There are a lot of songs about loneliness that are written by artists from L.A., for some strange coincidental reason. The duo Loud Forest put their own spin on this, and out pops an indie rock anthem called “I Don’t Want To Go Home”. The purveyors of the well-honed, spirited rock sound of Loud Forest are married couple Bernard and Rachel Chadwick, whose inspiration seems to have a basis in 80’s pop/rock artists like The Go Go’s, Joan Jett, and X, but also feeds off of the styles and melodies of Avril Lavigne, Mumford & Sons, and Ed Sheeran. “I Don’t Want To Go Home” is full of the anger of being seemingly alone in a confusing world, but it’s channeled through a high energy, guitar-based sound with exuberant vocals, which makes the song more about finding one’s own place in the world rather than about being in deliberate isolation. This is the kind of indie alt.rock that goes over well in live performance, and with their informed messaging and tight musicianship, Loud Forest are ones to watch.
Like in last summer’s “Daisies”, L.A.’s Raye Robinson uses whimsy and personality to their best effect in her recent pop single “Prince Charming”. And with a modern take on the fable, the song in fact is not about someone’s Prince Charming, but about the protagonist’s ability and self-confidence to do whatever she wants without needing someone to come into her life and change it. All of this is set to a compelling, jaunty and bubbly melody that will have you smiling along as you root for Raye’s character to keep going and being who she is. Raye is loaded with talent as a singer and songwriter, and “Prince Charming” is a refreshing slice-of-life tale.
We get to hear another side of Boston indie DIY talent Almost Owen with “Ordinary Day”. The song is a quietly provocative musing on recognizing when the fast paced world slows down and you don’t quite know what to do with it. Instead, it’s time to soak it all in, take a breath, and enjoy those moments. The lilting mid-tempo melody captures the mood of the lyrics, and Almost Owen offers up another fine vocal, set against a stripped-back production where every sound counts. “Ordinary Day” is easy to enjoy and as such, you’ll find that you’ll have it on repeat in due course.
NYC singer/songwriter Victor Perry launches a new phase of his solo career with the straight-up pop of “Punching Bag”. Continuing to be a go-to vocalist for numerous dance music producers, Victor releases “Punching Bag” in follow up to his well-received 2020 solo EP Rewind, whose songs (such as “What I Deserve”, which reached #2 on my personal chart) were more in the alternative R&B vein. “Punching Bag” contains a story to which we can all relate, with Victor’s pristine vocal ever-listenable. What really helps flesh out this song are the distinct harmonies, which is something that is often missing in dance releases. Produced and co-written with Brett Castro, “Punching Bag” sounds more accomplished than any of Victor’s previous solo releases, and I’m excited to hear what’s next.
I introduced you to Washington DC-area-based pop/R&B singer/songwriter Steven Thad earlier this year. His sweet and confident tones are back in the ballad “Waiting”, which is culled from his new EP The Rock Boy, and it also includes previous single “(Sometimes I Feel Like) Nothing”. Like the latter song, “Waiting” is all about the vocal and songwriting, and Steven proves that he can handle the softer side of pop/R&B with ease. “Waiting” exudes personality and charm amid a bedroom production that sometimes overpowers Steven’s lead vocal with his own harmonies. In his EP, he tackles 2000’s favourites “This Love” (Maroon 5), “Still Into You” (Paramore), “Paranoid” (Jonas Brothers) and “Since U Been Gone” (Kelly Clarkson) so you can get a taste of his pop/rock sensibility, and where he wants to head with his music. I admire an indie performer with such positive ambitions, so be sure to check out Steven’s music and you’ll find plenty to enjoy. Steven discusses “Waiting” in the video below.
This is my first “10/10” feature since early February. And fine new music still keeps coming in droves, so writing 10 reviews in slightly more bitable chunks is a good way to help bring attention to these songs and their artists. 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. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but I wouldn’t otherwise get to write about. One song featured in the last edition of “10/10”, “Prisoner” by Shadowkey and Jordan Jane is currently on my chart, and some of the artists in this edition have also been included in previous “10/10” features.
