PAUL VAN DYK and CHRISTIAN BURNS, “But Not Tonight”
When two masters of their craft collaborate to remake a Depeche Mode song, you get a strong impression that it’s going to be something special. I was definitely pleased and surprised when I played “But Not Tonight” to find that it wasn’t an original. But Grammy winner Paul Van Dyk and well-respected vocalist (and producer too) Christian Burns have indeed transformed “But Not Tonight” into an emotional anthem. Paul was the first Grammy winner for Best Dance/Electronic album for Reflections back in 2003, and his classics amid a 25+ year career like “For An Angel”, “Nothing But You”, and my personal fave “Let Go” (#4 on my personal chart in 2008) still resonate today. Christian’s humble beginnings in British pop group BBMak (“Back Here”) led eventually to work with with ace producers like Tiësto (“In The Dark”, #3 on my personal chart in 2007) and BT, as well as his own solo releases, often in the Trance sub-genre. “But Not Tonight” is quite different from Depeche Mode’s original from the 1986 Black Celebration album. Paul has booted up the rhythm and Christian’s smooth and effortless voice takes the song to new heights. I’m sure I’ll be playing this one for years to come!
“Full Force” is another successful pop/dance collaboration between Italian producers Luca + Giam and Florida singer/songwriter Sam Merkin. It follows the insanely catchy “Hold Me Down”, which reached #3 on my personal chart a while back. These guys know how to tightly pack together multiple hooks with a strong melody, which could translate easily either to pop radio or to the dance floor. Clean and slick synth work and another strong vocal by Sam help make this one memorable, but with “Full Force” don’t be surprised if you find yourself inexplicably bopping around singing “da da da da-da da da da”, as you will…
Well in my recent trip to Las Vegas, I simply couldn’t go all beast mode and see all 9 concerts that were part of the package I bought, the schedule was just too relentless with afternoon and late evening shows. But I did get to see Tiësto (plus openers Luis Torres and Mia Moretti), The Chainsmokers, Dillon Francis, NGHTMRE, and Cash Cash (and opener Esther Anaya) – there were other openers too, but their names were not advertised. By far, Tiësto’s show was the best overall because of the gorgeous venue (Zouk), the effects, and the overall general feel good vibe, plus two outstanding openers – nice to see my fellow Canadian Luis Torres back (formerly of Dzeko & Torres!). Cash Cash provided an excellent set for a pool party, which included many of their own releases, and Esther Anaya was a great opening DJ, incorporating her own violin playing. NGHTMRE and Dillon Francis brought great energy to their shows, in fact NGHTMRE’s first half hour would have left anyone breathless, and Dillon Francis made DaRude’s classic “Sandstorm” a centrepiece highlight. While it was great to see The Chainsmokers again after 3 years, and for the show not to be exclusively a DJ set, it was marred somewhat by an excessively long wait, likely because the boys were travelling in from Toronto. But event organizers suggested we be there by 11:30 a.m., only to find The Chainsmokers did not come on stage till 3:30 pm! It was a wonderful experience, and I’ll certainly be back in Vegas again soon.
Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
I was not a fan of One Direction’s music and they never appeared on my chart. So if you told me more than 7 years ago that Harry Styles would get three #1’s on my chart, I would have thought you had lost your mind. But Harry has proven over three albums now that he is an amazing singer. That is most evident on Harry’s House on “Daydreaming”, which climbs 3-1, to follow “Lights Up” and “Adore You” at the top. “As It Was” just dropped off the chart after reaching #4, and perhaps it would have got to #1 had I not got burned on it through exposure everywhere, but I’m very happy for that song’s success.
I previously announced that “Daydreaming” and “Superstar” by Darin were my personal songs of summer, and fittingly, right in the middle of summer, both songs are back-to-back, with the breezy and effortless-sounding “Superstar” climbing 5-2.
Congratulations to Manila Killa on his top notch album release Dusk! I look forward to seeing him perform again in Toronto in October. Meanwhile, the title song from the album, in collaboration with Canada’s own Lights, rises 9-5.
Conan Gray breaks into the Top 10 for the first time with “Memories” moving up 11-7.
