Tag Archives: electronica

#BILLCSTop30 #618, July 19/21

If you haven’t already done so, get those dancing shoes ready for the rest of the summer because there is plenty of hot dance music of all sub-genres for you to enjoy, and part of the fun is finding out about it through sources like my blog or the ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post).  Once again, we have a new #1 from an artist who has been to the top before and just released a new album on Friday!!

That artist of course is Denver-based electronic producer Illenium, whose fourth album Fallen Embers dropped on Friday. While not as strong a release as Ascend, it has plenty of highlights and emotional shifts that will keep you totally engrossed.  Illenium’s recent single “Sideways”, which is now a North American dance radio hit – a bit surprising considering it’s usually harder than what dance radio normally plays – featuring Valerie Broussard’s stunning vocal and production partner Nurko.  You can also check out the album opener “Blame Myself” below, featuring an out-of-character but bang on appearance by Tori Kelly.

Trying to get a place in line for the top is the glorious “The Feels” by Cash Cash and the amazing Alex Newell, which rises 9-4. Though not a single – a strange move by the record company – it can be found on Cash Cash’s latest album Say It Like You Feel It.

Also contending for the top is “Can’t Stay Away” by Sweden’s Darin, his first English language release in about eight years. It soars 14-7.  It’s his highest peaking song since 2009’s “Girl Next Door” (#5).

I’m totally loving Greyson Chance’s quirky and infectious “Hellboy” from his album Trophies, which moves up 11-8 to become his second Top 10 on this chart following last year’s “Dancing Next To Me” (#2).

Arriving in the Top 10 for the first are social media stars Nessa Barrett and jxdn, who have two great voices that deserve attention with “La Di Die”, which climbs 13-10.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is some deep house bliss from England courtesy of Charlie Lane, Gold 88 and vocalist Kate Wild with “Give Me That” zipping up the chart 19-11.

Toronto indie pop/rock duo Crash Adams have a new personal best on the chart.  “Symphony” rises 15-12, surpassing the #13 peak of last year’s “Too Hot To Touch”.

While “Myself In You” yields the pole position to “Sideways”, “Slip Away” by French producer Kislaw and NYC singer/songwriter Victor Perry continues to build momentum, up 17-13.

“You” by Regard, Troye Sivan and Canada’s own Tate McRae is one of the more distinct songs you’ll hear on pop and dance radio, and it climbs 21-15.

The “Reprise version” of Moby’s “Natural Blues” as passionately sung by Gregory Porter and Amythyst Kiah moves up 24-17, from Moby’s recent album of retooled songs called Reprise.

New Toronto solo artist CMagic5 continues to climb with her recent “Love Me If You Can” (23-18) from her independent release Ready To Run.

And look who gets the Highest Debut – Ed Sheeran!! I’m highlighting this because it’s the first time he’s appeared on my chart and “Bad Habits” is one helluva way to do that, bowing at an exceptional #20.  It’s definitely one of the songs of Summer ’21. He’ll continue with the mathematically-titled albums with The Quadratic Formula, coming soon.

Premiering at #28 is one fun song that doesn’t let up, thanks to its party vibe and multi-lingual versus (sung in Portuguese, French, and African language Bambara (check out the cool video above, which just dropped today).  It’s “Mon Cheri” by US dance music mainstays and Grammy nominees Sofi Tukker in collaboration with fellow Grammy-nominated Mali duo Amadou & Mariam.  It’s culled from the new Red, Hot + Free album, which has proceeds going to three LGBTQ2S+ charities: The Trevor Project – http://www.thetrevorproject.org;  The Ally Coalition – https://theallycoalition.org; and SAGE – https://www.sageusa.org. “Mon Cheri” is Sofi Tukker’s first chart appearance since their 2018 #1 with Benny Benassi “Everybody Needs A Kiss” and fourth overall.

The third debut at #30 is “Back To You” by Chicago electronic dance producer Aash Mehta with fellow producer Charlotte’s ephem, a terrific house track for summer that’s guaranteed to make you dance.  Regular blog readers know I’ve been writing about Aash’s music for about five years and it’s his first appearance on the chart. 

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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: 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 mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while.  And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm I bring you “Your Weekend 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!

Planet Radio Canada – currently on hiatus but returning in August, listen to the “3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I’m featured every Tuesday between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past as well as the occasional live segment.

 

“Again” is a striking collaboration between electronic dance producers #PurpleGuns and vocalists @JessicaChertock and #YoungJae covering @NoahCyrus and #XXXTentacion

PURPLE GUNS, JESSICA CHERTOCK and YOUNG JAE, “Again”

“Again” is a brand new release guaranteed to make you turn heads. First, it’s an unforeseen (but very welcome) cover of a 2017 release by Noah Cyrus and XXXTentacion. Those who know that song however might enjoy this version even more. Second, if you’re not familiar with the original, “Again” is truly a breath of fresh air. Purple Guns are a production trio from Russia who constructed hybrid slap house/deep house rhythms and potent synths to make the music impressive all on its own. Add NYC singer Jessica Chertock, whose engrossing vocal has amazing pitch, and Florida’s Young Jae, who provides his own character and some wicked harmonies without even trying to be similar to the late fan favourite XXXTentacion, and “Again” really shines.  I’m hoping that dance music radio will discover “Again” because it will fit snugly in their mix.

