MRKO is an ambitious electronic dance producer from L.A. who will grab your immediate attention with the striking deep house of “Dark Ocean”. It’s a taut mix featuring an inviting vocal by Sophia Ilys that builds steadily with its haunting melody. What’s lovely about “Dark Ocean” is that MRKO doesn’t overwhelm the song with huge synths and saves them for their own showcase later in the song. As someone who grew up with a myriad of musical influences from James Brown to The Police to Justice to Lane 8, the reference points in “Dark Ocean” have been disguised well, though a nod to 2000’s trance of Armin van Buuren and Above & Beyond could be factored in. “Dark Ocean” is a great introduction to MRKO’s world. You can often find him spinning tunes on Neon Owl Radio on Twitch, and any record label wanting to invest in a surefire hit needs to check out his recent release “Gotta Good Thing”.
STEVE VOID and SHARON DOORSON, “Gypsy Woman (La Da Di)”
Through his Strange Fruits Music collective, label owner and electronic dance producer Steve Void nails a remake of Crystal Waters’ classic 90’s pop and dance hit “Gypsy Woman (La Da Di)” – I still have my original 12″ vinyl of it. Undeniably one of my own personal favourites of that era, I was a little hesistant about what to expect. But Steve found the right vocalist with former “The Voice of Holland” contestant Sharon Doorson, who connects well with the same vibe and vocal style of the original. The too brief 2:27 length is less to my liking, but the arrangement is a touch faster than the original, and best of all Steve and team do not mess with a good thing with the song’s overall highly recognizable sound, which should help make “Gypsy Woman” a go-to cover for clubs in the summer of ’22.
As regular readers of this blog know, I’ve been happy to be a frequent listener on the 7 year ride of pop/dance duo Sofi Tukker from the get-go with the Grammy-nominated “Drinkee”. Sofi Tukker recently released their sophomore album WET TENNIS, which follows 2018’s Treehouse, for which they also received a Grammy nomination. The album offers recent singles “Original Sin”, “Sun Came Up” (with John Summit), and “Mon Cheri” (with Amadou & Mariam), which reached #2 on my personal chart late last year. I’ve delved into the album to draw your attention to “Hold”, which is a collaboration with UK-US duo BOII. It’s a stylish, sophisticated dance tune, considerably different from their singles, and even more compelling thanks to downright swoon-worthy vocals by Sophie Hawley-Weld and BOII’s Adam Welsh. “Hold” is a song where you’ll want to cuddle up really close to a special someone, either on the dance floor or somewhere more private. It’s instantly one of my favourite Sofi Tukker songs.
At the end of 2021, Canadian production duo We Are Fury were dabbling with drum ‘n bass sounds in their song “Belong”. Since then, they continue to hone their skills in the future bass sub-genre with a new EP on the way called The Lost and The Damned. Their most recent single “Crown” will be included in that EP. The dark and intriguing song features a lead vocal by new Washington DC-based singer Brassie, with the chorus anchored by the familiar voice of California singer Kyle Reynolds, who you’ve already heard on songs by the likes of Griffyn, Said the Sky, and Two Friends, among others. Brassie’s vocal teases and entices you in, while Kyle sings about the focus of the story in “Crown”. That production and synth work is skilful, creative and playful, which makes “Crown” one of We Are Fury’s best singles to date. Check out the compelling video above – it looks like Joachim and Stuart of We Are Fury got to have the blindfolded roles throughout!
As fans of the talented singer, songwriter and producer already know, Frankmusik is currently re-recording the songs from his debut 2009 album Complete Me and releasing them as he finishes them. “Confusion Girl” was an unconventional electronic delight of its time and was my introduction to Frankmusik, peaking at #11 on my personal chart. He totally dispenses with the original arrangement and gives the excellent song a new lease on life as “Confusion Girl Completed”, now transformed into an undeniable pop-dance bop. The redux is representative of his best and most infectious songs and should get a whole new bunch of believers as a result. If you loved the original, you’ll love this one too, maybe even more.
“Tuff” by VASSY and GT_ofice is a fun, punchy dance song currently making its way up my personal chart that might be a hard act to follow. But Miami producer GT_ofice found its successor with “Moving On”, a relatable house track featuring singer and co-writer Britt Lari, also on my chart singing on Syence’s insanely catchy “don’t you wanna know”. The melody and rhythm are key to creating a memorable groove under Britt’s resolute vocal. So “Moving On” should be easily embraced by those dance radio stations that love and are still playing “Tuff”.
“Tuff” also recently received a series of remixes in a new EP designed for clubs and festivals, with a couple of notable highlights from a pair of Australian remixers. Kondo has the most fun with deeper house elements that seem to draw from late 90’s favourites, while Mind Electric alters the pacing more deliberately and adds some percussion flavours which give his remix added sparkle. Check ’em all out below.
