program Director, and Station Manager, so did I ever expect to be back in the game years later, even if not on terrestrial radio? 

Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

Mercer’s amazing R&B/house track “Aretha” remains locked at #1 for a second appearance with nothing currently about to take over anytime soon.

While #1 and #2 (“The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky” by Frankmusik) stay put, the rest of the Top 10 gets a shuffle.

Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin move up 5-3 with the fun dance track “Hold Me Down”.

On their latest album Dance Fever, Florence & The Machine have returned to the emotional, gothic sound that made them famous. “My Love” is now one of my favourite songs by them, and it climbs 7-4.

Also diving into the Top 5 is Harry Styles with “As It Was” rising 9-5.  His new album Harry’s House might even be as good as Fine Line with more plays. Never being a fan of One Direction, I underestimated his vocal talents over the years till he went solo.

It came 4th at EuroVision but was an overall favourite of both the public and the judges. Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs moves up 10-6 with “Hold Me Closer”. Check out her EuroVision performance above.

New to the Top 10 is fellow Melodifestivalen contest entry “Bluffin'” by Liamoo, which rises 12-8.

Getting his second Top 10 is L.A.-based producer Damon Sharpe with top Asian DJ VIVID with “First Time”, which climbs 15-10. Damon got to #5 last year with “15 Minutes” with The Disco Fries.

 

VASSY and GT_ofice just inch outside of the Top 10 with the energy blast that is “Tuff”, climbing 14-11.

Victor Perry’s latest original “Punching Bag” is also off to a fast start, rising 20-12.

“The Edge” by Belgium’s Niviro and L.A.’s Harley Bird makes a huge jump in its second appearance, climbing 22-13.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the funky and unique “Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s Oliver Sim, which soars 24-14.

All of that top-of-the-chart activity takes us to the new entries, and there are five of them which command your attention!

The Highest Debut at #24 is Washington-born newcomer Benson Boone with his gorgeously sung song about heartbreak called “In The Stars”. He bowed out of appearing on “American Idol” and ended up catching the attention of Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, and landed a major label deal with Warner. Watch out for this fine new talent!

Next at #25 is a gorgeous techno instrumental created to benefit Ukraine.  It’s called “Unity” and it’s by Gareth Emery teaming up with Ukrainian producer Omnia. It’s a fantastic, highly melodic track that stands on its own. I’d love to see it featured at one of Gareth’s shows with all of the new laser works he’s been adding, most recently in his show in Las Vegas. The clip above is from Ultra Miami. “Unity” is Gareth’s third chart entry, and he reached #1 with “We’ll Be OK” (now the name of his record label), which was in the Top 10 exactly two years ago.

At #27 is social media fave Conan Gray with his best song since his duet with Lauv in “Fake” (#12, 2020) called “Memories”. This one definitely will tug at your heart strings, and the singer continues to impress me with his songwriting and vocals.

I saw French producer Hugel spin a set during Miami Music Week and was pleased at the variety of music he chose, well outside of the standard stuff you hear in so many sets. One of the songs that caught my ears was one of his called “Madonna”, a fun, manic release created with female German producer Lovra, and it arrives on the chart at #29.

Rounding out the debuts at #30 is “Let Me Down Easy (Lie)”, a thoughtful but to-the-point ballad by L.A.’s Why Don’t We. The boys just departed the chart with Jonas Blue’s “Don’t Wake Me Up”, which peaked at #5.

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.

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

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.

Radio GTA

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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!

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.

Halton Hills Online

“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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario!  “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:

More new affiliates are joining and I’ll update this list as I receive new information.

