Karen Harding – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DANIEL RICHTER, THE TWINZ, “Carry On”

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

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

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

KIESZA, “I Go Dance”

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

LYRA, “Falling”

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

MELØ, “Glitter”

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

EMM, “Julia Fox.”

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

wes mills, “They Can’t Hang”

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

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

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

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

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

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

Russ’ pick of the week will return.

DJ HUNTER’S BOP OF THE WEEK

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

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

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

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

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

BILLCS Top 30 FLASHBACK CHART – 2010

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

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

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

#BILLCSTop30 #683 – January 15/24

My second personal chart of ’24 is pretty active, with a few big if unexpected moves, and after since some 2023 favourites have now departed, there are five debuts! Over 2,690 songs have charted since the BILLCS Top 30’s inception in January 1998. My online BILLCS Top 30 Archive will be updated by the end of the week to include this chart.

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

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

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

Reminder: Don’t forget to click on the photos to hear the song or watch the video.

“Lovin On Me” by Jack Harlow continues to reign the chart. Because it’s such an odd choice for me for a #1, I think it all boils down to the basics – good house-flavoured beat that makes you want to dance, and an infectious and playful vocal from Jack. We all need on occasion a song that’s light and fun, and “Lovin On Me” does that for me.

“Lovin On Me” however is not without competition for as soon as the next chart in two weeks. A song that’s quite different from it, Benson Boone’s dreamy ballad “To Love Someone”, soars this week 8-2, matching the peak of 2022’s “In The Stars”, which also belatedly became a Top 40 radio hit last year. His next single, “Beautiful Things” arrives on Friday January 19.

Also very much in the running is “Rock The Party” by British producers WH0. If you want to put the bounce back into your day, this is the song to play right now. It climbs 4-3.

“Memento” is an emotional new wave-influenced rocker from Windsor, Ontario artist MELØ, who gets his first Top 10 entry as the song rises 12-9.

The second arrival in the Top 10 is also the Fastest Riser on the chart. The slammin’ house track “What You Do” by Todd Terry completely transforms Gene Chandler’s 1966 release “You Can’t Hurt Me No More”, and highlights the best part of Gene’s vocal performance on that track. It becomes Todd’s 2nd Top 10 entry. The “Duke of Earl” himself, Mr. Chandler is alive and well at 86.

NYC’s Great Good Fine OK are back to dazzle us with their invested brand of pop, R&B and dance, all present on “Blame”, which moves up 21-16.

If I was a record label, I’d be promoting the hell out of Matoma & JP Cooper’s memorable “Sound of Shadows”, which rises 26-19. It’s an album track from Matoma’s new Love For The Beat album that is as good as if not better than many of the singles previously released from the album.

Two of my favourite dance performers, The Knocks and Sofi Tukker, are back with their first collaboration in a while, “One On One”, which is the Highest Debut at #25. It was co-written by Dragonette’s Martina Sorbara, who also provides some vocals. This fun disco-house track is the 10th entry on the chart for The Knocks, and the 6th for Sofi Tukker, who have both got to #1 separately, The Knocks with “Kiss The Sky” (with Wyclef Jean) and Sofi Tukker on “Everybody Needs A Kiss” (with Benny Benassi).

Next is “Sit Down” by Keiynan at #26. Queer Australian singer, actor and dancer Keiynan really takes some stylistic risks on his new album The Heart Defence Mixtape, which is what pulls it all together into one interesting grab bag of songs. “Sit Down” is R&B/alternative which you’ll enjoy if you like music by Steve Lacy, yb. or Jean Dawson. It’s Keiynan’s second visit to the chart – his song “Preach” reached #8 in 2018.

Bowing at #27 is “Rescue Me”, the new collaboration by Dutch producer Justin Mylo and British house music queen Karen Harding. It’s Justin’s first appearance on the chart, but 10th for Karen, and it extends her current chart run which started on September 11, 2023, to 10 charts (20 weeks) by replacing previous entry “Need Your Love” with Felix Cartal, which exits the chart.

At #29 is the first chart entry for the duo previously known as Rico & Miella (aka Rico and Michelle Caruso), now dubbed Years Of War. Their emotional future bass-flavoured indie dance track “Used To Be”, released last Fall, continues to endure, and lands a place on the chart this week. Groove Cruise travellers can look forward to catching Years Of War aboard ship this week.

Getting a second concurrent appearance on the chart, from their EP Curfew Hours, at #30 it’s Australian rockers Moonwood with “Cool If I Love You?”. The lads are flying high currently with “Curfew” rising 7-6.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. EST and Sunday mornings at 2:00 AM EST. You can hear recent episodes of The Big 20 at this link.

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs nearly 30 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Energy885

Energy885 in Miramichi, New Brunswick’s Energy885 now anchors Hunter Wilbur’s “Addictive Energy” shows, which airs my New Music Pick of the Week. Energy885 is also airing my Retro Pick Of The Week as well on Wednesday and Friday mornings at 9:30 AM EST. You can hear recent episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

FM 108

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

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

BILLCS New Music Report – January 10/24 with songs by @JustinMylomusic & @KarenHarding, @djMickyMore & @djAndyTee with @KathyBrowndiva & @MsShereeH, @VASSY, @SamDickinson, @MrSagacious, and @RickyRemedy & Palmer Reed

The music biz doesn’t really start to recover from the holiday season until the end of the second week of January. So aside from many talented independent performers keeping new music afloat for the last six weeks or so, it’s been another quiet week for releases.

Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five pop hits which draw from the great music from 1970. Plus you’ll find out what was #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 over the last 26 years!

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

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

JUSTIN MYLO, KAREN HARDING, “Rescue Me”

“Rescue Me” is a taut new deep house track by Dutch producer Justin Mylo who teams up with British house music queen Karen Harding with a solid vocal and a fine song to add to each artist’s repertoire. Karen has been on a spate of top notch releases throughout the last year, including collaborations with Felix Cartal and Armand Van Helden, as well as releasing her debut album Take Me Somewhere, mixing in older releases with new songs like “Wrong Places” and “Deep Deep Water”. Much to my surprise, I got to see Justin open for Martin Garrix when I was in Las Vegas last year, and he certainly knows how to work the room with his set. I hadn’t heard much music from him over the years but most of you know him as one of Martin’s go-to buddies from their club hit together, “Bouncy Bob”. What also makes “Rescue Me” such a pleasure is the other songwriting pedigree in the mix – UK songwriter James Newman (brother of singer John) and Stephen Puth (brother of fellow singer Charlie). Both talents have their own list of successes, but I’ll be you didn’t know James co-wrote Calvin Harris’ “Blame” (sung by brother John), Rudimental’s “Waiting All Night”, Matoma’s “False Alarm”, and Louis Tomlinson’s “Don’t Let It Break Your Heart”! “Rescue Me”, released on Martin’s STMPD imprint, is slick and sleek ear-grabber.

MICKY MORE & ANDY TEE, KATHY BROWN, SHEREE HICKS, “Celebrate”

What a way to kick of the new year with the positive retro disco vibes of “Celebrate”. It’s brought to you by a passel of talent, led by veteran Italian dance music mirth-makers Micky More & Andy Tee, and American vocalists Kathy Brown and Sheree Hicks. All of these great folks have years and years of performing and creating music behind them, so with “Celebrate” there is no mistaking the quality, which just begs you to drop what you’re doing and groove to the music. If anything “Celebrate” is heavily influenced by the rhythms and guitar work of Nile Rodgers and CHIC circa their 1978-1980 glory days. Those are always welcome dance music sounds in my book, and “Celebrate” delivers all of the goods you need for your own private dance party.

VASSY, “Off Switch”

Australian dance music favourite VASSY is coming off a big North American dance radio hit with “Krazy”, which re-established her as a confident solo artist who continues to carve out an interesting path in dance/electronic music after more than 10 years of making club and festival smashes, largely with other artists. “Off Switch”, another original which she co-wrote, features a more subdued but playful vocal – in fact the entire track reminds me of seminal dance artist Kristine W’s eloquent and thoughtful dance music of the 90’s. You can’t go wrong with a classic house rhythm, and with producers Duke & Jones, VASSY has found yet another great fit in “Off Switch” to showcase her talents.

SAM DICKINSON, “Hot Stuff”

Last year, UK pop/soul vocalist Sam Dickinson returned after a three year absence with the punchy original bop “Falling”. Currently working on a fourth album, again mainly of original compositions, called F L E X, Sam has followed up “Falling” with a rare cover, of no less than Donna Summer’s “Hot Stuff”. Sam previously did justice to his version of Mica Paris’ “Carefree” a few years back, but tackling a better known song is always risky. Fortunately, Sam’s vocal delivers the goods and will make fans of “Hot Stuff” quite proud. It’s a reverent but shorter version of the disco-rock classic, with an arrangement of higher register sharp synth sounds which throws the spotlight on Sam’s energetic and engrossing vocal. Though I would have liked to have heard more noticeable bass sounds to round out the mix (which could be achieved through a remix), to me Sam’s take on “Hot Stuff” is ideal for radio play. BBC 2 has been a big supporter of Sam’s music and has already given the song some love, so who’s next? There’s much more music to come from Sam Dickinson in 2024!

If you’re in north-east England, Sam plays the Alphabetti Theatre in Newcastle on Friday, March 15.

MR. SAGACIOUS, “Forever”

Meet Adebayo Oluwatobi Olamide, otherwise known as Mr. Sagacious (a name he acquired through friends in high school), a 24 year old relative newcomer to the music industry from Nigeria but based in London, England. He’s determined to do his own thing to produce the music he loves for all to hear, focusing right now on the Afrobeats genre, with intent on exploring other styles and genres along the way. “Forever” is a dreamy, sparkling introduction that will transport you to sunshiny days where you can just let go to its buoyant rhythm. With some influence from hip hop, Mr. Sagacious knows how to create music for his vocal style. “Forever” is fresh and vibrant and fans of the variety of styles in African music that span from Ladysmith Black Mambazo to Amadou & Mariam will thoroughly enjoy it.

