When I last saw Mako – L.A.-based singer/songwriter/producer Alex Seaver – in concert over a year ago, he tipped me off after the show that his next releases would be much more adventurous and progressive. And while he’s been busy scoring the video game series League Of Nations and collaborating with the likes of Illenium and The Glitch Mob, there was nothing to prepare me and his fans for “Coyote”. The dance/pop of “Smoke-Filled Room” and “Breathe” now has to make room for a new futuristic, intense and emotional side of Mako. “Coyote” is a dark song that you might find amping up a critical scene in a movie rather than on the dance floor. It’s challenging but draws you in, allowing you to expect the unexpected without being polarized. Mako has a dedicated fan base that I think will easily embrace “Coyote”. I’d also definitely pitch the song to fans of Illenium, Odesza, Rufus Dü Sol and others who continue to successfully test the waters with songs and styles that stimulate and instigate your attention. Like other performers such as Lemaitre, I must remind you that Mako is also a rock band led by Alex and there is prominent guitar and other live instrumentation amid the electronics in “Coyote” too. Check out the animated lyric video above.
For the last few years you’ve read fairly frequently in these blog pages about NYC-based, Georgia-bred singer/songwriter Victor Perry. Victor has one of the most distinct, consistent, engaging (and unsigned!) male voices around – and other than when producers choose to mess with it a bit, it doesn’t hurt that his voice is almost perfectly on key every time 🙂 Victor has two recent releases, a second partnership with Germany’s ZEROBADDAYS (aka Mr. Stan Sax of Saxity) and a new one from his side project with British producer Ficci called Labrose. “Eve” is lyrical retrotastic Michael Jackson-inspired alt.soul – it reminds me of those fine deeper songs you’d often find on a late 70’s Jacksons album that still resonate today. It’s quite a different record from the first ZEROBADDAYS collaboration, the gentle “We’ll Be Okay”. “Eve” is lovely and a real grower. “Boomerang” is more pop flavoured and follows up last year’s catchy “Gravity”. It’s more of a late night “quiet storm” track with Victor’s voice gliding over the lilting electronic backdrop. Add “Eve” and “Boomerang” to your favourite playlists where pop and R&B converge ASAP!
10/10 (or tenoutoften) is the name of my new feature when I will write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention.
I will also 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.
Writing 10/10 features means I will be able to cover more songs in one shot than I’ve been able to do recently. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about. I think that’s pretty fair 🙂
So let’s move on to #01:
tenoutoften 01
BEN DAVIDSON, “No One Knows”
Scottish singer Ben Davidson has a beautiful, rich tone to his voice that could make an encyclopedia sound melodic. “No One Knows” is the title song from Ben’s album from last Fall which followed attractive singles “The Chain”, “Fallin’ In” and “Learning To Let You Go”. But “No One Knows” bests them all with a warm story of dedication to a special person. The song just gets better as it moves along, leaving with a finish that resonates like fine cognac after a good meal.
MOLLY MOORE featuring KEENAN CHARLES, “Vibes”
Continuing to stretch the boundaries between pop, rock and dance music, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Molly Moore follows up “Be Here Now” with something completely different. “Vibes” captures the cool of L.A. with an edgy, soulful sound that is accentuated by the flowing emcee work of Keenan Charles. It’s not every day that you reacquaint yourself with your high school prom date and ask him to contribute to your record but Molly has done just that and it’s an indelible if sometimes subdued release.
RAD CAT and DYLAN MATTHEW, “Show Off”
It’s been a while since I wrote about Christian Ariza, the San Diego producer otherwise known as Rad Cat. “Show Off” is a bouncy, familiar-sounding feel good track with hip hop vibes marrying happily with electronica and a catchy vocal from Dylan Matthew. I’ll pitch this one to fans of The Knocks who will enjoy the funky rhythm.
SLEEPY TOM and LIGHTS, ” Amateur”
Vancouver’s Sleepy Tom has steadily released top notch dance music since his breakout hit “Be Right There” with Diplo. This time he takes a cue from fellow Canadian producer Felix Cartal and enlists another Canuck, Lights, for her vocal on “Amateur”. As with Felix’s “Love Me”, Lights is definitely the star of the show, perhaps even more so here, as her tones fill the loud speakers easily at chorus time. Sleepy Tom’s slick synths and production will help keep you glued to “Amateur”. And then there’s the Sleepy Tom video game, a clip of which you can check out below.
SAXITY, “Weekend”
Mr. Stan Sax and Koni, the saxophonist/guitarist/producers behind Saxity, return to help make Springtime brim with enthusiasm for the good weather and partying when it’s all about the “Weekend”. Stellar musicianship helps make this new dance anthem go down really smooth, making it an easy add for club DJ’s. Unleash this one on the dance floor and watch people move!
