electronica – Page 24 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSTop30 #631 – January 17/22

This post kicks off the 24th anniversary of the BILLCS Top 30! After posting my chart on message boards, chat threads, and comments on websites back in 1997, I decided to formalize the chart as a bi-weekly Top 10 in January 1998, and it evolved into a Top 30 later that year. I started posting it on the old Geocities web service (which got bought by Yahoo), and then I started my own message board, Charts Central. That message board became M4B Charts Central in 2003. I started writing the BILLCS Music Blog in 2009, so my chart had a more permanent home.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

It ended 2021 on the national dance radio charts at #1, and it’s starting 2022 on top of my chart – I’m talking about “Unbreakable” (above) by L.A. dance producers TELYKast with Nashville singer/songwriter Sam Gray. TELYKast are already taking this to another level, remixing none other than Jennifer Lopez on her latest single “On My Way (Marry Me)”, which you can check out below.

“Play It Cool” by Menrva and Island Banks took its time from initially charting at #30, and the catchy R&B/dance song has made it all the way to #2.

Bay area producer Jay Bird gets his second Top 5 on this chart with “Float” (above) in collaboration with fellow producers TWSTD ZOO and vocalist Harley Bird. Jay also released a follow up single “Promises”, which you can check out below.

“Sweet Talker” (above) by Years & Years and Galantis is one to watch as it climbs 9-6 while we await the new Years & Years album Night Call, the first Y&Y album that is an Olly Alexander release. Another bright preview from the album is available for you below called “Sooner Or Later”.

Michael Medrano’s so infectious “i don’t wanna talk about love” (above) is the first of two songs to land in the Top 10, moving up 13-9, while “River” (below) by The Knocks and Parson James follows suit, up 14-10. It’s the 7th trip to the Top 10 for The Knocks.

I think that if a major label picked up “Cold To Me” by Louis La Roche and Darren Hayes, it would be a huge hit! It’s got a familiar melody and is lifted by the presence of Darren, whose first release it is in many years. “Cold To Me” is from Louis’ album We’re Not So Different and climbs 19-13.

The Fastest Riser on the chart zips up 24-14 by Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax with “Bad Things”. It’s one of the most infectious songs out there with a commanding vocal by Oscar and all sorts of 80’s vibes, including saxophone. Keep your eyes and ears on this one!

Also moving up the chart briskly are “Sweet Vibrations” (above) by Karen Harding (26-18) and “Pulling Me Down” (below), the latest from Emirati producers Revelries (29-20), two more to watch in the coming weeks.

The first two debuts, including the Highest Debut, are brought to you from the totally splendid Dawn FM album by The Weeknd. My fellow Scarborough, Ontario native – we’re actually from the same area of the city, though I had moved from the area by the time he was born – timed his release perfectly, with a winning, absorbing concept, along with several tunes that will keep him on the charts again for the rest of the year and into 2023! “Less Than Zero” (above) is my favourite and it bows at #22, while the zesty single “Sacrifice” (below) arrives at #27. They become his 9th and 10th entries on this chart.

Another artist getting his 10th entry on the chart is Dutch producer Martin Garrix, who has been jumping back and forth happily with a variety of dance music styles on his recent releases. He appeared last year on the chart with “Pressure” (featuring Tove Lo, #13), and is back this time with Russian producers Matisse & Sadko and Swedish singer John Martin – the voice of Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child” (#1, 2012) – with “Won’t Let You Go”, which bows at #25. It’s a sensational, commanding single that you won’t be able to get out of your head, and it doubles as a powerful song to play at festivals.

The fourth debut belongs to another chart returnee, the 12th entry for California rockers Lifehouse with “Cut and Run” from their recent EP Goodbye Kanan at #29. “Hanging By A Moment” is now a pop classic and was my #1 song of 2001. I was fortunate to see the band when they played my city back in 2017, and it was a great set that showed how many truly great songs they have amassed in a 20+ year career. The band now releases its music independently, so be sure to check this one out.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm 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! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, proudly brought to you by Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown, Ontario!