RICKY REMEDY, PALMER REED, “Float Away”

“Float Away” is a rhythmic slice of R&B whose modest but captivating arrangement will help you drift away to wherever your imagination takes you. It’s brought to you by two Florida talents whose experiences separately speak volumes. Ricky Remedy is a Latin Grammy-nominated producer and remixer, who has worked with Travis Scott and French Montana, recorded collaborations with Diplo, Lil Jon, and John.k, and has remixes with millions of streams for songs by The Chainsmokers and Skrillex. Palmer Reed is a vocalist/songwriter on the rise who has opened in concert for Post Malone and worked recently with Adam Lambert, and released his first new music last year in several years. Together their talents really mesh in “Float Away”, a song that could set the tone for a beautiful evening or with which you could wind down into the wee hours.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

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

From Wales, it’s Ben Ellis with his pop bop “Guys That Look Like Me”

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

“Big Daddy” Russ Horton is the host of the “Top 40 Timeline” radio program and owner of online stations Radio GTA, Halton Hills Radio Online, & FM108.ca. You can hear my Retro Pick of the Week every week on the “Top 40 Timeline”.

From their album Wabi Sabi, it’s Australia’s The Moving Stills with “Westside”

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio show “Modern Hype” which can be heard on several online stations including Energy 885.

Swedish electronic pop duo Bomberjak brings us “Never Go Back Again”

“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.

The Beatles – The Long And Winding Road
Simon & Garfunkel – Cecilia
The Moments – Love On A Two-Way Street
Freda Payne – Band Of Gold
Terry Jacks – I’m Gonna Capture You

26 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 26 years.

2023 GOLDEN HOUR JVKE

2022 UNBREAKABLE TELYKast, Sam Gray

2021 GIVE IT BACK The Disco Fries, GIIANTS, Allison Park

2020 SHIVOHUM Tritonal, Henry Dark

2019 DJ’S GOTTA DANCE MORE A-Trak, Todd Terry

2018 PINEAPPLE SKIES Miguel

2017 BURN Pet Shop Boys

2016 NOTHING AT ALL Brandyn Burnette

2015 HEADPHONES (Matt Mancid Retro Crossover Mix) Color Theory

2014 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light

2013 PARACHUTE Matthew Koma

2012 HOTTER THAN FIRE Eric Saade, Dev

2011 GOLDEN TRAIN Penguin Prison

2010 DELUSIONAL Simon Curtis

2009 SINGLE LADIES (PUT A RING ON IT) Beyoncé

2008 HOW TO BUILD A TIME MACHINE Darren Hayes

2007 SET FIRE TO THE THIRD BAR Snow Patrol, Martha Wainwright

2006 DO WHAT U WANT jASeFOs, Claire van den Boom

2005 MY MY MY Armand van Helden

2004 MY TIME Dutch, Crystal Waters

2003 THE SOUND OF VIOLENCE Cassius, Steve Edwards

2002 BLACK BLACK HEART David Usher

2001 HANGING BY A MOMENT Lifehouse

2000 FADED soulDecision

1999 LOST ONES Lauryn Hill

1998 ANGEL Joée

#BILLCSTop30 #680 – December 4/23

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs more than 30 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

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

FM 108

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

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

#BILLCSTop30 #679 – November 20/23

I’m just gonna let the music speak for itself on this new chart! It’s hard to believe there will be only two more charts before the end of 2023!!

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

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

The top of the chart remains the same as two of my favourite dance songs of the year will keep us movin’ and groovin’ through the early new year. At #1 again is Steve Angello & WH0 with “What You Need” (above) and #2 remains “Want My Lovin'” (below) by British producers Marvel Riot and American R&B/dance vocalist MOYA. Both cleverly use samples from older dance releases – “What You Need” draws from Carrie Lucas’ disco treasure “Gotta Keep Dancing”, while “Want My Lovin'” uses the hook from Felix’s 1992 house classic “Don’t You Want Me”.

Could Bright Light Bright Light notch up yet another #1 on my chart? With his first chart entry back in 2010 reaching the summit, his latest release “Down To One” could get there as soon as two weeks from now.

Rising 6-5 is “Need Your Love” (above) by Canadian dance producer Felix Cartal and UK house music queen Karen Harding. It’s Felix’s first Top 5 entry, though his side project Glass Petals got to #5 in 2021 with “Heartbeat”. For Karen, it’s her 4th trip to the Top 5, and her second one this year following #4 “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)” with Armand Van Helden (whose first chart entry appeared back in 1999!). Karen’s concurrent chart entry “Wrong Places” (below), from her debut album Take Me Somewhere, climbs 19-16. Check out Felix’s latest release “Background Noise”, with vocalist and fellow Canadian Naliya, also below.

The ALTÉGO remix of British singer/songwriter Tom Grennan’s bop “How Does It Feel” (below) breaks loose and climbs 13-8 in its 6th appearance (12th week) on the chart.

Miami producer Gt_ofice’s concurrent entries on the chart are both making waves. “Can’t Deny” (above, with JAYEM and Alix Robson) swiftly moves up 16-11, while “Feels Like Us” (below, with ALWZ SNNY and Robbie Rosen) rises 23-18. These are two different but fresh-sounding pop/dance tracks perfect for dance music radio.

Chicago producer and former restauranteur Pete Cho has one of the most likable new indie dance/pop songs around in “Fan of You”, up 17-12. The perspective of the song is post-breakup, but still amiable towards the ex as explained by the song’s title.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is by Martin Garrix, who to me has had one of his best years for music by taking risks and focusing on the pop/dance genre. Featuring South African vocalist Lloyiso, the simple but lovely “Real Love” soars 21-14.

