Tag Archives: electronica

Drift away to the blissful EDM of “I Wanna Be (Free)” by @BrandynBurnette

https://soundcloud.com/brandynburnette/i-wanna-be-free

BRANDYN BURNETTE, “I Wanna Be (Free)”

Talented and prolific L.A.-based singer/songwriter Brandyn Burnette took a brief pause with his output of recent original songs, which are all available on his Soundcloud page.  What he was holding back in his pocket though until yesterday is a song that reaches way outside of the box in terms of what he’s created thus far.  “I Wanna Be (Free)” is surely one of his most delightful, gorgeous songs.  It’s a lighter European pop-inspired EDM record that will transport you to whatever sunny day on whatever beach you want, where you can just close your eyes and drift away to its blissful vocal arrangement and melody.  It really makes me think of the Beach Boys or Phil Spector productions from when I was much younger, a bit heavier on atmosphere than your usual Brandyn Burnette song.  Nonetheless, with contributions from producers/songwriters The Chemistri, Brandyn’s gal Molly Moore, and singer Miesa, “I Wanna Be (Free)” is a big WOW moment for the singer and should be one of the anchors of his upcoming album.  It’s also the kind of song that will prompt instant reaction when performed in concert.  I’m so pleased to see how much Brandyn continues to grow, and you can it plainly in “I Wanna Be (Free)” through the link above.

Defining ‘throwback’: @GiorgioMoroder and @Sia deliver “Deja Vu”

GIORGIO MORODER featuring SIA, “Deja Vu”

The first Giorgio Moroder album in 30 years, now called Deja Vu, is one of the most anticipated records for me for 2015, and it arrives in June, featuring contributions from Britney Spears, Mikky Ekko, Matthew Koma, Foxes, Charli XCX, and others.  After the success of his pairing with Kylie Minogue on “Right Here Right Now” (which peaked at #4 on my chart) comes the title song with vocal by Sia.  To me this is as much of a throwback to Giorgio’s classic records of the 70’s, and Sia sometimes has amazing flourishes in her voice that sound heavily inspired by Donna Summer.  Perhaps it’s not as adventurous or over-the-top sounding as Sia’s songs from her own album, but like Chic’s “I’ll Be There”, “Deja Vu” is an airy, danceable paean to the happy era where people were content to dance the night away.  I’m hoping that “Deja Vu” will light up radio station ears too – not to be missed!

EDM treasure trove: 11 songs by @Parralox on “Aeronaut”

PARRALOX, Aeronaut

You’ve already read my recent rave blog post about the New Order-meets-Human League flavoured title song from Australian duo Parralox’s latest Aeronaut (featuring backup vox by the other member of Parralox, singer Johanna Gervin).  And John von Ahlen is one busy guy, with another record called Subculture coming later in the year.  Wearing both 80’s inspiration and today’s technology on his sleeve, John incorporates his original style with far too many elements and sounds of the last three and a half decades or so to identify.  And it makes Aeronaut a pleasure to hear (and dance to!) throughout.  

Right after John’s remix of “Aeronaut” comes “Atmosphere”, which is going to take you back music and sound-wise to the days of Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Trevor Horn indulgences.  It’s got a huge boom to it and could easily mashup with “Relax” or “Two Tribes”!  “Do You Feel What I Feel” happily channels industrial dance of the 80’s reminiscent of Front 242 or Nitzer Ebb, while the lighter “Mystery” is right up Thompson Twins territory.  “Somebody II” (in original ballad or dance remix form) is a perfect companion to Depeche Mode’s own “Somebody”.  And the album closes off with the innovative and progressive instrumental “Zero”, which stands beautifully next to such recent releases as Giorgio Moroder’s “74 Is The New 24” or Pet Shop Boys’ “Axis”.  

So if you long for the halcyon 80’s days or are interested in hearing songs outside of the mainstream but essential for clubs, then Aeronaut is for you!  Well done to John and Parralox, and Subculture will definitely have my attention when it arrives!  Check out the beautifully shot video for “Aeronaut” above (ahhhhh Paris how I miss you!).

