Felix Cartal – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – July 18/24 with songs by @itsJudeYork, @Mercer_music & @RonCarrollBMC, @AndrewBayer & @djOliverSmith,Eyeglasses @iainsforrest,@grabbitz, and @NathanBallhq

It’s been a busy week, so I have no additional commentary to preface this edition of the BILLCS New Music Report. Enjoy the songs and features!!

In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with a record of the week from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. In case you missed them on Monday, you’ll also find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the current BILLCS Top 30. Please note that “The Musicman” James Rogers’ Classic Five is currently on hiatus.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

JUDE YORK, “Monaco”

Australia’s Jude York has acquired a worldwide following with his unique brand of pop, sometimes mixed with danceable rhythms. From the swoon-worthy old school sounds of “I Won’t Need To Dream” to the lyrical wordplay towards the man of his affection with “Mr. Porcelain” and the pop rave up of “All My Friends Hate Me”, all previously written up in this blog, Jude has put his thoughts and personality on full display these past few years. “Monaco” brings it all together with Kylie Minogue flair in a song completely written and produced by Jude. It’s got an irresistible chorus which transports you to sunny Monaco for a three minute pop-dance vacation. Jude has recorded dance music previously under other names, so this is a full-circle moment. “Monaco” has huge dance radio potential and its release on Spinnin’ should help it get there.

MERCER, “Disco Sermon featuring Ron Carroll”

French dance producer Mercer has had the distinction of acquiring three number one’s on the BILLCS Top 30 to date out of his four charted entries. Little did I know until recently that he co-wrote Lady Gaga’s “Applause”, one of my Gaga faves which got to #2 as well, and he has worked closely with artists like DJ Snake, Cerrone, Tchami and Malaa, sometimes in the background as an engineer. And Mercer is one of a few contemporary producers who does disco proud. His latest release “Disco Sermon featuring Ron Carroll” is no exception, as he partners once again with the Chicago house notable (their first collaboration was 2018’s “Satisfy”, which samples Don Ray’s disco hit “Got To Have Loving”, and is one of those BILLCS Top 30 #1’s). And what better to preach the word of disco than the expressive voice of Ron Carroll? This “Disco Sermon” will unite club goers on the dance floor, for the power and presence of the 70’s most enjoyable music genre is very much alive, it never really went anywhere except back underground while other sub-genres which couldn’t have existed without it (house, trance, etc.) rose to the fore. “Disco Sermon” is a lot of fun, and any club DJ who appreciates the history of dance music and the impact of disco should be playing it.

ANDREW BAYER, OLIVER SMITH, “Rude Boyz”

Two Anjunabeats headliners, Grammy-nominated Washington DC native Andrew Bayer and the UK’s Oliver Smith (the first artist signed to the label), combine forces with the fun trance-flavoured bop “Rude Boyz”. It’s essentially an instrumental, with some vocals used as effects, and it plays on some familiar trance sounds and effects, but then tosses in arpeggios and some cool drops to really diversify the mix. Having been to see an Anjunabeats show before (which included Oliver), I’m certain that “Rude Boyz” would be an in-demand crowd-pleasing highlight when played in a set by Andrew or Oliver. Its euphoric melody will keep the audience raging and bouncing, so it deserves to be a centrepiece of a set.

EYEGLASSES, “Beautiful Things”

It’s hard to listen to covers of one of your favourite songs, knowing that none is likely to match it. But this cello instrumental take on Benson Boone’s massive “Beautiful Things” (a BILLCS Top 30 #1) manages to stand on its own. Eyeglasses is the performing name for Iain S. Forrest, who is a medical student in New York City and plays free performances in subways and throughout NYC. He’s received notice on social media and TV for his performances, and sadly last year, he was attacked in a subway by a deranged person and was struck on the head with a big object. While it took him some time to recover, particularly psychologically, from the incident, Iain is back performing in public. His arrangement of “Beautiful Things” is stunning and captivating, his cello sings on its own, so be sure to check it out. He’s also begun releasing vocal originals like “Tomorrow’s Dawn” which you can listen to at the following Spotify link: Eyeglasses.

GRABBITZ, “In The Dark”

Acclaimed electronic artist Grabbitz continues to dazzle with songs like the title track from his 3-song EP In The Dark. The L.A.-based, Buffalo, New York singer, songwriter and producer offers a creative mix of progressive electronica and dubstep in this compelling track. The production is highly layered and brings some surprises, like a short spoken word interlude. With taking some risks in the production, “In The Dark” stands apart from a lot of same-sounding progressive electronic dance music. Its theme of self-isolation could prompt a discussion about mental health and the need for some people to be alone at certain times, which often leads others to worry rather needlessly instead of trying to understand the big picture. To the special attention of producers/remixers, he has also placed the stems for his songs on his website for your use. Website link: Grabbitz.com. The website also includes a digital booklet containing the lyrics to the three songs on his EP.

NATHAN BALL, “Stateline”

House music fans know Cornwall, England-based talent Nathan Ball as the current touring vocalist for the seminal dance band Faithless, who frequently tour in the UK, Europe and Australia. In fact, Faithless reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 with the mesmerizing “Synthesizer” in 2021, which featured Nathan on lead vocals. But with “Stateline”, Nathan steps back into a grounded indie singer/songwriter pop/folk mode in refreshing song about being young, dreaming, and in love, only to reach that stage that eventually happens to us all when reality bites. It’s hard not to like a song like this with an earnest vocal which would appeal to fans of Niall Horan and Ed Sheeran. While it’s great to hear Nathan as part of the ongoing Faithless clan, it’s also cool to see him creating a parallel identity which could serve him well long after his time in Faithless comes to an end.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world, and debuts throughout the summer each Wednesday at 10pm EST on The Big 20 on Halton Hills Radio Online. “The 3D Variety Show” in which it normally debuts on Tuesdays, is on hiatus and will return in September.

Swedish electronic production duos Jubël and NOTD pair up for the irresistible “Chocolate”

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S RECORD OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online station Halton Hills Radio Online. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”. Russ’ record of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

“Better Days” is by veteran rockers Staind

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885. Hunter can also be heard weekdays at 2pm EST on Party Dog Radio. Hunter’s bop of the week can now be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

It’s Belgian alt.pop singer Tessa Dixson with “Way Back”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

The “Classic Five” will return.

