Tag Archives: alternative

“Surgery” by @musicbyREL is bluesy folk-flavoured ‘Evocapop’ about healing which leads to self-love and acceptance

R E L, “Surgery”

Meet L.A.-based singer/songwriter R E L, whose music comes to you from a unique vantage point with her song “Surgery”.  R E L has coined a sub-genre style called “Evocapop” – music that makes you think and feel.  And “Surgery” certainly does exactly that.  Her style reminds me of a blend of Suzanne Vega channeled through Regina Spektor but with a lot of classic influences at the source.  “Surgery” is moody for sure but, like Matthew Koma’s “Dear Ana” from last year, is important for many people to hear. Like “Dear Ana”, “Surgery” is also about overcoming eating disorders and body dysmorphia, leading to much needed self-love and acceptance.  Hardy subject matter to be sure but R E L’s execution of it along with her intriguing voice make it all easy to digest and most pleasing to the ear.

#BILLCSTop30 #549, November 26, 2018

This post provides highlights of my biweekly chart, where there is a new #1 and four debuts!  The first of the debuts belongs to an artist already on the chart in collaboration with one who appeared recently; the second had a #1 song last year; the third is a newcomer to the chart but not dance music; and the fourth recently assumed another performing name but is a BILLCS Top 30 veteran!

  • Seattle’s Odesza acquires its first #1 with fan favourite “Loyal”.  It’s one of the most potent dance songs of the year, and has a raucous new Deathpact reprise, available as a free download below!  It’s also the soundtrack to a new Apple commercial I saw on You Tube 🙂

  • Looking to compete with Odesza for the top spot is the engaging classic house of “DJ’s Gotta Dance More” by A-Trak featuring Todd Terry on vocals, which climbs up 6-3.

  • Three songs land in the Top 10 for the first time:
    • Mercer is back, after scoring #1 this year with “Satisfy”, with the 70’s flavoured disco of “Fireworks” moving up 14-7.
    • The Knocks land in the Top 10 for the fifth time with “Goodbyes”, their collaboration with Method Man from the New York Narcotic album, up 11-9
    • The fastest riser on the chart is PatrickReza’s compelling remix of Illenium’s “Crawl Outta Love”, featuring Annika Wells, soaring 20-10.

  • The Chainsmokers are busier than ever with new music.  Not only does “This Feeling”, featuring Kelsea Ballerini, climb 16-12, but they’ve released two new songs  (both below) in the last few weeks, the crunchy “Siren”, which shows our boys haven’t lost any harder core roots, and “Beach House”, which will please those who love their hits “Closer” and “Paris”.

  • I’m totally loving the Handbag House remix of Sam Dickinson’s “Wild Sun”, which comes from his hot new EP From The Glass House: Part One.  Also check out the acoustic “All We Are”, below.

  • The debuts from the last chart are all moving up steadily:
    • Swedish producer Hellberg’s collaboration with Leona Lewis should by all rights be a radio hit.  “Headlights” moves up 22-17.
    • Bright Light Bright Light’s “How I Feel” from the Tough Love EP climbs 25-19 as BLx2 concluded his recent tour.  Check out the 90’s inspired Disco 12″ mix above, also available on the EP.
    • San Holo put on a spectacular, intense show in New York City last week.  “Brighter Days”, from album1 and featuring vocalist Bipolar Sunshine, rises 26-21.  I was amazed at how many people knew the songs from the album and all of the words.  The man is one to watch for the 2019 festival circuit.
  • The highest debut belongs to “God Damnit”, the new collaboration between Illenium and blog favourite Call Me Karizma.  It’s actually a song that Karizma wrote that I featured in these blog pages back in March.  It received an impressive redux from Illenium, which has sent it to #24 on this chart out of the gate.  It’s Karizma’s second entry this year following the #17 “Life Of The Party”, which captured The Chainsmokers’ attention.
  • L.A.-based producer Mahalo returns to the chart this time in partnership with new producer Le:Blanc with the insanely catchy “In My Arms” at #26.  This is 2:28 jam-packed with hooks and a fantastic house rhythm.  Not to be missed!  Mahalo got to #1 last year with “Perfect” featuring Canadian singer/songwriter Cat Lewis.

