New York – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

#BILLCSNewMusic Report – January 18/23 spotlighting @Cerrone @Mercermusic & @BrendanReilly @SGLewis_ @CharDayWilson & @Channel_Tres @Alokoficial & @JamesArthur23 #EleanorHammond

Editorial: IS 2023 THE YEAR OF THE THROWBACK?

In the ongoing cycle of music as it relates to its audience at the time, we have seen throwbacks happen twice within the post-Beatles era (1964 to present). A nostalgia craze spearheaded by the film “American Graffiti” in 1973 – which was preceded by the reissue of the 1962 novelty “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett that summer – saw Top 40 radio stations devoting considerable amounts of their programming to “oldies” for about 18 months. And in 1989, some creative program directors at major radio stations across the U.S. revisited records released earlier in the decade like Sheriff’s “When I’m With You”, Benny Mardones’ “Into The Night”, Real Life’s “Send Me An Angel”, and others, with great if short-lived success. Some of those songs became bigger hits than they were the first time around.

Last summer, through the popularity of Netflix’s “Stranger Things”, we saw Kate Bush’s 1985 well-remembered hit “Running Up That Hill” revived through online adulation largely on Tik Tok. Television commercials and Tik Tok led to Sia’s “Unstoppable” becoming a smash after 6 years. More recently, The Weeknd’s 6 year old “Die For You” has become a far bigger hit than the first time around, currently in Billboard’s Top 10, and Lady Gaga’s 11 year old “Bloody Mary” looks like it could follow suit. In the UK, Tom Odell’s 10 year old “Another Love” recently returned to the Top 10, and Miguel’s 12 year old “Sure Thing” has bounded into the Top 20 and also re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 this week.

So while critics are saying that Tik Tok’s peak has passed, which has recently introduced many new artists slowly into the mix like Steve Lacy, Stephen Sanchez, and JVKE, could Tik Tok really be the go-to platform for re-igniting interest in a song in some creative way? We’ll have to see if the bubble is breaking with the recent bunch of revivals.

But don’t conclude that music fans are “looking” for these older releases. Each one has a backstory as to why the additional promotion on Tik Tok has resulted in viral attention, and each one has been a major label release, so the funds to take the promotion to the next level are already there. I’m tired of hearing that people aren’t interested in new music because of oversaturation. If the tastemakers and influencers would get behind independently released music more, the same things could happen to a new performer and make them the Next Big Thing. Mark my word, it will happen, it’s just a matter of when!

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You can also read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur. “The Musicman” James Rogers remembers songs from 1967 through 1969 this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. Plus I include my current BILLCS Top 30 #1 song and the Fastest Riser on the chart.

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

SPOTLIGHTING

CERRONE, MERCER, BRENDAN REILLY, “The Only One”

CERRONE, BRENDAN REILLY, “Supernature”

“The Only One” is a joyous new original that combines the deft talents of veteran French disco producer Cerrone, fellow French dance producer Mercer, and British vocalist Brendan Reilly. The result is a cornucopia of dance music styles, with the song sounding a lot like what Jamiroquai would sound like if Cerrone and Mercer got at them. Cerrone’s indelible, classic electronic synth riffs are omnipresent more than 40 years later, and the funky groove makes “The Only One” impossible to resist. Brendan’s fab, soulful vocal is the icing on the cake – you might remember him for his appearance on “Moving Mountains” from Disclosure’s Grammy-nominated Caracal album. He also sang on Cerrone’s delightful redux of his own classic “Supernature” last year, check it out below too.

S.G. LEWIS, CHARLOTTE DAY WILSON, CHANNEL TRES, “Fever Dreamer”

British electronic producer/DJ S.G. Lewis has long been a festival favourite and despite 10’s of millions of streams, his songs didn’t really start to break through until the past few years with collaborations with Clairo, Robyn, Tove Lo and Nile Rodgers. “Fever Dreamer” is the kind of cool song that could make a difference and follows up his 2021 full album release Times. It’s led by a charming vocal by co-writer and producer Charlotte Day Wilson, a Canadian singer from Toronto who has been nominated for Juno Awards, and who I’ve seen in concert. The rhythm exudes a slick CHIC-kind of funky edge, and Charlotte’s soulful and touching voice draws you in. Channel Tres has worked with S.G. before and he’s an L.A. rapper whose more spoken-word interludes are reminiscent of both Idris Elba and the late Maxi Jazz’s vocals with Faithless. “Fever Dreamer” is an easy, high calibre listen that could also benefit from some creative remixes.