 

Get to know Dutch alternative trio Mike Rogers with the rollicking “Can’t Stop”

MIKE ROGERS, “Can’t Stop”

Mike Rogers is a Dutch alternative trio with pop, rock and dance music roots, consisting of producers Mike Mago and Roger van der Zwan (TWR72), and vocalist Micha de Jonge (from the group Kita Menari). Very reminiscent of the intent of dance act Miike Snow, Mike Rogers is intended to be a live act, with a full album coming next year. Ahead of all of that is “Can’t Stop”, a powerful new single about a guy trying to breakaway from his past life of being constantly misunderstood. Micha’s voice is bold and deep and unlike anything you’ll hear on the radio, and the overall sound of the single is of triumph and exhilaration. Put “Can’t Stop” on your list of songs to check out.

Enjoy the sultry R&B and jazz flavours of Kosovo’s @SYTE___ with “Where Did The Love Go”

SYTË, “Where Did The Love Go”

SYTË (which means “eyes” in Albanian) is a promising new duo from Kosovo with their sultry R&B and jazz flavored released “Where Did The Love Go”. The arrangement is very inviting, which makes it easy to enjoy the song. Singer Nita Kaja conveys her sentiments in writing through this song after reuniting with a friend after months of isolation. “Where Did The Love Go” cautions us not to second guess our feelings even during tough times. Its vibrant melody and catchy rhythm along with Nita’s crisp vocal make SYTË’s “Where Did The Love Go” a great song for quiet Sundays or long pensive drives.

Dig deeper into Australia-based quintet @MOONWOODmusic’s EP “Everything We Once Knew” with emotional rocker “Notice Me”

MOONWOOD, “Notice Me”

Not long ago, I introduced you to Sydney, Australia-based quintet Moonwood and their deft, deeply personal style of alternative rock. Comprised of members from Australia, the USA and Canada, Moonwood have released a six song EP called Everything We Once Knew, and perhaps the most dynamic track from it is “Notice Me”. So many people will tap into its earnest lyrics about being not only misunderstood, but also ignored and unseen, and its refrain of “scream my lungs out” resonates deeply. With a fluid mix anchored by a fluid mix of guitar, bass, drums and keys that supports singer Jake McCullough’s affecting, charming vocal, “Notice Me” is a slice of indie alt.rock that rises way up above other bands. I think that Moonwood’s music will find its way to rock music lovers across the world, and “Notice Me” should lead the way. Fans of bands like Powderfinger, Lifehouse, The Calling, and Eve 6 should take note!

El Paso native @KiNGMALAmusic is back with pulsating TikTok favourite “cult leader”

KiNG MALA, “cult leader”

When I last wrote about the always interesting alt.rock indie singer KiNG MALA, it was for her single “Golden Retriever Boy”, a kiss off to certain types of men who have crossed her path the wrong way. Her new single “cult leader” has already amassed considerable attention on TikTok. That’s not surprising considering the impressive video (above) and the singer’s approach to confidence in the song’s lyrics. With the distorted melody and synths against a pounding beat, KiNG MALA compels you to be the “bad bitch” (as in her MALA name) when you want to be. For future consideration, I would love to hear KiNG MALA’s music set against a future bass backdrop. “cult leader” comes close to that in principle, but would need a bigger and more explosive synth arrangement. As is, “cult leader” is instantly memorable with its haunting melody and performance.

L.A.-based singer/congwriter @Cobimusic returns with soulful rock ballad “Temptation”

COBI, “Temptation”

It’s a little bit more off the beaten path for Cobi, but his fourth single release in 2022 is the soulful rock ballad “Temptation”. With the release of last year’s moody, compelling album Songs From The Ashes as well as frequent performances online, Cobi seems to have moved on from heart-drenched, blues-soaked rock tunes in favour of equally introspective songs through a different lens. “Temptation” is about being withdrawn and caught up in your head, and finally giving in to follow another path, despite the unknown attached to it. Some of Cobi’s past, highly emotional vocals have left him with this naturally-sounding soulful tone in his voice that pervades “Temptation”. And being a rock ballad in a time where really good ones are few and far between makes “Temptation” a really unexpected earworm. Cobi has just announced a limited European tour, so let’s hope he’ll come back for some live performances later in the year in North America.

