Vancouver singer/songwriter Jillian Lake is the first to admit that she usually writes sad songs. So with “Olympia”, the recent single from her new album Younger Then, it marks a change in her songwriting comfort zone for an ebullient song that almost didn’t make the album. “Olympia” will remind you most immediately of fellow Canadian Feist, with its bright electronic-indie sound working well with Jillian’s crisp vocal. For some reason, the melody here reminds me of recent songs by New York duo Great Good Fine OK or even Sam Smith, without contemplating the richer productions that are often behind their songs. So if you need a lift to change the mood, the joyous “Olympia” is a great place to begin.
With songs like “Honeymoon”, new London-based quartet FRANSIS can guarantee it won’t be a flavour of the month on the indie alt.rock scene. Featuring powerful and expressive lead singer Emma Withers, the sound of FRANSIS has the backbone of Florence & The Machine led by a charismatic singer (check out the video above) whose voice is Rita Ora meets Zara Larsson. “Honeymoon” is a well-produced release full of subtleties and tells a positive and joyous reflection upon teen years as leading to an even happier adulthood. The music scene needs more singer-songwriters like Emma who can spin honest lyrics with which many young people will identify. And the complete package as FRANSIS is a tight band that you’ll want to hear more from when their EP is released later this year.
Thanks to my recent online announcing gigs, the music from my blog continues to find new outlets online. My new music pick of the week segment airs 13 times per week, and the songs I feature on The Big 20 air 4-6 times per week. This is all growing thanks to the diligence and foresight of Russ Horton who operates two of the stations, Radio GTA and Halton Hills Online. I’m glad to be a part of this! I was a college radio station DJ, as well as Music Director, Program Director, and Station Manager, so did I ever expect to be back in the game years later, even if not on terrestrial radio?
Make sure you read about my frequently updatedONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES(see details after the post)!
Mercer’s amazing R&B/house track “Aretha” remains locked at #1 for a second appearance with nothing currently about to take over anytime soon.
While #1 and #2 (“The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky” by Frankmusik) stay put, the rest of the Top 10 gets a shuffle.
Luca + Giam and Sam Merkin move up 5-3 with the fun dance track “Hold Me Down”.
On their latest album Dance Fever, Florence & The Machine have returned to the emotional, gothic sound that made them famous. “My Love” is now one of my favourite songs by them, and it climbs 7-4.
Also diving into the Top 5 is Harry Styles with “As It Was” rising 9-5. His new album Harry’s House might even be as good as Fine Line with more plays. Never being a fan of One Direction, I underestimated his vocal talents over the years till he went solo.
It came 4th at EuroVision but was an overall favourite of both the public and the judges. Sweden’s Cornelia Jakobs moves up 10-6 with “Hold Me Closer”. Check out her EuroVision performance above.
New to the Top 10 is fellow Melodifestivalen contest entry “Bluffin'” by Liamoo, which rises 12-8.
Getting his second Top 10 is L.A.-based producer Damon Sharpe with top Asian DJ VIVID with “First Time”, which climbs 15-10. Damon got to #5 last year with “15 Minutes” with The Disco Fries.
VASSY and GT_ofice just inch outside of the Top 10 with the energy blast that is “Tuff”, climbing 14-11.
Victor Perry’s latest original “Punching Bag” is also off to a fast start, rising 20-12.
“The Edge” by Belgium’s Niviro and L.A.’s Harley Bird makes a huge jump in its second appearance, climbing 22-13.
The Fastest Riser on the chart is the funky and unique “Romance with a Memory” by The xx’s Oliver Sim, which soars 24-14.
All of that top-of-the-chart activity takes us to the new entries, and there are five of them which command your attention!
The Highest Debut at #24 is Washington-born newcomer Benson Boone with his gorgeously sung song about heartbreak called “In The Stars”. He bowed out of appearing on “American Idol” and ended up catching the attention of Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, and landed a major label deal with Warner. Watch out for this fine new talent!
Next at #25 is a gorgeous techno instrumental created to benefit Ukraine. It’s called “Unity” and it’s by Gareth Emery teaming up with Ukrainian producer Omnia. It’s a fantastic, highly melodic track that stands on its own. I’d love to see it featured at one of Gareth’s shows with all of the new laser works he’s been adding, most recently in his show in Las Vegas. The clip above is from Ultra Miami. “Unity” is Gareth’s third chart entry, and he reached #1 with “We’ll Be OK” (now the name of his record label), which was in the Top 10 exactly two years ago.
At #27 is social media fave Conan Gray with his best song since his duet with Lauv in “Fake” (#12, 2020) called “Memories”. This one definitely will tug at your heart strings, and the singer continues to impress me with his songwriting and vocals.
I saw French producer Hugel spin a set during Miami Music Week and was pleased at the variety of music he chose, well outside of the standard stuff you hear in so many sets. One of the songs that caught my ears was one of his called “Madonna”, a fun, manic release created with female German producer Lovra, and it arrives on the chart at #29.
Rounding out the debuts at #30 is “Let Me Down Easy (Lie)”, a thoughtful but to-the-point ballad by L.A.’s Why Don’t We. The boys just departed the chart with Jonas Blue’s “Don’t Wake Me Up”, which peaked at #5.