Reeemix! @Röyksopp meets @ThePresets for “I Had This Thing”

https://soundcloud.com/user413261292/royksopp-i-had-this-thing-the-presets-remix

ROYKSOPP, “I Had This Thing” (The Presets Remix)

It’s a fine thing indeed when a fun remix makes you revisit the original song.  In this case we have Grammy-nominated Norwegian duo Röyksopp from their album The Inevitable End with “I Had This Thing”, featuring vocal from Jamie from The Irrepressibles.  It’s a haunting, sad song, and like so many wonderful dance records, when the rhythm kicks in, the song really pulls you in.  In the original setting, I picture the singer looking out a rainy window while the rhythm gradually takes over.  In the driving 80s remix from Australia’s The Presets, visualize the singer standing in a sparse discotheque that slowly begins to fill with people as the relentless rhythm continues.  The Presets also adjust the vocal, making it seem a little remote, which actually brings out both the sadness (albeit to me under a bright disco ball) and sensuality.  So a disconnected Depeche Mode feel from The Presets through Röyksopp works beautifully, if you follow me 😉  “I Had This Thing” is soon to be a new favourite, I do think so!

 

Zorro Blakk (@zblakk) is back with “Imagine The Future” and a remarkable video

ZORRO BLAKK, “Imagine The Future”

Following up last year’s album full of electropop delights, The Fairy Tale Of Zorro Blakk, the talented singer/songwriter brings us yet another confection, “Imagine The Future”, from the forthcoming album The Golden Years.  The song serves as a fine introduction to what’s to come – gentle and melodic europop that sketches out an interesting story.  Even better, an evocative tale is brought to life by tying in a remarkable, fascinating, and absorbing video by Brent Bonacorso.  For many years I’ve always considered videos to be mere marketing tools, but every now and again one like this one comes along that it is so enthralling, and “Imagine The Future” is one of the best I’ve seen in recent years.  I’m not going to give anything away – and have a few tissues handy – it will not take you to the point that a clip from “The Wizard Of Oz” is revealed to realize where the video may lead you.  It transforms “Imagine The Future” into a story of adventure, love, loss, solitude, fear, and ultimately contentment.  I can’t wait to hear more new Zorro Blakk songs from The Golden Years, and will keep you all posted 🙂

Dance music bliss pairs @DJMirkoB with @AntonEwald for “Higher”

DJ MIRKO B featuring ANTON EWALD, “Higher”

Well this fortunate pairing came somewhat out of the blue, but works like a dream.  Italian producer DJ Mirko B features Sweden’s current golden boy Anton Ewald on “Higher”.  The song has already made significant dents in the European dance market, and by all rights North America shouldn’t be far behind (though the song doesn’t appear to be available in Canada yet).  It’s high arpeggio-laden progressive Italo-disco that will easily have dance club patrons jumping.  But the song is more accessible than that – it will have you immediately recalling recent releases by the likes of Nervo, Nicky Romero, or even Calvin Harris.  “Higher” deserves to be a smash – well done to both fine talents for putting it together.  Watch the lyric video above.

BILLCS Top 30 #454 – April 6, 2015

There’s no shortage of influx of new songs on the chart – in this edition there are five debuts.  Some songs are sliding down the chart a little faster than usual to make room for strong songs out to cut their chart teeth 🙂

The Top 10

  • After 4 appearances and 8 weeks, Brandyn Burnette’s “Sleeve” gives way (slipping to #3) to Years & Years’ “King”, which advances 6 to 1.  The UK trio is probably the first quarter’s ‘one to watch’… looking for North American radio play to kick in soon for “King”!

  • I’m looking forward to seeing Canadian band Smashing Satellites return to home turf on Tuesday April 7.  In the meantime, their latest “Waterfall” climbs 7-4!

  • Right behind, as “Pieces” slips out of the Top 10, there is always room for more Jessie Ware, who herself performed another Toronto show last night.  “Champagne Kisses” rises 9-5.

  • The fastest riser on the chart is one of the most affecting new pop songs around with an infectious hip hop vibe.  I’m talking about “Chasing Stars” by Canadians Corey Niles and Alex Lacasse, which soars up the chart 15-6.

  • UK singer/producer Shift K3Y moves up 8-7 with “I Know”.  Watch the video for his new single “Name & Number” (also above) as well!

  • Honorary Torontonian Daniel Robinson lands in the Top 10 with his pleasing slice of electropop “Moonmolt”, up 11-9.

  • The last new entry into the Top 10 belongs to “Hurricane”, the latest single by Lifehouse, rising 12-10.

Movin’ On Up

  • Eric Saade’s latest single has some great lyrics that get in your face all the right ways.  The fun “Sting” moves 17-12.

  • I’m glad Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour has had such long legs because in its numerous single releases they saved one of its best songs for the latest release.  “Lay Me Down” climbs 20-15.  And you can get it in #1 UK duet flavour with John Legend too!

  • More Years & Years?  Why not 🙂 From their self-titled EP and forthcoming album Communion, the house-inflected “Desire” rises 24-16.

