Tag Archives: house

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 9/22 spotlighting @Darinofficial @DLMTmusic & @PartyShirt @YearsandYears @TheHim & @BullySongs #MByrd

Check out my posts about 10 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself.  “The Musicman” James Rogers offers more tunes from the 80’s in his Classic Five. Plus I recap this week’s BILLCS Top 30 new #1 and the Fastest Rising song on the chart.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

DARIN, “Satisfaction”

After three brilliant singles, it’s absolutely no surprise that “Satisfaction” is another newly minted gem for 2020’s Darin. Like “Superstar” and “Can’t Stay Away”, a flirty and sexy style of dance music for the Swedish pop sensation draws its influences from 80’s stars like Madonna, George Michael, Pet Shop Boys, and other risk takers who converted several of their songs into visual feasts too. Minus the unnecessary voyeuristic plot, the video for “Satisfaction” captures this too with Darin embracing his sexuality amid some eye-catching choreography.

DLMT & PARTY SHIRT, “Goin’ Down”

With the right club DJ and the right mix, “Goin’ Down” is one of those infectious dance tracks that could easily become a centrepiece in a mid-evening set. It’s brought to you by increasingly noted Toronto producer DLMT – he’s recently remixed Bad Bunny – and American-Australian producers and Tik Tok favourites Party Shirt. I’m certain the hook featuring Latin horns is a sample (but I can’t place it… help) and the producers totally smash the production in “Goin’ Down” with their loaded bag of tricks. “Goin’ Down” is one of those dance tracks you don’t want to let up and leaves you feeling exhilarated at the end.

YEARS & YEARS, “100% Pure Love”

Taking a break from original tunes after his fine album from earlier this year Night Call, Olly Alexander and team offer us “100% Pure Love”, a reverent cover of the 1994 Crystal Waters smash. It wouldn’t have occurred to me that this one could be a Years & Years song but it makes total sense. Olly certainly has fun with the vocal, and the supporting musicians nail the mid-90’s house bounce that it could not go without. It’s bound to sound fab at a Y&Y live event!

THE HIM and BULLYSONGS, “Violet Skies”

Dutch producer The Him continues to keep vibrant beats rolling, and switches it up a bit with the slower but funk-flavoured “Violet Skies”. The vocalist is BullySongs, a British artist probably known more as an epic hit-making songwriter for the dance music world cream of the crop like Armin van Buuren, Galantis and Don Diablo among others. His gentle, echo-filled vocal gives “Violet Skies” that soothing, delightful quality that you associate with watching a sunset on the beach. Notch up another impressive release for The Him!

M. BYRD, “Flood”

Although I haven’t written about his music till now, I’ve been paying attention to the growth of Germany-born singer/songwriter M. Byrd through the songs I’ve heard. His new song “Flood” almost sounds like a fresh start, a song about letting go of certain things and people in our lives, even if temporary, to lead your best life. M. Byrd describes it as follows:

“I like to think of it as a constant cascade, like a waterfall that is becoming stronger and stronger, the more it is raining. Musically I find that to be most apparent in the littler guitar melody that slowly weaves into the song…”

Musically, the song harkens back to late 80’s, early 90’s alt.pop/rock that evolved out of the new wave era by British groups like The Railway Children, House of Love, and The Mighty Lemon Drops – whether or not that could have been in M. Byrd’s trajectory is another thing. “Flood” is most enjoyable and also succeeds on its own merit as cathartic and ambitious.

FEATURING

COCO & BREEZY and TARA CAROSIELLI, “Just Say”

“You’re toxic but it only makes me wanna love you”

That memorable recent lyric might have been nagging you when you’ve heard it on your dance radio show, and it comes from “Just Say” by Coco & Breezy with singer/songwriter Tara Carosielli. The independent release has quickly made huge strides and is in the Top 20 nationally for dance music radio airplay. That’s great news for twin sisters Coco & Breezy, otherwise known as DJs/producers/ entrepreneurs Corianna and Brianna Dotson. Among their achievements include running a successful sunglasses company that began when they were teenagers, and performing as tour dancers with Prince. “Just Say” has a welcoming, light-hearted, playful vibe that fills a bankable void left by 90’s pop/R&B acts like TLC or Brandy.

MICHAEL MALCOLM and VICTOR PERRY, “Out Of My Mind”

NYC singer-songwriter Victor Perry teams up with new Canadian dance producer Michael Malcolm for “Out Of My Mind”. Some of Victor’s best releases have been in the deep house genre, and this song about being just a little bit more than infatuated goes down easy. Michael’s production isn’t full of effects or tricks, and ably showcases Victor’s superlative Michael Jackson-inspired vocal. Club DJ’s and dance radio shouldn’t sleep on this one!

OLLY MURS, “Die Of A Broken Heart”

Olly Murs is back with a fresh sound after four years since his last new music. He’s a superstar in England from the early ’10’s hits “Heart Skips A Beat” and “Troublemaker” (with Flo Rida) but is in comeback mode with the reggae-tinged “Die of a Broken Heart”. And it’s a nice change from recording songs with Snoop Dogg or Shaggy for name value. The sound is bright and crisp with a nice percussive backdrop, which allows his vocal to really soar. As a guy in love, he’s got a new album coming appropriately called Marry Me so there may be more opportunities yet for Olly to be back on the charts.

JOT SINGH, “Nothing Like This World”

Earlier this year, I introduced you to L.A.-based singer/songwriter Jot Singh and his beautifully sung acoustic release “Don’t Play With Fire”. “Nothing Like This World” serves as a worthy follow-up. This time it’s a more DIY effort, relying on some effectively distinct choppy guitar sounds which compliment another solid vocal by Jot. The song is about taking risks to help give yourself a better life, and the optimistic lyrics and dreamy melody yield better than average results. Check out the video above!

TYLER GARRETT, “Deception”

This past summer brought us an ambitious full album release, Mirage, by L.A. dance music multi-talent Tyler Garrett. “Deception” is sure to turn heads as Tyler shifts flavours from pop/dance/house and into trance for a trek to a darker side of electronic music. Self-realization is at the core of “Deception”, and Tyler playfully alters his vocal before the chorus kicks in. It’s a tad long at almost 5 minutes but trance music fans will thoroughly enjoy it, and I think it would benefit from an even deeper trance mix.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“I Will Wait” by new Toronto singer/songwriter Shawn Molko

BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Kick Ass” by the one and only Bryan Adams (with an amusing prologue by John Cleese)

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

A fast-paced slice of EDM by Quickdrop, “Too Late To Turn Back”

“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” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Toto – Africa
Yes – Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Wham! featuring George Michael – Careless Whisper
U2 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“My Dying Spirit” by Greyson Chance (18-7)

#BILLCSTop30 #652, November 7/22

The BILLCS Top 30 has been unofficially 25 years old since September, but I didn’t keep any of the charts at that time, and they were only being shared on various chart-related Internet sites.  This week marks the first one that I still have which yielded this Top 10:

  1. YOU MAKE ME WANNA … Usher
  2. BITTER SWEET SYMPHONY The Verve
  3. TUBTHUMPING Chumbawumba
  4. WALKIN’ ON THE SUN Smash Mouth
  5. FLY Sugar Ray
  6. RATTLESNAKE Like
  7. FREE Ultra Naté
  8. BABYLON The Tea Party
  9. EVERYTHING TO EVERYONE Everclear
  10. LAST OF THE BIG GAME HUNTERS Barstool Prophets

My chart continues to be posted bi-weekly below with an accompanying blog post. The regular blog posts under the new name The BILLCS New Music Report now appear weekly on Wednesdays.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWSbelow too as they will become increasingly tied in with the BILLCS New Music Report.

