Church Of Trees – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – April 24/24 with new songs by @Haylasings, @Helloworldbeats, @BenedictCork, @ChurchofTrees, @JerinJamesmusic, @AlfieTempleman, @Ekonovah, and BeatMartHz & DJ Mirko B

I have some basic tips for artists who feel they are getting lost in the current oversaturation of music. But before I get on with those, I want to say: Don’t give up! There are many ways to get your songs heard and noticed without having to play the algorithm game to start. Not that this isn’t important, but maybe not for your first few song releases, and certainly not until you’re ready to tackle it. Be strategic!!

If you find yourself doing everything and not having the time to do anything else, get help. People in your life who are truly interested in some way will help you.
Do some research in terms of eventually getting paid help from publicists or others in the industry, which will help you determine how much you want to invest initially.
Seize opportunities to get your music heard by following others on social media in your genre(s) who look to help artists with demo reviews and such.
Develop relationships with people in your genre(s) you meet online who are like-minded. It’s always good to surround yourself with people who are supportive.
Find the right distributor for you. Many have different packages available to suit a variety of different needs. The more they can do for you for less, the better chances for getting exposure on streaming playlists and by tastemakers.
Don’t dismiss the online print medium, such as blogs 🙂 Articles and reviews become searchable and will be online for as long as the author or service provider allows.
You will know when you’re ready to go to the next level. Don’t force it or it will backfire.

In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five all from the early 80’s. In case you missed them, you’ll also find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

HAYLA, “Embers”

Even if you don’t pay attention to credits or vocalists on dance music releases, you’ll immediately recognize the voice of British singer/songwriter Hayla from her appearances on three massive dance hits – Kx5’s “Escape”, and John Summit’s “Where You Are” and the current “Shiver” (the current BILLCS Top 30 chart-topper). Because of the overwhelming success of those songs, “Embers” is the first new solo music in two years for Hayla. I was lucky to see her perform it live last month at Miami Music Week, and I said at the time that she could be the next Annie Lennox with a voice as potent as hers. “Embers” is, naturally, much more produced with an intense flow. The producers take a few liberties with her voice but that doesn’t detract from such a compelling song. Don’t miss “Embers”, it’s only going to get even better for Hayla going forward!

HELLOWORLD, “Heartpiece”

With each successive release, L.A. electronic producer Helloworld unveils an unanticipated and positive new identity as Everyguy Indie Electronic Artist. He’s coming off of recent releases like “Planes”, a breakup song where two people are together on a plane but would rather be elsewhere, and “Weightless Feeling”, his collaboration with Throttle, about those rare times that you feel that nothing else matters in the world. “Heartpiece” is in stark contrast to “Planes”, a giddy and romantic, beautifully written love song that hits all the right strings in your heart. Employing similar production techniques to recent releases brings us to recognizable Helloworld territory, but I must say the effects near the end are not only cute but touching. I wasn’t expecting any of this from Helloworld which makes “Heartpiece” all the more worth your listening pleasure.

BENEDICT CORK, “Beauty Queen”

Hertfordshire-born Benedict Cork is on a roll with some fantastic storytelling, which started recently with songs as varied as “Reasons I Loved You (I Can’t Think of One)” and “Nice Guy”. With an album on the way next month called Notes On A Hopeless Romance, Benedict may have saved one of his best for us with “Beauty Queen”. It’s a song where he puts himself in the shoes of a beauty contest queen, who we imagine in typical style standing on stage looking proud and beautiful – and wanting to be loved. Any performer will relate to this song because, as Lady Gaga sang 10 years ago, “I live for the applause”. And any performer wants more and more applause, and more and more love from their fans and listeners. Benedict’s vocal is in dreamy-mode and by the time you’re listened to all of “Beauty Queen” you’ll be sated, smiling with contentment.

JERIN JAMES, “Dance Again”

Following up the imaginative “Broken Dreamers” and taking a few steps away from the romanticism of the songs in his EP The Wanderers, Southern California dance producer Jerin James offers up the bold and dashing sounds of “Dance Again”. It’s an elegant track with huge beats created by a variety of drum and percussion sounds, one to which you can visualize a complex choreographed dance routine. The spot-on, pleading uncredited female vocal is well chosen and doesn’t get lost in the maze of melodies and beats. Like with “Broken Dreamers”, “Dance Again” will appeal to fans of Odesza, Illenium, Seven Lions, Manila Killa, Timmy Trumpet, and other risk-takers on the more progressive side of dance music, and is a confident step forward for Jerin with his releases.

