Tag Archives: electronica

French duo @KLYMVX put a unique stamp on @TheChainsmokers’ “Inside Out” (featuring @Charleenotes)

THE CHAINSMOKERS featuring CHARLEE, “Inside Out” (KLYMVX remix)

Rarely do I write about the same song twice.  I never actually got to write about the original, and then shortly after release the excellent, inventive Not Your Dope x Spirix remix came along.  A little while later, and French duo KLYMVX has put their unique stamp all over their official remix of The Chainsmokers’ “Inside Out”.  While I’m waiting for this to become the official follow up hit to “Don’t Let Me Down” and “Roses”, the KLYMVX remix of “Inside Out” is full of subtleties which you won’t find in other remixes.  This one goes up and down a bit, alternately with busy effects and classical-inspired moments, but from one extreme to another this remix sustains itself by being totally captivating.  The last 40 seconds or so are worthy of applause.  Download it for free at the link above.

@Kaufaudio’s progressive electronic pop song “A Ruin” gets a @truBluHawaii makeover

KAUF, “A Ruin” (Blue Hawaii remix)

L.A.’s Ron Kaufman has been garnering attention these last four years or so with his remixes and a unique approach to progressive electronic pop music that incorporates elements of 90’s Björk through to James Blake.  “A Ruin” is mainly a multi-layered instrumental that incorporates Ron’s dreamy, well-suited vocals to excellent effect.  The song is given added textures of power from noted remix duo Blue Hawaii that help make it memorable.  I was fortunate to see Kauf in concert in Toronto last night and while it requires your focused attention, his music and the direction he’s headed in is wildly creative and has so much potential.  Sometimes danceable, sometimes not, watch for more original music coming from Kauf very soon.  In the mean time you can hear “A Ruin” above and pick it up, in original or remix form, on iTunes.

80’s Motown-flavoured funk comes full circle with “Let Me Be Me” by @NiteFunk

NITE FUNK, “Let Me Be Me”

Get your 80’s Motown-flavoured funk on with “Let Me Be Me” by L.A.-based duo Nite Funk, consisting of instrumentalist DāM-FЦПK and vocalist Nite Jewel.  “Let Me Be Me” is like reliving the Teena Marie/Rick James experience all over again, albeit with some refinements and perhaps with some elegance replacing aggression.  This allows it to tread into Patrice Rushen/Sheila E/Rene & Angela territory and the instrumentation throughout just shimmers.  This is warm and inviting R&B/dance with so many retro graces on a contemporary tip.  Note in the credit that the mastering is done by François Kevorkian, whose name will be well-recognized by  70’s and 80’s remix fans.  Simply very well done!  Get it on iTunes.

Slick as thieves: Smooth chilled-out house by @LoudLuxury x @Shoffymusic “Villains”

LOUD LUXURY x SHOFFY, “Villains”

Hot off the presses today, promising Toronto duo Loud Luxury (Joe and Andrew) team up with intriguing vocalist Shoffy (who has already got the attention of Spinnin’ Records) for “Villains”.  If there’s such a thing as smooth chilled-out house music, then these guys have it down in spades.  There’s an R&B flair in Shoffy’s voice that recalls the best of the 90’s (the style of Brian McKnight comes to mind) and it’s matched with a genuinely interesting mix of tropical-infused house music.  This kind of dance music goes down really easy and the song conspicuously perks your ears up along the way.  Download “Villains” for free at the link above.

Go on, figure it out: “It’s The Night Of The Long Knives, Charlie Brown” by @Spraypopmusic

SPRAY, “It’s The Night Of The Long Knives, Charlie Brown”

Or maybe, just don’t!  The 80’s-soaked recent album by British europop duo Spray called Enforced Fun is full of lovable, downright eccentric songs that somehow all tie together, but for that explanation you’d have to ask creators Ricardo Autobahn and Jenny McLaren and their collaborators (you’ll also find some Charlie Mason songs present and even Jane Badler!).  So like many an 80’s musical act (think China Crisis, for example), what the songs are all about are secondary to the rhythms, melodies, and the whimsical approach that Spray take in their concept-styled album.  “It’s The Night Of The Long Knives, Charlie Brown” (including that comma in the song title) is worth the price of admission for the title alone, but Jenny’s  knowing vocal tells the tale of something that should be ominous and dangerous, but ends up in legend.  So that’s my take on it folks, you can enjoy all of Enforced Fun by picking it up on most platforms, and watch the lyric video above.