KLAAS, “First Girl On The Moon”
Hailing from Cologne, Germany, Klaas is the prolific veteran producer who rose to fame when he remixed the 2008 reboot of the late Guru Josh’s 90’s dance hit “Infinity”. His association with other producers such as Like Mike & Dimitri Vegas, The Bodybangers and others have helped keep him busy and in demand, and he scored a #1 Billboard Dance Club hit a couple of years ago with his redux of Londonbeat’s “I’ve Been Thinking About You”. Like many of his other releases, “First Girl On The Moon” is an original, with a particularly beautiful uncredited female vocal, as well as great lyrics which come courtesy of the pedigree of the esteemed Daniel Volpe. “First Girl On The Moon” is imaginative pop/dance that stands out from the rest.
SYENCE and BRITT LARI, “don’t you wanna know”
Syence is a California electronic dance production duo who have been honing their craft through releases over the past five years through high profile indie dance labels like Strange Fruits, Lowly Palace, and Seeking Blue. “don’t you wanna know” however is an Armada offering, and despite its American roots it’s got European flavours down pat, especially with its distinct synth hook. Britt Lari is a Peru-born singer and co-writer with the pristine voice that works up the excitement level in this release. “don’t you wanna know” is destined for festival and club play over the next while because it simply doesn’t let up for its three and a half minutes and is befitting for the attention of some great remixers.
Syence plays The Clevelander, Miami South Beach, on Saturday March 25 as part of Miami Music Week
FRANCESCA LOUISE, “For Michael”
“For Michael” is a compelling and poignant story of tragic loss by British pop/folk singer/songwriter Francesca Louise. After losing a close family friend suddenly three years ago, “For Michael” became an outlet for Francesca on how to deal with that passing. It’s a quiet record that could easily cause you to shed some tears before it’s over, although I’d recommend you check out the video above which has some uplifting moments. The vocal was recorded without any production, just a microphone in a quiet room, which immediately lends the feeling of isolation to the song, and is helped by an acoustic guitar melody. But as you listen to the words, remember this is a shared story and is intended to help others heal too. It’s a beautiful song that deserves attention.
ANIQO, “Vivre Libre”
“Vivre Libre” is the opening track and the final installment from the new album Birth by Germany’s ANIQO (Anita Goβ). Birth has been several years in the making, and I’ve been happy to write about the songs that I’ve enjoyed along the way that now form parts of the album. “Vivre Libre” is an engaging celebration of life, as is the closing song on the album,“Love Life”. Stylistically, it sometimes reminds me of Florence Welch meets The Cocteau Twins. ANIQO is a chameleon though, and I wouldn’t want to put her in one pop category, though her style overall is often referred to as psychedelic pop. With influences including David Bowie and Nick Drake, and a flair for making inventive, well-made videos (check out “Fear”particularly), all of ANIQO’s music is now on display for you to hear in the 10 songs in the album Birth. There’s something in it for everyone’s pop taste, and that’s how it is being aptly promoted. And what’s next for ANIQO is anyone’s guess!
LORNE, “Bow Out”
“Bow Out” is the first release in five years by UK singer/songwriter and pianist Lorne. Being a classically trained pianist, there’s no getting around the gorgeous structure of the song which keeps you hanging on every piano chord, though some invested added production helps immensely. “Bow Out” is about finding the escape route out of difficult situations, and ultimately ones where you must simply and physically leave. Lorne’s vocal at times reminds you of Coldplay’s Chris Martin without the rough edges, as well as Damien Rice without the rawness, but his songs are mainly inspired by Peter Gabriel, in whose softer songs you will find similarity. When “Bow Out” hits its most affecting, even exhilarating moments, Lorne is in his element, very reminiscent of Steve Winwood in that way if not stylistically. It’s the kind of song might also suit a full orchestra backdrop.
NIGHTS IN STEREO, “Open Door”
Based in L.A., Nights In Stereo is an alt.rock trio and “Open Door” is their first release. What gives the band notoriety is one of its members – actor Ronen Rubenstein, the Israel-born star of “9-11: Lone Star” who also had roles TV’s in “Orange Is The New Black”, “Dead Of Summer”, and “American Horror Stories”. And he and his band acquit themselves quite well, with a fluid, driving rock sound that could have easily stepped right out of the 90’s, with inspiration perhaps from bands like Weezer, 311, and Red Hot Chili Peppers as channeled through Green Day and Cage The Elephant. “Open Door” is a promising start and I’ll anticipate a follow-up soon.