Jung Kook and Jack Harlow’s “3D” (above) continues to move up, climbing 20-17, as both have released new singles. Also from Jung Kook’s album Golden is the funky, hip hop-inspired “Standing Next To You” (below), and Jack Harlow just got to #1 out of the gate with the catchy “Lovin on Me” (also below).

“Superhero” should follow Audien’s “Antidote” (below) to the Top 10, and it’s off to a solid start, rising 26-20.

Australia-based rockers Moonwood are up 27-22 with “Curfew” (above) from their EP Curfew Hours, while Spain’s The Boy From The South” sees “Man Down” (below) climb 28-23.

The first of three debuts belongs to the melt-worthy ballad “To Love Someone” by Washington-born singer/songwriter Benson Boone at #28. It’s Benson’s 4th appearance on the chart.

Next at #29 is the first entry for prolific Windsor, Ontario pop/rock artist MELØ with “Memento”, a powerful song written in the aftermath of loss featuring some great 80’s-flavoured keyboard and guitar work. It’s from his 3-track EP called Farewell For Now.

And at #30 is “Follow Me”, a cover of the 1992 house release (a big favourite of mine which became a club hit 10 years later in a re-recorded version) by ALY-US, as revived in reverent fashion by NYC producer Lohrasp Kansara and vocalist Norman Alexander, whose spot-on vocal really takes the song to another level.

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

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs more than 30 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

FM 108

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

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

BILLCS Top 30 #676 – October 9/23

While this current streaming era reminds me of the early 1970’s, when record company radio promoters wanted a fast turnover of songs at AM radio to get more and more hits, it also reminds me of the early 2000’s in terms of this personal chart. The difference between 20 years ago and now for me is that I want songs to endure, instead of removing some of them hastily from the chart. While they don’t always make it into my Top 10, all of the songs are added to the chart with that potential in mind. But having 100+ favourites or so each year and keeping them all defined as such in my mind also seems to be an underlying goal amid the plethora of the music that I each week.

Troye Sivan is locked in at #1 again with “Rush” as the October 13 release date of his new album Something To Give Each Other approaches!

“Strings” (7-4) becomes the sixth Top 5 entry on my chart for MAX, his first since “Love Me Less” (#4, 2020). It’s also the third for this year’s go-to guy JVKE, and first for Bazzi.

Steve Angello & WH0’s “What You Need” as its retro 90’s house is making short work of the chart as it climbs 10-6.

The Top 10 is exceptionally busy with three new entries:

Marvel Riot and MOYA advance 11-8 with another 90’s retro house track “Want My Lovin'”. It’s the first Top 10 entry for both artists.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is Michael Medrano’s “Disco Sleaze” in its raw and uncut remix, which soars 17-9 and becomes Michael’s second Top 10 entry following late 2021’s “i don’t wanna talk about love”, which peaked at #5.

GATTUSO returns to the Top 10 with the rollicking “Unstoppable” moving up 12-10. It’s his second Top 10 entry following last year’s “Afterglow” (#8).

The soulful voice of Toronto-based comeback kid JRDN is in full effect on his Canadian Top 40 radio hit “What Do I Got To Do”, which climbs 19-13.

Be sure not to miss out on John Dahlbāck and Davis Mallory’s deep house collaboration “Top of The World”. This uplifting and insanely catchy track climbs 27-21.

The Highest Debut belongs to a huge BILLCS Top 30 regular, Bright Light Bright Light, with the carpe diem dance music energy behind “Down to One”, which arrives at #24. It’s BLx2’s 24th appearance on the chart (including two features with Final DJS) since his first entry in 2010, and he has accumulated 6 number ones. “Down to One” is easily one of my favourites from the last several years, and comes from his forthcoming 5th album. Watch for the horror movie-themed video on Friday October 13 (of course)!

The next debut at #25 is the poignant progressive electronica of “Weightless Feeling” by Australian producer Throttle and L.A. producer Helloworld. Both producers also sing on this track and sound amazing together. While it’s Helloworld’s first appearance on the chart, it’s Throttle’s fourth, but first since 2020. Throttle got to #1 in 2019 with “Dreamer”. “Weightless Feeling” also features a guitar cameo from the awesome San Holo.

“Can’t Deny” is the collaboration between Miami’s GT_ofice, NYC’s Jayem and British singer Alix Robson which premieres at #27. This powerful and fun dance track marks a second visit to the chart for GT_ofice, who charted last year with VASSY on “Tuff” (#11).

Chicago’s Pete Cho is a former restauranteur whose attraction to the music world prompted him to leave the hospitality sector. His latest release, the pop/dance track “Fan Of You”, has a hook that can’t be denied and lands on the chart at #29.

From the new album Take Me Somewhere, Karen Harding gets a second concurrent chart entry with the edgy, darker dance track “Wrong Places” which bows at #30. Her collaboration with Canada’s Felix Cartal, “Need Your Love”, also climbs 20-17. “Wrong Places” is Karen’s 9th entry on this chart since 2020.

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

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs more than 30 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

FM 108

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

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

#BILLCSTop30 #675 – September 25/23

Will the Autumn match the preceding months for quality of music? There’s always an opportunity to listen for more new favourites. My concert-going for the rest of the year will be pretty selective given what’s already out there but you never know what surprises will unfold. This chart has a new #1 and two debuts.

