folk – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – June 19/24 with new songs by @Syenceofficial & @Dea__Magna, @BrightLightx2 & Beth Hirsch, @BenedictCork, @this_is_Noanne, @MattHoltbymusic, @SerenaIttoo, @MarkusRiva & Myszkovski, and @MRVLZmusic & Nico Crespo

While I haven’t reviewed albums in my blog posts for years now, that doesn’t mean that I don’t listen to them – I suppose though, like most frequent music listeners, I don’t listen to as many full albums as I used to. Since I was a kid, I’ve always been a song-by-song person. But during the past few weeks I’ve dove into several albums and today’s Report features a few of those “deeper” selections. Rarely does a major label go back and select an album track for promotion at radio unless it’s by a huge artist or a remix with a featured artist, so a lot of very good albums are now left to fend for themselves with no extra push from the label after one single or emphasis track.

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”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five picks which happen to be ballads from the 1977-1981 era. And in case you missed them, you’ll find out what songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

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.

SYENCE, DEA MAGNA, “lose my mind”

“lose my mind” is one of those tracks you need to hear in a club to help elevate a set as a late night of music and dancing begins. L.A. production duo Syence are no strangers to this blog, but “lose my mind” and its dark, deep house vibes aren’t what I would normally associate with them, and the track works beautifully. It’s enhanced by the presence of fellow L.A.-based talent Dea Magna, who adds a rich atmosphere with her driven vocal. She’s also a producer/DJ, so I’m not sure if she contributed to the technical side, but another set of accomplished ears on the overall sound would only be an asset if she did. “lose my mind” is one of those musical delights to keep you dancing into the wee hours.

BRIGHT LIGHT BRIGHT LIGHT, BETH HIRSCH, “Enjoy Youth”

It’s easy to dig deeper into Bright Light Bright Light’s Enjoy Youth album. His fifth release overall is one of his very best and chock full of talent, such as those we have seen on singles preceding the album’s release in the form of Mykal Kilgore and Ultra Naté. In surveying the remaining album tracks, the title track is a standout for its lyrics and delightful vocal interplay between BLx2 and American singer Beth Hirsch, who electronic music fans will know as the vocalist on French group Air’s seminal 90’s album Moon Safari, and who BLx2 previously worked with on the song “Grace”. “Enjoy Youth” is one of those gems that you’ll only find if you listen beyond the singles for your own musical benefit.

BENEDICT CORK, “Into The Arms Of Another Love”

Benedict’s recent singles “Reasons I Loved You”, “Beauty Queen” and “Nice Guy” all made me want to hear more from him in his third album release Notes On A Hopeless Romance. Going further into the album, you hear more emotion and personality that has been on display through the singles, though songs like “Reasons” and “Nice Guy” do unveil some darker and stirring layers. “Into The Arms Of Another Love” though is chic and sophisticated, tearing a few songwriting and vocal cues from the Burt Bacharach-Hal David book of songs often recorded by Dionne Warwick while meeting Lana Del Rey halfway. The song starts off with a gentle Benedict vocal that comes more alive as he describes “the new blood” of today – not waiting around for someone’s affection before they move on to someone else. “Into The Arms Of Another Love” is one unique track and shouldn’t be overlooked.

NOANNE, “Careless”

Following up recent singles “Goodwill” (with its stunning video) and “Forgiveness” is Prague-based artist Noanne, with sometimes harrowing but ultimately inviting and captivating “Careless”. She mixes contemporary styles you might associate with Florence & The Machine and Lady Gaga with more classic and dramatic theatrical ones. What I enjoy about Noanne’s songs is that she doesn’t hold back, she articulates her perspectives well and then unleashes herself with the help of a compelling arrangement and a fierce melody, making them highly memorable. “Careless”, through its story of obsession and rejection, ultimately wants you to reflect on your own value as a person and what you hope to achieve in life and love.