  • Premiering on the chart is Anna Yvette, the NYC-based vocalist, songwriter and producer who has graced numerous fine songs over the past few years.  “Shooting Star” is the joyous new song to get her onto the chart at #28.

  • Arriving at #29 is “Amen” by EMAN8, who we better know as Brandyn Burnette.  Kicking off this new legacy of songs is the intriguing and very cool video above.  BB recently concluded a stay on the chart with the autobiographical #4 “Run”.

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 🙂

 

The importance of living in the present is reflected in “Be Here Now” by @missMollyMoore

MOLLY MOORE, “Be Here Now”

L.A.-based singer/songwriter Molly Moore – also one half of Cosmos & Creature with EMAN8 (Brandyn Burnette) – follows up her third EP Third Eye High with the single “Be Here Now”.  In a year compounded by personal loss, “Be Here Now” reflects on the importance of the past but comes to terms with the even greater need to live in the present.  This new found approach for Molly is a great life lesson and I can envision this song being much welcomed and shared by those in similar circumstances.  It features one of Molly’s most compelling, driven vocals, and the adept alt.electronic production by France’s Besnine keeps the song taut and tight and wrapped up in its many big heartfelt moments.  But don’t get me wrong – “Be Here Now” is not sad or overly emotional.  It’s full of positives to allow us to cope with life’s many turns.

Former @SmashSatellites and My Darkest Days vocalist Sal Costa drops exclusive unreleased song “Lover Of A Lost Cause”

SAL COSTA, “Lover Of A Lost Cause”

I think this one even surprised his most ardent fans. 

Over a year ago, former Smashing Satellites and My Darkest Days frontman, Toronto’s Sal Costa, pretty much announced his retirement from the music business to pursue other interests and support his young family, although he didn’t totally dismiss the ideas of performing or offering new songs in the future. 

So yesterday, those of us that follow one of the most genuine guys in music on Facebook got the unexpected thrill of hearing the previously unreleased “Lover Of A Lost Cause”, written with Cody Hanson and Marshall Dutton not long after Sal left My Darkest Days. 

“Lover” is a completely smokin’ song which made many of us realize how much Sal’s singing is missed.  It’s as powerful as Satellites songs like my favourite “Waterfall” with a simple arrangement including a backdrop of strings that really showcases Sal’s voice.  Whether it will see more than its appearance on Sal’s Facebook videos page remains to be seen.  However as you’ll likely conclude as well after hearing it, rock radio in North America would likely totally jump all over it. 

When I commented about the song on Facebook, Sal responded and suggested that I might write about it.  As you’ve read, I was more than happy to oblige!  There’s another new song coming on Wednesday November 28 at 7 pm EST so follow Sal on Facebook to find out more 🙂

Veteran Dutch producers @LNYTNZ embrace wild abandon with “Anyway” with vocal by @XERXESBAKKER

LNY TNZ and XERXESBAKKER, “Anyway”

There are times, sometimes regularly for some of us, when we have to JUST DO IT.  “Anyway”, by Dutch duo LNY TNZ, embraces these acts of wild abandon feverishly.  Singer/songwriter XERXESBAKKER adds a most suitable anthemic vocal to flow with familiar but engaging beats that will simply make you want to bounce.  What I also like about “Anyway” is its rock flavours that recall classic stadium acts and which other performers like San Holo are bringing to their live performances.  “Anyway” is a memorable crowd-pleaser for those wilder club and festival moments when letting loose never goes out of fashion.

Chicago’s CHO @seeayCHO returns with the dark intrigue of “Strange World” with @SKYLRsings

CHO and SKYLR, “Strange World”

In his alt.rock peppered second release “Strange World”, Chicago producer CHO basks in the power of dark intrigue in song with themes such as loneliness, but from a young woman’s perspective.  Aggressive and hypnotic rhythms draw you in, immensely supported by the committed vocal from singer and fellow Chicago native SKYLR.  “Strange World” strikes a compelling balance between alt.rock and dance which seemed to have been all but abandoned till recently.  CHO has wisely decided to join a growing path of producers such as Odesza and Illenium who take risks and embrace rich, deep sounds, and the story within “Strange World” is different and dangerous enough to grip you till the end.  

