Karen Harding – Page 3 – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSTop30 #630, January 3, 2022

Last year’s songs have been put to bed, time to move forward with more great new music for 2022! A bunch of favourites departed the last chart after reaching the maximum of 10 appearances (20 weeks), so I have four debuts for you. Let’s see what music trends and perhaps revivals 2022 has in store for us.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

While there’s plenty of movement on this new chart, the Top 3 songs remain the same. Darin’s beautiful ballad “Holding Me More” (above) has a third appearance (sixth week) at #1, after finishing #6 for 2021. It’s followed by “To The Top”, the formidable anthem by Natixx, Lyonbrotherz and singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen at #2, after finishing #19 for 2021, and “Play It Cool” (below) by Menrva and Island Banks steady at #3 after finishing #31 for 2021.

Positioning itself accordingly up 5-4 is TELYKast’s national dance radio number one song “Unbreakable” featuring singer/songwriter Sam Gray. Will it crack through the Top 3 in two weeks? Stay tuned!

The first of three arrivals in the Top 10 is the second Top 10 for Bay area producer Jay Bird who is teamed with fellow producers TWSTD ZOO and vocalist Harley Bird for “Float”, which zips up the chart 14-6. Jay Bird’s first Top 10, “Escape”, finished #34 for 2021.

Brandyn Burnette & Charlotte Sands’ heartfelt duet “Everything” continues into 2022 after finishing #78 for 2021, by rising 10-7 on the chart.

Up 13-8 is “Out Of The Dark”, the third Top 10 on this chart for Austin electronic dance music favourites Tritonal. Their electronic ballad “Broken” (with Adam Lambert on vocals) reached #4 in 2016, while “Shivohum” (with Henry Dark) was #1 exactly two years ago. “Out Of The Dark” features vocalist EMME in a Morgin Madison remix.

The Fastest Riser for the second chart in a row is an exuberant song that just sparkles, and I hope will get more attention with the start of 2022. It’s “Sweet Talker” by Years & Years and Galantis, which leaps 18-9, becoming Y&Y’s 8th Top 10 and Galantis’ 2nd. Watch for Y&Y’s new album Night Call before the end of the month!

Keep your eyes and ears on “i don’t wanna talk about love” by L.A. singer/songwriter Michael Medrano, as it climbs 20-13.

Buffalo NY native Grabbitz offers a happy mix of dark electronic synths with brooding alt.rock vibes on “Pain Killer”, which rises 25-17.

It’s a classic ballad in many shapes and forms, which is what makes it work so well. British electronic producer Louis La Roche got best bud Darren Hayes to sing “Cold To Me”, which moves up 26-19, from Louis’ recent album We’re Not So Different.

Georgia electronic producer Paraleven had his recent album Apollo released by Rüfüs du Sol’s new label, Rose Avenue. Along with vocalist Fractures, a standout track from the album is “In My Head”, which climbs 27-20.

The Highest Debut on the chart is by Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax, bringing back a lot of 80’s flavours (including saxophone) on their new single “Bad Things”, whish arrives at #24.

As if one song wasn’t enough, Karen Harding gets a second song on the chart this week with the riveting house track that is also the title of her recent EP, Sweet Vibrations, and it debuts at #26. Karen had four songs in my Top 100 of 2021, so she will undoubtedly continue to be a regular visitor to the chart!

If you enjoy Paraleven’s “In My Head”, then you’ll also like the similarly dreamy “Locked Out” by Boston duo Tall Heights, from their recent EP Flyin’ Overhead, and “Locked Out” bows at #27.

Rounding out the debuts at #29 is the edgy rock-flavoured dance track “Pulling Me Down” by Emirati duo Revelries. It’s the guys’ fifth appearance on the chart, which includes two Top 10’s.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST 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!

Planet Radio Canada (returning on January 4)– 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.

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, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST! The segment has also been picked up by Mix88.ca and details about when it will be played will be coming soon!

#BILLCSTop30 #629, December 20/21

The end of 2021 is upon us, and edition #629 is my last chart of the year, with the next one coming on January 3. At the very end of this year, I will have the BILLCS Top 100 of 2021 for you. This is the first year I’ve compiled a Top 100 since the mid-90’s. There was simply a lot of great music this year and I want to highlight my 100 favourite songs. I’ll do that not only through a blog post, but also through a pre-recorded radio program. My year end BILLCS Top 30 will be broadcast on a few of my online radio station affiliates, and I will confirm which ones and when in my socials! I’m truly blessed to be able to have the time and the access to so much fine music which I have written about during the year. I’m always here for the underdogs. There are so many artists who should be signed to major record label deals that it makes my head spin.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

Darin’s “Holding Me More” easily gets a second appearance at #1. Not many ballads ever make it to the top of my chart, but you can be sure that when they do, they are top notch!