MATTHEW HOLTBY, “Reading This Now”

In his latest release, Warkworth, Ontario indie singer/songwriter Matthew Holtby offers up a relatable story in “Reading This Now”, which follows up “Goodbye Song” from earlier this year. It’s about a guy who is reflecting on his decision to say goodbye to a previous relationship through a note that he left, and while things won’t be the same as he takes away the memories with him, he’s ultimately content with his decision. It’s a mid-tempo track that straddles pop, folk and country, and is set against sturdy guitar work as well as drums/percussion. Sounding a bit like Steven Page (ex-Barenaked Ladies, currently in the Trans-Canada Highwaymen), Matthew’s earnest and convincing vocal goes a long way to make “Reading This Now” a gentle and affable pleasure. You can also check out the song in its acoustic version at the following link: Acoustic

SERENA ITTOO, “Another World”

British singer/songwriter Serena Ittoo is on a roll with “Another World”, another sparkling slice of vocal pop that follows up recent releases “My Heart Is Yours” and “Nature Foreseen”. It’s set against an unintrusive backdrop of synths and percussion, an arrangement that helps make Serena’s vocal shine more. “Another World” wants you to look at the world through someone else’s eyes, where you see not only what attracted you to them, but their flaws as well. Serena often doesn’t sound like anyone in particular, which is not a bad thing. The songs I’ve heard by Serena have jazz and R&B undertones, making them warm and alluring rather than trying to compete with the Adeles and Kelly Clarksons and their powerhouse voices. I’d pitch “Another World” to fans of singers like Cat Burns and Arlo Parks, with whom Serena Ittoo would be in quite good company.

MARKUS RIVA, MYSZKOVSKI,”Too Late For Love”

It was nice to discover a new song by Latvian star Markus Riva recently, and it’s a bright pop/dance track in collaboration with Polish producer Myszkovski called “Too Late For Love”. Markus is a DJ, radio presenter and model, known mainly in eastern Europe. He made a bit of a splash back in 2012 with two fine songs that landed on the BILLCS Top 30, “What It Takes To Be A Man” (#7) and “We Dance 4 Reason” (#9). A few years later, one of his songs was vying for a place at EuroVision for Latvia. Although it’s years later, Markus continues to regularly release music in English and Latvian. “Too Late For Love” is equally universal and radio friendly, and shouldn’t be isolated to eastern European listeners. Markus sounds great and Myszkovski has built a solid foundation to support the catchy melody. Join me in my discovery of “Too Late For Love” and enjoy.

MRVLZ, NICO CRESPO, “All Around Me”

“All Around Me” by California production duo MRVLZ and producer Nico Crespo is part of Jay Bird’s Birdhouse Project, which is a showcase throws the spotlight on emerging electronic dance music talents, and this is the second song from the collective that I’ve written about. In fact MRVLZ and Nico Crespo are known more for their live shows than their recordings, well-established in the Bay area for their own shows as well as supporting major talent that comes through the area. “All Around Me” is a slick house track with an uncredited, expressive R&B/hip hop flavoured vocal. The melodic arrangement focuses on a guitar and drums/percussion mix with some well-rounded synths fleshing it out. Club DJ’s who drop “All Around Me” into a set should prepare for immediate reaction from their dancefloor denizens.

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 each Tuesday at 6pm EST on The 3D Variety Show on Xstreamrockradio and also now on Lil Rawkers out of California! Note: The 3D Variety Show is on vacation and returns July 16.

DJ Hunter beat me to it but this week it’s “Space Party” by Spain’s The Boy From The South

“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”.

Canadian country singer Tebey has put his own spin on The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights”

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 the country crossover hit “Austin” by Dasha

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST (currently on vacation till July 16). 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.

Peter Pringle – You Really Got Me Needing You Now (1977) (You Tube link)
Fred Knoblock – Why Not Me (1980) (You Tube link)
Michael Johnson – The Very First Time (1979)
Dan Fogelberg – Same Old Lang Syne (1981)
Dan Hill – Sometimes When We Touch (1977)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Darin’s “Electric” remains on top!

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

“Myself & I” by TheFatRat and RIELL moves up 27-17

BILLCS New Music Report – May 29/24 with new songs by @JayB1rdmusic & TEGI, DE FACTO!! & DJ Fruit Salad, @TELYKast & @x_o_anne, @NatalieShay_, Ben Ellis, @TylerGarrettusa, @ColinMansn, and Ryan Wright @rywrightmusic

The variety of music in this week’s Report speaks for itself, from pop/folk through to electronic dance music, with two picks of the week from the country genre.

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 take us back to a handful of pop ballads released between 1981 and 1986. Plus, you’ll find out what songs sat atop the BILLCS Top 30 during the last 26 years! And there are at least six artists with songs currently on the BILLCS Top 30 who were NOT born when my chart began!!

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.

