Even on paper, pop and electronic music fans seeing the names Dabin and Mokita in the same song know that something good has been in the works. “Drown” is a definite winner, and happily, not a cover of the recent Martin Garrix song of the same name. This one is an original sweeping electronic anthem about being there for your significant other no matter what. Dabin’s ongoing association with Illenium and his core team has undoubtedly helped give him much deeper roots as a producer. He knows how to bring the mood down to touch those raw emotional nerves, and then before it gets too deep, he brings you out of it with a magnificent build up. “Drown” also contains one of Mokita’s best vocals to date, with his voice soaring like on no other song that I’ve heard by him. “Drown” should become a staple at EDM festivals once they are back in swing.
After coming off a highly successful 2020 with “Bring That Back” (with vocalist Nadia Gattas and fellow producers Asketa & Natan Chaim) and a remix of Petey Martin & Lauren Daigle’s “Come Back Home”, GATTÜSO returns with possibly his most dance radio-friendly release to date, “Save Me”, co-written with Swedish vocalist Violet Days and others. It’s also GATTÜSO’s second release for Ultra Records. The flow between GATTÜSO and Violet Days is pretty seamless. His production lets you get lost in the committed lyrics, which sing about the protagonist getting too deep into a relationship that isn’t working, hoping that the other person will see the light, but then boldly having to make the decision to save herself from needless pain before it gets worse. The heavy subject matter is offset by a brisk uptempo melody that is a partner to the protagonist’s salvation. Violet Days is more often known as songwriter Lina Hansson, but you’ve heard her memorable voice gracing her own solo hits (“Your Girl”) as well as those of others (Shaun Frank’s “Addicted”). “Save Me” brings us a wonderful collaboration that is worth repeating.
The vast amount of great music being released in 2021 is reflected on my chart. Songs can remain on the chart for a maximum of 10 appearances (20 weeks), but lately there have been less songs than usual which attain that feat. The fast pace frequently means 3, 4 or 5 debuts every two weeks, and this chart is no exception to that. So enjoy some of these favourites while they stick around!
“No More Looking Back” by Idris Elba and Inner City featuring the fierce voice of Steffanie Christi’an becomes the 6th song to reach #1 in the four months of this year. 90’s flavoured house is back big time thanks to the presence, after 30 years, of legends like Kevin Saunderson and his rebooted Inner City project. We need more of this!
He wowed us with a splendid online festival, capped by his own affecting performance. The festival is “Secret Sky” and the performer is Porter Robinson, whose second album after seven years (not counting his Grammy-nominated Virtual Self project) called Nurture was released on Friday. From that album, “Look At The Sky” (above) becomes his second Top 5 on this chart, after last year’s #1 “Get Your Wish” (also included in the album). Also check out the amazing track “Blossom”, below.
Victor Perry’s gentle ballad “Stories” (above) rises 6-5, in collaboration with German producers Cal1 and L’essay. I included Victor’s recent song “Slip Away” (with French producer Kislaw), but also check out his latest release with another French producer, KHEMIS called “Until You Call My Name” (below).
New to the Top 10 is the reigning party track called “Friday” by British producer Riton, who revived 90’s dance smash “Push The Feeling On” by Nightcrawlers as the basis for the song. It climbs 11-7.
Moving up 9-8 is NYC singer/songwriter Reigen’s pensive song for late at night in a quiet place, “blue”. It’s Reigen’s second highest placement on the chart, next only to “Come Back To Me” which reached #2.
Also new to the Top 10 is “When I Lost You”, the deep house banger from Norway’s Dunisco and NYC’s Robbie Rosen, which climbs 12-9. It’s the first Top 10 for both artists on my chart.
“Every Minute” is the latest release by Sweden’s Eric Saade, which came second in this year’s Melodifestivalen contest. It climbs 13-10, becoming Eric’s 8th Top 10 on my chart, and his first since 2015’s “Sting” (#4).
Victor Perry’s soaring voice is the star of “Myself In You”, his collaboration with Italy’s Lordnox, and it makes short work of the chart, climbing 17-12.