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy is one of the most memorable songs of 2022 and it’s one that I don’t think I’ll get tired of any time soon. Fittingly, it rises 2-1 for my fellow Gemini from Compton, California whose performance on Saturday Night Live this past weekend you can check out above.

Climbing 5-2 is the superbly infectious “The Boss” by French producers Coopex and Charles B and NYC singer/songwriter and “American Idol” alumnus Robbie Rosen. Robbie reached #2 late last year with “To The Top” (with Natixx and Lyonbrothers) and was #1 exactly a year ago with Dutch producer Howen for “Sanctuary”.

“Full Force” (above) by Italy’s Luca + Giam with American vocalist Sam Merkin rises 6-4. Check out their latest release with New Zealand-based singer theajsound called “Game Changer” below.

The irresistible “Celebrate” by Laurentius and Oke makes another big move, up 9-5, from their upcoming EP together called Jaiye.

Greyson Chance is back-to-back in the Top 10 with two songs from his Palladium album. “Athena” (above) rises 8-6 while the engrossing “My Dying Spirit” (below) is the Fastest Riser on the chart, soaring 18-7.

Two more songs land in the Top 10. Florida’s Tonner climbs 13-9 with “Castles” (above), and Showtek gets their first Top 10 since 2019 with “Welcome Back Home” (below) featuring NYC’s MC Ambush, up 11-10.

The Fall has begun with great music from some fantastic new male singers. Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You” (above) breaks loose and moves up 22-16, while JVKE’s piano-laden “Golden Hour” (also above) rises 21-18. And they’re joined by Conan Gray whose “Yours” (below) rises 27-22.

I can’t get enough of Charlie Puth’s “Charlie Be Quiet” from his new album Charlie, which I hope will eventually be promoted at radio. It climbs 24-20. His best song hands down in years.

Capital Cities and Bobby Nourmand make a respectable move of 26-21 with their collaboration “Together”.

The Highest Debut belongs to a great new voice from Toronto which you might recognize from last week’s BILLCS New Music Report. It’s Shawn Molko and his scintillating ballad “I Will Wait” at #28.

Norway’s Matoma returns to the chart for his fifth entry which is “The Power” at #29. The song is already becoming an unexpected sports anthem, having been played at national hockey (Matoma got to play it himself at a New York Rangers game recently) and baseball games. Watch out for this one in the coming weeks. The uncredited powerhouse vocal is by co-writer Clementine Douglas.

The third new entry is a song guaranteed to be love at first listen. Joel Corry teams up with British vocalist Tom Grennan for “Lionheart (Fearless)” at #30. It’s Joel’s 2nd appearance on my chart following 2020’s enduring #1 “Head & Heart” (with MNEK).

 

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

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 past 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.

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.

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 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy (currently on hiatus but returning soon!!)

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

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

 

 

 

 

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 2/22 spotlighting songs by @ShawnMolko, Shawn Desman @DaRealSD, @ZacPoor, @CraigDavid & @MuniLong, and Lilly Wood & The Prick @LWATP

Check out my posts about 12 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself.  “The Musicman” James Rogers takes his Classic Five to the 80’s, and I look back at #1’s on the BILLCS Top 30 from this week over the previous 23 years, from Rufus Wainwright through to Justin Timberlake through to Karen Harding.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

SHAWN MOLKO, “I Will Wait”

There’s a new Shawn from Canada in town, and Toronto’s Shawn Molko has a voice that you won’t soon forget. Witness his new single “I Will Wait” – he has the gorgeous finesse of a Michael Bublé or Matt Dusk, but in a higher key with a light falsetto, so it’s no wonder that a cappella group Pentatonix has caught their attention – he could be a crooner like either gents, or stand alongside someone like Sam Smith. It also helps that “I Will Wait” is a beautiful piano-led song with a classic structure. Shawn recently sang the national anthems at Madison Square Garden for a Rangers/Flames game and stunned the arena. So if we’re just at the start for Shawn Molko, then I’m here for what’s next. Pop radio is playing similar new male vocalists like JVKE and Stephen Sanchez, and so would be missing out by not adding “I Will Wait”.

SHAWN DESMAN, “Maniac”

There’s another Shawn in Canada making an auspicious return. Toronto’s Shawn Desman is one of Canada’s most successful domestic pop stories of the 2000’s, yet despite often R&B-inflected pop smashes like “Get Ready” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30), “Shook”, “Nobody Does It Like You” and “Electric”, has not released any new solo material since 2015 when his record label deal ended. After taking some time to raise a family, he came back recently as one half of electronic production duo Radioclub with a couple of recent singles. But the soulful dance/pop of “Maniac” should put him back in the fore, with a solid vocal and production as well as some nice choppy guitar riffs that help it stand out. Fans who saw him perform at Drake’s OVO fest in Toronto gave Shawn a warm welcome back, so following it up with a strong single like “Maniac” – which has just landed in Canada’s Top 40 at radio – completely makes sense.

ZAC POOR, “Ghost Boy”

It’s been a while since I’ve heard or written about L.A.-based singer/songwriter Zac Poor, but over the years he’s been busiest as a songwriter as part of tunes recorded by the likes of Tori Kelly, Backstreet Boys, Nick Jonas, and many others. His new solo release “Ghost Boy” is one that strikes all the feels as the protagonist relates recalling younger versions of himself. And while some memories are painful, “Ghost Boy” will always be a part of him through good and bad, including one of the worst – discrimination. As usual, it’s beautifully sung, and set to a contrasting carefree, danceable rhythm, but the poignant narrative is what hits the home run.

CRAIG DAVID and MUNI LONG, “Obvious”

British R&B/pop singer/songwriter Craig David has released a new album in his 22 year chart career called – well, 22!  “Obvious”, which is included in the album, is a more pop companion to his classic “7 Days” than his other recent releases, and it features Tik Tok breakthrough artist Muni Long, who leaves a potent vocal stamp on this song that you’ll remember. Craig sounds as smooth as ever and “Obvious” is refreshing and fluid ear candy.