JAY BIRD, TEGI, “Dancing”

“Dancing” is a fresh sounding, fast-paced new house track by San Jose’s Jay Bird, frequently featured in this blog, along with newcomer TEGI, and it’s the first release on Jay’s label The Birdhouse Recordings. The label is intended to showcase music from Jay’s collective of new producers and artists also called The Birdhouse. “Dancing” has a clean sound which is quite European in nature, with a quirky rhythm that takes the basics from Daft Punk’s melodies and revs them up a bit. “Dancing” is a calling card for DJ’s to get their evening started with something clever, and Jay Bird and TEGI deliver the goods and more.

DE FACTO!!, DJ FRUIT SALAD, “Ur So Good (Everything I Need)”

Out of Australia, two producer/DJ’s, De Facto!! and DJ Fruit Salad, will give your day a lift with the relentlessly perky “Ur So Good (Everything I Need)”. It’s a catchy and not overly complicated pop-house mix. I normally wouldn’t care for this kind of track because of its altered vocal, but it’s an almost-cheesy dance floor filler with a contagious, happy vibe. De Facto!! and DJ Fruit Salad seem to be keeping themselves off of the major social media platforms while “Ur So Good” – which sounds like it’s based on a sample that I can’t place – has been given major props on Tik Tok by Australian radio station TripleJ. “Ur So Good” is too good not to be at least a worldwide dance hit, reminiscent in some ways of LF System’s “Afraid To Feel”, so perhaps the talent behind the record will come out of hiding to promote it. The songwriting credit is given to Harvey Miller, who is half of Australian duo Client Liaison, so that may be part of the puzzle too.

TELYKast, x.o.anne, “Free”

L.A. dance producers TELYKast keep the hits flowing with “Free” which features London-based, California-born singer/songwriter x.o.anne (aka Anne Tello), who has written for Dillon Francis among others. TELYKast frequently mixes it up with their releases, sometimes with progressive deep house flavours and at other times more on the pop/dance tip. “Free” is one for the latter category, featuring a brisk rhythm and a vocal by Anne that will appeal to fans of Florence Welch and Annie Lennox and that you can put next to rising star Hayla. “Free” is relatable ear candy that should have no problem pleasing club and festival goers.

NATALIE SHAY, “Love Me Too”

For the last few years, UK singer/songwriter Natalie Shay has covered a lot of ground in her songs, largely based on personal experiences with others, often sitting comfortably on that pop-country line that Taylor Swift decided to cross many years ago. With songs on Natalie’s new EP Champagne now making that transition, its lone previously unreleased track “Love Me Too” is one of her best to date. With lyrics full of conviction and confidence, the song is about understanding that you must love yourself completely before you decide to share your love with someone else. Natalie’s expressive vocal is bubbly and sincere while the arrangement and melody flow naturally. Other songs on the EP like “The Edge” and “Love You Boy” have received some worthy attention, but “Love Me Too” is one song that Natalie Shay’s fans as well as those of Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves or Kelsea Ballerini will wholeheartedly enjoy.

BEN ELLIS, “No One Sleeps In Hollywood”

Indie Welsh singer/songwriter Ben Ellis seems to have a lot of gems up his sleeve, and one of them is “No One Sleeps In Hollywood”, which follows up his fine EP from last year, Ed’s House, whose title track and “Guys That Look Like Me” both landed on the BILLCS Top 30, with “Ed’s House” reaching #8. “No One Sleeps In Hollywood” has a steady, ear-catching and unpretentious melody set against lyrics which seem to second-guess the kind of success that might be in store for indie artists like Ben, with the fear that a bigger taste of success might not be all that it’s cut out to be. Ben’s earthy guy-next-door approach goes a long way, and while there might be a modicum of truth to the lyrics in terms of the social media attention that Ben gets these days, let’s hope that Ben might be able to look back upon the thoughts expressed in “No One Sleeps In Hollywood” someday and say that they never actually happened.

TYLER GARRETT, “Lean On Me”

For once, a song called “Lean On Me” has nothing to do with Bill Withers’ 70’s pop classic, and L.A.-based singer/songwriter/producer Tyler Garrett has released a compelling follow-up to the gorgeous “Holding On” from earlier this year. The production is very layered, with a riveting bass synth line throughout, and lots going on to draw you in to unleash a veritable sea of emotions. Like with “Holding On”, Tyler’s vocal performance here is a passionate one, which you can see in his in-studio take of “Lean On Me”, which you can watch by clicking the cover art above. And like a lot of Tyler’s songs, it’s a bit longer than the usual pop/dance confection at just over 5 minutes, but “Lean On Me” is sure to hold your interest.