Nashville duo @weareApolloLTD will lift you higher “On The Way Up”

APOLLO LTD, “On The Way Up”

“On The Way Up” by Nashville duo Apollo LTD takes a trademark anthemic sound that bands like Imagine Dragons offer to pop and mainstream radio fans, but transforms it through a big synth arrangement for clubs.  That doesn’t mean at all that the song is all fist-pumping power.  “On The Way Up”, in fact has a dynamic arrangement that brings the music down to those quiet, phone-flashlight moments before it erupts again.  Plus, Apollo LTD clearly knows how to get you to those unmistakable highs thanks to an immensely catchy chorus.  So “On The Way Up” ends up having wide appeal that should be supported by pop, rock and dance music fans alike.

#BILLCSTop30 #548 – November 12/18

Some new personal faves make significant moves this week, and there are three debuts.  

The Top 10

  • The smashing two some of Kiesza’s “Phantom Of The Dance Floor” (above) and “Verona” by Peter Wilson and Sean Smith (below) hold on to the pole positions handily, but may have to give them up in two weeks given the challenges being presented immediately below!
  • Seattle duo Odesza had never appeared on my chart before but are slowly taking over with their redux of a festival fave, “Loyal”, which climbs 9-3.

  • Busting the fastest move on the chart for a second time is “DJ’s Gotta Dance More”, the oh-so-true deal from Montreal’s A-Trak and house legend Todd Terry on vocals.  It’s up 13-6 and will definitely give Odesza a run for the top in two weeks.

  • Also new to the Top 10 are Florida producer PLS&TY with “Down For Me” in its splendid Morgan Page extended mix (above), climbing 11-8, and Canadian producers Botnek with the retrotastic “Days Of Disco” (below) rising 16-10.

Movin’ On Up

  • I’m totally digging their second full album New York Narcotic, and The Knocks are closing in on another Top Tenner here with “Goodbyes” featuring Method Man moving up 17-11.

  • Though it’s “Thank U, Next” that’s everywhere, “Breathin” is still my go-to Ariana Grande song, rising 15-12.  Check out its new video above.

  • The Chainsmokers have had a busy few weeks, with several new remixes of “This Feeling” (featuring Kelsea Ballerini) as well as a new video (above).  The song climbs 21-16.  Check out the official remix by Canadian duo Young Bombs below 🙂

 

  • UK singer/songwriter Sam Dickinson is looking to bust out in two weeks with “Wild Sun” (up 23-18) as the Handbag House remix (above) and his EP From The Glass House: Part One are released this Friday.  Ahead of that, Sam has also released a lyric video for the upbeat pop/dance track “Hanging By A Thread” (below), where his high register is in winning Mika territory.  

  • Jessie Ware’s “Overtime” is her best, and funkiest, single in years, and it rises 27-21.

Debuts

  • It’s been a while but Sweden’s Hellberg is back in a huge way, with his new single “Headlights” in a co-billing with none other than the sensational voice of Leona Lewis.  With an intriguing, suspenseful video, “Headlights” arrives at #22.  Hellberg has been to the Top 10 three times including a #1 with Dzeko & Torres with “Care For Me” in 2016.  Leona has been to the Top 10 twice with “Bleeding Love” and “Better In Time”.

  • What would a year be like without a Bright Light Bright Light appearance on this chart?  It’s been the lead off single from his recent EP Tough Love, but it’s grown on me so much with repeated plays that it debuts at #25.  I will be seeing Bright Light Bright Light once again in concert, this time in my city, on Thursday November 15!

  • The next night I will be seeing Dutch producer San Holo in concert for the first time, but in NYC!  His recent pairing with vocalist Bipolar Sunshine on “Better Days” premieres at #26 from San’s acclaimed release Album1.  Can’t wait to hear what it all sounds like in concert!  “Better Days” is San Holo’s second chart entry, following 2016’s #4 “Light”.