  • I wrote about some fine recent cover versions of “Earned It” by fellow Torontonian The Weeknd recently.  The actual hit from “50 Shades Of Grey” jumps 21-18.

  • “No Talk” is one of the most interesting, different records round as performed by Toronto’s River Tiber, having been sampled in Drake’s “No Tellin”‘.  It has a hypnotic effect, is a real grower, and is going to be a contender in the coming weeks.  “No Talk” moves up 27-19.

Those 5 Debuts

This is a chart for looking back at a couple of performers who I wrote about late last year.

  • I wrote about “Hold Back The River” by UK singer/songwriter James Bay back in October.  I wasn’t sure if James’ catchy blend of folk and rock would catch on, but then came Hozier’s success and all of a sudden critical kudos started coming forward for James.  Then recently, the song landed at #2 in the UK.  “Hold Back The River” debuts at #23 from James’ debut album Chaos & The Calm.

  • Just as “Jealous” was breaking loose at Top 40 radio, and on the eve of the release of his self-titled album in November, I wrote about Nick Jonas’ songs “Teacher” and “Avalanche”.  I didn’t end up writing about “Chains” at the time of its video release, since the record company shelved it and went with “Jealous”.  I’m so glad they returned to “Chains”, and it arrives on my chart at #24.  Nick joins brother Joe and his old band the Jonas Brothers with his first chart entry!

  • It’s been a while since Canadian R&B queen Jully Black graced this chart, though she’s never been out of the public eye with her many TV and in-person appearances.  Her latest single “Fever” is a unique slice of R&B pop that should by all rights be a huge radio hit in Canada.  It bows on the chart at #25.  Jully has announced a Toronto concert, on May 5 at the Phoenix Concert Theatre!

  • Steve Grand’s All-American Boy album arrived at the end of March after a Kickstarter project that raised over $327,000, and my favourite new song from the album has arrived on my chart.  “We Are The Night” debuts at #26.

  • The last new entry is the best song from the EP Birds by Bad W0lfy and Simon Curtis, aka Wrathschild!  “Cosmonaut” joins the pair’s many other songs to grace my chart, and it premieres at #27.

The Full Chart

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 for My New Music Pick Of The Week on D-Moos.com!

Every week I feature a New Music Pick of the Week on D-Moos, which is usually either on my chart or may soon be!  Listen in amid the great variety of older music as I bring cutting edge new music to the rotation of over 20,000+ songs!!

The 1980’s become one with the 2010’s in “Aeronaut” by Australia’s @Parralox

https://soundcloud.com/parralox/aeronaut/s-GREN8

PARRALOX, “Aeronaut”

The 1980’s are in great hands with creative burgeoning talents like Parralox’s John von Ahlen.  Parralox’s 2013 album Recovery was a massive musical love-fest with the 1980’s, embracing popular performers like Madonna and more obscure acts such as fellow Aussies Q-Lazzarus, and other music heavily influenced by the era.  

With John’s voice it would be easy to say “Aeronaut” sounds mainly like music of the Depeche Mode/Erasure mold – and, no surprise, Parralox did in fact open up for Erasure in England on their last tour! – but then he mixes it up with a flawless selection of keyboard and percussive sounds that draw from countless other sources as diverse as Rick Astley, New Order, and, what came first to my mind, another fellow Aussie band Real Life (“Send Me An Angel”).

Most of all “Aeronaut” is both fun and riveting.  While John’s voice is front and centre, he is the first to feature other voices, like in the past with former member Amii Jackson, Ryan Adamés (who with Amii gave extra dimension to a cover of Noel’s “Silent Morning”), and Francine (last year’s European dance club hit “Crying On The Dancefloor”), and here it’s Johanna Gervin.  Moving towards the 6th album release for Parralox, “Aeronaut” instantly dazzles and should win over club DJ’s whose audiences are full of 80’s and 90’s dance music fans who enjoy mixing it up a bit.  

For now, until its official release, you can hear “Aeronaut” on Parralox’s Soundcloud page above.

BILLCS Top 30 #453 – March 23, 2015

There’s a groundswell of movement happening on the chart, but the Top 5 stays exactly the same as two weeks ago…  It will give way two weeks from now, but what songs will advance?

The Top 10

https://soundcloud.com/brandynburnette/01-sleeve

  • I cannot complain with such an ace Top 5 of songs by Brandyn Burnette (4th appearance, 8 weeks at the top – not bad for a song still not on official release!!), Chris Jamison, Jessie Ware, Giorgio/Kylie, and newcomer Graham Alexander!  Brandyn has more new music for us next month.  Chris has been performing somewhere each week and returns to his native Pittsburgh, plus he’s also back on “The Voice” this week with Matt McAndrew.  Jessie is coming back to North America.  Giorgio/Kylie are killing it in Australia.  Graham has gigs in NYC and Albany on deck.  A busy Top 5 is a great Top 5!