COOKIN ON 3 BURNERS with HENRI PURNELL and REVELRIES, “Force Of Nature”
Taking its cue from “This Girl”, the monstrous worldwide hit a few years back by Kungs and Cookin on 3 Burners which is still heard positively everywhere, “Force Of Nature” is a wicked blend of old school soul and house music. For it was the unique sound of Australian trio Cookin on 3 Burners that anchored “This Girl” (a variation of a song they recorded about 10 years ago), and that retro 60’s lounge style from that song pervades “Force Of Nature”. Partnering in the mix are Germany’s Henri Purnell and Emirati/Netherlands-based duo Revelries, who have both acquitted themselves well with Top 5 songs on my personal chart (“Silent Games” and the current “Don’t Think Twice”, respectively).
FINAL DJs and BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, “Wild”
Its wonderful to see the pairing of Germany’s Sebastian Stuetz, aka Final DJs, and long time fave Bright Light Bright Light (Rod Thomas) continue with their latest single together called “Wild”. It’s got a classic house groove that will simply command you to move and convince you to go as “Wild” as the title says. Very rarely does Rod make an appearance on another record and he flourishes beautifully here as in his own songs like “New York Pretty” or “Love Part II”. The duo’s earlier single “Lost In Feelings” landed at #11 on my chart during its release.
THE DRIVER ERA, “Feel You Now”
The Driver Era is the alt.rock offshoot of popular family band R5 that consists of brothers Rocky and Ross Lynch. Ross, of course, is a current star of Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”. The L.A. based, Colorado-born duo fit easily into these rock trappings, possibly much better than you think. I saw R5 perform in concert two years consecutively and there’s no denying the talent, which also led to Ross being heard in other songs like electronic duo Tritonal’s “Feel The Love”. “Feel You Now” is powerful and anthemic, reminiscent of music from yesteryear such as by INXS or even Grand Funk Railroad (take a listen to “Closer To Home” for example).
FAMBA, “Swear To God”
After emerging on the dance music scene about three years ago with songs like the fun ‘n funky “Right Here Right Now” (for Armada Deep) and “Vibe” (for Tipsy/Epic Norway), Halifax’s Famba signed to Sony Canada and got attention with remixes such as for fellow Canadians like Tyler Shaw. Currently, you can hear Famba’s “Wish You Well” (featuring vocalist Trove) on every single pop music station in Canada, and I think its next stop will be to conquer the USA. Following that song up in the meantime is “Swear To God”, a powerful electronic release that steers away from the pop of “Wish You Well” for a memorable house track that is more apt to follow up Loud Luxury’s “Body” as the next big dance hit from Canada.
LOST BOY, “Help”
California singer/songwriter/musician Lost Boy (aka Dillon Deskin) returns with an endearing song with a gritty rhythm called “Help”. Strange things happen to our hero in his video (above) for the song so if the lyrics aren’t convincing enough to give him a hand or three, then the video will definitely do it. “Help” is a rare breed, wanting to connect with you and make you dance at the same time. This sends Lost Boy in more of a direction that currently works for fellow artists like Bryce Vine and will definitely work well in a club setting.
The Toronto-bred trio of Nikki, Dylan and Nate are back with a bigger but more familiar sound that still has lots of edge in “Lemonade”. It reminds me of a cross between Gwen Stefani’s 2000’s solo work (particularly “Hollaback Girl”) and 80’s hair metal band anthems, and certainly stands out among the plain-ish rock of today. Nikki’s voice is powerful and engaging, the guitar work is ablaze, and the drums pack a big whomp. “Lemonade” is a fun song that will definitely be of interest to more than just the alt.rock fans who caught on to Nikki’s Wives with their last release, the EP Motorcourt.
Nikki’s Wives play a free RSVP-only event on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Lee’s Palace in Toronto (I’ll be there! 🙂 ).
“Say Amen” is a big, powerful, soulful song to kickstart NYC quartet American Authors’ third album called Seasons. This is hardly the jaunty pop sound of their huge inescapable hit from a few years back “Best Years Of My Life”. It’s darker and deeper, and draws from a clear passion for Blues and R&B. “Say Amen” is aided immensely by the distinct voice of Canadian rocker Billy Raffoul, whose long-haired good looks belie his gruff, ages-old voice that sounds like Joe Cocker-infused Leon Redbone. “Say Amen” will be a potent highlight in a live set by American Authors. I look forward to hearing more of their album.
“Sleeping Pills” is an idyllic, uplifting escape of just under 4 minutes from French producer Kidswaste (otherwise known as Quentin Beauvois), who opened up recently for DROELOE on a few of their North American tour dates. “Sleeping Pills” features the gentle voice of US singer Kole, as well as a subdued, easy-to-take, percolating rhythm. Kidswaste keeps us entertained with a lot going on within “Sleeping Pills”, including a few brief symphonic-sounding synth highs that really help tie the song together. His penchant for gorgeous melody though is what anchors “Sleeping Pills” and will lead to repeated plays.