The Fastest Riser on the chart is from the producer whose “Not Watching Anymore” slips from #1 to #2. It’s L.A.’s Mahalo, whose rollicking “Got That Love” soars 23-15.
Independent Irish pop-rock artist Four Nights continues his rise up the chart with the infectious “Want You Always” moving 19-16.
You can now find Peter Wilson and Sean Smith’s duet on the Robert Miles classic “One And One” (25-19) on release as a single, including two delightful and very extended remixes by Matt Pop (above) and Pete Hammond.
France’s 2 Thunders climbs 26-20 with their thoughtful deep house track “Shine A Light”, featuring L.A.-based vocalist OMZ.
Sometimes it takes a remix to either give a song new life or to present an alternate vision of the the track. Such is the case with the Dzeko remix of Tyler Shaw’s “When You’re Home”, which in its darker but affecting remix rises 27-21.
Occasionally the big hits will land on this chart, too. And that’s what’s happened with “Leave The Door Open” by Silk Sonic, aka Bruno Mars and Anderson.Paak, which arrives as the Highest Debut at #23. It may be surprising to know that this is Bruno’s first appearance on this chart, and it’s also the first for Anderson.Paak too. It all started with this year’s Grammy Awards performance; watch for it to lead the way with nominations in 2022!
Next up at #25 is another first time appearance on this chart for L.A.-based dance producer Gryffin. I’m playing the Cat Dealers remix of “I Want Love” a whole lot. The combined talents allow “I Want Love” to be taken to the next level by Brazilian brothers Cat Dealers, who are among the worldwide favourite DJ’s for good reason. I’ve seen both Gryffin and Cat Dealers in virtual festivals this year and they both give their audiences exactly what they want.
The third debut at #27 is the chart debut for Knoxville, Tennessee based 2017 winner of “The Voice”, Chris Blue, with his infectious and adventurous independent release called “Moon”.
NEW!!Planet Radio Canadahas returned to the interwebs with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers and his “3D Variety Show” each week for three hours of great music as well as a few features. Listen to my New Music Pick of the Week (usually featuring a song on the chart) in the second hour of the show. Tomorrow, the show will also spotlight none other than Elton John! Planet Radio Canada’s “3D Variety Show” is simulcast on http://www.classichits.caand http://www.radiogta.ca from 6 to 9 pm EST.
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! I’m the new music consultant for the station so you can expect even more 🙂 You can start by joining Radio GTA’s new interactiveFacebook group too!!
View the full BILLCS Top 30right 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
My 10/10 feature returns with edition #17. I can’t believe it’s been six months since I wrote the last one. But the time has come where very good songs for consideration for this blog are overwhelming the weaker ones, so I want to make sure the good ones get their due. And as usual, the choices are a global cornucopia of releases.
For those not familiar with10/10, 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, and they are not listed in any particular order.
Writing 10/10 posts means I can cover more songs in one shot. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about.
NUELA CHARLES, “Space”
Singer/songwriter Nuela Charles has been prominent in her native Canada, conquering the Adult Contemporary genre with Juno Awards nominations three years in a row for that category. “Space” is a welcome change of pace for her, showcasing her effortless classic R&B-influenced voice with a sassy and funky backdrop. While “Space” was written as a response to the pandemic, it’s clear that we all need space from each other, even those closest to it. “Space” sails away with that idea and Nuela flourishes in this setting.
KISLAW and VICTOR PERRY, “Slip Away”
NYC singer/songwriter Victor Perry continues to be one of the most prolific independent performers, releasing new music every week where possible and showcasing it with different collaborators. “Slip Away” is a unique partnership with new Africa-born French producer Kislaw, who embraces a sophisticated backdrop where you’ll hear the underutilized flute among other sounds. And a funky edge allows Victor’s brilliant vocal – which reminds me of when either Michael or Janet Jackson are at their most playful – to lilt through the story and soar in the ad libs too. Released by Bonfire Records, this one is very deserving of a follow up soon.