The Top 5 has got crowded to see which song will succeed “Holding Me More” at #1 when that happens. “To The Top” (above), the fanciful anthem by Natixx, Lyonbrotherz and Robbie Rosen, rises 3-2, while “Play It Cool” (below), featuring the slick deep house style of UK/Irish producers Menrva and the snappy vocal by Island Banks, climbs 8-3.

Then there’s “Angel” (above) by Sonny Fodera and Clementine Douglas, which reaches a new peak by moving up 6-4. And bounding into the Top 5 up 12-5 is “Unbreakable” (below) by TELYKast and Sam Gray, which reached #1 on the national dance radio tracks this week. And even better – it’s one of a few independent releases on the radio chart.

UK dance chanteuse Karen Harding gets her fifth consecutive Top 10 on my chart with “You & I (All I Need)” (above), which rises 11-8. Check out this fun banger, the title track from her recent EP Sweet Vibrations, below.

“Everything” by Brandyn Burnette & Charlotte Sands (15-10) becomes Brandyn’s 14th Top 10 on my chart (including features and one under his other performing name EMAN8), and his second this year, following “Airplane Mode” (#9).

The three debuts from the last chart all make nice moves and should likely move up the chart swiftly in the coming month. The Fastest Riser is “Sweet Talker” (above) by Years & Years and Galantis, which soars 26-18. Toronto’s Scott Helman has a radio hit in the making with “Pretty” (also above), which moves up 27-21. And Kylie Minogue and Jessie Ware’s new disco anthem “Kiss Of Life” (below) climbs 28-22.

Four songs make their debuts. The Highest Debut belongs to Buffalo, New York’s Grabbitz with his alt.electronic track “Pain Killer” (above) at #25. It’s Grabbitz’s second appearance on my chart. He first appeared last year with Rezz on the alternative radio and dance smash “Someone Else” (#5). Next, at #26 is “Cold To Me” (also above) by British producer Louis La Roche, who recruited none other than Darren Hayes to sing this pensive ballad, which comes from Louis’ album We’re Not So Different. Darren has now appeared 17 times on my chart as a solo artist, but this is his first appearance since his delightful cover of Madonna’s “Angel” (#11) – the flip side of his 45 of “Talk Talk Talk” – charted in the summer of 2012.

At #27 is “In My Head” (above) by chart newcomers Atlanta producer Paraleven and Australian vocalist/songwriter Fractures. This is culled from the first release from Rüfüs Du Sol’s label Rose Avenue, Paraleven’s album Apollo, which is well-worth checking out. And Norway’s Matoma returns to the chart for the first time since 2018 and as an independent artist with “Never Surrender” (#28, below), which features Kodaline vocalist Steve Galligan in a fresh and powerful anthem. It’s Matoma’s fourth chart entry.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

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.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!

#BILLCSTop30 #628, December 6/21

I fully admit I don’t listen to commercial radio anymore. Radio lost my interest years ago when it steered away from being a discovery place for new music for me. And now it is proving even more that it’s way more about the profit and less about the music. Radio missed its opportunity recently to make “Easy On Me” by Adele or her follow up “Oh My God” or “Cold Heart” (Pnau remix) by Elton John & Dua Lipa event records. Radio could have used its still significant platform to dazzle audiences again by getting behind three songs that are very good for any pop radio format. Instead, it treated the Adele songs just like any release by a major perform, and Top 40 radio in particular has been reluctant to play an Elton John record because he is outside of their under 40 demographic. So until radio can prove to me again that it is interested in music again, I will do without.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

Obtaining his second #1 of 2021 is Sweden’s Darin with the beautiful ballad “Holding Me More”, an ideal song to cuddle up with during the winter months. This and previous #1 “Can’t Stay Away” are big comeback songs for Darin, whose last English-language release was in 2013. Both mark complete shifts in direction after many years of success in Sweden, and I’m just loving it! It’s also the 14th #1 song of 2021 on my chart, the most in any year since I began the chart in 1998.