#BILLCSTop30 #638 – April 25/22

Due to the fact that there are a lot of songs on the BILLCS Top 30 that I really love, there’s plenty of activity, just not a lot of really BIG movement. This is quite a contrast to my charts of 15 or 20 years ago when many songs would debut high on the chart and spend a longer time at the top before they dropped down the chart. Within the last seven or eight years, songs have usually started off in the 20’s and made a steady climb before peaking and then making a often a big drop. I think this has to do with the sheer volume of music that’s available now, and less reliance on influence from Top 40 radio and major labels, which makes the chart much more unique and personal. Anyway that’s my take on how my current chart is today and you have plenty of music to check out and enjoy!

Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

The timing of the new BILLCS Top 30 is a bit off this week as we’ll have a new song from Odesza tomorrow! In the meantime “The Last Goodbye”, their rework of Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy” continues its reign at the top for a second appearance.

Rising from 8-2 with a firm design on a future destination of #1 is French electronic dance producer Mercer with his tribute, “Aretha”, which is an absolute sure dance floor killer. It becomes Mercer’s third Top Three entry on my chart.

The dynamic trio of Mahalo, Milkwish and Lena Leon climb 6-4 with their deep house track “Careless”.

“Reflection” (10-6) is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Years & Years only available on the deluxe edition of the album Night Call.

New to the Top 10 are a pair of house tracks that you can play back-to-back and will keep you moving. “Hold Me Down” (above) by Italy’s Luca+ Giam with singer Sam Merkin moves up 11-8, while “Prisoner” (below) by England’s Shadowkey and singer Jordan Jane climbs 14-10.

Only a handful of songs in the next ten move up four or five spots ohttps://youtu.be/h9CNGPy11Jcn the chart. Rising from 17-13 is “My Love” (above) by Florence & The Machine from the album Dance Fever. Also moving up 21-16 is “Tuff” (below) by Australian dance queen VASSY and Florida electronic dance producer Gt_ofice. Sweden’s Liamoo continues to climb the chart with “Bluffin'” (also below), up 24-20.

And the Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to Harry Styles, who sang recently with Shania Twain at Coachella.  His worldwide #1 “As It Was” soars 25-17.

With the new chart so loaded there are only two debuts. New York City singer/songwriter Victor Perry already has a song in the Top 10 with Saxity called “Oxygen”, but he’s back with his first solo work in two years called “Punching Bag” (above) which bows at #27. It’s Victor’s 14th entry on the chart, and his fourth as a solo artist. He’s also appeared once with his side project Labrose. And at #28 is LA based electronic dance duo capital Syence featuring singer Britt Lari and “don’t you wanna know” (below). Syence’s first chart entry was back in 2017 with Steve Void on the thoughtful electronic ballad “We Won’t Leave You” (#7), and it’s nice to have them back with a rollicking dance track!

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.

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

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.

Radio GTA

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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!

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.

Halton Hills Online

“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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario!  “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.  

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:

I’m proud to be heard every day except Thursday on 7 online stations – and growing!

Charlatans leader @Tim_Burgess releases the refreshing alt.rock of “Here Comes The Weekend”

TIM BURGESS, “Here Comes The Weekend”

While he is best known as the lead singer of the British 90’s alt.rock group The Charlatans and has released five solo albums to date, Tim Burgess has also been offering “Tim’s Listening Party” on a regular basis on Twitter for the past two years, which through his many fellow artist connections in the biz, has been welcoming and highly entertaining during the pandemic. With The Charlatans not having released new music since 2017, he turns the spotlight back on his own music with the release of “Here Comes The Weekend”, his first new music in almost two years, supported by the above video directed by Kevin Godley. “Here Comes The Weekend” is a light refreshing rock tune about two people who seemingly can never meet in person and always meet online on the weekend. The song has some lively moments thanks to a very prominent Hammond organ-type of sound, very similar to what was used in early 80’s songs such as Dire Straits’ “Walk of Life”. Nonetheless “Here Comes The Weekend” is all about the good times, even if they are at a distance.