ANZANO and ROBBIE ROSEN, “Waves”
Like Victor Perry, “American Idol” Top 16 contestant Robbie Rosen is on a mission to release music every week right now (yes, it’s no surprise with similar ideals that the two collaborate as well). Robbie’s recent songs and performances are so consistently strong it’s hard to pick out what are the strongest ones. “Waves” finds Robbie working with Belgian producer Anzano for a chipper-sounding song that recognizes when you’ve lost a friend or partner to a better relationship or situation (“forever you’ll be one with the waves”). It’s a quick mix of classic pop and bright, friendly electropop that goes down easily.
CRASH ADAMS, “Symphony”
Your friendly neighbourhood Toronto pop/rock duo Crash Adams are back with another song to make you think while putting a smile on your face. “Symphony” is about that instant state of attraction when all of the vibes and conversation just seem oh so right. It’s another tight production with a winning vocal, and another cool video (above) to boot. Crash Adams continue to release quality songs, and their talent and flair for spot-on visuals will take them far.
THE PRIZM, “Darkness Is A Friend”
“Darkness Is A Friend” is the centerpiece song of L.A.-based producer The Prizm’s latest album New Beginnings. In fact the album is a third chapter to a complex story, but focuses on new beginnings for anyone who’s experienced recent hard times, whether they be through relationships, the pandemic, and more. The uplifting melody and vocal will help you realize that there is a way out of the darkness if you embrace it and move on. The album is a significant progressive stretch when looking back on last year’s catchy electronic dance single “I Don’t Wanna Go Home” (with ARTFCAL), but The Prizm (Gabriel Garcia) is taking his time to create stories and atmosphere that will have a deeper effect on the listener.
KEN BAUER, “Free”
Sweden’s Ken Bauer is hardly a new name to the electronic dance music scene, releasing regular music since 2016. Though he’s had support from big names like David Guetta, Sam Feldt, and Nicky Romero, all it takes is one song that could open more doors internationally. “Free” has that potential, with complex synths surrounding a basic but infectious hook. The uncredited vocal helps the song soar, and “Free” would go over very well indeed at festivals.
FEB & LEXIE, “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life”
Though it’s a far cry from the funky classic grooves of the 1982 Indeep classic, Italian producer Feb and British vocalist Lexie spin “Last Night A DJ Saved My Life” into a slick Eurohouse track. Lexie’s alluring vocal makes it perfectly pronounced that she’s moved on and looking for someone else who won’t break her heart. Feb’s production captures the essence of the song, making it a fitting surprise that works well.
DEGA, “Bad Burn”
Italy’s Dega brings us some dreamy, trance-soaked Europop with “Bad Burn”. The song effectively mixes in thoughtful vocals, an underlying and very catchy melody, and a build up to a swell drop for cohesive results. “Bad Burn” is definitely one of those songs where you might not know the artist, but the song solidly stands steadfast on its own and has festival anthem potential.
TOMMY NEWPORT and EARTHGANG, “Stargazer”
“Stargazer” is a cool slice of alternative rock that’s laced with hip hop that is out to challenge listeners while sublimely drawing them in with its warm hook. At only 20 years old, Manchester-born singer/guitarist Tommy Newport has already acquired fans through not only his music, but appearances on TV and internet shows as well as movies. His voice has a soulful undercurrent beneath a weary, journeyman kind of approach. His collaborators on “Stargazer” are recent Grammy Awards nominees for Best R&B Song, Atlanta’s EARTHGANG, who continue to show why hip hop and soul are so welcome in an alternative rock-oriented release, and how much more pliable the genre walls need to become.
CHRISTOPHER DAMAS, “Tekila”
Get that big plate of nachos ready because some “Tekila” is about to infiltrate the mix! It’s a tidy and spicy song that should easily fit into sets next to “Despacito” and “Mi Gente”, but there is a twist. The “k” in “Tekila” might give it away, but it’s brought to you by veteran Russian electronic dance producer Christopher Damas, which continues to prove that the boundaries within dance music itself are extremely limited. My only gripe about “Tekila” is that it’s way too short at only 2:10, making it a bit of a novelty. It flies by so quickly that listeners will be begging to know what that “Tekila” song is!