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the 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.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.

Wicked deep house rhythms and dark synths surround thought-provoking lyrics in “Makan” by Beirit producer @Imadmusicoff with vocalist Samia

IMAD and SAMIA, “Makan”

“Makan” is one of the rare songs that feeds both your feet and your head. Brought to you by Beirut-born producer Imad along with Chicago-based, Beirut-born vocalist/co-writer Samia, “Makan” offers a scintillating, hypnotic mix of deep house and techno, with luscious, dark synths – the kind of song a club DJ would play in a heartbeat. All of this fantastic, layered music surrounds some thought-provoking, lyrics about having to leave home for a better life – an emotional, often traumatic upheaval that Lebanese people have faced after living amid strife every day. Samia’s soothing vocals brighten the song and at one point she sings Arabic poetry where home is not forgotten.

Imad says, “The past year living in Lebanon has been extremely tough, with constant blackouts, wifi crashes, fuel crisis, economic collapse, it was very challenging to keep productive and be inspired. But it’s through these moments where you learn the most about yourself, your craft and appreciate the small things in life.”

“Makan” is an edgy and beautiful release, one which the open-minded dance community should fully embrace.

Singapore teen producer @Foxelamusic has a reprise with @RobbieRosenlive for the deep house of “Think About You”

FOXELA and ROBBIE ROSEN, “Think About You”

Following up their Fall 2021 release “Six Feet Under”, 19 year old Singapore producer Foxela and the immensely talented Robbie Rosen return together with the wickedly fun deep house of “Think About You”. Both artists are extremely prolific, but “Think About You” manages to stand out thanks to a spicy story (in a co-write with Jessica Lattman) and deft, creative production which effectively pitches down Robbie’s voice in spots, which would really resonate well on huge nightclub speakers. The deep house groove of “Think About You” packs a wallop, and it holds up well next to any darker house track that is meant to stake its claim and keep a DJ set thriving.

“Careless” is an uplifting, rhythmic 80’s flavoured bop by Italy’s @Eternuitmusic and Nashville singer/songwriter Gabriel Eli

ETERNUIT and GABRIEL ELI, “Careless”

The 80’s seem to be popping up as a recurring point of inspiration in some pop songs, particularly those from Europe. “Careless” by Italian producer Eternuit and Nashville singer/songwriter Gabriel Eli has it down in spades in an original, uplifting release. Its carefree, lilting melody and soulful backdrop with saxophone and guitars is a tight production feast for pop music lovers’ ears, while those looking to sway and groove need listen no further as “Careless” has plenty of bounce in that department. Gabriel’s vocal is ear-catching and powerful, and the song doesn’t let up, actually leaving you wanting more in the end, in a solid collaboration that works like a charm.

#BILLCSTop30 #630, January 3, 2022

Last year’s songs have been put to bed, time to move forward with more great new music for 2022! A bunch of favourites departed the last chart after reaching the maximum of 10 appearances (20 weeks), so I have four debuts for you. Let’s see what music trends and perhaps revivals 2022 has in store for us.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

While there’s plenty of movement on this new chart, the Top 3 songs remain the same. Darin’s beautiful ballad “Holding Me More” (above) has a third appearance (sixth week) at #1, after finishing #6 for 2021. It’s followed by “To The Top”, the formidable anthem by Natixx, Lyonbrotherz and singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen at #2, after finishing #19 for 2021, and “Play It Cool” (below) by Menrva and Island Banks steady at #3 after finishing #31 for 2021.

Positioning itself accordingly up 5-4 is TELYKast’s national dance radio number one song “Unbreakable” featuring singer/songwriter Sam Gray. Will it crack through the Top 3 in two weeks? Stay tuned!

The first of three arrivals in the Top 10 is the second Top 10 for Bay area producer Jay Bird who is teamed with fellow producers TWSTD ZOO and vocalist Harley Bird for “Float”, which zips up the chart 14-6. Jay Bird’s first Top 10, “Escape”, finished #34 for 2021.