CHURCH OF TREES, “Lost In The Ether”

“Lost In The Ether” is a heavily 80’s influenced rock track by Canadian synth group Church of Trees. While the topic of watching a loved one pass away is never an easy one, Church of Trees’ vocalist/songwriter Bernard Frazer arrived at a unique lyrical approach that works, accompanied by his luminous synths, which transport us back to 80’s new wave, and a rock rhythm peppered with gripping guitar work by co-producer Jordan Zadorozny (Blinker The Star, Courtney Love, Lindsey Buckingham, Chris Cornell). While it’s as dark-sounding as some songs by the likes of Sisters of Mercy and Images In Vogue, you see rays of hope shine through thanks to an effective mix of harmonies by Heather Brazeau (who fronted the band’s recent unconventional take on The Ramones’ “Pet Sematary”) and Bernard. Add a myriad of new wave influences which could include A Flock of Seagulls, Spandau Ballet, Spoons and ABC, and you’ll find “Lost In The Ether” to be a sophisticated effort that you’ll be returning to for repeated plays. “Lost In The Ether” arrives ahead of Church of Trees’ 7th album called Transience.

ALFIE TEMPLEMAN, “Hello Lonely”

British singer/songwriter Alfie Templeman is growing with leaps and bounds with each of his releases. Singing in his higher register, “Hello Lonely” is a playful and uptempo track despite the theme of loneliness, something that Pet Shop Boys also decided to do with their same-named recent track. The production is busy and bubbly, and Alfie has a Jamiroquai-meets-Charlie Puth kind of vibe brewing that might just put him in his own lane for a while. As much as I enjoyed the Bedfordshire-born artist’s indie bedroom pop when he first arrived on the scene, it’s refreshing to hear Alfie’s music developing into something more intricate. His second album, Radiosoul, arrives in June.

EKONOVAH, “Need You Tonight”

Following up the ridiculously catchy “Find My Flow”, Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah (pronounced “echo-nova”) tackles a more straight-forward house track with “Need You Tonight”. It’s an original track albeit with similar intentions that Michael Hutchence sang about in INXS’ biggest same-named hit of their career. Sometimes less is more as the bouncy, echoey hook is delightfully infectious and will keep club-goers on the dance floor.

BEATMARTHz, DJ MIRKO B, “Ask me again”

“Ask me again” is the most recent collaboration between Italian producers BeatMartHz (aka Martino Tatalo) and DJ Mirko B (aka Mirko Boroni), whose releases have appeared regularly in this blog post over the years. “Ask me again” launches with an auspicious and direct synth melody, but quickly becomes a riveting slice of Eurohouse, thanks to the inclusion of soaring uncredited male vocal. It’s accompanied by a brisk rhythm and unintrusive but well-placed synth effects that make the song flow beautifully, wrapping up in just under three minutes and leaving you wanting more.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world.

It’s Rozalla with her cover of Nicolette Larson’s version of Neil Young’s “Lotta Love”

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”.

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885.

Virginia-based artist Nic D with “Atmosphere”

“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” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Donald Fagen – I.G.Y (What A Beautiful World) (1982)
Jim Diamond – I Should Have Known Better (1984, You Tube link)
Human League – Don’t You Want Me (1982)
John Mellencamp – Jack and Diane (1982)
J. Geils Band – Centerfold (1982)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

John Summit and Hayla are locked in at #1 again with “Shiver”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

“Loneliness” by Pet Shop Boys (24-13) from their upcoming 15th album Nonetheless

BILLCS New Music Report – October 25/23 Spotlighting new songs by @Moonwoodmusic @YearsofWarmusic @RossLynch & @TheDriverEra @PartyPupils, @MAXmusic, @bbnomula & #MILLI

Like last week, my attention with the current week’s selections again drifted away from dance music – though there are three wonderful new dance tracks in this edition of the Report. Be sure to check out all eight of these very strong songs, varying from future bass through alternative rock through pop/R&B. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life!

Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five pop hits, which zeroes in on a quintet of tunes from 1976. And in case you missed it, you’ll find out what were my number one song and the fastest riser on the latest BILLCS Top 30.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

MOONWOOD, “Curfew”

Australia-based rock quintet have a lot of top quality songs waiting for the world to hear in their new 5 song EP Curfew Hours. It includes the heart-wrenching ballad “Let It Go”, which I wrote about recently. I rarely repost about a song I’ve written about, but with the release of this EP, “Curfew” has grown on me a lot since my original take on it, which I now feel was incomplete. It’s a radio-friendly rocker that college and alternative radio stations would eat up. Moonwood is a tight outfit which has a dynamic vocalist/songwriter in Jake McCullough, and I enjoy when his voice has the opportunity to soar. For whatever reason, the song structure of “Curfew” reminds me of the mid-80’s UK new wave era, and retro appeal like that never hurts. You really can’t go wrong though with other songs in Curfew Hours like “Cool If I Love You?”, and you’re bound to latch on to a new favourite. And if you’re in Australia, you might want to keep an eye out for local show dates from Moonwood in future as their songs are likely heard best live.

YEARS OF WAR, “Used To Be”

Years of War is the new artist name for NYC-based electronic dance talents Rico & Miella – I guess we can now properly call them Rico and Michelle! – with “Used To Be” their second single under the new moniker. Just when you least expected after the 40 second vocal intro, this fresh song revs up into a future bass frenzy by the end of the first 70 seconds, creating immediate curiosity and anticipation for what’s next. Michelle’s touching vocal alternates between tender and urgent moments and the second, even wilder build up before another drop exceeds what electronic music fans would expect. I’ll pitch “Used To Be” to fans of Illenium, Trivecta, Seven Lions, and Nurko, but it’s a top notch song which could attract dance music fans outside of the harder core sub-genres.

ROSS LYNCH, THE DRIVER ERA, “Rumours”

I’m always happy to write about a good new song by L.A.’s Ross and Rocky Lynch under their project name The Driver Era, though Ross’ name has now been added I suppose for marquee value. I saw the Lynches and their siblings perform live as R5 10 years ago and since then have been captivated by their cohesive talent (Ross was pretty good in Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” too!). Their 2020 single “Take Me Away” also got to #11 on the BILLCS Top 30. “Rumours” is a kiss-off song to an ex who has nothing better to do than gossip about her former boyfriend’s new love life, while he couldn’t care in the least (in fact, he enjoys it). It’s a snappy guitar-drums rocker filled up in the background by a wash of soft keyboards, that focuses on the vocals and harmonies to make it resonate easily. It follows up last year’s Summer Mixtape and the guys’ second album Girlfriend, but this time as a self-released indie, so I’m hoping that a third album is in the works for next year. “Rumours” is a great way to kick it all off.

PARTY PUPILS, MAX, bbno$, MILLI, “Girlfriend”

NYC’s Party Pupils is MAX’s ongoing side project with his producer/guitarist buddy Ryan Siegel, and Ryan has continued to release several recent songs under this moniker, including last year’s “Me Without You” with rising dance music star Kaleena Zanders. Aside from some streaming shows during the pandemic, “Girlfriend” is actually MAX and Ryan’s first recorded project together since 2020. It’s a zippy, enjoyable track to which you can let loose, with the streetwise addition of Canada’s bbno$ and Thailand’s MILLI worked aptly into the mix. Their respective refreshing raps flesh out the song and increase the playfulness count. If you enjoy recent R&B flavoured dance releases by A-Trak or Purple Disco Machine, then “Girlfriend” is worth adding to your favourite playlist. You can check out the video above.

FEATURING

JAY BIRD, ALLIEY XO, “Touch”

Bay area electronic dance producer Jay Bird continues his immersion into deep house, sometimes with retro flavours or inspiration, and “Touch” is another fun track. In collaboration with L.A. vocalist/DJ Alliey XO, “Touch” benefits from a playful vocal and some 90’s techno touches which bring to mind Wildfire’s classic “Renegade Master” or music by the likes of Groove Armada or Deep Dish. “Touch” is a great addition for club DJ’s looking to build excitement in their sets where their audience/dancers can have a great time.