One song that is a unique change of pace for pop/dance music this year is “To The Top” by German producers Natixx and Lyonbrotherz with vocalist/songwriter Robbie Rosen, which climbs 5-3. The contrast between such deep rich bass synths and a medieval sounding flute creates an interesting effect in this anthem that will have you cheering in your own way.

“Play It Cool” by UK/Irish duo Menrva and vocalist Island Banks rises 11-8 with its slick, infectious beats and a Craig David-ish vocal that matches its title quite aptly!

The other new entry to the Top 10 is the second for Vancouver’s Young Bombs, following last year’s #3 “Better Day” (with Aloe Blacc), called “Summer In Brooklyn” (with Jordy, above), moving up 12-10. You can also check out Young Bombs latest single with Stondon Massey called “U Up?”, below.

Heading for the Top 10 are two bona fide dance radio hits. Karen Harding’s “You & I (All I Need)” (above), from her EP Sweet Vibrations, climbs 14-11, while the independent release “Unbreakable” by L.A. trio TELYKast and Nashville vocalist Sam Gray (below) soars 17-12.

The haunting single “sicc” by Georgia-based alt.electronic singer/songwriter stef continues to flourish, rising 18-14.

Ballads are not often seen on my chart, but besides Darin’s #1, we’ve got Brandyn Burnette and Charlotte Sands serenading us in the gorgeous “Everything”, which moves up 19-15.

The last chart’s Highest Debut is this chart’s Fastest Riser as “Out Of The Dark”, a song glowing with positive vibes, leaps 25-18 for Austin duo Tritonal and vocalist EMME in a Morgin Madison remix.

In fact all of the last chart’s debuts are making their marks on the chart, each rising 6 points. “Float” (above) by Jay Bird, TWSTD ZOO and Harley Bird rises 26-20, while the astute pairing of The Knocks and singer/songwriter Parson James allows “River” (below) to rise 28-22, and Michael Medrano’s telling but fun “i don’t wanna talk about love” (also below) moves up 29-23.

The Highest Debut at #26 belongs to Years & Years in collaboration with Swedish production duo Galantis with the smashing retrotastic arpeggios of “Sweet Talker” from the upcoming Years & Years album Night Call. It’s the 9th chart entry for Years & Years (now simply an Olly Alexander project), which has included #1’s with “King” and “Shine”, and it’s the first one in two years, despite some good releases in-between that were also collaborations – the cover of Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s A Sin” with Elton John, and “Starstruck” and “Second To Midnight”, both with Kylie Minogue. It’s also Galantis’ second entry following their hit “Faith” (with Dolly Parton and Mr. Probz) which reached #5 in 2019. Watch Olly perform the song in his recent appearance on “BBC Strictly Come Dancing” above.

Next at #27 is “Pretty” by Toronto’s Scott Helman, which is his first chart entry. I saw Scott perform in concert a number of years ago and he is an engaging performer full of stories. I like the, good-naturedness, softer edges and gender neutrality of “Pretty”, reminding me somewhat of some of Conan Gray’s releases, and a lot of young folks will relate to this one.

And at #28 is the aforementioned Kylie Minogue, with her 10th chart entry and first since 2015 with “Kiss Of Life”, in which she is partnered with Jessie Ware on what is her 11th chart entry. “Kiss Of Life” is a not quite over-the-top dance floor filler that appears on the “Guest List Edition” version of Kylie’s album titled Disco. It’s a whole lotta fun, so dig out your dancing shoes for it!

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while. 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.

Planet Radio Canada (currently on hiatus until January)– 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.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!

#BILLCSTop30 #627, November 22/21

I’m very happy to live musically on the development and discovery side of songs and artists. I’m a huge lover of contemporary music, I just don’t love what the big labels and artist management companies are investing their time and cash into anymore. The awards shows all feature the same big name performers. Anyone who says this is fair game and an “open” club has to be kidding. It’s by invite only and there are layers of gate-keepers to help it stay that way. So many performers can have success in a different set of terms and develop fans and followers without getting on the charts. So if you plan on making the right connections to get there, by all means. Otherwise you’ll still have loads of people like me to appreciate your music. There are only three songs on my chart that are signed to major labels directly, and there are another half dozen with labels with distribution deals, otherwise the rest are independent.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

Boye & Sigvardt become the first artists from Denmark to have a #1 song on my chart, as “Microdose” (featuring the wonderful voice of Jordan Shaw) succeeds “Sanctuary” by Howen and Robbie Rosen at the top after three appearances (six weeks). I can’t get enough of “Microdose” months after its release, though it suddenly has competition for retaining #1 in two weeks.