THE DISCO FRIES and DANNY & TARIQ, “Weight Off” (club mix)
“Weight Off” is a top drawer collaboration between NYC’s The Disco Fries and busy Dutch producers Danny & Tariq. I’m focusing on the Club Mix here because if its impeccable progressive fusion of trance and house elements. While pure 90’s/early 2000’s trance is in big comeback mode, not too many artists marry it with another dance sub-genre. So just when you might think it’s another fun house rave up, along come these cool European-sounding synths which send the song off in a different and welcome direction. Its taut pacing and dramatic middle set piece makes “Weight Off” a no brainer for clubs and festivals.
Due to the fact that there are a lot of songs on the BILLCS Top 30 that I really love, there’s plenty of activity, just not a lot of really BIG movement. This is quite a contrast to my charts of 15 or 20 years ago when many songs would debut high on the chart and spend a longer time at the top before they dropped down the chart. Within the last seven or eight years, songs have usually started off in the 20’s and made a steady climb before peaking and then making a often a big drop. I think this has to do with the sheer volume of music that’s available now, and less reliance on influence from Top 40 radio and major labels, which makes the chart much more unique and personal. Anyway that’s my take on how my current chart is today and you have plenty of music to check out and enjoy!
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The timing of the new BILLCS Top 30 is a bit off this week as we’ll have a new song from Odesza tomorrow! In the meantime “The Last Goodbye”, their rework of Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy” continues its reign at the top for a second appearance.
Rising from 8-2 with a firm design on a future destination of #1 is French electronic dance producer Mercer with his tribute, “Aretha”, which is an absolute sure dance floor killer. It becomes Mercer’s third Top Three entry on my chart.
The dynamic trio of Mahalo, Milkwish and Lena Leon climb 6-4 with their deep house track “Careless”.
“Reflection” (10-6) is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Years & Years only available on the deluxe edition of the album Night Call.
New to the Top 10 are a pair of house tracks that you can play back-to-back and will keep you moving. “Hold Me Down” (above) by Italy’s Luca+ Giam with singer Sam Merkin moves up 11-8, while “Prisoner” (below) by England’s Shadowkey and singer Jordan Jane climbs 14-10.
Only a handful of songs in the next ten move up four or five spots ohttps://youtu.be/h9CNGPy11Jcn the chart. Rising from 17-13 is “My Love” (above) by Florence & The Machine from the album Dance Fever. Also moving up 21-16 is “Tuff” (below) by Australian dance queen VASSY and Florida electronic dance producer Gt_ofice. Sweden’s Liamoo continues to climb the chart with “Bluffin'” (also below), up 24-20.
And the Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to Harry Styles, who sang recently with Shania Twain at Coachella. His worldwide #1 “As It Was” soars 25-17.
With the new chart so loaded there are only two debuts. New York City singer/songwriter Victor Perry already has a song in the Top 10 with Saxity called “Oxygen”, but he’s back with his first solo work in two years called “Punching Bag” (above) which bows at #27. It’s Victor’s 14th entry on the chart, and his fourth as a solo artist. He’s also appeared once with his side project Labrose. And at #28 is LA based electronic dance duo capital Syence featuring singer Britt Lari and “don’t you wanna know” (below). Syence’s first chart entry was back in 2017 with Steve Void on the thoughtful electronic ballad “We Won’t Leave You” (#7), and it’s nice to have them back with a rollicking dance track!
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.
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“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
With “Take Me Higher”, dance producer Manila Killa goes down a more progressive electronic path than usual, incorporating drum ‘n bass flavours that really invigorate this release. In fact “Take Me Higher” could easily be a rock and roll record with the addition of live instruments like electric guitar. But with that aside the synth work is really impressive and the song has a fun, frenetic pace to it. He also added vocals by FKNSYD which help make it sound richer with that other layer. “Take Me Higher” more than sustains it’s 4 1/2 minutes length, and the stylistic musical journey of Manila Killa continues to evolve.
March and April have been chock full of great new songs, so my feature “10/10” returns for a 25th edition! 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, or receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!
OLIVER SIM, “Romance with a Memory”
Until I saw the video, all I could think about was how splendidly Prince-influenced “Romance with a Memory” sounds, as recorded by The xx bassist and vocalist Oliver Sim. It’s an unconventional song musically and lyrically, and perhaps not what The xx fans might expect. Oliver has a marvelous voice to be now front and centre, and the deeper vocal touches near the end provide an interesting contrast. The video features “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Dragula” performers Charity Kase, HoSo Terra Toma, and Gena Marvin decked out in a variety of odd outfits performing to the song. And as a solo artist, Oliver Sim is one to keep a close ear on.
HUGEL & LOVRA, “Madonna”
“Madonna” is a fun track that I heard while watching French producer Hugel spin a set during Miami Music Week. In collaboration with female German producer Lovra, “Madonna” is a scrappy, manic dance track that will have prospective dancers moving within about 20 seconds. There isn’t much to it lyrically, with a sneering, edgy vocal that will grab you as being a little out of the ordinary for this kind of record. All in all “Madonna” is loads of high energy fun that will rev up a set.