COLIN MANSON, “Sea Son”

If the music of Scottish singer Colin Manson sounds more like Irish folk than anything else, it’s because Colin was raised on the west coast of Scotland, hence the strong Gaelic influence that you hear in “Sea Son”. It’s a dreamy, easy-going slice of folk pop that I would describe as early Hozier meets Duncan Sheik, but the soft and deliberate tone of the song makes me think other influences could come from as far back as Nick Drake, as well as of course Irish and Scottish traditional folk. Colin’s vocal goes down easily and helps tease you into listening, and you’ll hear sounds of stand up bass and violin to flesh out the melody as well as ethereal female vocal harmonies. The theme of “Sea Son” is that there is the whole world waiting out there for you, but he doesn’t try to persuade you to act on that opportunity, leaving it up to the individual to take everything in before making a decision.

RYAN WRIGHT, “Quarter Life Crisis”

Ryan Wright is an indie artist from Virginia who shifts gears into edgier, punk-influenced pop/rock on her new single “Quarter Life Crisis”. Having heard some of her previous work, but not writing about it, I think this is a solid and positive new direction for her. “Quarter Life Crisis” is about rationalizing those moments in your 20’s where you’re leaving behind youth and faced with 30’s adulthood. Her vocal puts her alongside Olivia Rodrigo, Mitski, and Blondshell, with a dash of Chrissie Hynde, and there’s some deft guitar work that happily pervades the sometimes tongue-in-cheek song. “Quarter Life Crisis” is a great introduction to Ryan and moves along at a nice clip given its five minutes + length too.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

Calgary’s Kiesza is back and dance music’s got her again with the fun and wacky “I Go Dance”

“BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK 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’ pick of the week can also be heard each week on “The Big 20”.

“Rockstar” is by award-winning Nashville-based country singer/songwriter HARDY.

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 also has a Bop of The Week which can now be heard each week on “The Big 20”, but for now it may not necessarily be the same one featured below.

It’s Nashville-based country rockers Eddie & The Getaway with “Wake Up Without Me”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

“The Musicman” James Rogers is the owner and host of The 3D Variety Show heard Tuesdays at 6pm EST. 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.

Partland Brothers – Soul City (1986)
Dan Fogelberg – Make Love Stay (1983)
Jim Photoglo – Fool In Love With You (1981)
Bertie Higgins – Key Largo (1982)
Chicago – You’re The Inspiration (1985)

26 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 26 years. All of the following artists currently with songs on the BILLCS Top 30 were NOT yet born when my chart began: Conan Gray (two #1’s so far), Diamond Cafe (1 #1 previously as Tristan Thompson), Benson Boone (2 #1’s so far), JVKE (2 #1’s so far), Will Swinton and Marcus & Martinus!!

2023 LIKE CRAZY (English version), JIMIN

2022 ARETHA, Mercer

2021 NO MORE LOOKING BACK, Idris Elba, Inner City, Steffanie Christi’an

2020 GET YOUR WISH, Porter Robinson

2019 WHITE LIES, M-22

2018 SATISFY, Mercer, Ron Carroll

2017 FILL ME IN (SOMETHING TO SAY), Loud Luxury, Ryan Shepherd

2016 LOST (Young Bombs remix), Connor Phillips

2015 CHASING STARS, Corey Niles, Alex Lacasse

2014 STAY WITH ME, Sam Smith

2013 BLUE ELECTRIC ROSES, Travis Garland

2012 WAITING FOR THE FEELING, Bright Light Bright Light

2011 POPULAR, Eric Saade

2010 THE WORSE IT GETS, Penguin Prison

2009 YOU FOUND ME (Lenny B mix), The Fray

2008 AMERICAN BOY, Estelle, Kanye West

2007 MAKES ME WONDER, Maroon 5

2006 OVER MY HEAD (CABLE CAR), The Fray

2005 JERK IT OUT, The Caesars

2004 AMAZING, George Michael

2003 BRING ME TO LIFE, Evanescence, Paul McCoy

2002 THE MIDDLE, Jimmy Eat World

2001 DREAM ON, Depeche Mode

2000 BENT, Matchbox Twenty

1999 LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA, Ricky Martin

1998 TOO CLOSE, Next

Meet London, Ontario’s @theCedarSisters with the intriguing electro-folk of “Tragic Tide”