Brandyn Burnette & Charlotte Sands’ heartfelt duet “Everything” continues into 2022 after finishing #78 for 2021, by rising 10-7 on the chart.

Up 13-8 is “Out Of The Dark”, the third Top 10 on this chart for Austin electronic dance music favourites Tritonal. Their electronic ballad “Broken” (with Adam Lambert on vocals) reached #4 in 2016, while “Shivohum” (with Henry Dark) was #1 exactly two years ago. “Out Of The Dark” features vocalist EMME in a Morgin Madison remix.

The Fastest Riser for the second chart in a row is an exuberant song that just sparkles, and I hope will get more attention with the start of 2022. It’s “Sweet Talker” by Years & Years and Galantis, which leaps 18-9, becoming Y&Y’s 8th Top 10 and Galantis’ 2nd. Watch for Y&Y’s new album Night Call before the end of the month!

Keep your eyes and ears on “i don’t wanna talk about love” by L.A. singer/songwriter Michael Medrano, as it climbs 20-13.

Buffalo NY native Grabbitz offers a happy mix of dark electronic synths with brooding alt.rock vibes on “Pain Killer”, which rises 25-17.

It’s a classic ballad in many shapes and forms, which is what makes it work so well. British electronic producer Louis La Roche got best bud Darren Hayes to sing “Cold To Me”, which moves up 26-19, from Louis’ recent album We’re Not So Different.

Georgia electronic producer Paraleven had his recent album Apollo released by Rüfüs du Sol’s new label, Rose Avenue. Along with vocalist Fractures, a standout track from the album is “In My Head”, which climbs 27-20.

The Highest Debut on the chart is by Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax, bringing back a lot of 80’s flavours (including saxophone) on their new single “Bad Things”, whish arrives at #24.

As if one song wasn’t enough, Karen Harding gets a second song on the chart this week with the riveting house track that is also the title of her recent EP, Sweet Vibrations, and it debuts at #26. Karen had four songs in my Top 100 of 2021, so she will undoubtedly continue to be a regular visitor to the chart!

If you enjoy Paraleven’s “In My Head”, then you’ll also like the similarly dreamy “Locked Out” by Boston duo Tall Heights, from their recent EP Flyin’ Overhead, and “Locked Out” bows at #27.

Rounding out the debuts at #29 is the edgy rock-flavoured dance track “Pulling Me Down” by Emirati duo Revelries. It’s the guys’ fifth appearance on the chart, which includes two Top 10’s.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Planet Radio Canada (returning on January 4)– I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the 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.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST! The segment has also been picked up by Mix88.ca and details about when it will be played will be coming soon!

NYC’s Victor Perry @wallflowerperry teams up with French dance producer Eneko Artola @Artola_Eneko for mid-tempo ballad “Velvet Garden”

ENEKO ARTOLA and VICTOR PERRY, “Velvet Garden”

It’s so important to find the right match for a great voice, and I’m glad that French dance producer Eneko Artola and NYC singer/songwriter Victor Perry paired up for the mid-tempo ballad “Velvet Garden”. It’s a strong song that could easily have been made into a too-familiar slow and seductive ballad, but the team behind it went another route, with snappy but subtle production that allows Victor to work his vocal magic. The “Velvet Garden” here could be a secret, safe and special place for a regular rendezvous, or you can choose to interpret it differently. Victor has released so many high quality songs in 2021, including a few covers, and “Velvet Garden” stands out among his best originals. It’s first-class soulful pop/dance that could fit into just about any playlist.

Classic house music fuels the inspiration for “When It Falls On You” by @TheHim and @MilaFalls

THE HIM and MILA FALLS, “When It Falls On You”

Continuing with The Him as a solo project, Dutch dance producer Jeroen Kerstens is back with a track tailor-made for clubs called “When It Falls On You”. The music is classic house with familiar piano chords and bass synth drops that flourish under the recognizable vocal of British singer Mila Falls. If you watched FIFA matches a few years back, Mila’s voice was all over the music that was played at each event, and it’s a solid contemporary addition to the likes of Rita Ora, Jess Glynne, and Becky Hill. And thanks to some unique lyrics, “When It Falls On You” is an easy dance floor draw that also has dance music radio potential.