ARDEN, “Room To Climb”
Meet Elliott Meldrum, 19 year-old Londoner otherwise known as Arden, with his debut single “Room to Climb”. What might seem like another slice of British indie bedroom alt.pop to follow the success of artists like Sam Fender or Tom Grennan is based on a superficial first listen. “Room to Climb” is a grower with an enlightening and uplifting story from a young rough-around-the-edges singer/songwriter who offers some wisdom beyond his years. Arden will go a long way creating music like this that’s earnest and from the heart. While “Room To Climb” has a safe and familiar overall sound, it’s solid song and Arden is off to a great start with it.
ENGSTROM & ROBBIE ROSEN, “Gives Me Hell”
I’m not sure how I initially missed “Gives Me Hell”, which has been on release for a little while now, but I’m sure glad I fell back deep into the bountiful Robbie Rosen discography to discover it! This time Robbie teams up with Swedish producer Engstrom to deliver a relatable slice-of-life story where one door closes on a relationship and another one opens. And so the title comes from the usually hopeful paraphrasing of what “I wish you well” might really mean at the end of that relationship. Robbie’s gentle and sincere delivery combined with the dance-bop rhythm and synths from Engstrom make “Gives Me Hell” a worthwhile find.
JAROD GLAWE, “Forever”
“Forever” is a sparkling, fast-paced house track that’s timely as Spring begins to unfold. This new tale of contemporary romance is brought to you by Chicago producer Jarod Glawe, who last year released the dazzling “Belong To You” featuring vocalist Robin Vine. This time, the uncredited female singer convincingly expounds all that is wondrous about being in love forever while Jarod directs the synth melody and rhythm with finesse. “Forever” is a great dance floor draw that will waste no time in persuading young lovers to prove their mettle on the dance floor.
HENRIKZ & DANNY DEARDEN, “Mind Of Mine”
Danish producer henrikz and British singer/songwriter Danny Dearden follow up their previous collaboration “Arcade” with the deep house bounce of “Mind Of Mine”. The pair don’t waste a moment of the song which includes an intriguing first minute to pull you in, some smart if brief progressions, and Danny’s absolutely gorgeous high register which will help to leave the song stuck in your head for days. In fact there are moments in the song where Danny isn’t even singing lyrics that shows his strength in carrying a song. But as a producer hendrikz is also a talented foil which makes “Mind Of Mind” such a double-pronged success.
The pace of the music industry is not letting up, and with festival season setting in, I expect tons of dance music to flood the market. It’s making it harder to choose new songs for a Top 30 every two weeks, but after 24 years it will continue (he says, turning on new tunes to listen to hehe)! I’ve always intended for songs to have a long stay of 5+ appearances (10 weeks) and only rarely does that not work out. So I’m not sure if shorter stays on the chart will prevail on the chart for some songs, so I’ll wait on that. In any case, there’s a new #1 and four more debuts!
Darren Hayes returns to #1 for the first time since 2007 with the intensely beautiful “Let’s Try Being In Love” (above). It’s his 5th #1, following 2002’s “Crush (1980 ME)”, and 2007’s “Step Into The Light”, “Me, Myself & I” and “How To Build A Time Machine”. It looks like Darren is planning much more new music to release this year, in addition to his already announced Australian tour, as he has quickly followed it up with 80’s flavoured, Prince-influenced “Do You Remember” (below).
The Chainsmokers continue to move up with “High” (above) climbing 6-4. It’s the current #1 song on dance radio right now, and they also have followed it up quickly with “iPad” (below).
Martin Garrix, Matisse & Sadko and John Martin soar 9-5 with “Won’t Let You Go”. It’s Martin’s 6th time in the Top 5. He’ll also be playing just about every festival around this year – you’ll recall he was sidelined with a fractured leg a few years back which prevented him from touring.
Frankmusik appears in the Top 10 for the first time since 2014’s “Dear Nicole” (#6) with “The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky”, which vaults 16-8.