Scoring his third #1 is Troye Sivan, from his upcoming album Something To Give Each Other, with the frenetic dance track “Rush” (above). It follows 2018’s “My My My!” and 2019’s “i’m so tired” (with Lauv). And continuing to precede the album release, Troye has unveiled a new single and video, “Got Me Started” (below), which shows how much time and effort he’s investing in learning some complex dance moves that leave the wiggling hips in “My My My!” far behind.

Toronto’s Francesco Yates climbs 5-3 with the infectious title track of his recent EP, “Little Rockstar”.

“Blame Brett” by Toronto’s The Beaches moves up 8-6 as their latest album, Blame My Ex, is released.

It’s now officially a Top 40 US radio hit! “Strings” by MAX, JVKE and Bazzi moves up 10-7.

Two new entries to the Top 10 line up behind some pretty strong songs. Voyajer’s debut release “Come Around” (above) has made short work of the chart, climbing 12-9, and right behind is Steve Agnello & WH0’s dynamic 90’s-flavoured house track, “What You Need” (13-10). British masked producers WH0 have also released two songs, one of which is “Boogie Down” (also below) with fellow UK producer James Hurr, and takes its cue from Earth, Wind & Fire’s 1981 smash “Let’s Groove”.

Another UK-based release that gives me 90’s house music flashbacks thanks to the hook lifted from Felix’s “Don’t You Want Me” is “Want My Lovin'” by Marvel Riot and American belter MOYA, which rises 18-11.

Visions of mirror balls will dance in your head when you listen and groove to Michael Medrano’s “raw and uncut” remix of “Disco Sleaze”, which climbs 24-17.

Friday September 29 is release day for Karen Harding’s debut album Take Me Somewhere! In the meantime be sure to check out her second collaboration with Vancouver’s Felix Cartal, “Need Your Love”, which rises 26-20.

The Fastest Riser on the chart gives pause to why a Swedish-language hit can’t become the same worldwide. Darin’s “Satellit” is as catchy as anything he’s recorded in English these past few years in his new dance/pop era, and soars 29-21. It’s from his album En Annan Jag (English translation: Another Me).

Toronto’s Alexander Stewart makes his debut appearance on the chart with his affecting ballad “I Wish You Cheated”, which arrives at #26. Alexander is currently opening on the “House On A Hill” tour for South Korean sensation Eric Nam, and their show comes into Toronto on October 16 at HISTORY. You may know Alexander for his 2020 Top 20 Canadian radio hit “Backwards”.

Also appearing on the chart for the first time are Swedish dance producer John Dahlbäck and American singer/songwriter Davis Mallory with their indie deep house collaboration “Top of the World” at #27. It’s a euphoric track that begins a little tentatively but once its groove kicks in you’re totally sold.

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

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs more than 30 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

FM 108

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

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

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – September 20/23 spotlighting new songs by @GT_ofice @Throttle & @helloworldbeats @KarenHarding @ManilaKilla x @MYRNEmusic x @watchmeRUNN

The Report is back after a week’s absence, during which time of course I’ve been listening to lots of new music to keep them coming to you in this blog post week after week.

Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five pop hits which span the years 1978-1986. You’ll also see what songs were in my Top 5 in my BILLCS Top 30 5-10-15-20… years ago feature.

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

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

GT_OFICE, JAYEM, ALIX ROBSON, “Can’t Deny”

“Can’t Deny” is a fierce end-of-summer piano-house banger brought to you courtesy of Miami producer GT_Ofice, New York producer JAYEM, and British vocalist Alix Robson. GT_Ofice continues to rise in the dance/pop world after Top 30 North American dance releases with VASSY (which went to #1 in the UK) and ALWZ SNNY. The musicianship in “Can’t Deny” is particularly strong with JAYEM and Alix also both musicians (piano, guitar) and producers. I often enjoy my dance bangers tight and intense, and “Can’t Deny” delivers big time. This one is for club and festival DJ’s who want to keep the fast pace going and make their dancers really sweat.

THROTTLE, helloworld, “Weightless Feeling”

Following up his intriguing take on Canadian performer EKKSTASY’s “I Walk This World All By Myself”, Australia’s Throttle (aka Robbie Bergin) continues to broaden his reach within the alternative electronic world with “Weightless Feeling”, in collaboration with L.A. producer helloworld. This is a far cry from early Throttle pop/dance remixes and his work with artists like Galantis and Oliver Heldens. It continues a more experimental path which he started with his 2019 EP Where U Are, which remains a personal favourite of mine, with “Dreamer” reaching #1 on the BILLCS Top 30. helloworld (aka Drew Wilken) has been producing and remixing for the last decade, though has only been releasing music as helloworld for the last three years and is part of the collective ASTRO. Both Throttle and helloworld seem to be on the same creative page with the sound they want to achieve, which in “Weightless Feeling” is joyous and liberating, and includes vocals by both producers. Add in a guitar solo and additional production by San Holo and “Weightless Feeling” should become a favourite for those who enjoy their electronica slightly left of centre.