#BILLCSTop30 #629, December 20/21

The end of 2021 is upon us, and edition #629 is my last chart of the year, with the next one coming on January 3. At the very end of this year, I will have the BILLCS Top 100 of 2021 for you. This is the first year I’ve compiled a Top 100 since the mid-90’s. There was simply a lot of great music this year and I want to highlight my 100 favourite songs. I’ll do that not only through a blog post, but also through a pre-recorded radio program. My year end BILLCS Top 30 will be broadcast on a few of my online radio station affiliates, and I will confirm which ones and when in my socials! I’m truly blessed to be able to have the time and the access to so much fine music which I have written about during the year. I’m always here for the underdogs. There are so many artists who should be signed to major record label deals that it makes my head spin.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

Darin’s “Holding Me More” easily gets a second appearance at #1. Not many ballads ever make it to the top of my chart, but you can be sure that when they do, they are top notch!

The Top 5 has got crowded to see which song will succeed “Holding Me More” at #1 when that happens. “To The Top” (above), the fanciful anthem by Natixx, Lyonbrotherz and Robbie Rosen, rises 3-2, while “Play It Cool” (below), featuring the slick deep house style of UK/Irish producers Menrva and the snappy vocal by Island Banks, climbs 8-3.

Then there’s “Angel” (above) by Sonny Fodera and Clementine Douglas, which reaches a new peak by moving up 6-4. And bounding into the Top 5 up 12-5 is “Unbreakable” (below) by TELYKast and Sam Gray, which reached #1 on the national dance radio tracks this week. And even better – it’s one of a few independent releases on the radio chart.

UK dance chanteuse Karen Harding gets her fifth consecutive Top 10 on my chart with “You & I (All I Need)” (above), which rises 11-8. Check out this fun banger, the title track from her recent EP Sweet Vibrations, below.

“Everything” by Brandyn Burnette & Charlotte Sands (15-10) becomes Brandyn’s 14th Top 10 on my chart (including features and one under his other performing name EMAN8), and his second this year, following “Airplane Mode” (#9).

The three debuts from the last chart all make nice moves and should likely move up the chart swiftly in the coming month. The Fastest Riser is “Sweet Talker” (above) by Years & Years and Galantis, which soars 26-18. Toronto’s Scott Helman has a radio hit in the making with “Pretty” (also above), which moves up 27-21. And Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware’s new disco anthem “Kiss Of Life” (below) climbs 28-22.

Four songs make their debuts. The Highest Debut belongs to Buffalo, New York’s Grabbitz with his alt.electronic track “Pain Killer” (above) at #25. It’s Grabbitz’s second appearance on my chart. He first appeared last year with Rezz on the alternative radio and dance smash “Someone Else” (#5). Next, at #26 is “Cold To Me” (also above) by British producer Louis La Roche, who recruited none other than Darren Hayes to sing this pensive ballad, which comes from Louis’ album We’re Not So Different. Darren has now appeared 17 times on my chart as a solo artist, but this is his first appearance since his delightful cover of Madonna’s “Angel” (#11) – the flip side of his 45 of “Talk Talk Talk” – charted in the summer of 2012.

At #27 is “In My Head” (above) by chart newcomers Atlanta producer Paraleven and Australian vocalist/songwriter Fractures. This is culled from the first release from Rüfüs Du Sol’s label Rose Avenue, Paraleven’s album Apollo, which is well-worth checking out. And Norway’s Matoma returns to the chart for the first time since 2018 and as an independent artist with “Never Surrender” (#28, below), which features Kodaline vocalist Steve Galligan in a fresh and powerful anthem. It’s Matoma’s fourth chart entry.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the 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.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!