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Felix Cartal and Lights continue at #1 with the Live String Version of “feel less”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Rising 27-18 it’s “Mi Amor” by Sam Feldt, JVKE and Anitta

#BILLCSTop30 #696 – July 15/24

In a chart where this week the top 13 songs are holding or on the rise, it leaves a big question mark as to how it will look in two weeks, just before I head off to New York City (yup again, can’t get enough). There are several worthy candidates on the move for the top of the chart, we’ll just have to see what songs I can let go of… well a bit anyway!

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are now directly tied in with this blog. As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive (recently updated along with its Artist tab)

Deservedly killing it at #1 for a second appearance is “feel less (Live String Version Recorded at The Warehouse)” by Canadians, Juno Award winners, and true buds Felix Cartal and Lights. It’s one thing to make a dance track, but then to turn that track into one with orchestra and synths is a brilliant thing.

I’ve seen UK singer/songwriter Hayla in concert twice this year, and it will happen for a third time in September when she opens in my city for Kygo. Her solo release “Embers” rises 4-2 and seems most likely to succeed “feel less” at #1 – but will it? Hayla also has a new single, “Freefall”, coming soon, and both of her tracks with John Summit, the recent BILLCS Top 30 #1 “Shivers” and “Where You Are” appear on John’s new album Comfort In Chaos. She’s one of dance music’s biggest stars on the rise.

When JVKE releases music, things seem to happen in at least double the ways of other performers. His single “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” (above) advances 5-3, but he’s also one of the vocalists and songwriters of “Mi Amor” with producer Sam Feldt and Latin sensation Anitta. “Mi Amor” (below) is the Fastest Riser on the chart this week, soaring 27-18, and easily one of dance music’s summer songs of ’24.

Benson Boone’s story of 2024 is also one of multiples – mainly with “Beautiful Things” reaching #1 in multiple countries around the world. He too has two songs on the chart this week from his Fireworks and Rollerblades album. “Cry” (above) – which pulls your leg with its false start – jumps 8-5, while current single “Slow It Down” (below) moves up 26-19.

It’s been a long time coming but Germany’s TheFatRat lands in the Top 10 for the first time with his enthralling single “Myself & I” featuring Canadian vocalist/songwriter RIELL. It leaps 12-7.

Three times a charm as L.A. dance producers TELYKast reach the Top 10 for the third time with “Without Your Love” climbing 11-9. It’s also the first one for collaborator Deorro and a second one for vocalist Catello. Both TELYKast and Catello have reached #1 with “Unbreakable” and “Nobody” (with NOTD).

Vanessa Williams’ first new song in 15 years moves up 14-10 as “Legs (Keep Dancing)” joins other dance favourites in her repertoire like “Work To Do” and “Running Back To You”.

Kygo’s self-titled album became one of electronic dance music’s most important releases of the year and is expected to debut in the Top 10 of Billboard’s album chart this week. “For Life”, featuring vocalist/songwriter Zak Abel and the amazing Nile Rodgers, jumps 18-12.

Hanging in among it all after his win at EuroVision in May is Switzerland’s Nemo with their flamboyant and engaging “The Code” rising 17-13.

While their track with Zerb, “Addicted”, has been a recent favourite at dance music radio in North America, “Bad Advice”, from their EP No Hard Feelings and featuring Canadian singer/songwriter ELIO, is mine, as it moves up 21-15.

I can’t tell you how many times “Honey Boy” has been stuck in my head this week. This uber-creative track by Purple Disco Machine, Benjamin Ingrosso, Shenseea, and again, the inimitable Nile Rodgers, climbs 28-21.

Another track that has been spinning in my head for days is “Chocolate” by two pairs of Swedish producers, Jubël and NOTD, which is the Highest Debut at #24. It’s Jubël’s first appearance on the chart while for NOTD it’s their second, and first since their 2021 #1 “Nobody” with Catello. I was also lucky to see NOTD perform last September when I was visiting Austin, Texas. And is it just me or do the male and female uncredited vocals on this track sound like they could be by the same person (pitched up/down)?

Also making a return to the chart after a briefer absence of less than two years is Canadian duo Crash Adams with their no-holds-barred “Hotel Party” at #26. This is their fourth appearance on the chart after making their debut back in 2020 and reaching #10 in 2022 with “Give Me A Kiss”, so yes, I have been an early-bird supporter of these guys and their energetic brand of fun!

Combining dream pop and dance music for a unique release are The Knocks and indie vocal duo Dolores Forever with “Lover”, which arrives at #27. The Knocks of course are chart veterans here, making their 11th appearance since 2012. They also got to #6 earlier this year with Sofi Tukker on their release “One On One”. I’m thinking that “Lover” marks a turning point in their career with another fine release.

Rounding out the new releases is the fourth chart entry for Miami producer GT_ofice with the banger “Ecstasy” at #28. He works again with both New Jersey producer Matthew Topper and the sensational Robbie Rosen on this track. Matthew makes his first appearance on the chart, and for the prolific Robbie – who got to #3 with GT_ofice and JAYEM earlier this year with the dance radio hit “Feels Like Us” – “Ecstasy” marks his 12th visit to the chart.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Radio Online

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 Saturday evening at 6 pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link. My New Music Pick of the Week also debuts each week on The Big 20 until September.

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada is currently on hiatus, and will return in September.

Energy885

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885 now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Modern Hype” on Fridays at 6pm EST, and his new show “Pyjama Party” on Saturdays at 5pm EST, which both air my New Music Pick of the Week. Energy885 is also airing my Retro Pick Of The Week as well on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM EST. You can hear past episodes of “Modern Hype” and “Pyjama Party” at the following link: DJ Hunter.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSTop30 #695 – July 1/24

Two weeks later and there is more turnover than usual on the new chart. Like the last chart, there are five debuts, and as I’ve mentioned before, songs are spending less time on the chart than usual. In fact since November, only 5 songs have “gone the distance” on the chart to a maximum of 10 chart appearances (20 weeks), with the 6th going deservedly to John Summit & Hayla’s former #1 “Shivers” this week. That of course means the song will depart the chart (unless it reverses course, which is not likely).