LILLY WOOD & THE PRICK, “You Want My Money (Quieres Mi Plata)”

You will remember the French duo Lilly Wood & The Prick, comprising Israel-born vocalist Nili Hadida and guitarist Benjamin Cotto from their inescapable 2014 worldwide smash, the Robin Schulz remix of “Prayer In C”. Last year, the pair released their first album in 7 years called Most Anything, which included the initial English-language version of “You Want My Money” (below). Now re-recorded in Spanish as “Quieres Mi Plata” (above), the song will capture Latin music fans as well as appeal to those of you who enjoy another talented electronic duo, Sofi Tukker. I’m enjoying both versions of the song with its chugga-chugga house rhythm and edgy vocal, so pick your favourite!

FEATURING

AASH MEHTA, “I Just Wanna Love You”

Following up his personal and atmospheric electronic pop album The Moments In-Between, Chicago producer Aash Mehta dishes out some contemporary house this time with “I Just Wanna Love You”. It’s also a successor to one of my faves from last year, the deep house rave-up “Back To You” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30). What the song might lack in terms of lyrical punch is completely compensated by on-point production, which stirs up the vibe a bit before reprising the drive of its melodic hook.

LOST BOY, “Ready2Go”

It’s been a while since I wrote about Bay Area multi-talent Lost Boy. Otherwise known as Dillon Deskin and now based in L.A., “Ready2Go” is a strong release waiting to be discovered, and caught my attention with its vibrant vocal and playful production. Lost Boy seems to be headed more in a pop direction than in past, and I think the cheery flavours in this song will draw in fans of Justin Bieber and Shawn Mendes, while the rich backdrop will continue to appeal to Zedd or Alesso enthusiasts.

AFROJACK presents NLW x PHLEGMATIC DOGS, “Get It”

Afrojack steps away from the melodic dance that gave him one of his biggest hits last year with David Guetta with “Hero”, and back into the bass house realm with a new banger called “Get It”. And this one is strictly for the clubs and festivals, once again under the name “Afrojack presents NLW”. With its irresistible rhythm and deadpan vocal, plus additional production by Russian duo Phlegmatic Dogs, “Get It” is sure to please Afrojack’s hardcore house fans.

CRISTÓVAM, “Ferris Wheel”

An award-winning star in his native Portugal, singer/songwriter Cristóvam brings you “Ferris Wheel” from his new album Songs On A Wire. It’s a provocative slice of folk-flavoured alt.pop that covets looking after your own problems before you try and help someone who has perhaps even more complex matters at hand. With a voice that’s a hybrid of Bob Dylan and Paul Simon, and simple but crisp production and some nifty guitar work, the lyrics in “Ferris Wheel” aren’t judgmental and choose to guide rather than criticize. Let’s hope anyone having some difficulties will recognize and enjoy Cristóvam’s intrinsic perspective, while many others will have no problem connecting with it.

BROOKS, VLUARR, and JAY MASON, “Sober”

There’s a lot of European dance music that receives so much success at home that it often doesn’t get as much notice or praise outside of Europe. Brooks is a talented Dutch producer who is a protégé of Martin Garrix who has recorded numerous singles with his superstar buddy such as “Byte” (reaching #5 on the BILLCS Top 30) among Brooks’ earliest releases. Teaming up this time with two newer Dutch artists, producer/DJ/cellist Vluarr and vocalist Jay Mason, “Sober” is a punchy and gritty slice of deep house which is recognizably Brooks from its bounce, but spearheads other elements such as Vluarr’s supurb cello work. Jay Mason has released a few fistfuls of singles these last two years and has an earthy, compelling voice for a convincing delivery in “Sober”.

ROSEBURG, “Alice”

Utah-based alt.rock quartet Roseburg follow up their debut 2020 album Righteous Punk with a straight forward ode to life, love and having a purpose called “Alice”. The group deliberately stripped back their rocking sound for “Alice”, which is a more pop-oriented song that singer/guitarist Zack Knell wrote when he was 16. The production incorporates some winning harmonies alongside a tight arrangement. The band are originally from Roseburg, Oregon and can continue to happily represent the proud name of that town. Fans of early 2000’s alt.rock will be the first to love it, and you can watch for social media stars Dylan Jordan and Summer McKeen in the video for “Alice” above.

KINGA, “Sexy Boy” (Champain remix)

In the music biz, everything that’s been done before can be reinvented, remixed and rebooted into something that can fit into whatever is contemporary today. “Sexy Boy” has a timeless, easy-going electronic pop mystique that can fit into the fun and flirty part of dance music that is giving artists like L.A.’s Michael Medrano and even Sweden’s Darin a niche that was begun long ago by Brits Boy George, Marilyn, Pet Shop Boys, and Dead Or Alive. So what’s new to you, isn’t to me – Canada’s KINGA originally released long out of print indie “Sexy Boy” back in 1989 (you can listen to it at the link below), when it obtained a modicum of success on some adventurous pop and college radio stations, which gave the androgenous KINGA a chance to shine in local performances. The fast-paced synthpop Champain remix of “Sexy Boy” brings him back with an alluring, smoother Boy George-ish vocal that sounds fresh all over again.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Yours” by Conan Gray from his album Superache

BIG DADDY” RUSS HORTON’S PICK OF THE WEEK

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Red and Gold” by new Manchester rockers Gathering Of Strangers

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“What You Got” by Oryon featuring Woodz

“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” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

Michael Jackson – Billie Jean
John Cougar – Jack and Diane
Kim Carnes – Bette Davis Eyes
Rick Springfield – Jessie’s Girl
Christopher Cross – Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)

23 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 23 years.

“Pink Cadillac”, in 2009, was the first song available as a free download to top my chart.

1998 APRIL FOOLS Rufus Wainwright
1999 THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE (STAY GOLD) Everything But The Girl with Deep Dish
2000 TWISTED TENDERNESS Electronic
2001 BLACK BLACK HEART David Usher
2002 JAMES DEAN (I WANNA KNOW) Daniel Bedingfield
2003 SUPERFABULOUS BT featuring Rose McGowan
2004 THEY MIGHT SAY Mitchell Hunter
2005 PRETTY VEGAS INXS
2006 FUTURE SEX/LOVE SOUND Justin Timberlake
2007 APOLOGIZE Timbaland featuring One Republic
2008 RELAPSE Jesse McCartney
2009 PINK CADILLAC 100 Akres featuring Roz Bell
2010 RESURRECTION (Penguin Prison remix) The Temper Trap
2011 NO I.D. Frankmusik featuring Colette Carr
2012 MUSIC MAKES YOU LOSE CONTROL Carlos Nobrega
2013 ADORN Miguel (also featuring Jessie Ware)
2014 SMILE Mikky Ekko
2015 LET YOU GO River Tiber
2016 NATIVE SON PREQUEL (Jenaux remix) Gramatik featuring Leo Napier
2017 PERFECT Mahalo featuring Cat Lewis
2018 PHANTOM OF THE DANCE FLOOR Kiesza featuring Philippe Roy
2019 DREAMER Throttle
2020 UNDO MY HEART Karen Harding x Digital Farm Animals
2021 SANCTUARY Howen & Robbie Rosen

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – October 26/22 spotlighting new music by @GATTUSO_Music @ZakAbel @M22official @EllaHenderson #TASBA @Fiorious @AustinAtomusic @DAmicoandValax and much more!