  • After wowing ’em in Austin this past week at SXSW, Years & Years should be making huge inroads to the North American audience in the next few weeks.  Leading the way from their fantastic EP (and now forthcoming album Communion) is “King”, which advances 10-6.

  • The fastest riser on the chart belongs to Canadian quartet Smashing Satellites with “Waterfall”.  The band has received much attention in the US, where they are currently touring, but will be back on home turf in April for some shows.  “Waterfall” soars 13-7.

  • What could be better in the Top 10 than TWO Jessie Ware songs?  “Champagne Kisses” moves up 14-9.

  • Mikky Ekko receives his third Top 10 hit on this chart in less than a year with “Riot” from his debut album Time.  It climbs 15-10.

Movin’ On Up

  • Buffalo NY electropop singer Daniel Robinson is inching closer to the Top 10, as his melodic and mysterious “Moonmolt” moves up a notch 12-11.

  • Lifehouse’s latest song “Hurricane” is a real grower and a promising lead in to their upcoming album Out Of The Wasteland.  This rocker storms up the chart 17-12.

  • All of the last chart’s high flying debuts get caught in a bit of a log jam behind all of the great movement happening above.  Erasure’s third single from The Violet Flame, “Sacred”, moves 18-13; “Chasing Stars” by Canadians Corey Niles and Alex Lacasse should by all rights be a domestic radio hit soon, and rises 19-15; “When It Rains, It Pours” is the first new music from Austin duo DATABOY in a while, and it advances 20-16.

  • “Alive” is a great team-up of new producer/DJ Mi Disguise with BILLCS Chart favourite Adam Tyler!  The song climbs 22-19.

Debuts

  • “Heroes” by Måns Zelmerlöw ultimately won Sweden’s Melodifestivalen festival this year, but nonetheless competitor “Sting” by Eric Saade is likely his best song since his Saade Volume Two album was released in late 2011.  “Sting” bows at #17, and only makes me want to hear more new Saade songs!

  • There seems to be a neverending parade of hits from the Grammy winning Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour, which is back at #1 in the UK.  The gorgeous “Lay Me Down” is the latest, and Sam also holds at #1 on the UK Singles chart in a revamped version featuring John Legend.  “Lay Me Down” arrives at #20 on my chart.

  • I can’t get enough of Years & Years, and so their previous single, the retro-house flavoured “Desire” (which I wrote about in December), premieres at #24 to complement the Top 10 (and former UK #1) “King”.

  • The fourth debut is by Toronto’s River Tiber with “No Talk”.  This unique, multi-layered, hip hop flavoured song is sampled in Drake’s “No Tellin'”, but to me is the better song of the two.  “No Talk” debuts at #27.  River Tiber has already been to my Top 10 several times, including to #1 in 2013 with “Someday”.

The Full Chart

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 for My New Music Pick Of The Week on D-Moos.com!

Every week I feature a New Music Pick of the Week on D-Moos, which is usually either on my chart or may soon be!  Listen in amid the great variety of older music as I bring cutting edge new music to the rotation of over 20,000+ songs!!

 

NYC Singer @Reigenmusic Shows His Versatility with “Another Dimension”… and Covering @Sia’s “Chandelier”

REIGEN, “Another Dimension” and “Chandelier” (Sia cover)

NYC singer/songwriter Reigen Miller isn’t looking to follow a conventional path with his blend of electronica and pop.  After the emotional electro-balled “Come Back To Me” (peaking recently at #2 on my personal chart), which has every potential to be a pop hit, Reigen returns with a funky slice of alternative dance music with “Another Dimension” (above).  It’s got this drunken, lazy kind of feel to it in somewhat contrast to Reigen’s sometimes breathy vocal which is peppered with the same kind of high notes found in “Come Back To Me”.  It’s an obvious example of how versatile Reigen is and shows how much he enjoys his craft.

As well, I will ask you to turn your ear to Reigen’s cover of Sia’s “Chandelier” (below), which he recorded last summer.  It’s as different as Sia’s original.  The song is meant to be almost ‘over the top’ but perhaps some of his vocal could be less exaggerated in spots.  Yet there is not a note out of place, and that makes it inspiring, captivating and worthy of your attention – Reigen can likely nail it in live performance.