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive (recently updated along with its Artist tab)

There’s also a new #1 as Canadians Felix Cartal and Lights get their first one on this chart with the stunning live string version of “feel less” (above). You can also check out Felix’s latest, “idwtwya”, below.

It’s hard to say at this point if “feel less” will be #1 in two weeks, but two songs making a case for succeeding it are Hayla’s solo release “Embers” (7-4, above) and JVKE’s “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” (9-5, below).

Three of the catchiest songs on the chart also arrive in the Top 10. Ekonovah’s “Feel My Flow” (above) jumps 11-6, while Kiesza’s national dance radio hit “I Go Dance” (below) leaps 13-7, and Washington’s Dreamer Boy (aka presidential namesake Zach Taylor) climbs 12-9 with “Heartbreaker” (also below)

TheFatRat’s “Myself and I” (17-12) is proving to be one of his most enduring releases, with great thanks to a superb vocal by Canada’s RIELL.

Vanessa Williams’ “Legs (Keep Dancing)” continues to work its magic and find new listeners who just adore it, and it rises 20-14.

All but one of the five debuts from last chart gets stuck in a tough place in this week’s chart, and “For Life” by Kygo, Zak Abel and Nile Rodgers ends up being the Fastest Riser, soaring 25-18.

While “Cry” climbs 10-8, Benson Boone’s official follow up single to “Beautiful Things”, “Slow It Down”, has grown on me more, and is the Highest Debut at #26.

At #27, after his “Rest Of My Life” departed the chart recently after peaking at #2, Dutch dance producer Sam Feldt returns, this time with JVKE and Brazilian star Anitta accompanying him, on the ultra-summery “Mi Amor” at #27. It’s also JVKE’s 6th chart entry.

“Honey Boy” is a pretty irresistible slice of funky dance pop as created by Germany’s Purple Disco Machine, Swedish vocalist Benjamin Ingrosso, rising star and Jamaican vocalist Shenseea, and Nile “he’s everywhere” Rodgers, and it arrives at #28. It’s Purple Disco Machine’s second entry, following last year’s “Substitution” (with Kungs, #8), Benjamin’s first (he’s the cousin of Swedish House Mafia’s Sebastian Ingrosso), Shenseea’s 1st, and Nile’s 5th (where he is billed).

Arriving at #29 is another single from Bright Light Bright Light’s Enjoy Youth album, the fun and infectious “Heartslap”, with Mykal Kilgore. It’s BLx2’s 26th chart entry, and Mykal previously appeared with him on “Feel It” (#5, 2012).

British singer/songwriter Florrie has rebooted her career with a new album called The Lost Ones, and from that we have “Kissing In The Cold” arriving at #30.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Radio Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada (currently on vacation, returning July 16)

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 live online radio show “The 3D Variety Show”, now powered by both www.xstreamrockradio.com and Lil Rawkers with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. My pick of the week airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSTop30 #694 – June 17/24

A bit of turnover freshens up the BILLCS Top 30 this week, as five songs debut. I’ve also got some extras within the blog post, including links to newer releases by some of the artists as well as links to a few new remixes.

Remember – my blog posts are all about DISCOVERY, so let the music in!!

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive (recently updated along with its Artist tab)

Sweden’s Darin continues at the top with his fourth #1 on this chart with “Electric”. Swedish fans are getting ready for what sounds like an exciting summer tour! Darin and other Swedish artists need to make a trek over to North America sometime where, with the right show package and promotion, they would likely make a killing. You can also check out “Electric” in its acoustic ballad version at the following Spotify link: Acoustic.

Zipping up from 6-2 is the live string version of “feel less” by my fellow Canadians Felix Cartal and Lights. This becomes a personal best on the chart for Felix and ties Lights’ previous peak with Manila Killa on “Dusk” from two years ago.

I’ll admit it: At the time of Melodifestivalen back in March, I liked Medina’s “Que Será” better than Marcus & Martinus’ winner “Unforgettable”. But as time went on, I found I was playing “Unforgettable” a lot more, and now it has risen 5-3 on the chart.

“Hopeless” (above), the emotional slice of alternative hip hop/pop from Philadelphia duo N i G H T S, climbs 8-6. They’ve recently released a 3 song EP called Vacay, from which you can listen to “Palm Tree” below.

Bounding into the Top 10 to no surprise and joining her huge track with John Summit, “Shiver” (currently #5), is British sensation Hayla with her solo release “Embers”, rising 12-7. After last night’s performance at the John Summit show in Toronto, it is clear that big things are in store for Hayla in the next few years. Fun fact: Her real name is Hayley Williams! Maybe the Paramore star will join Hayla sometime on stage!

JVKE makes it four-for-four Top 10 entries on this chart as the engaging “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” (above) climbs 15-9. Also landing in the Top 10 for a fourth time is Benson Boone with “Cry” (13-10, below) from his fabulous album Fireworks and Rollerblades. Let’s hope it follows “Slow It Down” as the next single promoted to radio. JVKE and Benson have each had two #1’s on the chart.

Ekanovah’s brisk and fun “Find My Flow” (above) is making short work of the chart as it jumps 18-11. You can check out his latest release “Vibrant” below.

Kiesza’s “I Go Dance” (above) is becoming her biggest release in 10 years, currently in the national dance radio Top 30. The song leaps 20-13 on the chart, and you can check out its trance-flavoured Leena Punks & Shay de Castro remix at the following link: Remix

Teddy Swims’ Motown-flavoured “The Door” continues to make moves everywhere and it climbs 23-15.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is “Myself & I” by German electronic producer TheFatRat and Canadian singer/songwriter RIELL, which soars 27-17.

Vanessa Williams’ first new music in 15 years, “Legs (Keep Dancing)” (above), is off to a fine start, up 26-20. You can also check out John “J.C.” Carr and Bill Coleman’s 808 Beach Mix of the song at the following link: Remix

Nemo’s EuroVision winner for Switzerland, the highly infectious “The Code” (above) rises 28-21. You also can find it in a sometimes bouncy, trance-flavoured Felix Jaehn remix at the following link: Remix

The Highest Debut at #23 belongs to Greyson Chance who has released “Rearview Mirror” independently in advance of his next album. It’s Greyson’s 7th entry on the chart.