Oh to be young and in love while “We’re Still Young”, from Russian electronic producers M.O.O.N. Pro and New York singer/songwriter Alessa

M.O.O.N. Pro and Alessa, “We’re Still Young”

“We’re Still Young” is a delightful deep house collaboration between Russian electronic dance producers M.O.O.N. Pro and New York-based singer/songwriter Alessa. It documents one of those ideal times when you’re with a special someone and nothing else matters in the world. M.O.O.N. Pro previously demonstrated how adept they are at creating a pristine backdrops of synths and beats with their spring release “Feel” with British singer/songwriter Joe Jury. Alessa is a relatively new name to the pop/dance world, with previous releases on Enhanced and Black Hole labels, and she provides a sweet, gentle and genuine vocal to bring home the song she co-wrote with a talent that’s ever-present in these blog pages in 2021, Robbie Rosen. “We’re Still Young” is enjoyable ear candy that will stick with you.

It’s “10/10” edition 22: @paraleven @fracturestunes @RTIKmusic #LouisPax @gabexjames @sthumain @macyrcrawford @emmymaemusic @GValentyne @DevonBaldwin @nutyNat2000 @theMovingStills

It’s time for edition #22 of “10/10”, my blog feature in which 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. Writing “10/10” posts means I can just cover more songs in one shot with a few sentences about each. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I sometimes don’t get a chance to write about. I’m particularly impressed with the talent which you will read about and I urge you to check out these songs!

PARALEVEN and FRACTURES, “In My Head” (original and RTIK remix)

Alternative electronic music is alive and well when you hear top notch progressive songs from the likes of Atlanta-based producer Paraleven (aka Josh Taylor). Paraleven had the good fortune to be recently signed to Rüfüs Du Sol’s new label Rose Avenue, and will in fact be performing at Rüfüs’ upcoming festival called Sundream Tülüm in March. “In My Head” is culled from Paraleven’s album Apollo, a multi-faceted and deep record of many moods, but reminiscent of Alan Parsons’ earlier works in some ways. It’s the most representative track from the album, featuring a thoughtful, taut and knowing vocal by Australian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Fractures (aka Mark Zito). “In My Head” is music for the wee hours, even more so in the melodic and chill recent extended remix by Italy’s RTIK. Paraleven is one to keep your ears on in the coming years.

LOUIS PAX, “Bad Things”

Swedish quartet Louis Pax is a new name you need to remember thanks to the vibrant 80’s throwback sound of their second release “Bad Things”. Previously known as Royal Prospect, the guys won a major unsigned talent contest in Sweden, which opened up many opportunities from signing to an indie label to touring in North America, including opening for Usher in Sweden thanks to SXSW. The band have now redefined its sound, and lead singer Oscar Reingsdahl has one helluva beautifully sharp and on-key voice. “Bad Things” has plucked so many elements out of 80’s pop music, from vocal and melodic flourishes through to guitar riffs, and made it sound fresh again. Louis Pax is creating tasty ear candy for us, and we’ll all want more of this in 2022.

GABE JAMES, “Gracie”

Gabe James is another new talent to get to know through his song “Gracie” from his EP City Of Lost Angels. As you’ve undoubtedly clued into from the title of the EP, its theme is being “lost” as a newcomer to Los Angeles, to which Gabe moved from his home in Colorado, and the subsequent adventures that unfold. “Gracie” is such an effortless song to like and make you smile, it simply oozes charm! Gabe has an easy-going, fresh-faced appeal as a singer, and while “Gracie” is a pure pop song about being lovestruck by a girl while still being new in L.A., I could picture Gabe rocking out in concert like Shawn Mendes or playing acoustic like John Mayer and capturing everyone’s undivided attention.

ST. HUMAIN, “Sick Sad Love Song”

St. Humain is a Singapore-born, Sydney, Australia based singer-songwriter who aims to please with his warm, far-reaching vocal in the soul-drenched “Sick Sad Love Song”. The song’s story is best explained in St. Humain’s words: “The song’s backdrop is (loosely) my high school prom where I didn’t really wanna go for the social aspect but I just really wanted to perform. Which I did, in a cover band with some of my friends whom I was in a band with at that time.” St. Humain channels his angst about not fitting in as a young Asian teen through his expressive voice, which elicits shades of many singers like Daryl Hall, Ed Sheeran, and Charlie Puth, and is capped by the beautiful tone of his falsetto. “Sick Sad Love Song” comes from St. Humain’s upcoming EP called Metadramatic.