JAK LIZARD, FATHERDUDE & JULIA ZIVIC, “Ride Home”
Home is where the heart is, and NYC’s Jak Lizard knows that in spades as he expresses in his new single “Ride Home”. The first artist it reminded me of is Arrested Development, the now seldom-heard Grammy-winning 90’s R&B group who for a while dominated with their unique, often chill spin on life with songs like “Tennessee”. “Ride Home” is similarly easy going, with delightful features from Julia Zivic and go-to guy Fatherdude. Jak Lizard’s influences are rooted in classic R&B like Sly & The Family Stone, and the welcoming groove and lyrics of their music is felt in “Ride Home” too. If you’re looking for a classy soulful spin on pop/R&B, then look no further.
A.J. SMITH, “Nobody”
While in Miami last month, I heard one of A.J. Smith’s earlier songs “Misfits” while having lunch at a cool cafe I found on a previous visit, so I decided to check out more of his songs. This is one of those happy cases where I’m glad I did, otherwise I wouldn’t have heard the delightful whimsy in “Nobody” or got to see his clearly “Bridgerton”-inspired video. It turns out A.J. is New York-based, hailing originally from Denver, who can play 10 instruments and has a Master’s Degree in songwriting from NYU. Like many others with the passion to create perform, he has chosen the artist path, which so far has led him to open up for the likes of The Eagles and Lindsey Stirling, and to perform off-Broadway too. “Nobody” is an inspiring song for the underdogs of the world, and the twists and turns of events in the video provide a surprising and satisfying finale.
BLACK SANDS and ISADORA, “Deserve”
American electronic producer Black Sands returns with a refreshing pop and R&B mix in the form of “Deserve”, featuring Australian R&B singer Isadora. While Black Sands – aka Andrew Balfour – put a nice spin on The Weeknd’s soulfulness in last year’s “Used To It” (featuring Weeknd soundalike Martino) – “Deserve” is brighter and more playful, and harkens back to Ariana Grande’s duet with The Weeknd on “Love Me Harder”. But lyrically, Black Sands is in a different place, wanting to embrace dark and light, with a swaying rhythm intended to move like the ebb and flow of the sea. So “Deserve” will keep you listening with a bang-on vocal by Isadora and some slick harmonies.
STUCKER, “Exhale”
“Exhale” is hard alternative rock from Stucker, a new five piece band hailing from Belgium. Their influences range from Arctic Monkeys to Queens of the Stone Age, so you’re in for some jagged, tight guitar-filled music with an angst-ridden vocal that doesn’t let up, that sometimes reminds me of Canada’s Billy Talent. So just when you might think the song sounds a little ordinary, the band members switch things up lyrically or musically to sustain your interest. Stucker is a band determined to bring the flavours of 90’s alternative rock back to the forefront, and hey with Nirvana’s “Something In The Way” getting new life through “The Batman” movie and even an Illenium remix, their approach may be timely. “Exhale” will help keep you rocking.
LISA WRIGHT, “Ready Now”
“Ready Now” is powered by an excellent vocal by its singer/songwriter, Essex-born Lisa Wright. Her commanding, vulnerable presence on this song could easily hush a room, so it’s no wonder the BBC are supporting her as an emerging British talent. Lisa has a voice that could sing any kind of song, and though she indicates she is influenced by the likes of Carole King and Alison Krauss, I’ll bet she could handle a traditional country song, a Broadway ballad, or a sultry soul number with ease. The song is about getting up the courage to fall in love again, and your ears will be glued to it as Lisa’s story unfolds.
NIVIRO and HARLEY BIRD, “The Edge”
Give me a well-done early 2010’s-influenced melodic house track, and I’m a happy camper! Belgian dance producer Niviro and L.A. vocalist Harley Bird team up for “The Edge”, which has early Avicii and Hardwell to thank, adding some equally punchy, energetic rhythms which are saturated in exuberant, splashy synths. You heard Harley Bird recently on his song with Jay Bird and TWSTD ZOO’s called “Float”, which got to #3 on my personal chart. “The Edge” is a different but equally suitable setting for his voice as Niviro also twists and alters it to great effect. Add a compelling and cathartic story about finding yourself standing at the edge of something critical in life, and you’ll find plenty to enjoy in “The Edge”.
LUCY WROE, “Same World”
“Same World” is the title song from an EP by new London singer/songwriter Lucy Wroe. It’s classic R&B-influenced upbeat pop that goes down as easily as you might take in songs by Jessie Ware and YEBBA. “Same World” is buoyed by an insistent guitar hook, and the sparse but tight arrangement gives plenty of room to showcase Lucy’s sparkling vocal. “Same World” also has a refreshing theme of the wonder of a new relationship as it’s starting out, a break away in general from many songs about them falling apart.
CHARLES B & JUSTMYLØRD, “Losing My Mind”
“Losing My Mind” is a percolating slice of deep house from French producers Charles B and Justmylørd. Both gents have already received support from the best producers in the biz and have released on most of the prominent dance labels – Spinnin’, Revealed, and more. “Losing My Mind” is an intense song for late nights led by an uncredited female vocal, and when the beat kicks in you can just picture all of those flashing lights on the dance floor. It’s polished songs like “Losing My Mind” that could easily help producers like Charles B and Justmylørd to another level of international recognition.
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