Darin’s touching ballad “Holding Me More” storms up the chart 20-3, following his recent #1 “Can’t Stay Away” in a similar fashion. You can have Adele’s “Easy On Me”, I’ll take “Holding Me More” any day!

Robbie Rosen gets another song in the Top 5, as his fancy work with German producers Natixx and Lyonbrotherz in the unique “To The Top” (above) allows it to climb 8-5. It’s his fourth Top 5 on my chart in the last year. Check out another recent Robbie release called “Fragile” with Philadelphia producer Sauniks, below.

Australia’s Sonny Fodera gets his first Top 10 on my chart from his new album Wide Awake with “Angel” (above) featuring the lovely voice of Clementine Douglas. It rises 13-7. Another veteran dance producer, Morgan Page, is right behind with “Turn Off My Mind” (below) with co-writer and vocalist Lights, up 11-8.

It’s already been a year since Toronto’s Justin Nozuka released his gracious, soulful ballad “No One Like You” with British singer/songwriter Mahalia, which got to #4 on this chart. Justin’s back in the Top 10 with his latest “Nova” rising 12-9.

Moving up 14-10 is “Wish I Didn’t Miss You”, the Angie Stone song as covered by German producers John Skyfield and Shoby with an indelible, faithful vocal by Victor Perry. It continues Victor’s string of Top 10’s on this chart, as a lead or featured act, now up to 12, with four in the last year alone. Check out Victor’s latest single “Sleepwalking” below, his first major label release (for Sony) with Ukrainian producers Kalush in a mix by none other than Pink Panda.

“Play It Cool” by UK/Irish production duo Menrva and singer Island Banks closes in on the Top 10 as it climbs up 16-11.

Karen Harding continues to make waves with “You & I (All I Need)” (above), which climbs 19-14 and is a certified North American dance radio hit. Check out her recent dynamic collaboration with producer Sammy Porter called “Celebrate” below.

This past week, “Unbreakable” by TELYKast and Sam Gray, soared into the North American dance radio Top 10. It soars up my chart as well, rising 25-17.

It’s good to have Tears For Fears back with the title track of their upcoming album “The Tipping Point”, which moves up 30-23. I remember vividly coming home with my British import 12″ single of “Mad World” (which I still have) after hearing it on our local alternative rock station back in the day.

Returning to the chart at #25 is the latest by Austin producers Tritonal, with vocalist EMME, called “Out Of The Dark”, from their upcoming album Coalesce. It arrives in a sparkling Morgin Madison remix after resonating with me in its original, more progressive mix. Tritonal reached #1 on the chart with Henry Dark on “Shivohum” in January 2020.

Also back on the chart for a third time this year is San Francisco area producer Jay Bird in collaboration with TWSTD ZOO with the positive energy of “Float” at #26. It’s graced by a cool vocal by L.A.’s Harley Bird (no relation to Jay), and follows Jay Bird’s “Escape” (#4) and “Gone Tomorrow” (#15).

Back with their 9th chart entry (going back to 2012!) are The Knocks who pair up this time with singer/songwriter Parson James for the delightfully catchy “River” at #28. Both The Knocks and Parson James have reached #1 on the chart before (The Knocks with “Kiss The Sky” and Parson with “Broken Love”), and “River” follows up The Knocks’ collaboration with Foster The People “All About You”, which got to #9 earlier this year.

At #29 is the debut entry for southern California singer/songwriter and resident disco dad, Michael Medrano, who I’ve written about several times, with his fun but telling “I Don’t Wanna Talk About Love” (above). Michael has quickly followed this one up with “Personal Heaven” this past week, which you can also check out below.

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.

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm I bring you “Your Weekend Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!

#BILLCSTop30 #626, November 8/21

It’s getting to that time of year now when chart makers like begin to think about our favourite songs of the year so far, and what ultimately are our year-end faves. There are quite a few on this chart, and perhaps even some of the new arrivals will make the cut.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

To lead off the new list, “Sanctuary” (above) by Dutch producer Howen and “American Idol” season 10 contestant Robbie Rosen gets a third appearance – six weeks – at #1! It’s such an irresistible song with a captivating melody and a brilliant vocal by Robbie, and it even ends with a beautiful piano coda. More good news for Robbie – his other entry on the chart, “To The Top” (below) with German producers Natixx and LyonBrotherz, is the Fastest Riser, moving 18-8! You’ll dig its flute-led melody along with the rich bass synth that carries the hook along.