MACY CRAWFORD, “hamartia”

“hamartia” is the title track of Macy Crawford’s newly released EP. It follows the singles “juliet” and “elektra”, both of which I’ve written about recently. The 20 year old South Carolina native is a talent to watch. “hamartia” is the introduction to the EP, about the tragic flaws of popular heroes and heroines, this time with perfectionism being the fatal flaw of the protagonist. Macy’s diverse and powerful voice and her ability to craft an intriguing concept connecting the five songs within is abetted through the guidance of the honed songwriting and production talents of Robbie Rosen.

EMMY MAE, “Fake Smiles”

You’ve already heard Emmy Mae on Macy Crawford’s single “elektra”, which I wrote about recently, and “Fake Smiles” is a beautiful song that lets her voice shine. The South Carolina singer/songwriter’s execution, in a jazzy pop setting, is charming and breezes by, while aptly taking on the truths behind the title subject. Like Macy’s songs, “Fake Smiles” is co-written and produced by Robbie Rosen, who has a fabulous ear for talent. “Fake Smiles” is an enjoyable release that makes you want to hear more from Emmy Mae.

GEORGIA VALENTYNE, “Turn Off The Phone”

“Turn Off The Phone” is the debut release from 20 year old Toronto singer-songwriter Georgia Valentyne, who has the benefit of being the daughter of sparkling Canadian TV announcer and personality Jennifer Valentyne. “Turn Off The Phone” has a nice pop-jazz backdrop carried by a winning piano melody with lyrics that don’t beat around the bush, and it all puts Georgia’s voice front and centre. According to her Spotify profile, her songwriting is her diary so this is our first very welcome glimpse into the musical journal of Georgia Valentyne.

DEVON BALDWIN, “Forgot To Miss You”

“Forgot To Miss You” is part of a fresh start for San Francisco-area singer/songwriter Devon Baldwin after recovering from a significant health issue – a collapsed lung – and then wading through difficulties imposed by the pandemic. She’s already seen success as a collaborator with artists as diverse as rapper G-Eazy – with whom she went to school in New Orleans, and contributed on songs in his Top 5 album These Things Happen, with a featured vocal on “Let’s Get Lost” – and EDM producer Nurko, but “Forgot To Miss You” helps re-launches her solo career. It’s a strong song to which anyone can relate – the wounds caused by the end of a relationship never heal, you just accept them knowing they can reopen at any time, and move on. Devon’s pointed lyrics are supported by her striking vocal and a catchy melody. “Forgot To Miss You” is awfully brief at 2:16 but it’s a jam-packed and spirited showcase for Devon Baldwin.

NATHAN SMOKER, “Human”

You can tell in Nathan Smoker’s approach to covering Rag ‘n Bone Man’s “Human”, that he has every intention on making the song his own. And the London native indeed puts his own fine spin on the song, which wrings out every drop of emotion from the lyrics. Nathan’s been performing on stage since age eight, recently reached the semi-final of “The Voice” UK, and also completed a tour with boy band New Rules. Based on this single and his expressive vocal, I’d love to hear him interpret some original lyrics for a future release.

THE MOVING STILLS, “Truthfully”

Meet The Moving Stills, a four piece indie pop-rock band from South Wales, and “Truthfully” is their fourth 2021 release. It’s a direct, likeable listen, which takes you to that sometimes difficult “make it or break it” time in a relationship. The song has a fuzzy and raw feel to it circa the mid-80’s when new wave had wrapped up, and other more rock-flavoured bands like The Smiths, The Cure, and Siouxsie & The Banshees carried on, but left its indelible influence on the music scene. The vocal meshes with the gritty synth and guitar sounds, and the band capably rocks out a solid foundation and groove. “Truthfully” will be included in The Moving Stills’ upcoming album called Sunshine Corner.