I can’t say that I’m a fan of the Renaissance album, but “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé is still one hot track, climbing 14-8.
Toronto’s Francesco Yates has the Fastest Riser on the chart with the rocking “Jimi” rising 24-11. You can catch Francesco across North America opening for the Backstreet Boys on tour.
Javi’s glorious cover of Sade’s “Cherish The Day” closes in on the Top 10 by climbing 18-12.
Sweden’s Louis Pax have a fun pop bop called “Ophelia”, their second chart entry, moving up 21-15.
As Frankmusik continues to re-record songs from his 2009 album Complete Me, his “completed” new version of “Confusion Girl” moves up 23-17. It’s his 16th chart entry, which includes one recorded under the pseudonym Vincent Did It.
“You” by UK/Irish producers Menrva and sensational U.S. vocalist MOYA is well on its way, making a nice 29-21 jump.
Providing some Madonna-esque retro vibes is Canadian-German duo Lola Dutronic, whose fun “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)” rises 30-23.
Four new entries are led by veteran NYC vocalist Petawane with his beautiful multi-decade tribute to soul songs and singers called “Music”, which bows at #22. The song is getting splendid reaction especially in the UK, which continues to have a thriving soul music scene. Watch out for this one!
Next at #26 is “Free Yourself” by Jessie Ware, who continues on the dance/house tip with a new song that once again features an excellent vocal. Maybe the Grammys will recognize her at last next year? It’s her 12th chart entry, including her initial appearance, a feature on a re-release of Miguel’s “Adorn”.
Orangeville brothers and producers DVBBS return to the chart with the melodic “Summer Nights” at #28. This one is already a Top 30 radio hit in Canada, made especially strong being a collaboration with blog mainstay Brandyn Burnette! It’s DVBBS’ fourth entry on the chart and first since 2016. It’s Brandyn’s 19th as a lead or featured artist. He’s also had entries under his moniker EMAN8 and as one half of Cosmos & Creature. “Summer Nights” is also DVBBS’ first independent release since before their “Tsunami” days.
The fourth entry is the arpeggio-filled and emotional dance track “Stained Glass” by German producer Severman, Indian producer Arshan Joel, and NYC vocalist Robbie Rosen at #29. It’s a first time entry for the two producers, and is prolific Robbie’s 9th entry in under two years, which already resulted in a #1 last year with “Sanctuary” with Dutch producer Howen.
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.
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 Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST.
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. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
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.
“Castles” has the hybrid distinction of being upbeat and inspiring, as well as touching and sentimental. It’s brought to you by Orlando-based singer/songwriter Tonner, who is perhaps better known as being a producer for the last 10 years or so as well as a member of indie Tik Tok favourites The 502’s. A few years back, Tonner decided to step into the spotlight and hasn’t looked back since, while still producing and being part of The 502’s. “Castles” is a beautifully written song that acts as a source of gentle escape for those who have experienced loss or have found difficulty coping through the pandemic. The imaginative lyrics, set to a mellow electronic production, are highly appealing with a lot of bright summery touches. If you enjoy songs by singers like Ed Sheeran, James Bay, or Mokita, then “Castles” is especially for you, although it reminds me a lot melodically of Marc Cohn’s “Walking In Memphis”.
It’s almost the middle of the summer, and the feel-good summer songs are definitely making their impact with me. Aside from a couple of great softer songs to have in the mix, the upbeat songs are flourishing on my stereo, and some debut this week and will continue to do so in the coming weeks. And in two weeks I’ll be visiting Las Vegas for the first time in six years and will have access to attend electronic dance music shows by The Chainsmokers, Marshmello, Loud Luxury, Cash Cash, Dillon Francis, NGHTMRE, Tiësto and others for pool parties and evening events, which promises to be a vacation like I’ve never experienced before! It’s going to be extremely hot too so I will try not to get scorched. The next chart will be posted after I return, on Tuesday, August 2.
Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
The xx’s Oliver Sim hangs on to #1 for a second appearance (4th week) with his Prince-worthy “Romance with a Memory” (above). But he’ll be challenged in two weeks by Benson Boone’s captivating “In The Stars” (holding at #2) and Harry Styles’ glistening “Daydreaming” (9-3, below), which I hope will eventually be promoted at radio.
The Fastest Riser zips into the Top 5, and it’s the incredibly summery “Superstar” by Sweden’s Darin (14-5). It’s Darin’s third Top 5, following two #1’s, “Can’t Stay Away” and “Holding Me More”. Will it get its turn at #1 too?
henrikz and Danny Dearden inch up 7-6 with their beautifully sung house track “Mind of Mine”.
Also new in the Top 10 are: “Afterglow” (above) by Nicky Romero, GATTUSO and Jared Lee, rising 11-8. It’s the first Top 10 for Nicky and GATTUSO, but third for Jared following “Those Were The Days” (with Midnight Kids, #5) and “Ain’t Deep Enough” (with Autograf, #3). And Manila Killa and Lights soar 17-9 with their collaboration “Dusk” (below) which is the title track of Manila Killa’s new album, out on July 22.
Conan Gray scores his highest charting song to date as “Memories” (above), from his new album Superache, moves up 13-11. Listen to another thoughtful track from Superache called “Yours”, below.
Had there not been so many other songs that I love ahead of it, “Break My Soul” by Beyoncé would have jumped to a higher position. Instead it scores a not-too-shabby 21-14 leap which positions it well for the Top 10 in two weeks.
Also keep your eyes on the three other debuts from two weeks ago. Louis Pax’s “Ophelia” (27-21, new video above) is a real grower, Steve Void and Sharon Doorson’s cover of Crystal Waters’ “Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee)” (28-22, below) will keep you grooving, and Frankmusik’s redux of “Confusion Girl” (30-23, also below) turns it into a contemporary pop bop.
The Highest Debut is Francesco Yates’ impressive and addictive “Jimi” which bows at #24. The Toronto-born singer/songwriter/guitarist’s last two chart entries did well, “Bad Decisions” reached #5 in 2020 while the steamy “Late Night Love” peaked at #3 in early 2021. It’s his sixth chart entry overall.
After landing at #2 earlier this year with “Play It Cool” (featuring Island Banks), UK/Irish duo Menrva are back on the chart with “You”, a collaboration with American belter MOYA, which bows at #29. It’s also the duo’s first release in a new deal with Capitol Records!
Rounding out the chart is Canadian/German duo Lola Dutronic with their retrospective look at summers gone by with “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)” at #30. It’s their first chart entry, though Lola Dutronic has been around for about 20 years in one form or another, with Canadian producer/songwriter Richard Citroen being the constant.
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.
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.
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
SEVERMAN, ARSHAN JOEL and ROBBIE ROSEN, “Stained Glass”
Call it a weakness, but glorious arpeggios will get to me almost every time, provided they are surrounded by the right song, production, and vocals. And “Stained Glass”, which is a co-write by Germany’s Severman, India’s Arshan Joel, and NYC singer/songwriter and former “American Idol” contestant Robbie Rosen, scores in all departments. I’ll forever associate arpeggios with a big room sound that was popular between 2010 and 2015, a sound that some producers wrongly squawk about as being dated. “Stained Glass” is more than suitable as a club or festival anthem, with its lyrics about putting the past behind and seeing the colours of the future through the title object. Though I understand this release was long in the making, it’s rare that you would find Robbie’s vocal associated with a potential festival banger. But everyone’s hard work lifts this song to the next level, and I’m hopeful that the right club DJ and festival programmers’ ears will land on it.
Hypnotic rhythms and a sultry male vocal lead the way in “Give It All Up”, the latest release by Emirati dance producers/songwriters Revelries and L.A. producer/songwriter Sam Smyers. These guys are make it all sound easy with the slick sounds of “Give It All Up”. They previously released one of my favourite tracks of 2018 “Don’t Think Twice” (with vocalist Oktavian, reaching #2 on my personal chart), and have had other solid collabs since like “End Up Like That”. And making it easy doesn’t mean there’s a boring formula, this is simply high quality work – knowing how to make a winning vocal, a brisk house rhythm, and a regretful story of infatuation all gel together – that stands out and will immediately grab your attention.