Next at #24 is The Chainsmokers, with Canadian singer/songwriter ELIO on what I think is the best track from their new EP No Hard Feelings called “Bad Advice”. This one is for fans of “Closer” and “Paris”! It’s Alex and Drew’s 14th chart entry, hard to believe their first was in 2015, and even that was preceded by what everyone thought would be a one-off, “#Selfie”, the year before!

He did amazing things with Whitney Houston’s version of “Higher Love” back in 2019 and it got to #2 on this chart. After many other cover versions, Kygo is back with original music and “For Life” arrives at #25. It’s in collaboration with vocalist/songwriter Zak Abel and the legend Nile Rodgers, who is everywhere these days. “For Life” does use the melody of the hook of Modjo’s dance classic “Lady (Hear Me Tonight)”, and it does grab you. And I like how Kygo uses it briefly enough for the original song and Zak’s great vocal to surround it. Zak also has appeared previously on the chart, on GATTÜSO’s “I’ll Be There” (#14, 2022).

At #26, Spain’s The Boy from the South is back with his third entry, the unique bop “Space Party”. It follows last year’s two Top 10 entries, “Amazing-Man” (#3) and “Man Down” (#6).

And totally out of left field at #27 is “Ur So Good (Everything I Need)” by Australia’s De Facto!! and DJ Fruit Salad. You can find out more about these producers on either Tik Tok or Soundcloud. DJ Fruit Salad kindly revealed to me that the predominant sample is from an obscure 70’s R&B track by Lorzine Wright called “You’re So Good”, which was produced by disco legend Patrick Adams. It’s so cheesy but I guarantee you won’t be able to get it out of your head!

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Radio Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Energy885

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSTop30 #693 – June 3/24

It looks like it’s time to fight for our Canadian identities in music again. Singer Bryan Adams – long a favourite of mine, I’ve seen him three or four times in concert – has long been outspoken about how music by Canadian artists is identified by our government in terms of radio play and about our antiquated copyright laws. He posted a video message, to which our Heritage Minister replied, and to which Bryan added a post on X below. And he’s absolutely right. He fought 30 years ago for a change in the Canadian Content (Cancon) rules, as his huge song “Everything I Do (I Do it For You)” was not considered to qualify as Canadian Content because the only criteria that it met was that Bryan, as the artist, was a Canadian! Now frankly it’s even worse, with multiple collaborations between Canadians and others, but often not enough to satisfy the four criteria which were revamped in 1991 and you can find at the following link: Cancon. So let’s keep an eye on this and see if Bryan can continue to champion our Canadian music scene.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below as they are increasingly tied in with this blog. As most of you know, I host 3 online radio shows – The Big 20 and two iterations of Your Weekend New Music Mix – and produce 2 online radio segments – my new music and retro picks of the week – that are all pre-recorded. The Big 20 and the picks of the week are happily being syndicated and you can find the current schedule for all at the bottom of the home page of this blog.

He’s now in a rather elite class in terms of my chart’s history, and Darin gets his 4th #1 with the propulsive summery pop jam “Electric”, which climbs 5-1 in a sudden takeover from two months of “Shiver”. Darin joins Justin Timberlake and Sam Smith, who also have 4 #1’s, Darren Hayes who has 5, Simon Curtis who has 6 plus another one as a featured vocalist, and Bright Light Bright Light who has 7! Darin has also followed up “Electric” with a new one, “Moonlight”, which you can check out below.

I still can’t get enough of the Euphoric Alternative remix of David Archuleta’s “Afraid To Love” (above), which also became a collaboration with keyboardist/producer Willy Beaman, and climbs 4-3. David’s latest is the quite different “Hell Together”, which you can hear below.

Making a splash in the Top 10 is the stunning live string version of “feel less” by Felix Cartal and Lights (11-6), recorded at The Warehouse in Vancouver. It becomes the 4th Top 10 entry for both artists. Felix just released a new “double A” single, which these days is being called an EP, called “i”, which includes “dive/stay/” and “cuz of you”, and you can check out at the following Spotify link: Felix Cartal EP.

Getting her second Top 10 entry just over 8 years after the last one is dance music queen Rozalla with her timeless take on Nicolette Larson’s hit version of “Lotta Love”, which climbs 14-10.

I’m looking forward to seeing her again perform, this time in my city in September, as she opens for Kygo and Sam Feldt. Hayla rises 19-12 with her smashing solo release “Embers” (above). And about Kygo – well he and Hayla just released their own collaboration “Without You”, which you can check out below.

Never underestimate the power of a fantastic hook, which will have you singing Washington-based artist Dreamer Boy’s “Heartbreaker” long after it’s over. The song jumps 23-16.

L.A.’s TELYKast seems to have no shortage of great songs up their sleeves lately, and their collaboration with fellow producer Deorro and vocalist Catello, “Without Your Love”, rises 25-17.

The Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to one of the catchiest songs around. It’s “Find My Flow” by Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah, which soars 28-18.

Right behind is the bonafide national dance radio hit for Kiesza called “I Go Dance”, which moves up 29-20 from her newly released EP which you can listen to at the following Spotify link: Dancing And Crying Vol. 1.

For those of you who are tired of “Lose Control”, you can enjoy Teddy Swims’ top-notch Motown-flavoured follow-up “The Door”, which rises 30-23.

The Highest Debut belongs to an artist who would have appeared on my chart had there been one before 1998. Vanessa Williams sparkles on “Legs (Keep Dancing)” having just turned 61, an independent release very deserving of your attention, which arrives at #26. It’s her first release in 15 years. Other artists on the chart age 60+ are Rozalla and Pet Shop Boys.

Debuting on the chart after more than 10 years as an electronic dance producer is TheFatRat, who has a huge following on You Tube thanks to his involvement with the gaming world, and “Myself & I”, featuring Canadian singer RIELL at #27. It’s chapter six of a series of story-songs, full of layered top-notch production and an excellent vocal by RIELL.

The third debut belongs to Swiss EuroVision winner Nemo with the fascinating and riveting “The Code”, which arrives at #28.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Radio Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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” at www.planetradio.ca, now powered by www.xstreamrockradio.com with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. My pick of the week airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at the following link: 3D Variety Show. The show repeats on Alberta’s www.katpowerhit.ca on Wednesdays at 6pm EST.