After a lengthy course of writing blog posts about individual songs, I’ve launched the BILLCS New Music Report to showcase a week’s worth of new music at a time every Wednesday. In this way I can cover more of the songs, while also linking the Report to the growing online radio world, in which I am very present these days. I think it’s the future for what used to be on radio and has now been replaced by crass commercialism that just happens to play music – the same music, over and over and over.

The first section is called SPOTLIGHTING, which focuses on my five most notable new songs of the week. Then, there’s another section called FEATURING with several more cool new songs. Both sections continue to feature You Tube links to the songs. The “10/10” feature may return and will be worked into this new format.

I’ve also brought aboard my very good radio friends Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and of course my best friend of over 40 years, James Rogers, into the Report to offer their expertise. Russ and Hunter will give their own picks of the week every week, and James brings us his Classic Five of the week – wonderful pop hits of the post-Beatles era that the younger readership in particular should get to know.

The BILLCS New Music Report is a work-in-progress and I welcome your suggestions so feel free to contact me @billcs on Twitter @thebillcs on Instagram or @BILLCSMusicProjects on Facebook.

SPOTLIGHTING

GATTÜSO and ZAK ABEL, “I’ll Be There”

Following up the recent “Afterglow” (which reached #8 on my chart), NYC-based Israel-born dance producer GATTUSO has a winner with “I’ll Be There”. It’s led by a committed and driven vocal by dance music mainstay ZAK ABEL, whose underlying rasp makes the infectious chorus even more affecting. GATTUSO’s rich production gives “I’ll Be There” a warm ambience which will be greatly appreciated by regular club dance floor denizens.

M-22 and ELLA HENDERSON, “Heartstrings”

German-UK production duo M-22 released one of my favourite songs of 2019 with “White Lies”, which promptly got to #1 on my chart. And after ELLA HENDERSON’s recent teaming with Nathan Dawe on “21 Reasons”, she was the right voice for “Heartstrings”. Her urgent vocal reminds me of Robyn at times circa “With Every Heartbeat”, and the chorus and drop are undeniable.

TASBA, “Inner Child”

TASBA (aka Tanya Barrera) is a new electronic dance producer from Denver who has loads of potential. It’s no surprise that her song “Inner Child” was picked up immediately for release. It’s got a gentle house vibe that TASBA lifts using a snappy rhythm with various shifts within the melody, which keeps the pace moving. “Inner Child” is the kind of song you’ll hear in a club and want to Shazam right away, and is a good start for an artist who is finding her niche stylistically and is also playing live gigs as well.

FIORIOUS and AUSTIN ATO, “Feel So High”

NYC singer/songwriter FIORIOUS and Scottish producer AUSTIN ATO make a formidable duo with “Feel So High”, which just oozes creativity. The song has early 80’s electropop roots that somehow translate into a fast-paced house track that’s guaranteed to be a dance floor filler. The highly energized vocal by FIORIOUS keeps “Feel So High” sizzling.

D’AMICO & VALAX and RICKYSEE, “So Close”

“So Close” is a fierce deep house track by Italian producers D’AMICO & VALAX and Detroit-based singer RICKYSEE. Taking its cues from early 90’s European house, “So Close” rides an aggressive rhythm layered with synths that play into a powerful chorus. Club DJ’s wanting to keep their dance floor full and the vibe relentless should insert “So Close” midway through a key set of the evening for best results.

FEATURING

CARLY RAE JEPSEN and RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, “The Loneliest Time”

I can’t go without mentioning “The Loneliest Time” – the title song from CARLY RAE JEPSEN’s new album – because of the presence of fellow Canadian and longtime personal fave RUFUS WAINWRIGHT, who can truly be a chameleon when he wants to be. His sublime vocal slides behind Carly Rae’s lead and gives the song added and unexpected dimension. Both singers sound fab and clearly enjoyed making this one.

LUFTHAUS and ROBBIE WILLIAMS, “To The Light”

“To The Light” is the most compelling track on the new EP Soul Seekers by LUFTHAUS, a Germany-based electronic project led by none other ROBBIE WILLIAMS! He’s probably one of the least likely names you’d find associated with trance music but Armada believed in it enough to release it. It’s in stark contrast to the 25th anniversary of Robbie’s debut solo album Life Thru A Lens and perhaps a timely shift in direction. Early hits like “Millennium” and “Rock DJ” offered electronic backdrops and sharp melodies. And Robbie’s vocal here broods and works so well over a familiar if linear landscape. Definitely work checking out!

SUNNERY JAMES & RYAN MARCIANO, BRUNO MARTINI and MAYRA, “Closure”

A tribal backdrop gives “Closure” a more progressive sound than usual from electronic dance music faves SUNNERY JAMES & RYAN MARCIANO and BRUNO MARTINI.  MAYRA’s powerful vocal seethes with internal anguish and gives “Closure” a strong emotional core. It’s definitely a sidestep for the producers from creating bangers, but “Closure” shows their strong and inspired collaboration at work.

EGZOD and BERTIE SCOTT, “The Way Out”

Florida-based electronic dance producer EGZOD (aka France-born Carlos Carvalho-Martins) has worked hard for just more than the last half decade developing his brand of melodic progressive songs. And it’s paying off – “The Way Out” has landed release on Spinnin’ Records. It also features the recognizable voice of UK go-to dance music singer BERTIE SCOTT. The song is long on melody and shifts into a breathtaking whirlwind in the last minute which is major icing on the cake. This one has all kinds of sync possibilities for film, TV and video games.

MARTIN LUKE BROWN, “grateful”

“grateful” is a warm welcome back to British singer/songwriter Martin Luke Brown, who brought us a splendid slice of soulful pop back in 2015 with his major label release “Take Out Of Me” (which got to #7 on my chart). Since that time MLB (has he is often called) has been mainly writing songs for others, and “grateful” is his first release since 2018. It’s a gritty but inviting track that echoes the raw 60’s vibes of The Beatles and their contemporaries while being channeled through late 70’s punk of the likes of Elvis Costello.

FRANKMUSIK, “Complete Me Completed”

“Complete Me Completed” signals a wrap to the new FRANKMUSIK version of his 2009 album Complete Me. The full album will be released soon as a new package but in the meantime all of its songs have been re-recorded and re-vamped. “Complete Me” is full of soaring FRANKMUSIK vocals that will make you think songs from his 2014 album By Nicole. The production is full of subtleties and power that are customary with a FRANKMUSIK release. What his task did though was take a lot of very good songs stuck in 2009 trappings and made them so much better.