“Locked In Your Love” is infectious deep house from Northern Ireland duos @Glass_Keys and @Menrvamusic with vocals by @iamDaniSenior

GLASS KEYS, MENRVA and DANI SENIOR, “Locked In Your Love”

Glass Keys and Menrva are two dance production duos from Northern Ireland who collaborate regularly, and have some wicked bass grooves up their sleeves if “Locked In Your Love” is any indication. The sharp and alluring vocal is by the UK multi-talented co-writer Dani Senior, whose voice glides through the mysterious but engaging backdrop.  The producers like to add in some dirty synths – but not too dirty – for good measure, and “Locked In Your Love” would make a solid companion in a set to tracks by Gryffin, The Disco Fries, Cash Cash and other dance music favourites.

French electronic dance producer @Nezzymusic releases radio-friendly “Back To You” with vocalist @TimSchoumusic from new album “The Walk”

NEZZY and TIM SCHOU, “Back To You”

After releasing singles recently on Armada and Soave, 20 year old French dance producer Nezzy may have saved the best for his own independent album release The Walk.  From that album, “Back To You” is hands down a friendly, feel-good light house track that has oodles of potential for radio play.  It’s aided immensely by Danish singer and co-writer Tim Schou’s warm, rich tones, which make the song stand out.  Even the esteemed Timbaland shouted out Nezzy’s music on Twitch last year long before The Walk was released. “Back To You” has a great summer vibe and should be a no brainer for club DJ’s looking for a straight-forward song that will get their audiences up and moving.

With future house rhythms and from-the-heart lyrics, “Don’t Want Perfect” by @Kayliox and @RobbieRosenlive is a winner

KAYLIOX x ROBBIE ROSEN, “Don’t Want Perfect”

If you’re looking for that great dance song that will ultimately let you end up in a warm embrace, then “Don’t Want Perfect” by Kayliox and Robbie Rosen is just for you! Its fast-paced future house rhythms and pulsating synths are just itching to make you groove, while Robbie’s sincere lyrics and golden vocal performance will pull those heart strings. Both artists are on a roll, with Quebec City’s Kayliox following up his late Spring release “Lighter” with Jessica Chertock, while NYC’s Robbie continues to release at least one song per week in a variety of dance styles, with two songs appearing concurrently recently on my personal chart (“When I Lost You” and/or “Waves” and/or “Habits”). Both artists continue to bring you high quality releases but “Don’t Want Perfect” is definitely among the very best of them.

The soulful voice of UK singer/songwriter @SamDickinson is back with a deep house remix of his cover of Mica Paris’ “Carefree”

SAM DICKINSON, “Carefree” (Blackjack remix)

Following up his fine album release from last year called Off Script, Sam Dickinson is back to bridge the gap between his next original release with some remixes of songs from Off Script.  I’ve been writing about Sam’s music since his first album released in 2013, and first up is a fantastic choice – his cover of Mica Paris’ 1998 single “Carefree”.  Sam’s a huge fan of Mica as well as British soul music of the 80’s and 90’s, and his rendition is a tantilizing homage. Remixed for the dance floor, Blackjack gives it a deep and dirty house redolent in bass, and it’s right on point without taking anything away from Sam’s original execution.  This remix of “Carefree” is a great start in reintroducing listeners to songs from Off Script – more to come!

Meet South Korea’s Little Rain with beautiful melodic dance track “Moonlight” featuring “American Idol”‘s Devyn Rush

LITTLE RAIN and DEVYN RUSH, “Moonlight”

I am a sucker for a song with a super melodic structure, especially when it’s grounded with thoughtful lyrics, divine synths, and a catchy vocal like “Moonlight”, the latest release by South Korean producer Little Rain in collaboration with former “American Idol” contestant Devyn Rush.  It’s ear candy of the best kind without giving you an unwelcome sugar high. All of the details in this production give it an elegance that you don’t hear every day in electronic dance pop. Devyn wrote a true feel-good song which her vocal then takes right to heart. “Moonlight” indeed is one of the loveliest songs you will hear this summer, perfect for late night fun on the beach.

Listen to “Thinking About You” by deep house producer @officialDimiL and White Trumpet

DIMI L and WHITE TRUMPET, “Thinking About You”

Dimi L released his first single back in 2018 called “Nature”, and I wrote about it then, so it makes sense that a fresh start three years later also gets its due!  The Greece-born, England-based producer/musician returns on LoudKult no less with “Thinking About You”, which like “Nature” employs the resonant sound of White Trumpet (otherwise known as Romania-based Eugeniu Albu).  It’s a rich, sophisticated deep house track with future house elements and plenty of bounce, as well as a cool uncredited female vocal.  Dimi L combines it all in an ear-pleasing, infectious way that would work equally well on the dance floor. As lovely as it is, “Thinking About You” doesn’t take too many risks, so I’d recommend some remixes which might help support this  release.