Energy885

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSTop30 #692 – May 20/24

Here we are again with a new chart, some 17 days after I left on vacation. Of course I didn’t expect to become ill after my cruise, with a bug that has left my voice in the gutter for the last few days – you’ll hear how I sound on my New Music Pick of the Week segment – and likely a few days more. So Wednesday will be catch up time for the BILLCS New Music Report. In the meantime, one of THE dance songs of the summer of ’24 holds on top for a fourth appearance (eighth week), while three fresh and new songs debut.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

John Summit and Hayla still command the chart with the irrepressible “Shiver” (above), a song that will make dance club and festival goers stop in their tracks to enjoy. What will follow it at #1 in two weeks remains to be seen, but there are a number of worthy choices right below. Hayla’s subsequent single, the fierce “Embers” (below), moves up solidly 24-19.

“Harmless”, the unique alternative rock track by New Zealand’s Will Swinton, rises a notch to #2. To follow up such a great single, I’d love to know more of what’s in store for this young talent. I mean I may be missing out by not having a Tik Tok account, but let’s hope to hear more soon.

“Last Of Us” is one of those big, heartfelt dance tracks that doesn’t come around too often, this time by Gryffin and Rita Ora, and it climbs 4-3.

Like many electronic dance music lovers, David Archuleta’s IG feed shows him at EDC Las Vegas this past weekend, and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next after his euphoric alternative mix of “Afraid To Love” with collaborator Willy Beaman, which moves up 6-4. A big EDM collab might just be the ticket! Happy to start that rumour…

Sweden’s Darin is already set to release a new single, “Moonlight”, on Friday May 24, as his latest “Electric” continues to climb, moving up 7-5. “Electric” is his 7th Top 5 entry. Here’s some Darin/Pet Shop Boys trivia: The artists have a producer in common, though not for their most recent releases, and that is the amazing Stuart Price. Stuart co-produced Darin’s 2022 single “Superstar”, and has produced the PSB albums Super, Hotspot, as well as their 2013 album, which was called Electric!!

Pet Shop Boys’ latest album is Nonetheless, but have just released an EP which you can listen to at the following Spotify link called Furthermore, which includes re-recordings of their classics “It’s A Sin”, “Heart”, “Being Boring”, and “Always On My Mind”. The lead single from Nonetheless, “Loneliness”, continues to climb and moves up 9-6.

After a successful EuroVision weekend, which found their entry in 9th place overall for Sweden, Marcus & Martinus’ “Unforgettable” is the Fastest Riser of the week, soaring 13-7. Click the photo above to watch their EuroVision performance. I’ll have some words about the winning and runner-up entries on Wednesday in the New Music Report.

Philadelphia lo-fi hip hop duo N i G H T S obtain their fourth Top 10 entry as the intriguing and seething breakup song, “Hopeless”, rises 12-10.

“feel less” is a perfect example of how to turn your latest dance single in to a masterful pop release. Recorded live at The Warehouse in Vancouver, Felix Cartal and Lights’ latest collaboration becomes an emotional pop song with a brilliant vocal and sublime arrangement, rising 16-11.

I know a lot of Years & Years fans felt bad for Olly Alexander’s 18th place finish in EuroVision with “Dizzy”. To me it had nothing to do with the song itself or his vocal, which some people have been way too critical about on social media. It was more about its polarizing visuals, which to me only spoke to a small portion of the worldwide audience, though there were no technical issues that I could see. You can judge for yourself by clicking on the photo above but it was kind of a hard lesson learned. Olly’s an adventurous performer, this just wasn’t the time or place for it. Nonetheless, “Dizzy” moves up 18-13.

Rozalla’s solid rendition of Nicolette Larson’s version of “Lotta Love” continues to move up the chart briskly, rising 19-14. It’s still not too late for a Canadian AC radio campaign, just sayin’…

While I’m starting to see more love for the second single release from Fireworks and Rollerblades, “Slow It Down”, I’m still stuck on the album track “Cry”, which has also been doing well, and climbs 22-16.

As you know from many blog posts, I’m a sucker for a vocal performance that leaves me in awe of some of today’s best talents. JVKE is one of them and his latest single, “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like”, though highly reminiscent of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You” stylistically, nails the pre-Beatles American male pop vocalist sound of the day. “Slow Dancing” rises 25-20.

Arriving as the Highest Debut at #28 is “Find My Flow” by rising Phoenix dance producer Ekonovah (pronounced “echo-nova”). It’s one catchy slice of house music that could be a creeper in dance music sets by some of your favourite DJ’s this summer.

Calgary’s Kiesza makes her fourth appearance on the chart with the delightfully wacky and infectious “I Go Dance” at #29. The Juno Award winner got to #1 back in late 2018 with the equally fun “Phantom of the Dance Floor” accompanied by Quebec opera singer Philippe Sly.

Rounding out the chart and the new entries at #30 is “The Door” by Georgia-born Teddy Swims, which follows up his worldwide #1 “Lose Control”, which I got burned out on quickly. Teddy didn’t just come out of nowhere though. He was a You Tuber whose viral covers led to memorable appearances on “The Kelly Clarkson Show”, “The Late Late Show with James Corden”, and “America’s Got Talent”. His big and versatile, soulful voice has allowed him to cross genres, working in everything from country to EDM, leading to his debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy Part 1. “The Door” is seamless, 60’s flavoured pop soul that’s refreshing for today’s pop audiences.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Radio Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada (on hiatus until June 4)

Energy885

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

BILLCS Top 30 – May 6/23 (early edition!)

This is a quick post before I go on vacation for eight days to capture the key songs of note on this week’s chart, plus the five new additions, and of course to publish the chart! The next chart will be published on Monday, May 20, back on its usual schedule.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

John Summit and Hayla are once again atop of the chart with “Shiver” (above), making it three consecutive appearances, or six weeks, at #1. Will it get a fourth? And Hayla bows on the chart for the first time as a solo artist with her magnificent “Embers” (below) as the Highest Debut at #24. Definitely watch this one fire up through the summer! It’s unclear to me what song just below “Shiver” might eventually succeed it at #1.

The Top 5 is pretty steady, but just below, David Archuleta and Willy Beaman’s euphoric alternative mix of “Afraid To Love” jumps 8-6. It was great to see David’s glorious return on “American Idol” recently. Very deserving!!