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 🙂

The progressive soul evolution of Brandyn Burnette continues as @EMAN8 with “Amen”

EMAN8, “Amen”

Singer/songwriter Brandyn Burnette has re-branded himself as EMAN8 (from his Jamaican middle name meaning “come forth”), whose music is launched with “Amen”, a song that moves easily through many musical styles showcased within.  Carried by friendly rap-singing that’s speckled with pop culture references, “Amen” flows from classic R&B, through to Blues and Gospel.  It’s chock full of positives about getting through to whatever will make you a better person.  The choral background vocals and some fluid trumpet keep “Amen” uplifting, and somehow it still is tied up very much in an alternative pop vein as well thanks to EMAN8, who with his cadre of fine support, all know what to do to get it there for broad appeal.  Inherently though, we’re likely to hear more songs by EMAN8 in future that pull  out more of that progressive soul that we already know and love from his R&B roots.  This may result in even richer flavours that may move away from other song styles – such as electronic pop/dance, now more associated with EMAN8 and Molly Moore’s successful side project, Cosmos N Creature.  It takes a few listens but “Amen” lays the welcome mat foundation to the ongoing diverse musical journey of EMAN8.

#BILLCSTop30 #547 – October 29/18

There’s plenty of new music to be abuzz about, including four new entries, and lots of songs rising up into the Top 10 to challenge for the top!  And the top of the new chart is all about wonderful singers.

The Top 10

  • Reigning at the top appropriately for Hallowe’en is the delightfully over-the-top “Phantom Of The Dance Floor” by Kiesza featuring Philippe Sly.  I think this is the first time in the 20 years of my chart that I’ve had a Hallowe’en-oriented song at the top.  Couldn’t happen to a nicer song by incredibly talented singers.
  • It’s not the only song in contention for the top, but “Verona” by Peter Wilson and Sean Smith makes its key move, up 4-2.  What’s not to love about such an intriguing story sung by singers who sound so different separately but create fantastic harmony together.

  • Despite its pop facade, “All For You” by Years & Years, up 8-6, has quite a set of telling lyrics for you to enjoy as part of their sophomore album Palo Santo.

  • It’s a pop dance bop all right – “One Last Time” by Gromee featuring Jesper Jenset climbs 10-7.

  • It took a bit of time but “Rise” by Jonas Blue and Jack & Jack slides into the Top 10, up 11-8, becoming Jonas’ second Top 10 on this chart, after his cover of “Fast Car” got to #3 two years ago.
  • Odesza’s slamming crowd favourite “Loyal” sets a new benchmark for progressive dance music and glides into the Top 10, moving 14-9.

Movin’ On Up

  • The intense Morgan Page remix of “Down For Me” by Florida’s PLS&TY is a stunning redo of an already fine song that jumps 15-11.

  • There are plenty of old school house vibes on this particular chart, so it makes sense that “DJ’s Gotta Dance More” by Montreal’s A-Trak, with house legend Todd Terry on vocals, is the fastest riser, soaring 24-13.

  • Ariana Grande’s “Breathin” is still delightful and fresh and climbs 19-15.
  • More Canadians in the form of east coast duo Botnek grab a hold of house rhythms and shake them down in “Days Of Disco”, moving up 21-16.

  • The Knocks kick it NYC-style with Method Man for “Goodbyes”, from the duo’s album New York Narcotic, rising 23-17.
  • And France’s Mercer highlights a lot of 70’s flavour in “Fireworks”, which climbs 25-19.

Debuts

  • England’s Sam Dickinson has the highest entry with his new effortless-sounding single “Wild Sun” from the forthcoming EP From The Glass House: Part One (video above).  And what’s even better about “Wild Sun” is that remixes are coming on November 16, including my favourite which is the “Handbag House remix” that you can hear at the Spotify link below.  “Wild Sun” arrives at #23 to make Sam’s third entry onto the chart.
  • With Denver’s Illenium having so many fans in the dance music scene, if you’re going to do a remix, it’s best to get the man’s blessing.  L.A.’s PatrickReza did just that for his fierce take on “Crawl Outta Love” (featuring Annika Wells), and it bows at #25.  It’s also available at the link above as a free download.
  • UK singer Jessie Ware is back and sounding better than ever after the solid Glasshouse album with “Overtime”, which returns more to the Prince-inspired funk-pop of Tough Love.  “Overtime” premieres at #27.  Jessie previously got to the top of the chart with “Say You Love Me”.
  • NYC-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry is a name you’ve already seen on this chart in the Top 10 a number of times these past two years.  With his pristine vocal in “Gravity”, Victor appears under the guise of Labrose, his latest single in his project with British producer Ficci.  “Gravity” debuts at #28.

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 🙂