HUNTER, “Closer”

L.A. based singer/songwriter Hunter Elizabeth rebrands herself as HUNTER on her new EP Hello: My Name Is HUNTER. After seeing some success with a year long residency at a popular L.A. club and a connection with Willie Nelson’s son Lukas that opened a lot of doors for her, HUNTER proves her versatility and how to craft a 3 minute pop song with “Closer”. It’s an upbeat love song about celebrating with those closest to you after the difficulties we experienced in the pandemic. Her bright voice highlights a song that is set out to show you a good time, and provides a welcome introduction to the EP.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

My New Music Pick of the Week  is a 5-7 minute radio segment that airs more than 20 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Together” by L.A. pop duo CAPITAL CITIES and L.A.-based electronic dance producer BOBBY NOURMAND

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca.

“Runaway To Mars” by Canadian singer TALK

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“See The Light” by Nashville-based singer/songwriter STEPHEN SANCHEZ

“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” of the post-Beatles era – classics you need to know! Each title is linked to a Spotify stream of the song.

“She Loves You” by THE BEATLES (1964)

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” by THE ROLLING STONES (1965)

“House of the Rising Sun” by THE ANIMALS (1964)

“I Get Around” by THE BEACH BOYS (1964)

“I Want To Hold Your Hand” by THE BEATLES (1964)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Jimi” by FRANCESCO YATES

BILLCS Top30 HIGHEST DEBUT

“Charlie Be Quiet” by CHARLIE PUTH

#BILLCSTop30 #651, October 24/22

I have decided to call my new blog format the “BILLCS New Music Report” and it begins on Wednesday. This will be a weekly, more newsletter-styled format in which I will be able to cover more music than I can using the song-by-song format I’ve used for the last several years. I’ll also be able to build each blog post gradually during the week instead of deciding that day whether I will write about something or not. This will be a work-in-progress and your suggestions will be welcome to help make it more readable each week!  It will also tie-in my work in ONLINE RADIO SHOWS more, since they are now a big part of my life.

I’ll be frequently reiterating that if independent artists, producers and managers who want exposure in my blog – over 13 years in existence with a tie-in to online radio – they need to communicate with me.  I will however also continue to promote and write about songs/artists I discover on my own. My personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30, has been online since 1998,  and I’ll continue to write it up and count it down every second Monday. The “10/10” feature, where I write about 10 songs all in one post, may find its way into the BILLCS New Music Report.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

With such a strong playing field for this chart, Francesco Yates’ “Jimi” shows that it has long legs into its 8th appearance on the chart (16 weeks) and remains on top for a 2nd appearance!

It’s been very rare for a Billboard #1 to hit #1 on my chart in recent years, but Steve Lacy’s unique and memorable “Bad Habit” rises 4-2 and positions itself to perhaps do that in two weeks. Did you know Steve was part of Calvin Harris’ Love Regenerator project on “Live Without Your Love”?

It’s short and sweet but also keep your eye on “The Boss” (above) by Coopex, Charles B and Robbie Rosen (6-5) in two weeks too. It’s been stuck behind a lot of great songs these past few weeks, and is Robbie’s 2nd concurrent Top 10 along with “Stained Glass” at #7.  Robbie also has a fine new dance release with none other than DubVision called “Stitch You Up” which you can check out below!

Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin waste no time following #3 “Hold Me Down” into the Top 10 as “Full Force” takes advantage of a quieter part of the chart to leap 12-6.

That also allows “Celebrate” (above) by Laurentius and Oke to make another big move and slide into the Top 10, up 15-9!  In preparation for their EP Jaiye, another track called “Run” has been released which you can hear below.

“But Not Tonight” moves up 13-10 for Paul Van Dyk and Christian Burns, giving each their second Top 10’s on this chart.  Paul got to #4 in 2008 with “Let Go” and Christian was the voice for Tiësto’s #3 “In The Dark” from 2007.  And along with “Turn On The Lights Again”, “But Not Tonight” also becomes the second cover in the Top 10 (the original is by Depeche Mode from 1986), the other being “Turn On The Lights Again” by Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia (#4) (which makes a new song out of a verse from Future’s 2012 track). LF System’s “Afraid To Feel” at #3 isn’t an outright cover but prominently samples Silk’s “I Can’t Stop (Turning You On)”.

Lily Lane’s exceptional “Bad” (22-17) from her EP Queen of Hearts is definitely one to watch in the coming weeks.

The Fastest Riser is Greyson Chance’s cathartic “My Dying Spirit” (26-18) from his album Palladium. It’s hard not to be moved or enthralled by this one as you listen to it more and more.

A lot of summer favourites exited the chart, so that made room for five debuts.

In a total surprise, Charlie Puth gets his first chart appearance in the five years since his #1 “Attention” with “Charlie Be Quiet” (#24) from his new album Charlie. It’s another quick (only 2:08) track, but it’s jam-packed with the racing thoughts in your head when you have a crush on someone and want to make your move. While I’m not crazy about the layers of production he (over) adds to his voice, it’s hard not to love this one!

Positivity and unity are the driving forces behind “Together” by Capital Cities and Bobby Nourmand which bows at #26. I got burned out on “Safe and Sound” years ago so it never charted, so I get to welcome Capital Cities to the chart with this independent release. Producer Bobby Nourmand however has been a frequent visitor, with two #1’s “D E E P in NY” and the double-A sided “Subterranean/Estranged”, but “Together” is his first appearance in four years.

With every listen I adore “Yours” by Conan Gray even more. So this album track from Superache arrives at #27. I’ve been seeing the online raves about Conan’s recent concert performances, as well as the kind outreach he gives to fans, so hopefully he’ll play my city again next year. “Yours” follows his #4 “Memories”.

Toronto pop/rock duo Crash Adams returns to the chart at #28 with another track keep you smiling, “Give Me A Kiss”. It’s their third visit to the chart and follows 2021’s #11 “Symphony”. Be sure to watch the video for the song above, it’s loads of fun and set in southern California!

The fifth debut is “Loop” by Martin Garrix, DallasK and Sasha Alex Sloan at #29. It’s another sparkling collaboration that shows the ongoing evolution of Martin Garrix. He can make a banger explode any day but something more nuanced like “Loop” is always more than welcome. It’s his 11th chart entry and follows the #5 “Won’t Let You Go” from earlier this year.

 

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

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 past 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.

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.