New to the Top 10 are “Electric” by Darin (12-7, above), becoming his 10th Top 10 entry, as well as “Loneliness” by Pet Shop Boys (13-9, below) with their 9th, and Nothing But Thieves gets their first with “Oh No :: He Said What?” (11-10, also below).

It’s Eurovision weekend! I may miss it because I’ll be on a boat. Will it be Marcus & Martinus who succeed with “Unforgettable” (18-13, above)? Or Olly Alexander with “Dizzy” (21-18, below)? Or something else? Olly released a compilation of Years & Years hits and deeper cuts today called “Odyssey”, and it’s a fine selection so check it out if you have missed out during the last nine years.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the live string edition of “feel less” by Felix Cartal and Lights, which soars 25-16.

Returning to the chart #25 is Rhode Island’s greatest recent musical treasure, JVKE. Hey, I’ll be in RI on Sunday, maybe I’ll see him 😛 Anyway, his stunning new song “This Is What Slow Dancing Feels Like” is his best recent one so be sure to check it out. It’s already his 5th appearance on the chart.

Making his chart debut at #27 is Washington’s Dreamer Boy with “Heartbreaker”. Don’t. Go Around. Breaking Hearts. Into Two. What an anthemic chorus!! You’ll have it stuck in your head in no time. Dreamer Boy is the performing name for a guy with a presidential name, Zach Taylor.

“Without Your Love” is the infectious deep house track by L.A. producers Deorro and TELYKast with vocals by Catello, and it arrives at #28. It’s Deorro’s first entry on the chart, and it makes it three for TELYKast and two for Catello (who was the vocalist on NOTD’s #1 “Nobody”).

Wrapping up the debuts at #29 is “Carry On” by Canadian singer Daniel Richter with German producers The Twinz. This is one you can listen to over and over and bask in Daniel’s beautiful vocal. Daniel was previously the singer for the band Eleven Past One and this is his second solo entry to chart, following last year’s “Forget You” (#11).

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Energy885

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSTop30 #690 – April 22/24

It might be too early to say it, but I’m enjoying so many songs on this chart, that several of them may turn out to be big favourites by year’s end. But there are still eight more months to go and it’s always a tall order for songs from earlier in the year to hold their ground against ones later in the year.

NOTE: I will be on vacation in two weeks, with limited internet resources, so the May 6/24 chart will likely be published on Friday May 3.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

The BILLCS Top 30 Archive: BILLCS Top 30 Archive

Right now “Shiver” by John Summit and Hayla (above) has a lock on #1 and I have no idea yet as to what song will succeed it. John apparently had a great Coachella set, and has released a new festival banger called “Eat The Bass”, which you can check out below.

Jonas Blue gets a personal chart best with his Endless Summer collaboration with Sam Feldt and Sadie Rose Van as “Rest of My Life” (above) climbs to #2. Jonas previously got to #3 back in 2016 with “Fast Car” (with Dakota). And you should also listen to Sam’s recent collaboration with YouNotUs, Martin Jensen and Sam Graycalled “24K Heart Of Gold” (below).

Gryffin and Rita Ora both land in the Top 5 for the first time with the entrancing “Last Of Us”, which climbs 9-5.

Also cutting through the Top 10 quickly is “When You Can’t Resist”, the guitar-filled slice of alternative soul by Vancouver’s Diamond Café.

The Top 10 has two new highly danceable entries with David Archuleta and Willy Beaman’s “Afraid To Love” (Euphoric alternative mix, above) climbing 11-8, and Martin Garrix’s “Carry You” (below) rises 13-9 in collaboration with Third Party, Oaks (aka Winona Oak) and Declan J. Donovan. It becomes Martin’s 11th Top 10 entry.

Sweden’s Darin is in line for yet another Top 10 entry as his latest release “Electric” jumps 17-12.

Leave it to long-time faves to have this week’s Fastest Riser. Pet Shop Boys’ “Loneliness” soars 24-13 in advance of the release of their 15th studio album Nonetheless, due Friday April 26. It’s their first studio album since 2020’s Hotspot.

The two EuroVision entries on the chart are off to smooth starts. Sweden’s Marcus & Martinus climb 25-18 with “Unforgettable (above). And Olly Alexander, no stranger to this chart with his many Years & Years songs, rises 26-21 with “Dizzy” (below) for the UK. I’ll be on a cruise at sea on May 11 when EuroVision is broadcast, so I’m hoping to still watch all or part of it – maybe the ship will even broadcast it, who knows?

Jared Lee’s solo entry “Love No More” moves up 27-22 to keep pass with the two EuroVision songs.

It’s hard not to like such a faithful cover version as Rozalla’s “Lotta Love”, which rises 29-23. I’d like to start a campaign for Canadian AC and AC Top 40 stations to play the song, which happens to be 50% Canadian Content. Who’s with me??

The Highest Debut of the week is the stunning live string version of “feel less” by Juno Award winners Felix Cartal and Lights, which arrives at #25. It’s Felix’s sixth chart entry and Lights’ 4th.

Right now I can’t get enough of Benson Boone’s debut album Fireworks and Rollerblades. And while his label is pushing “Slow It Down” to follow “Beautiful Things”, I think “Slow” is getting lost in the shadows of the success of the latter. So I’m opting for the emotional and triumphant rocker “Cry”, which bows at #26.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

Halton Hills Online

On Saturdays and Sundays from 8pm to Midnight EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix”, four hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My Retro Pick of the Week plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” which airs Saturdays at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Energy885

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

BILLCS New Music Report – April 17/24 with new songs by @FelixCartal & @Lights, @iamDanielRichter & The Twinz, @KarenHarding, @Kiesza, @thisisLyra, MELØ, @EMMinreallife, and @iamwesmills

In this week’s edition of the Report, there are several beautifully sung new tracks, and a couple with 90’s nostalgia in mind. As always it’s a diverse bunch of songs that you should check out!

In the Report, you can also check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five all from 1973-74. You’ll also revisit the BILLCS Top 30 from this week in 2010, when there were a wealth of free downloads available.

The BILLCS New Music Report is always a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me at through my social media links right here.

Reminder: Click on the photo to watch the video or listen to the song.