Get scorched by this fiery @iamtheElephante remix of “Crossfire” by Stephen (@ithinkimcrashin)

STEPHEN, “Crossfire” (Elephante remix)

L.A.-based Elephante continues to blaze his path through the EDM world with his potent progressive remix of fellow California denizen Stephen’s “Crossfire”.  It’s many steps away from Elephante’s current pop/dance smash “Closer”, drawing from the energy of Stephen’s passionate and earnest alt.rock original which will appeal to fans of the likes of Hozier or Brandyn Burnette.  Basically, in his remix Elephante kicks the impact of the song up to the ceiling.  He allows the song to build by relying on Stephen’s compelling introduction.  But then the big trap-like drops kick in and the blistering remix absolutely takes no prisoners.  It’s amazing to listen when an already great song is intensified and rewired by this kind of a remix.  Bravo Elephante and Stephen 🙂  Folks, this is your must-hear song this week.  Best of all – download it for free at the link above (and pick up Stephen’s original on iTunes while you’re at it)!

Slick progressive house from @Vicetone with “Nevada” (featuring @CoziZuehlsdorff)

VICETONE featuring COZI ZUEHLSDORFF, “Nevada”

After the more melodic efforts from their recent EP Aurora, such as “Bright Side” featuring Cosmos & Creature (Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore), Dutch producers Vicetone return slicker and heavier with “Nevada”.  Featuring an outstanding and gritty vocal from young Cozi Zuehlsdorff, “Nevada” motors right along with some thoughtful lyrics in an overall package that has the same European flavour that brought Alan Walker’s “Faded” to worldwide attention.  Vicetone continue to show their diversity with songs like this as well as why they continue to be much sought after in the dance music community.  Listen to “Nevada” above.  The Monstercat label has another winner with this one.

Not to be tamed: @NewImmunity remix of @MickyBlue’s “Wild Things”

MICKY BLUE, “Wild Things” (New Immunity remix)

The guys in New Immunity recently got their hands all over Molly Moore’s “Come Fly”, her cover of the classic Sinatra tune, and showed how that song could easily swing with EDM.  With Micky Blue’s “Wild Things”, they have a powerhouse indie original which is transformed from a cutting alt.rock ballad, and it’s given not only a big bouncing rhythm but also some scorching rock guitars, which make it impossible to miss in a set.  What I like best about this remix is its balance; you can zero in on Micky’s softer vocal parts just as easily as when some vocal effects go arm-in-arm with those guitars.  Club DJ’s would be wise to unleash “Wild Things” on a big crowd for one untamed evening ahead.  Download it for free at the above link.

Cool Summer Vibes in the @iamEauClaire remix of “Sink Like A Stone” by @NaomiPilgrim

NAOMI PILGRIM, “Sink Like A Stone” (Eau Claire remix)

Rising Washington, DC producer/remixer Eau Claire puts a summery spin on “Sink Like A Stone” by Bahamian-Swedish singer Naomi Pilgrim.  Her remix relies on a lot of high end instrumentation, which almost sounds Caribbean-meets-Asian at times, to make it memorable next to Naomi’s vocal, which sometimes recalls Santigold.  There’s an anthemic singalong chorus too, and the song will easily carry across loud speakers at outdoor events.  So be forewarned that Eau Claire’s remix of “Sink Like A Stone” will charm you and go down easy in these summer months.  Give it a listen above.

#BILLCSTop30 #486 – June 27, 2016

All eyes on the top of the chart in this edition as there’s a new #1 and loads of activity.  As a result, newer songs make smaller moves, and even the fastest riser on the chart only moves up 5 places.  I like a good competition! 🙂

The Top 10

  • It was only a matter of time, but either in its original version or its love struck-sounding remix by EDWYNN x TIKAL and Spirix, Brandon Skeie’s “So Bad” (above) displaces Connor Phillips’ “Lost” (Young Bombs remix) at #1.  With Eli Lieb, Brandon also co-wrote and sang “Pulse” (below) during the past two weeks, a warm and inspiring song written in the aftermath of the Orlando tragedy.