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.
You can hear me and many of my blog choices on this growing list of online radio stations and features! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.
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 Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!
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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario! “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.
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” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA.
My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:
Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
What I wrote aboutLeah Kate’s single “Shit Show” last Fallseems to be taking off even more as the social media star has a gem with “10 Things I Hate About You”. Taking its cues from Gayle’s “abcdefu”, Avril Lavigne, Cyndi Lauper, and perhaps even the same-titled movie, “10 Things” is a universal theme song for post-relationship blahs with a bit of a twist at the end. I really enjoy the energy in this song through Leah Kate’s vocal and the harmonies, and like the L.A.-based singer/songwriter’s past releases, “10 Things” stays with you as a fun one that’s not grating or annoying. “10 Things” will stand the test of time and is a song that would provide a blast in Top 40 radio playlists.
I’ve written about NYC pop/dance singer/songwriter Reigen numerous times in recent years, but with “tu ritmo” he tackles a song that is principally sung in Spanish. It’s a beautiful, sensual song whose key phrase “deseo tu ritmo” means “I want your rhythm”. And that of course is the rhythm of romance, sex, and maybe even love. Reigen’s nuanced vocal leads the way, and the above video was shot in Spain featuring dancers from the LGTBailamos dance school providing an ideal backdrop for the story. Fans of Latin music and the singer will adore this one.
“Starrdust (I Am Human)” by JJ Braves will grab your attention for two very good reasons. First, its tidy arrangement is packed with nostalgia circa 1986 – think John Parr, Mr. Mister, Heart, Bon Jovi. Second, it’s got a provocative set of lyrics which make you think about your limited time in this world and what you want out of your life. It’s all brought to you by new L.A. singer/songwriter JJ Braves, the performing name of Josh Keever, who has a big, earnest and convincing voice that reminds me of NYC rocker Ryan Star. While “Starrdust” may initially seem anachronistic, it ends up being fresh and bold, reminding us to be mindful not to place artists in closed boxes.
Not long ago, I introduced you to Sydney, Australia-based quintet Moonwood and their deft, deeply personal style of alternative rock. Comprised of members from Australia, the USA and Canada, Moonwood have released a six song EP called Everything We Once Knew, and perhaps the most dynamic track from it is “Notice Me”. So many people will tap into its earnest lyrics about being not only misunderstood, but also ignored and unseen, and its refrain of “scream my lungs out” resonates deeply. With a fluid mix anchored by a fluid mix of guitar, bass, drums and keys that supports singer Jake McCullough’s affecting, charming vocal, “Notice Me” is a slice of indie alt.rock that rises way up above other bands. I think that Moonwood’s music will find its way to rock music lovers across the world, and “Notice Me” should lead the way. Fans of bands like Powderfinger, Lifehouse, The Calling, and Eve 6 should take note!
When I last wrote about the always interesting alt.rock indie singer KiNG MALA, it was for her single “Golden Retriever Boy”, a kiss off to certain types of men who have crossed her path the wrong way. Her new single “cult leader” has already amassed considerable attention on TikTok. That’s not surprising considering the impressive video (above) and the singer’s approach to confidence in the song’s lyrics. With the distorted melody and synths against a pounding beat, KiNG MALA compels you to be the “bad bitch” (as in her MALA name) when you want to be. For future consideration, I would love to hear KiNG MALA’s music set against a future bass backdrop. “cult leader” comes close to that in principle, but would need a bigger and more explosive synth arrangement. As is, “cult leader” is instantly memorable with its haunting melody and performance.
If you enjoy your pop music on the lighter, whimsical side on a regular basis or even in small doses, then meet SoCal indie trio Private Island and check out their latest single “Trippin'”. The band says that ““Trippin’, is about [lead singer] Christian’s sewage water leaking into his roommates room, which is directly underneath his own. Walking downstairs to see how he was doing, Christian finds him carefree, sitting at his desk with his shirt off, wearing a moisturizing clay face mask, as if nothing was wrong.” Oh, so you’re listening now? Glad I got your attention. “Trippin'” represents an accessible style of pop that was going out of vogue until big names like Harry Styles tapped back into it. Private Island have been around for a number of years in various incarnations, but this new trio version is tight and has a lot of promie with songs like “Trippin'”.
It’s a little bit more off the beaten path for Cobi, but his fourth single release in 2022 is the soulful rock ballad “Temptation”. With the release of last year’s moody, compelling album Songs From The Ashes as well as frequent performances online, Cobi seems to have moved on from heart-drenched, blues-soaked rock tunes in favour of equally introspective songs through a different lens. “Temptation” is about being withdrawn and caught up in your head, and finally giving in to follow another path, despite the unknown attached to it. Some of Cobi’s past, highly emotional vocals have left him with this naturally-sounding soulful tone in his voice that pervades “Temptation”. And being a rock ballad in a time where really good ones are few and far between makes “Temptation” a really unexpected earworm. Cobi has just announced a limited European tour, so let’s hope he’ll come back for some live performances later in the year in North America.
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