KAREN HARDING, “Wrong Places”

UK house music queen Karen Harding is known for her unique, soulful vocal style and sound, which is often either powerful or sultry, whether singing solo or collaborating with producers like Digital Farm Animals, Felix Cartal, and Sammy Porter. It’s taken nearly 10 years, but Karen’s debut album Take Me Somewhere arrives on September 29, and “Wrong Places” is the first taste of that album, which will also include many of her best singles. If you don’t already know, Karen co-writes almost all of her songs (as well as those for others, too) and that gives her a special status in the dance music world. “Wrong Places” veers a bit into the alternative pop realm while still being a dance bop. Karen provides an edgy vocal which suits this darker song well. It’s a bit risky but immensely enjoyable for dance music lovers, and leaves us to ponder about other new songs which will be included in the album.

MANILA KILLA, MYRNE, RUNN, “Center of the World”

“Center of the World” is another dance track that is loaded with rich talent – frequent visitor to this blog and American producer of Filipino heritage Manila Killa, Singapore’s enduring producer MYRNE, and L.A.-based vocalist RUNN. This release marks a slight shift in direction for all three performers, in a trance-flavoured deep house track enriched with shifting moods led by exceptional synth work that also showcases RUNN’s softer vocal breaks. Despite the song’s dark and adventurous overtones, club goers will have fun with it when mixed with similar songs from the Anjunabeats roster or Above & Beyond.

FEATURING

SPENCER LUDWIG, CAPITAL CITIES, “Summertime with U”

Two big talents reunite – Spencer Ludwig was the original trumpeter for Capital Cities who went on to a solo career, winning a Latin Grammy for his work with Colombian performer Fonseca a few years back. Spencer and Capital Cities work some breezy electronic pop magic again with “Summertime with U” that highlights slick production and synth work, as well as a refreshing trumpet solo. While “Summertime with U” doesn’t really offer anything new, you can feel the enthusiasm and good vibes, and that all goes a long way.

MAX EHRICH, “Backroads”

Max Ehrich is a name you might not associate with music, but you probably know from the acting world or from his engaging Instagram posts which also regularly show off his toned physique. The New Jersey-born talent, was 4 times Emmy-nominated for his role of Fenmore Baldwin on TV’s “The Young & The Restless”, and recently played the lead role in the film “Southern Gospel”. Max is also a dancer and has released other music but “Backroads” is his first in three years and marks a fresh start. It’s an R&B/hip hop flavoured track that will draw in fans of Justin Bieber or Justin Timberlake, with an easy-going rhythm and an alluring story. Even with some effects, you can hear the quality and natural ability in his voice, so this is no one-off. “Backroads” is good-natured, solid pop release that shows promise.

AUTOPILOT, “Unwound”

Autopilot is a three-piece alternative rock outfit from Saskatchewan, whose sound is broad enough to appeal to fans of Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nickelback, Arkells, and Monowhales, and everything in-between. They’ve found their footing and tight sound through frequent touring, and are about to release their first album in five years. It’s preceded by “Unwound”, which is a rousing, radio-friendly, anthemic rocker that’s a good introduction to anyone who hasn’t heard their music before. It follows up three singles which have received positive reaction from American radio stations. Featuring kick-ass drumming and urgent vocals, Autopilot delivers the rock ‘n roll goods that most of us enjoy in a live show, so watch for tour dates in a city near you.

JESSA, “Sleep with Boys”

Jessa is a new talent currently based in L.A. who has released her debut alt.pop single, “Sleep with Boys”. The lyrics put the protagonist in a love-hate relationship with herself, questioning why she does things which only lead to heartbreak. Fans of Olivia Rodrigo and Jessie Reyez will dig Jessa’s voice, and the clever melody is an affecting grower which will make you empathize with the situation. “Sleep with Boys” is co-written and produced by Pete Cho and college and alternative radio stations should latch onto it easily.

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 30 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

Felix Cartal and Karen Harding re-team for “Need Your Love”

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

German producer TheFatRat with American vocalist Cecilia Gault and “Chasing Gravity”

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP 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.

Reggae veterans Michael Franti and Spearhead bring you “Vibe Check (My Kinda Party)”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Toto – Hold The Line
Pete Townshend – Let My Love Open The Door
Sheila E – The Glamorous Life
Robert Palmer – Addicted To Love
Daryl Hall & John Oates – Kiss On My List

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago…

2018

01 EVERYBODY NEEDS A KISS Benny Benassi & Sofi Tukker

02 BROKEN LOVE The Him featuring Parson James

03 GET DOWN RetroVision

04 I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU (Victor Dinaire/Bissen remix) Tony Moran featuring Jason Walker

05 BLACKLIST Lostchild

2013

01 BLACK LIGHT (Stormby remix) Kaden

02 AS LONG AS YOU LOVE ME Ryan Adamés

03 REWIND Neverest

04 SKIRT Kylie Minogue

05 VOCAL Pet Shop Boys

2008

01 BEATING MY HEART Jon Mclaughlin

02 DREAM CATCH ME Newton Faulkner

03 VIVA LA VIDA Coldplay

04 CRUSH David Archuleta

05 BLACK AND GOLD Sam Sparro

2003

01 SIMPLY BEING LOVED (SOMNAMBULIST) BT

02 ABSOLUTELY ZERO Jason Mraz

03 I’LL DO ANYTHING Jason Mraz

04 SUPERFABULOUS BT featuring Rose McGowan

05 NEVER (PAST TENSE) The Roc Project featuring Tina Arena

#BILLCSTop30 #674 – September 11/23

The new chart is a day late owing to an evening with family before I head to Austin for the fourth time for a few days of heat, great food and music, ‘weirdness’, and overall change of scenery. This week’s New Music Pick of the Week radio segment premieres on Radio GTA tomorrow evening as the 3D Variety Show is on vacation for two weeks. Five new songs arrive in this edition of the BILLCS Top 30.