I had the pleasure of being in the audience for Two Friends’ high octane return to Toronto on June 30, and got to hear “Timebomb” the day before release. It’s an enjoyable, energetic track that draws a lot from the early 2000’s melodically – think Blink 182, Good Charlotte, American Hi-Fi, and others. But of course, being a Two Friends release, you can expect some big synths and drops which ramp up both the song’s likeability and its power in concert. Minnesota native Mod Sun brings big attitude and edge to his vocal, and it couldn’t be any better of a match. While he’s had more than a 10 year career, it wasn’t till recent years working with Machine Gun Kelly, blackbear, Travis Barker, and of course now-fiancée Avril Lavigne that his style and talent have come to fruition. This one is destined to be a staple in Two Friends’ sets, and is a nice contrast to their recent sentimental dance radio hit with John.k, “Wish You Were Here”.
Dutch dance producers Lucas and Steve have been acquiring fans worldwide over the last decade with their energetic live shows at some of the biggest festivals and venues. This time, these prolific guys team up with New York City producer CRCLE for “Every Day”. And if the song seems familiar, it should be: Its playful verses are from American pop/R&B group Jade’s 1995 hit “Every Day of the Week”. But the three producers surround that chorus with a punchy new mix of synths which are guaranteed to get club and festival audiences supercharged. Then the chorus takes over and a crowded dance floor ensues. “Every Day” is smart and on point and is ready-made for dance music radio airplay too.
While I was on vacation recently in NYC, I didn’t write any blog posts, so of course the songs accumulate while I’m away. My solution: It’s “10/10” time with edition #27! In “10/10”,I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention. I 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. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I wouldn’t otherwise get to write about. Songs often end up on my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30. They may even receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for my radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!
PETAWANE, “Music”
The heart and soul of contemporary soul music lives and breathes in the form of veteran NYC singer Petawane (aka James Burris). His recent release “Music” is a passionate tribute to soul music of the recent past, and name-checks so many songs and performers in the process that it’s hard to keep track. “Music” could have been easily executed as a novelty track, but instead you’ll embrace it and put it on repeat. Petawane has a classic vocal style that’s influenced by the best, from Sam Cooke and Nat “King” Cole, to Curtis Mayfield and Teddy Pendergrass, to Patti LaBelle and Millie Jackson. He’s also a three-time winner of “Showtime At The Apollo”, and signed to legendary music executive Ray Caviano’s RFC Fresh label, so with “Music” you can expect something exceptional.
SHOWTEK and MC AMBUSH, “Welcome Back Home”
Longtime electronic dance producers, The Netherlands’ Showtek, have worked with many artists over the years on too many numerous smashes to count, and continue to come through with a fantastic, fun release. “Welcome Back Home” is a feel good, inclusive song uniting people with love and music. Netherlands-based American vocalist MC Ambush – whose notable work goes back to Kevin Lyttle’s classic “Turn Me On” in 2003 – provides the encouraging, anthemic vocal that carries the song over its buoyant and well-crafted synths and melody. Club DJ’s who want their audiences to cheer will want to crank up “Welcome Back Home” in their sets.
SHOFFY, “Nightmares in NYC”
Over the past few years, L.A.-based singer, songwriter and producer Shoffy (aka Alex Shofler) has garnered success at both Top 40 radio and on the dance music scene with his varied takes on electronic pop. In fact, the quietly introspective but direct “Flags”, from his 2017 self-titled album, reached #2 on my personal chart, and I played that song and others from the album for months. His new release “Nightmares in NYC” is laid back, reflective electronica, about being lonely in a city where it’s impossible to be alone, yet when missing someone who is thousands of miles away becomes the centre of your focus, then you might as well be in a desert instead of NYC. Shoffy’s every-guy vocal and thoughtful songwriting style here will appeal to fans of Lauv and John.k.