CHURCH OF TREES, “Pet Sematary”

A cover of The Ramones’ 1989 movie theme “Pet Sematary” may not have been exactly something that has crossed your mind, but Ottawa’s Church Of Trees intends to convince you that it is indeed a good thing with their thoughtful take on the song. Picture if you will a slowed-down acoustic piano version that has been expanded to include rock instruments along with some lush synths, which give it a larger-than-life sound, shadowing the late Jim Steinman’s school of production. It features guest Heather Brazeau’s fervid vocal, with breadth in the same vein as Amy Lee or Hayley Williams but with possible nods to Heart’s Ann Wilson and Grace Slick when they’ve sung ballads. Co-produced by CoT’s Bernard Frazer and Blinker The Star’s Jordan Zadorozny (who also plays drums), “Pet Sematary” may just be that new surprise to tickle your fancy. Church of Trees’ next album Transience is due in early 2024.

MATT TERRY, “You Don’t Know Nothing”

The music business can be merciless, and despite two Top 10 hits (which included “Subeme La Radio” with Enrique Iglesias and Sean Paul), that didn’t seem enough for his label and other supposed advocates to support Matt Terry back in 2018. So 2017 the X-Factor UK winner who hails from Bromley in greater London is back as an indie talent, after refocusing his songwriting skills and performing in UK theatre and on cruise ships these past few years, with a funky downtempo slice of business called “You Don’t Know Nothing”. It’s a solid original that’s a step in the right direction, joining the always interesting UK soul and dance genre where some interesting opportunities could await him. It also takes him away from being classified as an interpreter. If you enjoy the songs of Samm Henshaw or Leon Bridges, then be sure to check out the video for “You Don’t Know Nothing” above.

RiTcH, “Big Dream”

“Big Dream” is my big new surprise of a fresh bop this week, only the third single release from British singer/songwriter RiTcH (aka Richard Scholes) who hails from Warrington in Cheshire, England. “Big Dream” is top notch indie bedroom production that immediately caught my ear along with its tale of a former girlfriend who returns coincidentally when the protagonist garners some success, though he’s ready to confront it because he knows she has selfish, ulterior motives. Its uptempo exterior doesn’t clash with the rather sullen nature of the plot. RiTcH provides a solid vocal in the guise of just another guy next door, which puts him on the same playing field as the listener, making “Big Dream” an easily relatable, fine release.

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 30 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“3D” is a fun collaboration between BTS’ Jung Kook and American rapper Jack Harlow

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”.

“Heartbreak Kid” is by West London rock quartet The Vaccines

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP 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.

Wales-born singer/songwriter twst with “Catch Me (Beautiful Fall)”

“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. This week they’re all from 1976!

Vicki Sue Robinson – TurnThe Beat Around
Diana Ross – Love Hangover
Chicago – Another Rainy Day In New York City
John Sebastian – Welcome Back
Steve Miller – Rock’n Me

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

With the release of his 3rd album Something To Give Each Other, Troye Sivan gets a 3rd appearance at #1 with “Rush”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Bright Light Bright Light’s “Down To One”, and its fun horror movie-themed video, soars 24-12

Life in lockdown = “World’s A Bitch” by Canadian synthpop project @ChurchofTrees with Rough Trade’s @CarolePope and Spoons/Honeymoon Suite’s @RobPreussx

CHURCH OF TREES and rOb PreuSS and CAROLE POPE , “World’s A Bitch”

Nothing could mirror the truth more right now, for those of us in lockdown, than the sentiments expressed in “World’s A Bitch”. The song is a total rocking blast from Canadian synthpop project Church Of Trees, and it’s co-written with (and of course sung by) the legendary Carole Pope of Rough Trade, as well as Spoons/Honeymoon Suite keyboard wizard Rob Preuss. Carole’s patented expressively potent vocal, and the hard-hitting lyrics embody a great release for all of the uncertainty we face during the pandemic. Rob is now a revered Broadway musical director in NYC, and has worked with Church Of Trees for a few years now (you can hear some of his remixes of their past releases) as well as on Carole’s last album Landfall, so there’s precise, rich instrumentation behind it all. “World’s A Bitch” is a timely, honest blend of solid Canadian talents. A video is coming soon!