THE CEDAR SISTERS, “Tragic Tide”

“Tragic Tide” is a poetic tale of love and loss by London, Ontario duo The Cedar Sisters, who bring a fresh blend of electronic music, folk and pop to the table with the goal of tantalizing your ears. And they do a great job of that with a hypnotic, beautifully sung song that holds your attention with its gripping story. The Sisters aren’t actually sisters, they are Jane Carmichael and Elle Hermansen, who met at a Basia Bulat concert years ago, which led to them performing together initially as backup singers. The taut production and tight ensemble playing make “Tragic Tide” a well-rounded record. You’ll immediately want to make comparisons – Sarah McLachlan, Christine McVie, Stevie Nicks, Natalie Merchant, Sheryl Crow, Maggie Reilly, and Kate Bush all come to mind at various times when listening to “Tragic Tide” – except with beautiful harmonies replacing overdubs of the same voice.

Singer/songwriter/actor @NiallMcNamee brings Irish folk to the fore with pensive “All I Need”

NIALL McNAMEE, “All I Need”

Irish folk music is hardly a sub-genre that I often write about, but when it crosses over with pop flavours and an intriguing story, then I know my readers will enjoy the song. Niall McNamee is a singer, songwriter and actor, who has worked with Pierce Brosnan, Jackie Chan and Bono on-screen and offers a sad but hopeful tale in “All I Need”. Because the song is arranged as a celebratory anthem of life, you won’t know till you dig in deeper after a couple of listens that the song is about a man seeing his life flash before his eyes before he passes. Niall’s personable and engaging voice draws you in, in a similar way to Mike Scott of The Waterboys, which makes the lyrics ring true and softens the emotional impact, and in turn you are more inclined to cheer a life well-lived rather than mourn it. “All I Need” is a song that’s hard not to like and enjoy. A radio edit of the song is also available at the link below.

Boston’s @GillianHeidi returns with heartfelt and relatable “waves”

GILLIAN HEIDI, “waves”

With every release that I hear from Gillian Heidi, I hear growth, whether it’s in her vocal or songwriting. In “waves”, it’s a little of both, a really tight and well-rounded song that ponders the pressures of becoming an adult, often feeling overwhelmed and in this case underneath the waves of life. Her sound is similar to a lot of pop-folk artists coming out of England. However with being in America, it seems more apt to compare her to Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo and the like, though she’s probably right in the middle of it all. “waves” will make you hang on every word and Gillian’s sweet vocal leaves a long, savoury aftertaste.

Meet London-based Irish folk/pop singer @iamBLANID with the gorgeous “Fool’s Gold”

BLÁNID, “Fool’s Gold”

A few weeks ago, I was fortunate to be in a Zoom meeting, part of which was a demo listening session. One of the highlights of that was hearing London-based Irish singer/songwriter Blánid for the first time with her recent single “Fool’s Gold”. After receiving some notoriety for scaling back the 2000’s europop hit “Dragostea Din Tei” as the acoustic “Numa Numa” last year, she has further invested in her soaring voice and superb storytelling skills in “Fool’s Gold”. If you enjoy Hozier or Sinéad O’Connor, “Fool’s Gold” is tailor-made for you. It has a deliberate pace that would otherwise be difficult to contain if not for the beautiful control and phrasing in Blánid’s voice. While it’s not for everyone, “Fool’s Gold” will find favour with folk/pop fans, and I think alternative and college radio stations would love it.

Classical gas: “Vertigo” by Philadelphia trio Time For Three @TF3 shapes beautiful harmonies with violins and string bass

TIME FOR THREE, “Vertigo”

The word for “Vertigo” by Philadelphia trio Time For Three in these busy days of music is Refreshing! It’s not often that classical music intersects with pop and folk, but when it’s made right, it works oh so well. TF3 is Charles and Nick (they’re the violinists) and Ranaan (he’s the string bass player), and they have a great project to keep growing with stunning harmonies – they all sing – that are actually front and centre in “Vertigo” more than the classical instruments. “Vertigo” is a fine song brought resoundingly to life by three talented guys who are presented to you by the same team as YEBBA, and that should speak volumes in itself. Watch the socially-distanced video for “Vertigo” recorded back in the Spring, above, or listen to it on Spotify below.