The lack of blog posts hardly means I’ve stopped listening to new tunes, and in particular the 30 songs in my chart 🙂 The blog posts will come, but in the meantime it’s a mainly feel-good kind of chart with two new entries.
For a third appearance at #1 (6 weeks), it’s “Closure” by Dutch producer Steve Void with vocalist Andy Marsh and its outstanding and memorable video.
Challenging next week will be current #2 “i’m so tired…” by Lauv and Troye Sivan, which is finding its greatest favour in the UK where it’s headed for the Top 10 this week.
And #3 is also in contention is “Don’t Think Twice” by Netherlands-based Emirati production duo Revelries and US producer Sam Smyers with US-based Dutch vocalist Oktavian. Revelries has yet another release later this week with Henri Purnell and Cookin On 3 Burners called “Force Of Nature”, so watch for it!
Sweeping into the Top 5 as the Fastest Riser on the chart twice in a row is the celebrated collaboration of Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Armin van Buuren and W&W with the insanely catchy “Repeat After Me”. What a crowd pleaser 🙂
Stephen Puth joins brother Charlie in obtaining a Top 5 hit on my chart with “Sexual Vibe” climbing 7-5. I’m predicting big things for Stephen too!
Australia’s Sam Bluer moves up 9-7 with “Bite My Tongue”. I really think a collaboration with Troye Sivan is in order, don’t you?
The other newcomer to the Top 10 is by Nashville’s Mokita. “London” (above) is a gorgeous miss-you song with one of the warmest lyrical hooks I’ve hard in ages. Mokita has a new one that I’ll preview here until its proper blog post. It’s called “Kiss And Tell” (below).
“Love” by Simon Curtis advances 17-12 and is eyeing the Top 10 – no strange place for this week’s birthday boy Simon, it’s just missed him for the last three years since the reboots of “8bit Heart” (#1) and “Super Psycho Love” (#3) 😀
Also moving upward is Parralox’s latest “Paradise”, a redux of a single from a few years back with a new vocal by Marcella Detroit and a heavenly house remix by Eric Kupper. It climbs 16-13. Parralox was last in the Top 10 in 2015 with #4 “Aeronaut”.
The biggest mover of the last chart’s new entries belongs to the deep house of Mahalo’s “Go Ahead”, featuring an infectious chorus and a potent vocal by MŌZ. It rises 26-20. Go ahead, take that risk!!
New entry #1 is a bit of a surprise – “Sucker” by The Jonas Brothers at #25. The Jonasei, as I like to call them 😛 , previously charted in 2008 with “S.O.S.” (#15), but Joe has charted solo and with DNCE, and Nick’s “Chains” also made its presence known in the interim. But “Sucker” is simply a very good pop song, with all the right chops, and is highly deserving of its success.
New entry #2 at #29 is the out-and-out inspiring disco of “Let’s Go Dancing” by UK producers Horse Meat Disco featuring the enthusiastic vocal of US singer Amy Douglas. This one’s nothing fancy and with one aim – to make you dance your ass off. It shall succeed 🙂
The chart will return in two weeks after my visit to Miami Music Week!!
View the full BILLCS Top 30right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify:BILLCS Top 30 Songs
CARLAW and JAMES COLLINS & STEPHANIE BLEAKLEY, “I Saw The Devil”
“I Saw The Devil” is a nifty slice of soulful alt.pop that showcases a number of Toronto performers. I’ve written about singer/songwriter/actor James Collins a number of times, and his vocal here is smooth and restrained, in contrast to Stephanie Bleakley’s dynamic wallop which recalls other Canadian women like Dalbello or Simone Denny.
And what of lead artist Carlaw? Well I may be wrong, but I think it’s likely a pseudonym or new name for those talented guys The Boomtang Boys, who’ve had many Canadian hits of their own from the 90’s through to the 2000’s such as “Squeeze Toy”. They co-wrote “I Saw The Devil” with James, and someone else also gets a songwriting credit – now’s the time for the interesting back story! That someone is Canadian actor Jason Priestley, currently in “Private Eyes” but most noted of course for “Beverly Hills 90210”.
As James tells me, “”I saw the devil… I embraced him, but I pushed him away” was a direct quote Jason had commented to his wife and sister when he came out of a coma, after his tragic car racing accident. Jason also gave me his blessing in having a song written around that quote… a quote written in his memoir.”
So let that quote be your guide, along with the multitude of talent behind “I Saw The Devil”.