GLASS PETALS and DREW RAY TANNER, “Cardio”
As its title implies, “Cardio” is destined to give night club dancers a real workout with its heavy bass synths pounding from big speakers. Glass Petals is the deep house side project for Canadian producer Felix Cartal with fellow producer Johnny Jover, and it follows up the recent “Leave Your Mind Behind” once again for the Hau5trap label. TV’s “Riverdale” fans might be doing a double take at the second artist featured – fellow Canadian Drew Ray Tanner, aka Fangs Fogarty, one of my favourite characters on the show. His distorted voice provides the sublimely ominous vocal that will compel you to give it your all on the dance floor. Just say “Fangs made me do it”.
FUTURE KINGS and LIFFORD, “Brick House”
If you’re looking for some house music that’s laced with funky sounds, then you should be undoubtedly satisfied by this cover of The Commodores’ “Brick House” by UK producers Future Kings and British R&B/pop vocalist Lifford for Oliver Heldens’ OH2 label. While the original is certainly still heard all over the world in clubs today, Future Kings (Alex Ross and Paul Webb) deliberately turn the song on its side with a sassy, trance-house production that breathes some new life into it. And it’s helped even further by Lifford Shillingford’s compelling, rich voice, which gives it more contemporary flair while still sounding like a mix of classic Joe Simon and Clarence Carter. Fans of “Britain’s Got Talent” will also know Lifford from his performances on that show in season 12. Future Kings and Lifford deliver “Brick House” 2022 which will go down easy in clubs.
MELØ, “XEX”
At the top of the year, I introduced you to Windsor, Ontario singer/songwriter MELØ and his catchy single “Mysteria”. You can find that song as well as three more on his EP Things We Lost, including the intriguing “XEX”. Again drawing from a myriad of influences that transport you back to the middle of the 80’s, and I might be entirely wrong, but “XEX” to me is an anthem to that which is intangible or unexplainable in the world, which is encouraging to those who always enjoy a good mystery. In some ways MELØ’s songwriting in “XEX” reminds me of British pop group China Crisis, who have an art for writing songs that often are about nothing in particular. That places a lot of emphasis on the production, harmonies and melody, which are all solid on “XEX”.
SAGE CASTLEBERRY, “I Kinda Like It”
A charming, versatile voice goes a long way over jangly guitars and perky synths. Michigan-raised Sage Castleberry definitely has the goods as a singer, songwriter and guitarist as he proves in “I Kinda Like It”. The song’s about recognizing that it’s perfectly fine to have someone to talk to and keep you company when you’re feeling lonely, without having to commit to a relationship. “I Kinda Like It” will appeal to fans of Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Bruno Mars. Sage Castleberry isn’t an easy name to forget, and his high energy level and earnestness will take him far.
STEVEXCOOPER & ROTHSTEIN, “Water Wings”
“Water Wings” is an upbeat new song with minimal synths carrying a slight but infectious melody, brought to you by Brooklyn producer stevexcooper and vocalist Rothstein. The song is from their upcoming EP What Are You Made Of?, and is a delight for alternative and college radio fans. Steve Cooper has had a nearly 20 year career in the music industry, and his flair for the atypical with a lot of genuine touches in “Water Wings” is impressive to the ears. You’re guaranteed to dig “Water Wings” from first listen, even if you don’t quite know why, which makes the subsequent listens all the more inviting.
BRUNO FURLAN with MEDUSA, “Nobody”
“Nobody” is an inspired house track whose roots show reverence for the 80’s house of producers like Todd Terry. Producer Bruno Furlan hails from Brazil, and he’s got a heater here that’s guaranteed to put some big bounce into any club set. The song is led by the enticing voice of Medusa, who has brought her talents to many electronic and house tracks. From start to finish, “Nobody” is a dancefloor winner.
BEXX, “One More Night”
There’s an interesting story behind how “One More Night” came to be. It’s brought to you by new UK pop/dance singer bexx who hopes to follow the successes of fellow Brits like Becky Hill and Rina Sawayama. The endless positive vibes of “One More Night” were inspired by the film “My Best Friend’s Wedding”, despite bexx going through a breakup at the time of writing. As you can see from the joyous video above, it’s a bright, solid three minute pop tune that show’s off bexx’s sharp vocal as well.
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