10/10 #12!: @RufusWainwright @FrancescoYates #TheBeamishBrothers @Gillian_music @Vampaofficial @KarlWolfs & @iamJuliusWilson J-Mi of @JMiandMidiD @DJDezza @FLouisemusic @Bellsavvy

It’s 10/10 – Edition 12!!

When you don’t write a blog post for two weeks, then the new music accumulates, so I’m glad I have this feature which helps me continue to bring you some new songs you might not otherwise hear.

In 10/10 (or tenoutoften) , 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. The song residing at #1 on my current chart, “You’ll Be OK” by Gareth Emery, was featured in a 10/10 blog post back in March.

Writing 10/10 features 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.

RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, “You Ain’t Big”

Before I continue, you have to know that I’ve been a huge fan of Juno Award-winning Canadian singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright since his debut self-titled album was released in 1998. I’ve seen him perform 6 or 7 times, but not now for many years. “You Ain’t Big” is the title song from his new EP, his first new pop music since 2012’s album Out Of The Game, after forays into opera and Shakespeare as well as a live album. It’s a return to the carefree, whimsical songwriting of his earlier career. To me he’s also in his finest pop voice since 2007’s Release The Stars. “You Ain’t Big” is the standout, and though no song on the EP disappoints, also check out “Trouble In Paradise” and “Peaceful Afternoon”.

FRANCESCO YATES, “Bad Decisions”

My fellow Canadian Francesco Yates is back with another great new song that taps into the punchy R&B-flavoured pop that gave him his start with jams like “Better To Be Loved”. To me, “Bad Decisions” is his best one since the early days, it just brims with energy and devil-may-care lyrics about getting into some specific trouble with a special someone. Like with “Superbad”, Francesco teases us with a short video, with more to come. Check out this dynamic release with video and full song above. Canadian radio stations definitely needs to jump on it.

THE BEAMISH BROTHERS, “Nature”

Rising and talented siblings from Queensland, Australia, the Beamish Brothers have released their first 2020 single in style with “Nature”. Ben and Jeremy have been well established as regular voices on several dance tracks over the past couple of years, and started to release their own music last year with the alt.pop EP Brutalism. “Nature” had the bonus of being featured as a runner-up in February in Eurovision Australia Decides. It draws from numerous styles which will appeal as much to fans of Paul Simon as it would fans of Years & Years. The brothers’ seamless vocal interplay is a big draw, and is punctuated by rich and soulful, memorably choir-like bursts of the title. “Nature” is a classic lesson in the way to make DIY music work wonders.

GILLIAN, “high”

Boston teen pop singer/songwriter Gillian has an unconventional winner with “high”. The song’s protagonist has a major crush on someone who cannot reciprocate the attraction because his priority is to get high. It’s a frustrating scenario when you discover that someone is not who they say they are until you see their true colours, and hope for the best for the protagonist at the end. Gillian’s vocal style is proudly unique, stemming from a long line of singers with similar styles – Jill Sobule, Joan Osborne, Regina Spektor are some names that come to mind. “high” is a strong song with deft execution that makes it memorable.

VAMPA, “Dark Matter”

“Dark Matter” is the title song from the recent EP by relative newcomer, the Chicago-based bass music producer VAMPA, whose heavy and melodic style could easily fit alongside releases by Rezz, Kai Wachi, Zed’s Dead, and Wooli. “Dark Matter” instantly slams with the best of them and I think it’s her flair for melody and ear-popping synth effects that will get listeners’ attention. VAMPA’s vocal narrative at the beginning also nicely sets up what’s to come and flows into the rest of the song with ease.

KARL WOLF and JULIUS WILSON, “City Of Lies”

It’s been a slice since Karl Wolf was all over the radio in Canada with his huge cover of Toto’s “Africa” and other songs such as two with Kardinal Offishall, “Ghetto Love” and “Amateur At Love”. You may not know though that he was a co-writer of bülow’s debut “Not A Love Song”, among his many other songwriting credits. He’s back with an infectious, retro R&B flavoured dance pop song called “City Of Lies”. It features the striking voice of Halifax-born (of Jamaican and Bajan heritage) Julius Wilson, whose diverse vocal fits snugly into the hybrid electronic pop mix of the song. The video above offers a glowing backdrop of Toronto which makes us pine for the nightlife that is currently missing from our lives. “City Of Lies” is from Karl’s forthcoming album Night Of The Wolf.