Aside from one single release last year, it’s been a while since the infectious grooves of Bobby Nourmand have graced our ears. After a series of highly infectious singles in 2017-18, he’s back with a change of pace on the more progressive “SANTO”, which features new Canadian vocalist/songwriter Jessica Zese. I’m not quite sure what it’s all about, but “SANTO” is one of those slices of atmospheric electronica that takes you by the ear and leads you deep into the night. Jessica’s lovely voice is interwoven with the music and ambiance, and becomes the song’s siren of sorts. “SANTO” is out of the ordinary and designed to make you ask about it, and I’ll look forward to more of Bobby’s latest artistry as it evolves. The above version is the radio edit; “SANTO” is a 2-song single that also includes an even longer “edit” – perhaps we’ll hear the full version at some point!
Following the insightful and unintentionally predictive pre-pandemic “Toxic World” (which got to #5 on my chart), L.A.-based Torontonian singer/songwriter Peter Foldy returns with “Friend Zone”. The double Juno Awards nominee has weaved a contemporary tale about being stuck as friends when you want more out of the relationship. Written by Peter and co-produced once again with panache by Miklos Malek, “Friend Zone” is anchored with a delightful Islands-flavoured lilt in its chorus. Peter has the natural ability to write and sing in a timeless, classic style which goes down easy. So while springtime friends may not end up as summer lovers, you can still dance and sway and have a great time with “Friend Zone”. While he is also a noted filmmaker and screenwriter currently working on multiple projects, you can expect more new music from Peter Foldy later this year.
Germany’s Saxity is on a roll with some fine pop/dance songs like last year’s “Fantasy”, which, along with Victor Perry, featured “American Idol” contestant and singer/songwriter/producer Robbie Rosen. And the fantastic Robbie – who is everywhere in the pop/dance scene right now – is back in “The Deeper I Fall”. Like his other collaboration with Dunisco, “When I Lost You”, “The Deeper I Fall” contemplates uncertainty – but in this case falling in love – while set to a contrasting, upbeat arrangement. It’s hard not to react with a smile when Mr. Stan Sax graces us with a smoldering saxophone hook that helps make the song travel along so quickly, and by the time it’s over you definitely want to hear more. Thanks to all of this formidable talent, being unsure of what’s next never felt so good in “The Deeper I Fall”.
“Fever” will help shift your Spring into full gear, a vibrant and energetic new song that will also have you worked up and worked out as recorded by American pop/R&B singer/songwriter Duncan. Once this “Fever” grabs you, it doesn’t have any intention on letting you go. Duncan has a slick pop style that is greatly complimented by his love for R&B and hip hop. Co-written and produced by the amazing L.A.-based trio Giiants (recently atop my personal chart with The Disco Fries on “Give It Back”), the song sizzles in that tough place between wanting someone and needing someone. While he’s released his own songs, over the past few years, Duncan has been heavily involved in other releases by the likes of Pitbull, Austin Mahone and Afrojack, among many others, including several in the hip hop genre. “Fever” is a clean cut breakaway from all of that to ignite Duncan’s many talents in this fresh setting.
The chart is shaken and stirred with a lot more vibrant activity than usual! The favourites of winter are now moving on and making way for the spring upstarts. In this chart, we have five debuts and a new #1 song. At the turn of the last decade, I was charting an awful lot of performers with multiple songs from their albums or EP’s. That time is returning… and unfortunately radio stays the same ol’ same ol’ – Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” took weeks before it was a #1 radio hit. In any event, I think you’ll enjoy this chart in particular and be sure to check out the songs!!
L.A.-based electronic dance producer Mahalo obtains his second #1 song on the chart with “Not Watching Anymore” (above). Mahalo has been a mainstay on my chart for the last five years, and his first #1 occurred in 2017 with “Perfect” featuring Canadian singer/co-writer Cat Lewis. Mahalo has an even better chart week with his latest single “Got That Love” (below), which is the Highest Debut on the chart at #22. Both productions are in the deep house vein but still quite different from each other, “Watching” sung by a woman, and “Got” sung by a man (both uncredited).