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 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy (currently on hiatus but will return)

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

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

 

 

 

“All By Myself” is a pop and dance radio hit in the making for @Alokoficial @Sigalamusic and @EllieGoulding

ALOK, SIGALA and ELLIE GOULDING, “All By Myself”

“All By Myself” is one of those songs that is loaded with elements that should ensure both pop and dance radio airplay, without being too overly familiar or overly reliant on the sample that it uses. The immense talent speaks for itself. Brazilian producer Alok has been popular for years on the club and festival circuit, and just recently scored a dance radio #1 with “Deep Down” with Ella Eyre along with a record deal with Sony. Sigala has also been a significant force through numerous hits in the UK since 2015. Bringing these guys together with Ellie Goulding is an ideal match. Ellie’s recent release with Big Sean, “Easy Lover”, was nothing short of promising but somehow got lost in the pop music shuffle after what looked like a good start out of the gate. “All By Myself” has the dominant hook, aggressive production, and a memorable sample in “Enjoy The Silence” by Depeche Mode, which should keep dance music fans happy in clubs and at festivals. But the song really does belong in the forefront on pop and dance music radio, and could give Ellie her biggest hit in some years.

#BILLCSTop30 #650, October 10/22

Look for a format change from this blog starting next week. While I’ve enjoyed writing about individual songs post-by-post for the last several years, with interjections from my “10/10” feature to feature 10 songs all at once, I’m finding that it’s too time consuming to keep up, given the insurmountable number of releases each week, and not as productive as it can be.

So starting on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, this blog will change to a once a week “newsletter” kind of format. What that looks like exactly I think will develop over the next few months with input from you. And with ONLINE RADIO SHOWS now being a big part of my life, there will be more integration with the radio programming.  My New Music Pick of the Week, which is currently only a radio segment, will be featured in the newsletter.  The focus will still be on new and mainly independent music. Submissions for the blog continue to be welcome!

The other thing I’ve noticed this year is that music people – including artists, producers, managers – are no longer as approachable online as say 10 years ago. A lot of artists use social media as recipients only, don’t look at their timelines, and only post/tweet to promote their music. There are also a lot of artists who prefer one platform over another (and I’m still not and have no plans to be on Tik Tok!) – but we don’t know that till we follow them on that platform, so it’s a guessing game at best at times.

Independent artists, producers and managers who want exposure by my blog – over 13 years in existence with a tie-in to online radio – need to communicate with me. To be honest, there are several songs I’ve written up and had good connections with the artists or their teams, and then with the next releases, nothing!! I will however continue to promote and write about songs/artists I discover on my own. And my personal chart, the BILLCS Top 30, has been online since 1998 – 25 years in January!! – and I’ll continue to write it up and count it down every second Monday.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Toronto singer/songwriter/guitarist Francesco Yates gets his first #1 on my chart with “Jimi”! It knocks Jessie Ware’s “Free Yourself” out of the top spot after a month because it’s simply the song I look forward to hearing the most right now! Francesco is also the first Canadian artist to reach #1 on my chart since Loud Luxury & Frank Walker took “Like Gold” to the top early last year.

There’s a lineup of songs waiting to take over from “Jimi” at #1, but more about that will be known in two weeks.  In the meantime, I’m happy to see Steve Lacy at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Bad Habit”, which rises on my chart 6-4. Watch for a flood of Grammy nominations for Steve at year’s end.

“Turn On The Lights Again” by Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia reworking Future’s 2012 release into a trance-y festival anthem climbs 7-5. It’s a song that never fails to draw you in every time. Fred Again.. has a new album coming at the end of the month called Actual Life 3.

NYC’s Robbie Rosen, a former “American Idol” contestant, is ultra-prolific and now has two songs in my Top 10. The sublimely catchy “The Boss” (above), created with French producers Coopex and Charles B, rises 8-6, while “Stained Glass” (below), an arpeggio-loaded big room-flavoured collaboration with Germany’s Severman and India’s Arshan Joel, rises 12-9. They are Robbie’s 6th and 7th Top 10’s on this chart.

Greyson Chance now has two songs on the chart from his album Palladium. The riveting “Athena” (above) moves up 13-10, and becomes Greyson’s third Top 10 on the chart, following “Dancing Next To Me” (#2) and “Hellboy” (#3). But the more provocative winner “My Dying Spirit” (below) also arrives on the chart at #26.  Greyson’s North American tour is now underway, and I look forward to his December 1 show in my city!

The Fastest Riser on the chart is probably the most joyous one too. It’s “Celebrate” (above) by Dutch producer Laurentius and Luxembourg singer/songwriter Oke, which soars 25-15.  Check out “Jaiye”, the title track of their upcoming EP together, below.

“Castles” by Florida’s Tonner has a dreamy, lilting melody and a feel good vibe, and it rises 21-16.

Two Friends and Mod Sun have a real grower with the anthemic “Timebomb” (above), which moves up 22-17. You can check out Two Friends’ new one with Jutes called “Chloe”, below.

Oliver Sim’s pensive “GMT” is off to a great start, climbing 26-19. It’s from his new solo album Hideous Bastard. He has indicated that new music from his band The xx is in the works, but with no ETA as of yet.

The Highest Debut of four songs belongs to Rhode Island’s JVKE with “Golden Hour” at #24. The song is gradually becoming a pop radio hit. It seems like unconventional songs like this that are soaked in influences from the early pop/rock era are striking a chord with younger listeners today. JVKE is only 19 and definitely has a great voice. He also produces and plays multiple instruments. “Golden Hour” is culled from JVKE’s new album This Is What ___ Feels Like Vol 1-4.

Then at #25 we have another 19 year old (soon to be 20), Stephen Sanchez, with “Until I Found You”. The northern California native to me echoes The Everly Brothers on this song, whether or not he’s familiar with the late great duo. It’s a beautiful, ear-pleasing song from his new album Easy On My Eyes.

The fourth debut is the rollicking drum ‘n bass-influenced track by Manila Killa and fknsyd called “Take Me Higher” at #29.  As the title song from his album Dusk wraps up its chart run at #27 (with a #2 peak), and after seeing Manila Killa’s live show last week, it’s timely to revisit this unique and infectious offering from him.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

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 past 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.

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.

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 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past 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 Sundays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

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

 

#BILLCSTop30 #649, September 26/22

Online radio is now a bigger thing in my daily life than I ever thought it would be, and it’s a lot of fun to be back in the announcing element after many years. So be sure to check out my shows The Big 20 and Your Weekend New Music Mix, as well as my short segment My New Music Pick of the Week, every week. You can find the schedule of stations on which they air near the bottom of the home page of my blog site or go to ONLINE RADIO SHOWS after the blog post.

Jessie Ware’s “Free Yourself” shot to #1 quickly two weeks ago, and it holds tight at the top for a second appearance. It’s still kind of early to call which song might succeed “Free Yourself” at #1, but there are rumblings below.

Francesco Yates gets a personal best on the chart with “Jimi” climbing 3-2. It’s a fun track with a great guitar solo – I’m hoping he’s holding out for the right deal while we all enjoy his independent releases. But can “Jimi” hold on enough to succeed “Free Yourself” at #1?

Scotland’s LF System continue to surge up the chart with their UK #1 “Afraid To Feel”, which climbs 10-4. Is #1 a possibility in the near future?

Petawane’s ode to sweet soulful love songs, “Music”, continues to rise steadily, this time up 7-5.