#BILLCSTop30 #617, July 5/21

The new chart is so chockful of my favourites that it seems pretty static, with only a few songs making decent-sized moves. But if you’ve followed this blog or my chart, then you’ll know that this is temporary.

With this chart, I’m pleased that my number one song is “Myself In You” (above) by Italy’s Lordnox and NYC’s Victor Perry.  Victor’s music has been appearing regularly on the chart since 2016 and this is his first trip to the top, and almost certainly not the last!  I was delighted that Lordnox could capture the glory and diversity of Victor’s vocal in this particular song. It makes the song just so much fun!  Victor has a second entry on the chart with French producer Kislaw called “Slip Away” (below), which climbs 20-17.

Making an impressive move from 7-4 is the emotional electronic whirlwind that is “Sideways” by Illenium, singer Valerie Broussard and fellow producer Nurka.  Illenium performed his first three albums in concert in Las Vegas as his “Trilogy” show this past weekend, which is quite an amazing accomplishment.

Glass Petals’ infectious deep house track “Heartbeat” is making short work of its time in the Top 10, rising 9-6.  One half of Glass Petals, Juno Award-winner Felix Cartal, released his latest album Expensive Sounds For Nice People, which is chock full of many of his single releases of the past two years.

To no surprise, the dance floor banger “The Feels” by Cash Cash featuring Alex Newell advances 12-9 – for now!

The darker and deeper house track from Australia, “Unnatural” by Needs No Sleep and Jeremy Beamish, is the other newcomer to the Top 10, up 11-10.

Whenever I play Greyson Chance’s “Hellboy”, I am stuck humming it for hours on end. This quirky track from his album Trophies climbs 16-11.

The Fastest Riser on the chart was the Highest Debut two weeks ago.  It’s “Can’t Stay Away” by Sweden’s Darin, which is now accompanied by a zesty, splashy video loaded with cool choreography. It soars 22-14.

Another banger from England to keep your ears on is “Give Me That” (23-19) by producers Charlie Lane and Gold 88 with a stunning vocal by Kate Wild.

While it’s already been to the top of the dance charts, “You” by Regard, Troye Sivan and Tate McRae (27-21) is also headed to the Top 10 of Top 40 radio.

The Highest Debut on the chart is also a first on the chart. In the over 23 years that I’ve published it, a completely redone version of a song originally recorded by the same artist has never charted – until now!  Moby’s “Natural Blues” reached #5 on my chart in 2000, and 21 years later he has re-recorded it and some of his other best known songs on his album Reprise.  “Natural Blues”, featuring the stellar vocals of Gregory Porter and Amythyst Kiah arrives at #24.  Some chart geekery: Because it was re-recorded, it is not considered to be a re-entry.

Next up at #26 is India’s Ashwyn with the guitar-soaked “Sell My Soul”.  This single preceded his latest, more progressive rock-flavoured one “Deja Vu” , which I wrote about recently.  Ashwyn is also the second artist from India to appear on my chart, following DJ Shaan’s “By Heart” which reached #10 earlier this year.

My third debut at #27 is the second chart appearance by Australia’s Beamish Brothers called “Anxious”.  Ben and Jeremy previously were featured on “Black Gasoline” by Mark Mendy, which got to #6.  And Jeremy is currently charting at #10 with Needs No Sleep.  Their music keeps on getting better and better so this is their first appearance on the chart as lead artists.  In fact I just wrote about their newest single “Privilege” this past weekend, so check it out too.

The last of four debuts at #28 is “Gone Tomorrow” by Southern California producer Jay Bird with vocalist Clay Agnew.  This is definitely in the Illenium/Trivecta vein and is exceptionally well done as an independent release. Jay Bird recently got to #4 with “Escape”.

Announcements

NEW AND STARTING JULY 10!! I’m pleased to announce that I will be your weekend announcer on Halton Hills Online and Radio GTA  for my show “Your Weekend Music Mix”.  The show will air Saturday and Sunday afternoons on Halton Hills Online and Saturday and Sunday evenings on Radio GTA.  Be sure to check it out next weekend!

Planet Radio Canada is currently on hiatus for a few weeks and will return!

The music from this chart and blog are also featured regularly on the online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings, also with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers, and listen for songs from the chart too 🙂Scroll down the station’s main page to listen to lots of variety from across the decades!   You can start by joining Radio GTA’s new interactive Facebook group too!!

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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

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

Australia’s Beamish Brothers return with more catchy, slick dance pop with a message in “Privilege”

BEAMISH BROTHERS, “Privilege”

Jeremy and Ben Beamish are definitely on fire with three releases in a row that command your attention.  “Privilege” is the latest, following up “Dollar In The Heart” and “Anxious”, which both reflect personal and global themes such as greed, money, corporate domination, mental health, and more.  “Privilege” is the light-hearted one of the bunch, but continues to offer soulful vocals and funky rhythms to support the fine lyrical content.  As shown in the video above, “Privilege” comments on those well-off, privileged individuals who are just wrapped up in their own lives in a self-made vacuum – the world revolves around them.  Each of the lads continue to sound better and better with vocal registers totally on point, and another well-made, direct and interesting video too.