It’s been a while since we heard from Toronto’s Gold Complex, an eight member R&B/jazz/pop collective that released its first EP a few years back. Since that time, I’ve also written about their lead singer Will Bowes and his solo work. Gold Complex’s album New Soul – which includes “Backbone” from their EP – is everything that you could like about a fast-paced, effortless record that straddles many genres. Will can be a powerhouse singer given the song, and we’ve heard his softer but potent solo songs too. And the band is incredibly tight – these musicians have each other’s backs, hard enough to do with eight personnel. But if there’s a song to focus on here, to me it’s the lively, diverse “Meant To Dance”, one of the more pop-oriented songs on the album but it’s incredibly radio friendly. It’s got a delicious pause around the minute mark which can make or break a song, but it shifts wisely into high gear right after, and then unleashes Will’s fierce voice. The rest is a delightful mix that has a lot of 70’s flavour. And a dance remix could open up “Meant To Dance” to clubs too.
I was fortunate to see Gold Complex in concert for one of their sets in Toronto’s Nathan Phillips Square on Saturday, March 9. They are better live than on record, and this is where Will’s wide vocal range has the opportunity to flourish. I hope to see them again, perhaps in a more intimate setting, either indoor or outdoor, for full effect!
The new chart is ready to roar with all of the songs charging up the chart, especially those breaking through and into a very busy Top 10. And just to add fuel to it all, four more songs debut to challenge in the coming weeks. Over 2,200 songs have appeared in the BILLCS Top 30 since its inception in 1998!!
But it’s “Closure” by Steve Void and Andy Marsh that secures #1 for a second appearance. It’s a hard song to get out of your head, matched by a memorable, heartfelt video. “Closure” is release #100 for Steve’s Strange Fruits label and he reported that it’s already received over 4 million plays. Well-deserved – a very special song indeed.
Racing up 6-2 is the incredibly likable “i’m so tired…” (above) by new best buds Lauv and Troye Sivan. We’ll have to see in two weeks if “Closure” stays put again, but for now you can check out the MNEK remix for “i’m so tired…” below!
Moving up impressively to #3 is “Don’t Think Twice” by Revelries and Sam Smyers featuring singer Oktavian. It’s also a strong contender for the top so we’ll have to see if there’s room for it eventually. “Twice” is Revelries second Top 10 here following last year’s “Infinitum” and it’s also Oktavian’s too – he was featured on The Him’s #2 “Balance” from 2016.
I love finding singers with fantastic voices and great potential. Such is the case for NYC-based singer/songwriter Ryan Gibeau with “Flying Away” from his fine indie album Quiet Fall. It climbs 9-6.
“Sexual Vibe” (above) by Stephen Puth is such an ear-charmer, and it rises 12-7. Puth the Younger already has a new song and video out called “Half Gone” – check it out below.
The Him’s “Look At Us Now” (above) moves up 10-8. The prolific duo – recently added to the Miami Music Week Spinnin’ Hotel gig roster – offers up another new tune “Tell Your Friends”, featuring Loote, below.
Young Australian Sam Bluer gets his first Top 10 entry with “Bite My Tongue”, a great companion to Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”, and moves up 11-9.
San Holo fan favourite “lift me from the ground”, featuring Sofie Winterson, breaks out of the middle of the chart and climbs 15-10.
The fastest riser on the chart is a must for upcoming festivals and when you have star power such as Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Armin van Buuren, and W&W creating the song, then how can it be anything but? “Repeat After Me” charges up the chart 19-13.
“Love” is Simon Curtis’ gorgeous first song to appear on the chart since reduxes of earlier songs “8bit Heart” and “Super Psycho Love” rebooted in 2016. The more sophisticated “Love” is off to a good start, up 22-17.
Right behind is “London” by Nashville’s Mokita, who is also up at #15 with R3HAB for “All Into Nothing”. This heart-fluttering love song climbs 24-18.
And the fun “Take It Off” by L.A. duo Two Friends rises 27-21 as the guys wind down their “With My Homies” tour.
Leading the debuts is French production team KRONO with the soulful “Perfect Strangers” for Tipsy Records at #25 featuring a winning vocal by PIOTR.
L.A.-based producer Mahalo has his second concurrent chart entry with the catchy future bass of “Go Ahead” featuring vocalist MŌZ. It arrives at #26, as Mahalo’s other charted release “In My Arms” slips from 2-4.
I love me some danceable alt.pop/rock and Italy’s Mark Mendy delivers it with “Black Gasoline” at #26. It features Australia’s Beamish Brothers on vocals; they charted late last year with Revelries on the previously mentioned “Infinitum” (#10).
The fourth debut at #27 is “Chemistry or Chemicals” by Matt Beilis, a busy singer/songwriter from NYC who occasionally appears on dance music releases. This is his first solo appearance; he previously charted with Electric Bodega with “Rest Of My Life” (#4) in 2016.
View the full BILLCS Top 30right here! Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!
Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify:BILLCS Top 30 Songs
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