It’s hard when two of your favourite songs of the year battle it out, but this week Alesso’s early 2010’s melodic house throwback “Without You” scores a second appearance at #1

The only song keeping “Without You” from another appearance at #1 in two weeks is Troye Sivan’s “Rush”, which climbs 4-2. Do check out its recent remix featuring Pink Pantheress and Hyunjin of Stray Kids.

I just love the emotional qualities about “Bleach (Move On)” by Cash Cash, which moves up 5-4. The whole story about moving on from our younger days when we all did some stupid things, and not being judged by those things, is refreshing. It’s more of a rock-flavoured electronic pop effort from the Cash Cash lads, and shame on dance music radio for giving it a miss.

The Beaches’ album Blame My Ex arrives this week and the fun “Blame Brett” rises 11-8.

Although her halcyon days were the 80’s and 90’s, Hazell Dean has concocted a delightful and danceable original retro blast called “100% Pure Love” and it moves up 13-9.

Rising 17-10 is NYC’s MAX, who scores his 10th Top 10 on this chart with “Strings”. It features JVKE, and becomes his 4th consecutive Top 10 this year, and Bazzi, and its video above, hot off the presses, stars social media darling Dixie D’Amelio.

“Come Around” is an outstanding debut single by American dance producer Voyajer and it soars 21-12.

It’s Steve Angello and WH0, though, that have the Fastest Riser on the chart with the powerhouse 90’s flavoured house track “What You Need”, up 23-13.

Another 90’s-influenced house track, “Want My Lovin'” by Marvel Riot and MOYA, moves up 26-18, except this one revolves around the hook of Felix’s 1992 dance club #1 “Don’t You Want Me”.

The Highest Debut belongs to L.A.’s Michael Medrano with the “raw and uncut” remix of “Disco Sleaze”, originally from his LoveSexDrugs album, and arrives at #24. It’s Michael’s third visit to the chart, where “i don’t wanna talk about love” peaked at #5 in early 2022.

Next at #26 is “Need Your Love” by Canada’s Felix Cartal and England’s Karen Harding. This new collaboration is their second together, with “Only One” reaching #9 in 2021. It’s Felix’s 5th chart entry and Karen’s 8th.

Though he’s a star in the UK, most of the world knows Tom Grennan from his vocal on Joel Corry’s “Lionheart (Fearless)”, which got to #4 on the chart at the top of the year. Tom’s UK Top 20 hit “How Does It Feel” gets a remix from those fun British twin producers, ALTÉGO, and it’s now transformed into a even more riveting bop.

I’ve never charted a song sung in Swedish before, but in 25 years of charts, there’s still a first time for everything. From his upcoming Swedish album En Annan Jag, it’s Darin, taking the recent success of his pop/dance recordings into his own native language with “Satellit” at #29. It’s Darin’s 12th appearance on the chart. His first was back in 2008!

I saw James Bay perform for the first time in August. I don’t think it’s been widely publicized how masterful of a guitarist he is, trading off six guitars for various songs throughout the set. His new one is “Goodbye Never Felt So Bad” (#30), and its new video features footage from the show which was at HISTORY in Toronto. It’s James’ fifth appearance on the chart going back to 2015, and follows up his #4 from this year, “Brilliant Still”.

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

On Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm EST I bring you “Your Weekend New Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free.

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

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada (on vacation until September 26)

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs more than 25 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear recent episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy

FM 108

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

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

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – August 30/23 spotlighting new songs by @FelixCartal & @KarenHarding @Moonwoodmusic @PeterFoldy @JerinJamesmusic

This week’s Report has eight fine new tracks for you to get to know that span the pop, rock, electronic and dance genres. It’s increasingly hard to whittle down my weekly list of new offerings to eight, but I somehow manage to do it, carrying over songs with potential to the following week if need be.

Among the features in the Report, you can check out my pick of the week, along with one from the host of online radio’s “Top 40 Timeline”, “Big Daddy” Russ Horton, plus “Modern Hype” online radio host Hunter Wilbur’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five pop hits that take us back to 1987 this week. And in case you missed them, you’ll find out which songs are #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

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

REMINDER: Click the photo above the artist’s name and song title to hear the song or watch the video.

SPOTLIGHTING

FELIX CARTAL, KAREN HARDING, “Need Your Love”

“Need Your Love” is the follow-up to 2021’s “Only One” (which peaked at #9 on the BILLCS Top 30) we were waiting for by the dream team of Canadian dance producer Felix Cartal and UK house music queen Karen Harding. It’s a vibrant and emotional track which is well suited for both dance music and Top 40 radio, as well as clubs. Karen’s potent and affecting vocal, which has a similar impact as Loreen’s “Tattoo”, plays off splendidly against Felix’s melodies and song structure. “Need Your Love” also offers other creators a chance to listen to how a record can be made smartly, with the result being an instant new favourite. And be prepared folks – Felix plays the Burning Man festival this weekend, while Karen has her debut album, Take Me Somewhere, coming at the end of September.