J-MI, “On Our Own”

“On Our Own” is a most pleasant and refreshing surprise. Sherbrooke, Quebec-based producer J-Mi, forever active on the gamer circuit, returns to pop music with her take on the 1989 Bobby Brown classic from “Ghostbusters 2”. Strangely and somewhat out of sync with these times, its production (by J-Mi with long-time collaborator Midi-D aka Dave Phaneuf) remains glued to the new jack swing vibes of the original. While that may leave you scratching your head, the results are charming and brimming with enthusiasm (with J-Mi being an ultimate “Ghostbusters fan). J-Mi has put loads of effort over the past few years into honing her vocals, and the results are flattering. Unabashedly bold, the aim of “On Our Own” is to leave you smiling and it is completely on point with that.

DEZZA and MIKE SCHMID, “Carry Me”

“Carry Me” is sophisticated, emotional house music for your soul and feet, brought to you by Halifax producer Dezza, and co-writer and veteran vocalist Mike Schmid, who has performed in concert with the likes of The Chainsmokers, Troye Sivan and Miley Cyrus. Dezza has been releasing music consistently for the last few years as either a producer or remixer, with much success in Europe in the company of the likes of Armin van Buuren. “Carry Me” stands out as a pensive house track with elegant synths that support Mike’s soothing voice. While atypical, “Carry Me” will win you over with a few listens.

FRANCESCA LOUISE, “Ride The Waters”

I’m bringing you another song by British pop/folk singer Francesca Louise after I first wrote about her a month ago. Her voice is a breath of fresh air, with its own unique spin on pop music, which in “Ride The Waters” recalls the confidence of a Christine McVie or Sheryl Crow, while retaining her own sound. In fact the song is about being successful on your own terms and directs an empowering message towards young women. So this is not dreary folk music from another era. “Ride The Waters” is spirited and engaging and deserving of your attention.

BELLSAVVY, “Queen Of My Mind”

Bellsavvy is a new voice to get to know, and she hails from London but was raised in Brazil. The daughter of a pop star in Brazil, Bellsavvy follows mom’s lead after a modelling career with the potent “Queen Of My Mind”. It’s an ode to self-realization after the singer herself faced mental health issues. With production from David Lei Brandt, who worked with Lady Gaga, there will be the inevitable Gaga comparisons, which are completely justified. Bellsavvy has a well-honed, stunning tone in her vocal, and “Queen of My Mind” will also appeal to fans of Kiesza, Charli XCX, and Madonna. “Queen Of My Mind” is a striking debut indeed!

Toronto’s @RiverTiber returns with gentle, soulful alt.pop of “Taurus”

RIVER TIBER, “Taurus”

There have only been a handful of songs released by Toronto’s River Tiber since the acclaimed Indigo album a few years back. Multi-instrumentalist Tommy Paxton-Beesley must definitely have a few cards up his sleeves to help guide us where he is going next after an album full of hip hop and electronic influences that showed he can tackle any style and succeed. So with “Taurus” – and I do understand Tommy falls under that sun sign – we have a gentle, soulful alt.pop song with some folk influences that seems to bring out in its lyrics some common traits of a Taurean – being committed and resolute. There are no drums here, just guitar, bass and piano, all of which are played by Tommy, with ever-able assistance from long time pal Justin Nozuka, who also sings backup vocals. So while “Taurus” goes down easy, it does make you wonder what’s coming, always worth the wait in the evolution of River Tiber.

Meet Boston indie pop singer/songwriter @AlmostOwenmusic with the reflective “Something In You”

ALMOST OWEN, “Something In You”

If you think that indie bedroom pop simply can’t be compelling then I’m happy to make you think otherwise by introducing you to Boston singer/songwriter Almost Owen. His latest release, “Something In You”, indeed is a bedroom studio production. But his voice is rich and full of defined tones, definitely reminiscent of early John Mayer, and the song captures simple jazz and folk flavours that make it easy to stick with even the fussiest of listeners. Originally a drummer as a child, Almost Owen (aka Isaac Haselkom) traveled the world to hone his craft, working with the likes of Paul Simon (undoubtedly a huge influence) as well as jazz greats like Joe Sample and Wayne Shorter. Songs like “Something In You” only signal promise for what Almost Owen has to offer music fans.