Rarely does half of the Top 10 make an exodus, but that’s what has happened on this chart, allowing several songs to move up quickly.

Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit” is the deserved Fastest Riser as it climbs 16-6. Will #1 be in reach for this one?

Fred Again.. and Swedish House Mafia rework Future’s “Turn On The Lights” as “Turn On The Lights Again” (above), certain to be a festival anthem over the next year. The song moves up 11-7 but the red hot Fred Again.. has another new one worth checking out called “Danielle (smile on my face)” below.

French producers Coopex and Charles B team up with American super-talent Robbie Rosen for the fast but fun “The Boss”, climbing 17-8. You’ll be singing along to this one as it name-check’s Diana Ross’ same-titled song from 1979.

Canadian-German duo Lola Dutronic move up 12-9 just as the summer ends with “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)”.

And the Canadian Top 15 radio hit for DVBBS and Brandyn Burnette, “Summer Nights”, rises 13-10. It’s DVBBS’ fourth visit to my Top 10, and Brandyn’s 15th as a lead artist (add one to include a release under his pseudonym EMAN8).

Greyson Chance’s new album Palladium has arrived, and it’s a highly personal album of many moods and ruminations based on experiences which carved the strange path for Greyson that has finally led here.  I’m still digging “Athena” (above), which climbs 19-13, but the album is chock full of songs to keep you paying attention, and one of those is the provocative “My Dying Spirit”, whose new video you can watch below. And I’m looking forward to hearing all of its songs at his show in my city in December!

Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin’s “Hold Me Down” reached #3 a while back, and their latest collaboration “Full Force” could get there too, if a 22-15 move gives any indication.

The Highest Debut at #25 belongs to the extremely infectious 80’s throwback “Celebrate” by Dutch producer Laurentius and Luxembourg singer/songwriter Khalid Oke. Emphasizing African rhythms and references, it’s a sheer delight that comes from their upcoming EP together called Jaiye.

The enduring #1 “Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s vocalist/bassist Oliver Sim exits the chart after the mandatory 10 appearances (20 weeks), and is immediately replaced by the enthralling “GMT” at #26. This is a slower, deliberately paced song with a striking story (partially an ode to London, England), carried by an excellent, sympathetic vocal by Oliver.  It’s from his new album called Hideous Bastard, which also contains “Romance with a Memory”. You can also check out the minimalist extended remix by his bandmate Jamie xx above.

Canadian dance producer Famba returns to the chart for the first time since 2020 with his fifth entry, the splendid trance-influenced deep house track “Forever” at #27. Famba first appeared on the chart almost 6 years ago with the amusing “Right Here Right Now” which peaked at #2.

Singer/songwriter Lily Lane is now based out of L.A. but originally from Boston, and her song “Bad” arrives at #28. It’s taken from her EP Queen of Hearts and is led by an unmistakable, powerful vocal. Lily is also the sister of Tucker, one half of the duo Sofi Tukker.

 

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

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 past 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.

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.

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 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.  You can hear past 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 Sundays beginning at 8pm EST. You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s “10/10” #28: @Dimash_official @CrashAdamsmusic @hannemjoen @thehim & @brunomartini @allaboutmaggie @jayb1rdmusic @GOSofficial @ScottMagnus9 @HVNNIBVL #Holne

Fine new music releases have been bountiful of late, so it’s “10/10” time again with edition #28!  In “10/10”, I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention.  I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs.  That does not mean that songs in the “10/10” lists are any less than those featured individually, in fact three songs from edition #27 by Petawane, Showtek and Sage Castleberry, all currently appear on the BILLCS Top  30.  So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I may not otherwise get to write about.  These songs may even receive airplay on one of the many affiliate online radio stations that are learning about my blog choices and finding them good fits for my radio shows such as “Your Weekend New Music Mix” or “The Big 20”!

  • DIMASH QUDAIBERGEN, “Zhalyn”

He’s a superstar in his native Kazakhstan, but musically the global playing field becomes a lot smaller when you possess talents like Dimash Qudaibergen. He’s a classically trained singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist who can sing in a dozen languages. He can also reach High C notes with ease, which is always remarkable for a male performer because so few can do that. You won’t hear it in “Zhalyn” though, which means “flames” in English, and while it’s sung in Kazakh, you’ll be swept away by the enticing exotic rhythms, arrangement and Dimash’s commanding vocal. Very rarely do foreign language songs cross over into the English language music world, but “Zhalyn” warrants your attention.

  • CRASH ADAMS, “Give Me A Kiss”

It’s one of the brightest end-of-summer songs this year, and “Give Me A Kiss” is another winner from Toronto duo Crash Adams, their first release this year. They always come up with carefully crafted ear candy that rocks out with a goal of making you smile. The accompanying video above, which already has over a million views, is a treat as the duo, sporting matching jackets, shirts and slacks again, take over a part of L.A. to spread positive vibes, complete with the return of their sofa (this time it’s yellow). All that’s needed to complete the circle is for Crash Adams to resume playing some live gigs in the near future.

  • HANNE MJØEN, “I Never Told You”

Hanne Mjøen is a rising pop singer from Norway whose music is beginning to attract attention and resonate worldwide with streams approaching the 25 million mark. She also was featured on Canadian dance producer Felix Cartal’s “My Last Song” last year. “I Never Told You” is perhaps her strongest release to date, with her well-honed vocal set against a bubbly, sometimes euphoric backdrop that supports her story of confidence and being strong, knowing that you can’t always tell the people closest to you everything that goes on in your life. With “I Never Told You” leading the way, I’m sure Hanne’s songs will continue to grow and continue to reach more people through the integrity of her lyrics.

  • THE HIM & BRUNO MARTINI, “Before You Break”

“Before You Break” recalls those points in time where you might want more out of a relationship or situation, but realize that for the best it’s wiser to just walk away. It’s the latest release from The Him (aka Jeroen Kersters) in collaboration this time with Brazilian producer Bruno Martini. It’s a solid house release that veers to the pop side of the spectrum, with an gritty vocal by an uncredited male singer. There’s some pedigree songwriting talent (Toby Jacob and Tiggi Hawke, among others) that have made “Before You Break” happen, so if you enjoy Loud Luxury, Joel Corry or Sam Feldt, then this one is perfect for you!

 

  • MAGGIE SZABO, “Uh Oh”

Hamilton, Ontario-born Maggie Szabo has been releasing her own music for the last decade or so, with her more recent songs getting increasing acclaim, and “Uh Oh” is one of the best of them. It features a vibrant melody with a vocal that has a sweet soulful edge. The production is sheer shiny pop and comparisons to Taylor Swift or Demi Lovato would not be unreasonable. Maggie’s also been a recognizable voice on dance music releases by the likes of Schiller and BEAUZ, and as a songwriter she recently co-wrote “Slo-mo”, the Spain Eurovision 2022 entry by Chanel which won 3rd place. With all of this quality plus the bounty of songs in her portfolio over the past few years, it’s only a matter of a little more time where you’ll see Maggie Szabo on the charts.