Jonas Blue and Why Don’t We also both return to the Top 10 with their collaboration “Don’t Wake Me Up” rising 13-9.
While “Sweet Talker” leaves the Top 10, Years & Years moves up 15-10 with “Night Call” (above), the title track from the album. And there’s also another deep cut on the rise as the Deluxe Edition-only “Reflection” (below) jumps 26-18.
“Careless” by Mahalo, Milkwish and Lena Leon climbs 18-11, and is finally starting to make inroads on the dance radio airplay charts.
The Fastest Riser on the chart, not surprisingly, is Odesza’s massive “The Last Goodbye” (above), which revamps Bettye LaVette’s 1965 single “Let Me Down Easy”, to extraordinary effect. The song rises 23-13, and Odesza has already followed it up with another promising release with vocalist MARO called “Better Now”, below.
One bright indie release on the chart that should not be overlooked is Gabe James’ charming “Gracie”, which continues to make its way up the chart, moving 19-16.
Jully Black’s latest single, the empowerment jam called “No Relation” (above), moves up 28-20. She’s also recently released a duet with Grammy and Juno Award winner Dan Hill called “Something More”, below.
The Highest Debut at #24 has been around for a while, but it’s a song that just keeps giving. It’s the rollicking deep house track from the UK’s Shadowkey and Jordan Jane, “Prisoner”.
Italian producers Luca + Giam debut at #25 with the incredibly catchy 90’s flavoured house track “Hold Me Down” featuring singer Sam Merkin.
L.A.’s Michael Medrano makes it a two-fer on the chart as his collaboration with Funk LeBlanc of the “Dance Floor Version” of “It’s Your Thing” arrives on the chart at #27. It’s back-to-back with his #5 “I don’t wanna talk about love” (#26).
The fourth debut at #30 is a second visit to the chart for Glass Petals, the dance production side project for Felix Cartal and Johnny Jover, with “Leave Your Mind Behind”.
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.
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. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm 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! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, proudly brought to you by Symposium Cafe Restaurant & Lounge in Georgetown, Ontario!
The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada – I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the 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 11:15 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Onlineon Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.
Quickly following up “Oxygen” with Victor Perry (currently Top 20 on my personal chart) is German producers Saxity with “Drink You Up” featuring vocals by New Jersey-based songwriter NEEL. It’s an infectious, day-dreamy kind of song full of positive vibes, enhanced by the producers’ distinct guitar and sax work. And more often than not they find top notch talent to work with. NEEL has an attractive voice that lends a soulful Bruno Mars kind of familiarity to the song, which he also co-wrote with Saxity and the super-prolific Robbie Rosen. He’s also a multilingual (Punjabi, Hindi, Marathi and more) philanthropist who raises funds for underprivileged children. Be sure to add “Drink You Up” to your regular feelgood pop/dance playlist.
For whatever reasons, “Everytime” is German dance producer PYNGU’s first release since 2019. Fortunately, although earlier and better known under the name Kyco, he’s returned as if he hasn’t missed a step. “Everytime” is a solid, bass-synth laden production that deserves to turn heads. There’s also some nice pedigree in the mix – the song is co-written by Denmark’s Boye & Sigvardt, who topped my personal chart late last year with “Microdose”. While the female vocalist doesn’t get credit, she’s expressive and gives the song its edge in its tale of frustrating heartache. But it’s really PYNGU’s rich, uniform production that’s the star of the show, making “Everytime” an easy choice for both dance radio and club DJ’s.
Edith is a fresh new voice who hails from Romania but moved to London as a child. Her influences are 60’s and 70’s pop/rock which lend themselves well to “The Day We Met”. The song’s sparkling melody, cheery vocal, and strikingly tight backdrop – think Gwen Stefani’s “Great Escape” era – put a sheen on a sometimes wistful reflection to good and important past times which we can never revisit. The conclusion I get from this is that we have those memories to always take with us, and no one can ever take them away, even if accompanied by some heartbreak where the person they were about is no longer a part of your life. “The Day We Met” is a promising glimpse of Edith’s talent, which will be showcased later in the year on her debut album In This House We Celebrate Heartache.
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