FELIX CARTAL, LIGHTS, “feel less (String Version Recorded Live at The Warehouse)”

If you loved the studio version of “feel less” by Juno Award winners Felix Cartal and Lights, then I can see jaws dropping with this live performance. Honestly, has Lights sounded better on another song? I certainly can’t think of one, and her work with Manila Killa on “Dusk” a few years back comes close. The production here is taut, sending the synths to the background to allow the strings to flourish. This all brings out emotion in “feel less” which I didn’t sense in the original. And my next thought is – maybe this live version of “feel less” is the radio hit that didn’t happen with the studio version? Play it next to Olivia Rodrigo and Benson Boone and tell me that it’s NOT. Big thumbs up to Felix and Lights for going with your guts and making even more of “leel less”.

DANIEL RICHTER, THE TWINZ, “Carry On”

Last year, Daniel Richter started recording under his own name after his time as lead singer of successful Canadian band Eleven Past One and a brief post-band solo jaunt under another name. His first single, “Forget You”, a song about breaking away from a cigarette habit, smashed it out of the gate and reached #11 on the BILLCS Top 30, and Daniel won Songwriter of the Year at the Oshawa Music Awards. Daniel’s vocal in “Carry On” is precise and effortless, set against an uplifting arrangement and a brief synth hook in a reflective, post breakup song. It’s collaboration with Germany’s The Twinz – aka brothers Tim and Lukas Wehrle, working outside of their usual house music genre – with Lukas co-producing and co-writing “Carry On”. AC and AC Top 40 stations in Canada should make room for “Carry On” in their playlists and anticipate the positive audience reaction.

KAREN HARDING, “Say Something” (chill out version)

To celebrate its tenth anniversary as well as the upcoming vinyl and CD release of Karen Harding’s debut album Take Me Somewhere, we have been bestowed with a treat, a chill out version of “Say Something”. The original is included on the album and reached #7 in the UK in early 2015. Dialing back the arrangement unveils a glorious vocal, one of the big reasons why Karen’s voice has domnated dance music, particularly in the UK. It’s always been a fine song but hearing it expressed to a minimal backdrop makes it all the more powerful. If a revival is warranted for “Say Something” in the UK, then this is the way to go, as well as creating a fitting introduction for folks around the world not familiar with the song.

KIESZA, “I Go Dance”

It’s great to see Kiesza back full force in the dance groove with “I Go Dance”. It’s one of a trio of recent releases from the Calgary-born three-time Juno Award winner best known for her 2013 international smash “Hideaway”, though my long-time favourite is her wacked-out fun treat “Phantom of the Dance Floor”, a previous BILLCS Top 30 #1. “I Go Dance”, with its slinky 90’s-inspired house rhythms, will immediately draw you into bopping along with the talented singer, an infectious piece of business that deserves club DJ support and would benefit from remixes. Kiesza’s back in clubland and dance music fans are guaranteed to show up.

LYRA, “Falling”

The audience that might have already been familiar with Lyra is in her native Ireland. The County Cork-raised singer/songwriter turned heads back in 2019 with a major label release, “Falling” – and then it went on to win the North Vision Song Contest in Switzerland. As time moved on, things obviously did not work out with the label, which caused Lyra to do a rethink and take a pause in releasing music. Her debut self-titled album has now been unveiled as an independent release. “Falling” is easily the best place to start with its infectious chorus, and immediate comparisons you’ll hear with Lyra’s brilliant vocal to stars like Florence Welch and Pink. There is no reason why the timeless sound of “Falling” can’t be relaunched, it just needs the right platform, and perhaps a sync placement in a video game or short film could do the trick.

MELØ, “Glitter”

“Glitter” is the latest single release from Windsor, Ontario talent MELØ, as culled from his album Songs From The Spirit Box. It’s another consistent rocker which fits like a glove on the album next to previous singles that I’ve written about such as “King of Nothing”, “Gone Forever” and his recent take on R.E.M.’s “The One I Love”. While the theme of the song – the Hollywood life, after the glitter fades – is not a new one, MELØ and his band provide a tight performance which is on display in the accompanying video for “Glitter”. MELØ has a well-rounded sound thanks to the collective experience of those with whom he makes his music, and “Glitter” should easily find its way on to college and alternative radio playlists.

EMM, “Julia Fox.”

Following up her potent, edgy strutter “Superfreak”, L.A.-based multi-talent EMM offers up “Julia Fox.”. It’s not a diss song about the actress and social media star, but more of a brief rumination about why women are portrayed the way they are in the media, and why audiences have a fascination with these stars. EMM refers to her as “The Creature” in the song, and perhaps that’s not far off the mark, since who we see in the media is often a different character from who we would expect to meet in person. Like “Superfreak”, “Julia Fox.” has a punchy rhythm and an assured vocal by EMM. I appreciate the boldness of the song hand-in-hand with instilling some pause for thought in the listener when fandom goes those few steps too far.

wes mills, “They Can’t Hang”

Orange County-based electronic dance producer wes mills has a catchy winner with his latest single, “They Can’t Hang”. I enjoy songs where, as he says “nostalgia and house music meet”. wes injects a familiar UK garage sound into the proceedings along with a bare-bones piano house rhythm, which makes “They Can’t Hang” sound busy with its Beastie Boys-like vocal but still allows us to catch our breath. wes recently opened for San Holo on his recent US tour, which opened the door for fans of creative dance music to get to know his music more. “They Can’t Hang” is a quick but imaginative ride that leaves you wanting to hear more from wes.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs on several online radio stations around the world.

A recent solo effort from Massachusetts’ Jared Lee is “Love No More”

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Russ’ pick of the week will return.

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

DJ Hunter is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype”, which can be heard on several online stations, and “Pyjama Party”, with both shows anchored at Energy 885.

It’s by 19 year old New Jersey native Kiley Baxter called “While Everyone Sleeps”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays on Planet Radio Canada. The Classic Five is “pop music 101” usually of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Chicago – Just You N’ Me (1973)
Carpenters – Top Of The World (1973)
Carly Simon – Haven’t Got Time For The Pain (1974)
Edgar Winter Group – Frankenstein (1973)
Billy Preston – Will It Go Round In Circles (1973)

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2010

It’s hard to believe that it’s been 14 years when there were several great songs available as free downloads. Such is the case with #1 and #3, from one of my all-time favourite releases, 8bit Heart, as well as, #8, the remixes of #5 and #6, and #11 (a mashup). And since those many years have passed, sadly you won’t find any of those aforementioned releases plus song #20 on streaming services either.