  • JAY  BIRD, “Catch Me Again”

Bay area producer Jay Bird returns and continues to grow with his house music tracks with “Catch Me Again”. The theme of the song is familiar and relatable – needing someone to be there for you at the worst of times – and Jay’s synth work and rhythms keep this one moving smoothly. I must say I particularly enjoy the uncredited male vocal. It’s rough around the edges at times but world-weary, and completely embraces the vibe of the song without making it a desperate plea. “Catch Me Again” will definitely leap to attention in the middle of a house set and is a particularly satisfying listen.

  • GATHERING OF STRANGERS, “Red and Gold”

“Red and Gold” is a rocking new anthem for you to add to your list to check out. Gathering Of Strangers is a new quintet from Manchester who channel bands like U2, The 1975 and The Killers to create a refreshing mix with many familiar elements. What is most notable though about “Red and Gold” is its high octane jubilance, which guarantees instant reaction if played live in concert. The band’s tight instrumentation and versatile vocal instills a sense that they are capable of much more than anthemic rockers, so Gathering Of Strangers is fresh and worth watching.

  • SCOTT MAGNUS, “Wanting You Back”

“Wanting You Back” is a song about what people who are seeking a relationship positively dread – being ghosted, particularly after everything seemed to be going along well. Manchester’s Scott Magnus is back, and as you may recall I featured him three times last year in these blog pages with unique songs that demonstrate huge potential, particularly for an artist who has to face living with ADHD, Autism and Dyspraxia daily. “Wanting You Back” expresses the emotion and confusion that’s left when someone has lied. The urgency in Scott’s vocal drives the song and the low-fi production, complete with background chatter and white noise, represents all those colliding, irritating thoughts in our minds when something like this happens, and suits the song well.

  • HVNNIBVL, “Never Enough”

After writing about three of his singles back in 2020, L.A.-based John Hannibal V, aka HVNNIBVL, returns with what could be his best and most accessible one to date with “Never Enough”. The Buffalo, NY native writes about a past relationship which has caused some reflection, but elects to move on, and thus “Never Enough” is actually set to a driving, upbeat melody. What has improved immensely for HVNNIBVL is the production, which no longer overwhelms, in favour of a crisp, clean backdrop that enhances the melody and arrangement. Pop music wise, fans of many artists from Charlie Puth through to The Chainsmokers will enjoy the radio friendly vibe of  “Never Enough”.

 

  • HOLNE, “November Sky”

Meet Holne, an indie pop singer/songwriter/guitarist who hails from Devon, England, and his gentle track about rekindling a past relationship called “November Sky”. What sets this one apart from others is the infectious and relatable chorus, and Holne’s often slight but precise vocal. I’m not sure if this is meant to be a serious stab at getting someone back or just wishful thinking but you can decide for yourself. “November Sky” is eloquent and sincere, and will appeal to fans of James Bay, James Morrison or Benedict Cork.

#BILLCSTop30 #648 – September 12/22

It’s time for us to bid adieu to our summer favourites to make room for what will become choices songs for the balance of 2022. This summer has offered some of the most memorable music of the year, along with a number of performers playing live at concerts and events either in my city of elsewhere. Yes, it’s finally starting to look a lot what normal looked like pre-pandemic. Since Billboard has not resumed its dance club play chart – and maybe they still might do that once their chart year finishes in November – it’s time for focus to get away from dance music radio airplay, where the music biz has placed it for dance releases, and back into the clubs which has always been where the tastemaking begins.

Make sure you read about my frequently updated ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

Jessie Ware scores her first #1 on my chart since 2014’s “Say You Love Me” with her killer track “Free Yourself”, which vaults 6-1. Although she’s been playing select dates in North America, including ones opening for Harry Styles, I hope she’ll get a proper tour going early next year. 

Francesco Yates’ “Jimi” also moves up 5-3 as he continues his tour opening for the Backstreet Boys in North America. “Jimi” ties at his #3 highest peak to date with 2020’s naughty “Late Night Love”.

“Ophelia” by Swedish pop/rock trio Louis Pax moves up 11-9 and becomes the group’s second Top 10 this year following the #1 “Bad Things”. Watch for more great things from these talented guys, who have a real flair for capturing 80’s pop vibes and meshing them with today’s sounds.

Also new to the Top 10 is the Fastest Riser of the week, former UK #1 “Afraid To Feel” by Scottish production duo LF System, which soars 19-10.

I don’t think Future would have ever seen his 2012 hit “Turn On The Lights” revived as a festival anthem 10 years later!  UK dance favourite Fred Again.. teams with Swedish House Mafia to put a progressive spin on the song as “Turn On The Lights Again” climbs 18-11.

Moving up within the Top 20 at Top 40 radio in Canada is “Summer Nights” by Orangeville natives DVBBS with Brandyn Burnette, which rises 17-13 on my chart.

NYC’s Robbie Rosen has two songs quickly moving up the chart. “Stained Glass” (above), his collaboration with Germany’s Severman and India’s Arshan Joel, climbs 20-14, while the infectious but short “The Boss” (below), made with French producers Coopex and Charles B, zips into the Top 20, up 26-17.

It will go down as one of the more uncharacteristic hits of 2022, and is currently #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, but “Bad Habit” by R&B/pop singer/songwriter Steve Lacy is one catchy winner of a track, and it rises 24-16.

“Welcome Back Home” is a rollicking but thoughtful house track by Dutch producers Showtek and NYC’s MC Ambush that climbs 25-21.

“Full Force” by Italy’s Luca + Giam and Florida singer/songwriter Sam Merkin is off to a fine start, moving up 28-22.

The Highest Debut belongs to diverse Michigan singer/songwriter Sage Castleberry with “I Kinda Like It”, which bows at #27. This is an instantly likeable track that’s all about being okay with not having a relationship with someone, something that most people will immediately identify with and appreciate.

Next at #28 is Florida singer/songwriter Tonner with “Castles”. Tonner has been behind the scenes as a producer and a member of Tik Tok favourites The 502’s, but “Castles” is a light and respectable pop/dance release, somewhat reminiscent melodically of Marc Cohn’s “Walking In Memphis”, at least to me!

The final new entry at #29 is the fun and anthemic “Timebomb” by L.A. production duo Two Friends along with Minnesota singer and rapper Mod Sun, which I heard first when I saw Two Friends perform in June, the day before its release. Two Friends have visited this chart as remixers and lead artists, but it’s a first time for Mod Sun, whose fiancée happens to be Avril Lavigne.

View the full BILLCS Top 30 right here!  Click on the hyperlink on the song titles to hear the songs or watch the videos!

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! You can also follow me on Spotify at the following link:  BILLCS Top 30 Songs.

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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.

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.

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.

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 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here.

Modern Hype

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Sundays beginning at 8pm EST.

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