MOONWOOD, “Let It Go”

Australian-American quintet Moonwood return with a take on a classic rock ballad with “Let It Go”. Although “Let It Go” is just over 5 minutes long, it’s a dreamy and sometimes heart-wrenching ballad that commands your attention, as the protagonist is stuck waiting for a train in town while communicating with his lover, who is uncertain about their relationship, and he realizes it may in fact be over. Moonwood is one tight unit as a band and once again singer Jake McCullough delivers an impressive vocal that will keep you glued to the story.

PETER FOLDY, “Jump Like This”

L.A.-based Canadian singer/songwriter Peter Foldy returns with another bubbly reggae-spiced release, “Jump Like This”. The song is all about what makes you jump with joy, something that doesn’t happen all too often to everyone, but it’s a high that’s hard to come down from when it happens. The easy-going, summery melody follows similarly bright pop singles like “Fun, Fun, Fun” and “Friend Zone”. Peter has always had a knack for capturing special moments in time going back to his biggest Canadian success, “Bondi Junction”, and while he’s busy working more in film these days as a director and producer, I’m glad he continues to delight us with songs like “Jump Like This”.

JERIN JAMES, “Fly Away”

L.A.-based, Pennsylvania-born dance producer Jerin James returns after a protracted absence with the first single from his upcoming debut album The Wanderers, “Fly Away”. I’ve written about Jerin’s songs a number of times before, and his initial single “Birds and Bees” (featuring Devorano) reached #7 on the BILLCS Top 30 in 2020. “Fly Away” is a short (2:09) and much more progressive effort, with a bold, commanding backdrop and wordless vocals that are woven together as if they were making a foreign language unto themselves. “Fly Away” is a solid re-introduction to Jerin and his new project, which happily is released through Moe Shalizi’s label Pick Six Records.

FEATURING

ROBBY HURRICANE, “We Got The Beat”

Toronto-area rock band Robby Hurricane have totally nailed their first release, a surprising cover of The Go Go’s “We Got The Beat”. The guys have the post-punk era vibe of the song down pat as well as the gritty energy of the original, which makes it so much fun, and the video (above) looks like it was shot in a… garage! Robby Hurricane came to be as a trio after guitarist/vocalist Sal Costa left the short-lived quartet Bonds of Mara, and consists of vocalist/guitarist Bryan Crouch, drummer Daryl Ralph and bassist Dave Benedict (ex- of Juno Award winning rock band Default). Go Go’s fans and those familiar with the band members’ previous works will totally get off on “We Got The Beat”.

JAY BIRD, “Losing My Mind”

Earlier this year, Bay Area electronic dance producer Jay Bird brought us the infectious bass-laden deep house track “All Night Long”, and “Losing My Mind” continues in that vein as another immediate dance floor draw. Like producers such as Fisher or Acraze, Jay Bird moves away once again from a vocalist-driven track to one that’s carried by the rhythm and beats, and the repeated vocals are produced to allow you to be your craziest on the dance floor, should the mood strike you. It’s great to see Jay Bird expand his production techniques with fast and furious tracks like “Losing My Mind”.

PAULINE HERR, joegarratt, “heartbreak”

“heartbreak” is a big future bass ballad which is so chock full of emotion, that it may be one of those rare songs you hear at an EDM show in a stadium which might cause your eyes to well up. American producer Pauline Herr and UK singer/songwriter joegarratt feed off each others talents, as Pauline goes to shake the room with huge future bass beats while joe wrings his voice dry. “heartbreak” is from the latest Bitbird compilation Gouldian Finch 5, which also features tracks by San Holo, Tails, OBLVYN, nikita the wicked, Eastghost, and other electronic music favourites.

JOHN PAUL WHITE, WILDO DM, “Big Love”

If you’ve ever wondered how an artist might cover as complex a track as Fleetwood Mac’s “Big Love”, then listen to the collaboration of the Grammy Award-winning half of The Civil Wars, John Paul White, and Swedish production outfit Wildo DM (who handpicked John Paul for the song) deliver the goods. In its original form, “Big Love” is all Lindsey Buckingham, no other members of Fleetwood Mac even played on it, with a wondrous, irrepressible vocal. The artists scale “Big Love” back, but not to the point of being yet another acoustic take. Both clearly understand how intense the original is, and John Paul is bang on with his expressive vocal and guitar playing. The production by Wildo DM presents some delightful subtleties that flesh out the backing track. Fans of the original song, Lindsey Buckingham, and John Paul White, will be pleased and impressed.

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 25 times/week on online radio stations around the world.

“Unstoppable” by NYC-based dance producer GATTŪSO

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

To celebrate Michael Jackson’s 65th birthday yesterday, it’s “Beat It” by Old Jim and Victor Perry

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S BOP 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.

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Gregory Abbott – Shake You Down
Whitney Houston – I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)
Los Lobos – La Bamba
Whitesnake – Here I Go Again
Belinda Carlisle – Heaven Is A Place On Earth

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

Sweden’s Alesso gets his first #1 with “Without You”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

Toronto’s Francesco Yates moves up 16-7 with the title song from his recent EP Little Rockstar