NOTE: Songs from Simon Curtis’ 8bit Heart is now available on streaming services!

01 01 BEAT DROP Simon Curtis
02 02 SOMETHING I’M NOT Penguin Prison
04 03 JOYSTICK Simon Curtis
06 04 HEARTBREAK ON VINYL (L.A. Riots radio edit) Blake Lewis
03 05 TEETH (KING5CAT remix) Lady Gaga
16 06 SITUATION (Monsieur Adi remix) Javi
08 07 IN MY HEAD Jason Derulo
10 08 STARBUCKS GIRL Evan Taubenfeld
09 09 HALLELUJAH Justin Timberlake, Matt Morris, Charlie Sexton
12 10 MY HEART IS YOURS Justin Nozuka
11 11 PASS THAT HEAD NOIZE Dan Black
14 12 WON’T GO QUIETLY Example
15 13 SUDDENLY BT
05 14 90 DAYS Nelson Clemente
07 15 RAIN Mika
20 16 COUSINS Vampire Weekend
New 17 THE WORSE IT GETS Penguin Prison
19 18 STARRY EYED Ellie Goulding
21 19 GIRL I LOVE YOU Massive Attack, Horace Andy
22 20 WONDERLAND Clayton Senne
27 21 HAD ENOUGH Lifehouse, Chris Daughtry
24 22 DON’T LET GO The Envy
13 23 DON’T STOP Annie
18 24 SPEECHLESS Lady Gaga
28 25 DON’T YOU DARE Matt Morris
30 26 DOG DAYS ARE OVER Florence & The Machine
17 27 GLITTER IN THE AIR (Live) Pink
New 28 KICK ASS Mika, Red One
23 29 COME BACK CLEAN (Kaskade mix) Crystal Method, Emily Haines
25 30 PICK UP THE PHONE Dragonette

#BILLCSTop30 #680 – December 4/23

I’ll have one more bi-weekly BILLCS Top 30 in two weeks, which will also be the last chart of 2023 for me. I’ll also be working on my year end list and a pre-recorded online radio show to accompany it, so watch your socials for more details about that. If you’re curious, you can find previous year end lists from 2009-2022 on the following link to my Google sheet.

Here’s the link to the online version of the chart: BILLCS Top 30

Here’s the link to my Spotify playlist of the chart: BILLCS Top 30 Chart Playlist

With his strongest song in recent years, frequent chart visitor Bright Light Bright Light notches up a record seventh #1 “Down To One” moves 3-1. Coincidentally, Bright Light Bright Light was #1 exactly 10 years ago with the magnificent “An Open Heart”, which was his fourth chart-topper. “Down To One” will be a part of his fifth album, likely coming next year.

Michael Medrano follows “Down To One” 4-2 with “Disco Sleaze” in its “raw and uncut” mix, which is just so much fun and has the 70’s disco spirit embedded in its groove.

Felix Cartal and Karen Harding move up 5-4 with “Need Your Love”, which becomes a personal best for Felix on the chart and matches the peak of Karen’s earlier chart entry this year with Armand Van Helden, “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)”.

Chicago producer Pete Cho’s “Fan Of You” breaks into the Top 10 and makes a nice 12-7 jump.

Miami producer Gt_ofice gets his first Top 10 entry with “Can’t Deny” (above), which features NYC producer JAYEM and British vocalist/songwriter Alix Robson, and climbs 11-9. Coming up quickly not far behind is Gt_ofice’s second entry, the Top 40 national radio hit “Feels Like Us” (18-12, below) in collaboration with ALWZ SNNY and vocalist/songwriter Robbie Rosen.

Dance club and festival favourite Audien looks to grab his second Top 10 entry following this year’s “Antidote” (which peaked at #10) with “Superhero”, which soars 20-13.

Australia-based rock quintet Moonwood also make a sharp upward move with “Curfew” (22-16) from their top notch EP Curfew Hours.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is “To Love Someone” by Benson Boone, who is getting a great rep as a contemporary balladeer, though he can rock out just fine thank you too. The song leaps 28-20.

The last chart’s two very different remaining debuts are also off to fine starts. Windsor, Ontario performer MELØ climbs 29-23 with the poignant new wave-influenced rock track “Memento” (above), while NYC producer Lohrasp Kansara’s sparkling cover of ALY-US’ 90’s house staple “Follow Me” (below), featuring a potent vocal by Norman Alexander, rises 30-24.

Leading off three debuts, in a surprising arrival at least to me, is Jack Harlow’s UK #1 “Lovin on Me”, which bows at #25. It also joins his collaboration with BTS’ Jung Kook on the chart, “3D”, which rises 17-14. I’m not a huge fan of hip hop but Jack’s tracks are usually quite likeable, and I’m enjoying both the flow and humour in “Lovin on Me”, which reminds me of late 90’s hip hop artist Mase. The vocal hook in “Lovin on Me” is sped up slightly and sampled from the 90’s release by Cadillac Dale called “Whatever (Bass Solique)”.

Next at #27 coincides with the arrival of a new EP. L.A.-based, Minnesota-born Cobi returns to the chart for the second time this year with “Where We Belong”, which follows the #5 “Telepathic Powers” as kind of a similar companion piece. Cobi’s new five song EP is called Sugar Man and includes “Where We Belong”.

The third debut belongs to British masked dance producers WH0 with “Rock The Party” at #28. It joins “What You Need” (with Steve Angello), which departs #1 after two appearances at the top (four weeks). “Rock The Party” will certainly do that, with prominent samples of Todd Terry’s 80’s house classic “Weekend” and The Clash’s “Rock The Casbah”.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features!

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 Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

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.

At Midnight EST on Saturdays, you can also hear my new “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s amazing “Top 40 Timeline” oldies show.

Halton Hills Online

“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.

“The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays, and my “Retro Pick of the Week” plays on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” at 4pm EST.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

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” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs more than 30 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear recent episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

FM 108

You can also listen to my “Retro Pick of the Week” on Russ Horton’s “Top 40 Timeline” on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

For other details about all of the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! The schedules are up-to-date.