  • It’s summer in the western world and no song on the chart suits the summer months better than “Dreamin'” by Embody featuring Camden Cox, which climbs 7-3.
  • Another romance-oriented remix by Speaker Of The House surfaced to show what a great, diverse song Elephante has in “Closer” (featuring Bishøp).  “Closer” really does deserve to be a pop hit.  It moves up 6-4. 

  • Jenaux’s powerfully funky and fresh “Get It On” arrives in the Top 10 at #8.  Got any platform shoes handy? 😉

  • It says something when you get to play a free show in Times Square, and NYC natives The Chainsmokers are doing just that tomorrow (Monday June 27).  If they perform “Don’t Let Me Down” perhaps Daya will be present too.  The song rises 12-9

  • The Knocks and Semi-Precious Weapons singer (and now noted songwriter) Justin Tranter are a great pairing, and “Tied To You” becomes The Knocks’ third song from their album 55 to grace the Top 10, climbing 13-10.

Movin’ On Up

  • Tom Odell’s winning new composition “Magnetised” gets stuck outside of the Top 10 due to fierce competition.  Thanks to a bass-synth driven Kat Krazy remix it continues to get attention in the club scene.  “Magnetised” jumps 15-11.

  • It’s a fantastic, vivid story that will hold your interest throughout – Toronto-bases singer Joël’s “You Fucked Up” rises 14-12.

  • Ariana Grande’s “Into You” is one of her best songs, yet it seems to be still stuck behind many better ones!  We’ll see if she surpasses the #8 peak of “The Way” in the coming weeks.  “Into You” moves up 20-16.

  • The fastest riser on the chart is the gloriously feel good #1 dance anthem “So Happy” by Tony Moran featuring Jason Walker, which jumps 23-18.
  • Hand in hand with Embody’s “Dreamin'”, Rain Man has done exactly what his song says.  “Bring Back The Summer” (featuring Oly) is meant for sunshiny days and moves 24-20.
  • Nik Ernst’s “Stronger” is British deep house at its best, and given a slick edit by Dutchman Steve Void.  It climbs 25-21.

  • Built By Titan’s collaboration with Jesse McCartney on “Dangerous” is definitely turning heads as it bubbles under in the pop and dance genres.  “Dangerous” moves up 26-22.

Debuts

  • “Take Me Apart” is a thoughtful original by producers/remixers LZRD and Spirix featuring the flattering voice of Remmi.  Spirix of course is part of the teenage remix duo who bring us “So Bad” by Brandon Skeie at #1 too.  “Take Me Apart” is one of the most impressive new songs I’ve heard all year, so expect great things to happen for it in the coming weeks.  It arrives at #23 and is a free download – for now!
  • “Open Your Mind” by Chicago producer/remixer Megaphonix follows up his remixes of songs by Zedd, Jack Ü, and others which have got worldwide attention.  “Open Your Mind” is a joyous original slice of house which is perfect for Pride events.  It’s a free download and bows at #25.

And lastly…

  • “Worship” by Brandyn Burnette arrives at #28 from the freshly minted State I’m In EP which was released this past Friday.  “Worship” stands out as one of Brandyn’s best compositions, but there are many more to meet the ears in State I’m In which I haven’t yet written about, such as “Inner Child”, “Closer” (with John Lock), in which I keep hearing vocal phrasing from both MGMT’s “Electric Feel” and DNCE’s “Cake By The Ocean”, and “Set In Stone”.  State I’m In is another fantastic effort for Brandyn, admirably following up Made Of Dreams.  It’s available to buy on all platforms.

Listen to the songs or watch the videos using the links on the pictures on the pretty and detailed web edition of my chart. Go on, have a look and listen/watch :)

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

http://www.planetradio.ca is back!  Listen for my Pick of the Week at 2:20/6:20/10:20 AM/PM EST Monday through Sunday (that’s 42 times in a week!), and my flashbacks to a Toronto Top 10 of yesteryear on Tuesday evening at 9pm EST:)