It doesn’t happen too often, but the Fastest Riser on the chart moves up from 15-3, and it’s the absolutely smoking deep house anthem “No More Looking Back”. The song is brought to you by the partnership of actor/producer Idris Elba and Kevin Saunderson and his revamped Inner City, with a magnificent vocal by singer Steffanie Christi’an.
These past few weeks I have needed my regular dose of “Jealous” by French producer Wizzay”, which climbs 7-5 from his EP Who I Am?
While Victor Perry’s collaboration with German producers Cal1 and L’essay, his ballad called “Stories” (above), gets snug in the Top 10 moving up 8-6, his second entry with Italy’s Lordnox races toward the Top 10. The upbeat house track “Myself In You” (below) soars 24-17.
It’s still more than a week away, but Porter Robinson’s long-awaited Nurture album arrives on April 23, and from it, “Look At The Sky” becomes his second Top 10 on my chart, moving 13-8.
Robbie Rosen is a name you’ve been seeing often in my blog for the last 4 or 5 months, and you’ll have to get used to seeing it even more. The “American Idol” contestant is a rarity – turning out high quality music in huge quantities so far this year! So, expecting no less, his recent banger with Norway’s Dunisco called “When I Lost You” (above) glides 19-13, while his work with Canada’s MADA and German newcomer production duo inLU called “Habits” (below) bows at #28.
The return of Sweden’s Eric Saade is eyeing another Top 10 placement for him with the Melodifestivalen finalist “Every Minute” vaulting 21-13.
I’m digging how “American Cliché” by Finneas rocks out, definitely one for which you need to turn up your speakers, and it climbs 26-21.
Karen Harding’s latest with UK producer Shift K3Y, the zippy “Morning”, moves up 27-22.
Another brilliant debut this week is a welcome return of Australia’s Peter Wilson and England’s Sean Smith singing together. While last time it was on the marvelous original “Verona”, this time it’s on a worthy cover choice of the late Robert Miles’ “One And One”, which arrives at #25. Currently it appears on Peter’s new album Electricity, but will be available as a single with dance mixes later in the week!
Like Gareth Emery’s “You’ll Be OK” last year, “Shine A Light” by France’s 2 Thunders with L.A. based singer/songwriter OMZ combines a touching story about being close to dying with an upbeat 90’s house-flavoured melody. It debuts at #26.
The fifth debut is by British Columbia’s Tyler Shaw, following up last year’s “Remember”, which peaked at #9. Bowing at #27 is the Dzeko remix of “When You’re Home”, which totally suits this darker deep house mix from its original pensive ballad format.
NEW!!Planet Radio Canadahas returned to the interwebs with The Musicman James Rogers and his “3D Variety Show” each week for three hours of great music as well as a few features. Listen to my New Music Pick of the Week (usually featuring a song on the chart) in the second hour of the show. Tomorrow, the show will also spotlight 1960’s greats Lou Christie and Leslie Gore. Planet Radio Canada’s “3D Variety Show” is simulcast on http://www.classichits.caand http://www.radiogta.ca from 6 to 9 pm EST.
The music from this chart and blog are also featured regularly on the online radio station The New 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! I’m the new music consultant for the station so you can expect even more 🙂 You can start by joining Radio GTA’s new interactiveFacebook group too!!
View the full BILLCS Top 30right 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
“Unnatural” wastes no time crawling between your ears and getting stuck inside for repeat plays. It’s brought to you by Australian producer Needs No Sleep in collaboration with vocalist/songwriter Jeremy Beamish, one half of The Beamish Brothers, who have already graced these blog pages with their great songs. “Unnatural” projects appropriately dark atmosphere, in a moody but cool house track that meshes the pan-European sound of a Nora En Pure with an inward-facing anthem that might fit fellow Aussies The Presets. Jeremy Beamish turns the page successfully into new territory with a deeper, hypnotic vocal than we are used to hearing with The Beamish Brothers. Needless to say, “Unnatural” is a simply marvelous track and I’m delighted that it’s making its way up the the ARIA club chart into the Top 30.
BILLCSMUSIC BLOG 