Up a notch 3-2 is “Never Going Home” (above) by France’s Kungs. Fascinating fact about this song: The vocalist is none other than veteran dance producer Martin Solveig (who also co-wrote it). Kungs has another catchy new release called “Lipstick” which you can check out below.

Climbing 5-3 is “Microdose” by Denmark’s Boye & Sigvardt and vocalist Jordan Shaw. This is one song that has gotten under my skin – I love both its lyrics and melody.

“15 Minutes” (above) by Damon Sharpe & The Disco Fries moves up 7-5 and is a definite club banger. You can also check out the artists’ new song together called “React”, below.

UK trance legends Above & Beyond were last in the Top 10 back in 2004 when, under their alias of Oceanlab, their song “Satellite” reached #1. Their latest, also with Justine Suissa on vocals, is “Almost Home”, which climbs 12-6.

“My Time”, the title song of the EP by NYC singer and actress Gina Naomi Baez, is in it for the long haul, and moves up 11-9.

“Angel” by Sonny Fodera and Clementine Douglas always goes down so easy. From Sonny’s latest album Wide Awake, “Angel” rises 21-13.

With its snappy synths and super-playful vocal and rhythm, “Play It Cool” by MENRVA and Island Banks is a British house track on the move, up 23-16.

Now breaking at North American dance radio, with no surprise, is “You & I (All I Need)” by Karen Harding, from her EP Sweet Vibrations, which climbs 27-19.

Just as “Can’t Stay Away” finishes off its maximum 10 appearances (20 weeks) on the chart, along comes Darin’s beautiful new ballad “Holding Me More”, which arrives at #20. He performed it at his online acoustic concert yesterday from Sweden, along with “Can’t Stay Away” and many others. Having never seen the man perform before, I was duly impressed and would certainly love to see him perform live in concert too. Expect big things in the coming weeks from “Holding Me More” – while the rest of the world is loving Adele’s “Easy On Me”, “Holding Me More” is more my kind of ballad! Check out the live TV performance above.

Debuting on the chart is L.A. dance production trio TELYKast with “Unbreakable”, co-written by and featuring Nashville’s Sam Gray on vocals, which bows at #25. The independently released, impressive track is flourishing at US dance radio, and is definitely one to which you need to pay attention.

The third debut at #30 is from the classic 80’s duo Tears For Fears, with the original twosome of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith making their first album since 2004, and the title track called “The Tipping Point”. I have been long a fan of Tears For Fears. I bought their single “Mad World” back in 1982 as an import 12″ vinyl, and enjoyed much of their music through 1993’s Elemental album (which did not include Curt). As usual, the duo makes a great hook along with some pointed observations.

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

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm I bring you “Your Weekend Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!

#BILLCSTop30 #625, October 25/21

There are occasions on which, for reasons unknown, temporary writer’s block sets in, and I have to rely on the music and the facts behind them to help get me by. So, do forgive me for the lack of personal insights in this blog post. It’s actually been a pretty busy week for new songs, which will send some fine additions to the chart in the coming weeks. And because of the recent change by Spotify on how its song links interact with the free WordPress website-making format, I will not be using Spotify links in my blog posts until further notice, unless there is no other available link to a song.

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

For now, “Sanctuary” (above) by Dutch producer Howen and NYC singer/songwriter and “American Idol” contestant Robbie Rosen rules my chart for a second appearance, with no sign yet of what might succeed it. Robbie also has the inspiring anthem led by a flute-sounding hook “To The Top” (below) moving up 25-18 for him and German producers Natixx and Lyonbrotherz.

Out to challenge in two weeks is “Never Going Home” (above), the brisk, summery dance track by French producer Kungs, which climbs 6-3. Out to thwart it is the fun track with a fierce vocal sample called “Nonchalant” (below) by Duck Sauce, which rises 8-4. But it’s the choice music sample that seals this one for me, a song called “Queen Of The Rapping Scene” by British new wave group Modern Romance, a favourite of mine back in 1981.

The Fastest Riser on the chart also has eyes on #1, and that’s “Microdose” by Danish producers Boye & Sigvardt with vocalist Jordan Shaw, soaring 13-5. It beats Boye & Sigvardt’s previous peak of #6 four years ago with “Astronauts”.

The other new entries to the Top 10 are “Only One” (above) by Felix Cartal and Karen Harding, up 11-9, which is Felix’s third Top 10 and Karen’s fourth, and The Weeknd’s “Take My Breath” (below), climbing 12-10, from his forthcoming album. You can also check out The Weeknd’s new collaboration with Swedish House Mafia called “Moth To A Flame”, also below.

Cutting through the middle of the chart is “Almost Home” by legendary trance trio Above & Beyond and their frequent vocalist Justine Suissa, who sounds as amazing live in concert as she does on record (I saw A&B five years ago in concert, and Justine was on tour with them). “Almost Home” climbs 18-12.

The rest of the chart is in a bit of a log jam because of all of the new music that arrived within the last month. “Turn Off My Mind” by Morgan Page and Lights makes the most of it and moves up 20-15.

One to keep your eyes and ears on in the coming weeks is the impressive and funky “Play It Cool” by UK/Irish duo Menrva and singer Island Banks, which rises 30-23.

The highest of four debuts is the second appearance on the chart by UK sensational dance music singer/songwriter Karen Harding. She recently released her new EP Sweet Vibrations and from it comes “You & I (All I Need)”, a wonderful, happy song for our times, which bows at #27. New video coming this week!

Next up is the sinewy alternative electronic sound of Nashville-based indie singer/songwriter stef with “sicc”, which hits the chart at #28.

Then at #29 there is Manchester, England-born, Kansas-based indie singer/songwriter Tommy Newport with one of his unique songs “Bubblegum” from his new EP Liquid.

And joining the chart at #30 is “Everything”, by frequent charter Brandyn Burnette, with his collaborator Charlotte Sands (with her trademark blue hair). “Everything” is culled from Brandyn’s new EP F.A.T.E. and is his 19th chart appearance since 2014, including features as well as one song billed under his alias EMAN8.

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

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm I bring you “Your Weekend Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST!

British dance chanteuse @KarenHarding has another winner with “You & I (All I Need)”

KAREN HARDING, “You & I (All I Need)”

There’s no doubt that Karen Harding has had a great year. In addition to recently getting married and having a baby, Karen’s released some of the best music of her career with “Undo My Heart” (with Digital Farm Animals), “Let’s Get Together” (with Illyus & Barrientos), “Morning” (with Shift K3Y) and “Only One” (with Felix Cartal). Add “You & I (All I Need)” to that list, this time a completely solo Karen single, another beautifully touching house track with straight-forward lyrics that can only be written when your life is content. Such happiness is infectious and will certainly win fans on the dance club circuit. However I do think perhaps “You & I” is a particularly natural follow up to “Undo My Heart” for dance radio audiences.

#BILLCSTop30 #620 – August 16/21

The current fast-moving pop music climate reminds me of the 1970’s. Back then, songs were usually off and on local radio station’s charts within 12 weeks, especially during the early 70’s. A&R and promo reps at record companies would start to promote a new song by a major artist and there was an understanding with radio stations that once previous hit song was starting to decline, it would move off the chart quickly in order to allow the new one to chart. That didn’t last long because by 1973 songs began much lengthier stays on radio charts, and in the late 70’s, because of the advent of rock-oriented FM radio, the average length of time had likely increased to 14 or 15 weeks for a Top 30 chart. So my new chart had yet again another new #1, my 10th of the year. Back in 2019 and 2015, I only had eight #1’s for the entire year.

Also, make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post) – all kinds of online radio announcing projects now keeping me busy!

Cash Cash are already out touring to support their album Say It Like You Feel It, so I’m sure if you hit up one of those shows you’ll likely hear “The Feels” which features a scorching vocal by singer/actor Alex Newell, and is my new number one song!

Right on the heels of “The Feels” is “Can’t Stay Away” by Sweden’s Darin, which becomes his personal best on my chart, moving up 3-2.

The first of three songs to arrive in the Top 10 is the first one for Ed Sheeran, whose “Bad Habits” advances 12-6.

The Fastest Riser on the chart for the second time in a row is the multi-lingual smash by Sofi Tukker and Amadou & Mariam called “Mon Cheri”. It’s culled from the Red, Hot + Free album (whose proceeds all go to charity) and climbs 19-9. It’s Sofi Tukker’s 4th time in the Top 10.

Moby takes “Natural Blues” to the Top 10 for the second time – it first happened with the original version peaking at #5 in 2000. Featuring amazing vocals by Gregory Porter and Amythyst Kiah, the “Reprise” version rises 14-10.

Toronto soulful indie pop singer CMagic5 moves up 16-12 with her single from the album Ready To Run called “Love Me If You Can”.

“Back To You” is one catchy dance song that will make you want to move in whatever way you wish! As recorded by Chicago’s Aash Mehta and Charlotte’s ephem, it busts a big move itself by climbing 22-13.

“Again” is a cover of the 2017 release by Noah Cyrus and XXXTentacion which, to me, has been outdone by a triad of relative newcomers to the music scene. The amazing vocal is by NYC’s Jessica Chertock, the producers are Russian duo Purple Guns, and the rapper/vocalist is Young Jae from Florida. “Again” soars 23-14.

It’s been awhile since I’ve had a really high debut on the chart – above #20 anyway. But this song so deserves it – “Sanctuary” by new Dutch producer Howen and “American Idol” finalist Robbie Rosen. Not only will it inspire you to get your groove on, but it’s also got a really warm vocal by Robbie, who also wrote the song. “Sanctuary” (above) bows at #16!! Robbie is also on the chart with Canadian producer Kayliox up 27-22 with “Don’t Want Perfect” (below).

British rocker Sam Fender has an anthem for young folks that is really hitting home with that target audience. “Seventeen Going Under”, from his upcoming album of the same name, climbs 25-19.

The second debut on the chart is “Never Going Home” by French producer Kungs at #24. Of course Kungs (aka Valentin Brunel) is most noted for 2016’s enduring “This Girl”, a song that I now adore, but for some strange reason I really didn’t get to know it until way after it peaked, so it never landed on my chart. But “Never Going Home” has a quirky, fun edge that I’m really enjoying too.

Next up at #26 is the killer combination of Canadian producer Felix Cartal and British singer/songwriter Karen Harding with “Only One”. It’s culled from Felix’s recent album Expensive Sounds For Nice People. Felix also appears as one half of Glass Petals, whose “Heartbeat” just peaked at #5. “Only One” is Felix’s 5th chart entry (including the Glass Petals release), while it is Karen’s 4th in the span of a year!! “Undo My Heart”, which reached #1, debuted on the chart a year ago today!

Premiering at #27 is “Life’s Okay” by Russian dance producer Marava and Canadian singer/songwriter Eadie. “Life’s Okay” has a unique mix of dance beats and alt.soul vocals, but it’s also one of the best feel-good songs of the summer.

The 5th debut at #28 is the dynamic pair of Grammy-winning producer and songwriter Damon Sharpe and the always dazzling Disco Fries with the potent rhythms of “15 Minutes” (and its fun video above). Damon previously appeared on the chart as part of Elephante’s “Age Of Innocence” back in 2016, while “15 Minutes” marks The Disco Fries’ 4th appearance following “Give It Back”, which got to #1 earlier this year.

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

Listen to the BILLCS Top 30 Songs on Spotify! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES

Radio GTA – listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs mixed with classics and songs you haven’t heard in a while. And on Saturdays and Sundays from Noon to 6pm I bring you “Your Weekend Music Mix” six hours of commercial-free music from the 2000’s including many song choices from this blog.

Planet Radio Canada – Now back in action, listen to the “3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers. I’m featured every Tuesday between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.

#BILLCSTop30 #615 – June 7/21

It looks like we might have a dancin’ summer after all, as cities start to reopen and concerts and venues begin to be booked. So be prepared to get your dancin’ shoes on for the five debuts which come aboard to give the chart even more energy than usual!

After four appearances (eight weeks) at #1, there are signs of a replacement for “No More Looking Back” by Idris Elba and Inner City featuring Steffanie Christi’an. It’s likely my favourite release in 2021 so far but it’s still early to see if another equally strong one will come along during the balance of the year. I’m also looking forward to any further collaboration between Mssrs Elba and Saunderson (Kevin, he of Inner City fame) which will be very welcome indeed.

Holding snugly at #2 is Mahalo with “Got That Love”, which seems the likely successor at the top to “No More Looking Back”. We’ll see if that happens in two weeks.

Also making moves with eyes on the top is “Myself In You” (above) by Italy’s Lordnox and NYC’s Victor Perry, which climbs 5-3. Victor keeps his charting streak going – his songs have been on the chart continuously for the last year, in fact since June 22, 2020!! – also has one of the five debuts which at #25 is his recent collaboration with French producer Kislaw called “Slip Away” (below). It’s more of a soft and soulful cha cha, which continues to show Victor’s range.

Jessie Ware’s “Please” (above) has zipped right up the chart, this week moving 11-6, so don’t rule it out for the #1 slot either. Jessie’s already followed it up with “Hot ‘N Heavy” which you can check out below.

The second new edition to the Top 10 is “Morning” by Karen Harding and Shift K3Y, which climbs 12-10.

The Canadian dance project Glass Petals, comprised of Felix Cartal and Johnny Jover, climbs 18-13 with their most recent single, the propulsive deep house track “Heartbeat”.

The Fastest Riser on the chart is the emotional whirlwind called “Sideways” by Illenium featuring vocalist Valerie Broussard as well as fellow producer Nurko. It soars 24-15, with Illenium’s new album Fallen Embers coming soon. I’m definitely jealous of lucky fans who can attend Illenium’s “Trilogy” show in Las Vegas on July 3!

The hard hitting “La Di Die” by Nessa Barrett and jxdn lands in the Top 20 as it moves 25-19.

Right behind it is Toronto pop/rock duo Crash Adams with “Symphony” rising 26-20.

Greyson Chance has a new album coming out soon called Trophies and from it is culled his latest single, the seductive and fun “Hellboy”, which moves up 27-22.

The Highest Debut belongs to New Jersey’s Cash Cash with vocalist Alex Newell (who played Unique on “Glee), both first timers on this chart, with “The Feels” at #23. This massive house banger features vocals by Alex that will blow your socks off. It’s from Cash Cash’s first album in five years called Say It Like You Feel It, which also includes some of their other singles from the last few years.

Next in line at #24 is “Drown” by Dabin and Mokita. It’s the second chart entry for Toronto’s Dabin Lee, most often seen in support of Illenium or part of his band, following “Hearts On Fire” (#5, with Illenium and Lights) from earlier this year. Nashville’s Mokita is back in a delightfully different setting, though he has also remixed dance tracks himself and charted here previously with R3HAB. This is Mokita’s fourth appearance on this chart and first since 2019.

“Give Me That” marks the chart debuts for a bevy of Brits, producers Charlie Lane and Gold 88, and absolutely wicked vocalist Kate Wild. This is British house music that goes down so easy, and arrives at #29.

Bowing at #30 is a euphoric anthem for the summer, “Hero” by Afrojack and David Guetta. Ever popular Dutch producer Afrojack first appeared on this chart in 2014 with “Ten Feet Tall” (#8, featuring Wrabel) and you might have seen him on the EuroVision broadcast too, while David Guetta’s first of six previous appearances was in 2004 with “Just A Little More Love” (#7, featuring Chris Willis), though he has been absent from the chart since 2010. He did have my #1 song of 2005, “The World Is Mine” (featuring J.D. Davis).

NEW!! Planet Radio Canada has returned to the interwebs with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers and his “3D Variety Show” each week for three hours of great music as well as a few features. Listen to my New Music Pick of the Week (usually featuring a song on the chart) in the second hour of the show. Tomorrow, the show will feature the music of Nancy Sinatra! Planet Radio Canada’s “3D Variety Show” is simulcast on http://www.classichits.ca and http://www.radiogta.ca from 6 to 9 pm EST.

The music from this chart and blog are also featured regularly on the online radio station Radio GTA. You can hear their Big 20 on Wednesday evenings, also with ‘The Musicman’ James Rogers, and listen for songs from the chart too 🙂Scroll down the station’s main page to listen to lots of variety from across the decades! I’m the new music consultant for the station and another project is in the works and coming soon 🙂 You can start by joining Radio GTA’s new interactive Facebook group too!!

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! Click on this link to take you there, and follow me on Spotify: BILLCS Top 30 Songs

Check out and ‘like’ the BILLCS Music Projects Facebook page 🙂

“Only One” brings the many talents of @FelixCartal and @KarenHarding together

FELIX CARTAL and KAREN HARDING, “Only One”

I appreciate whoever thought of the brilliant idea to partner Canada’s Felix Cartal and England’s Karen Harding together. Both artists are coming off some of the best music of their careers, and it makes sense to combine the talents while lightning continues to strike. Karen’s silky and soulful vocal is a match for Felix’s precise production and melodies, which always seem to stay a few steps ahead of the game. The result is rich-sounding, sophisticated house music that favours pop flavours over a heavier dance beat. That makes it very radio-ready, as both artists have experienced recently with songs like Felix’s “Happy Hour” (with Kiiara) currently all over Top 40 radio in Canada, and Karen’s “Undo My Heart” a Top 10 smash at dance radio last year, while also chalking up millions of regular streams.