ALOK, JAMES ARTHUR, “Work With My Love”

While producers have covered and used elements of The Shapeshifters’ classic “Lola’s Theme” too numerous of times in the past few years, Brazil’s popular Alok crafts a glistening production that doesn’t put a damper on the original. As has been a recent trend, a new song has been written around it called “Work With My Love”, and I’m wondering if James Arthur shouldn’t record dance tracks more often, thanks to this and his excellent recent Afrojack collaboration “Lose You” (currently moving up my personal chart). The song and vocal are nothing short of top-drawer, and I expect “Work With My Love” will become a dance radio smash.

ELEANOR HAMMOND, “Best of Tonight”

Eleanor Hammond is a new singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist from L.A. whose name you should remember as she releases her latest single “Best of Tonight”. Full of confidence and vigor, which is rooted in creating local stage musicals (including one with red hot amigo Em Beihold), Eleanor gives “Best of Tonight” a passionate vocal in a song that will resonate with many folks who have a memorable time with someone that may not have even led to anything more. The video for the song, captured splendidly by director William Chapin, is garnering attention for helping to normalize same-sex relationships and promote inclusion in that medium. “Best of Tonight” is a fine introduction to Eleanor Hammond, about whom I’m sure we’ll be hearing much more.

FEATURING

BOBBY NOURMAND, “Distortion” (Damon Jee remix)

After venturing into pop territory recently with Capital Cities for their single together “Together” (which peaked at #12 on the BILLCS Top 30), and taking a break from regular releases, L.A.-based progressive electronic producer Bobby Nourmand returns with the dark, disco-flavoured “Distortion”, which is in a remix by veteran producer Damon Jee. This picks up where 2018’s adventurous “Subterranean” and “Estranged” (which reached #1 on the BILLCS Top 30) left off with a hypnotic melody that might strike you as similar to Martin Garrix’s “Animals”. “Distortion” is ideal for late nights either at the club or out for a long drive.

BENJAMIN RUSSELL, ROB STUART, “Something In F Minor”

Canadian producers Benjamin Russell and Rob Stuart have unleashed a massive album project called Something In F Minor, which mixes progressive electronic flavours with rock flourishes, and while definitely not trying to be something to everyone, the album does offer a diverse mix of songs, including the wildly inventive title song. “Something In F Minor” is accompanied by a clever, mostly animated video (somewhat in the vein of Terry Gilliam’s work for Monty Python, but more straight-forward) that will appeal to fans of modern art, and includes not only original artwork by Benjamin, but from artists like Rousseau, Ernst, Magritte and Dali. Benjamin is also the singer and co-songwriter (with spouse Elyse), and I recently wrote about one of the album’s other tracks, the party anthem “Yell”. He also re-recorded his 1984 release “Miracle” for the album, but I must admit I’m still quite attached to the synth pop of the original. Benjamin’s at times theatrical sounding vocal sounds great on “Something In F Minor”, and also anchors other intriguing songs on the album like its hopeful closer “Disappear”, which touches on well-being and mental health. Overall, I’ve got to give major props to Benjamin and Rob for this bold, creative release.

OddKidOut, ISABÈL USHER, “Sleep”

“Sleep” is an unconventional electronic release that sounds melancholic but is actually rather comforting, and thus it’s a bit more of a grower than usual. It’s by L.A.-based, Philadelphia-born producer OddKidOut with lyrics and vocals by Dutch singer Isabèl Usher. It’s a quick one at only 2:18, and OddKidOut says he made most of the track on a flight from Philly to L.A. on his laptop. It certainly has that DIY quality but the brief shifting in pace after the words are sung and the old school electronic sound are reminiscent of some releases from mid-last decade. So yeah, “Sleep” has this quirky, retro vibe on the top layer, and underneath is a warm and welcoming song.

XanTz, MAXXER, ROBBIE ROSEN, “Revived”

“Revived” is like a blueprint for everything that sounds good in a pop/dance banger that is elevated because of the songwriting and vocal. This is one of the highly prolific Robbie Rosen’s best recent releases, and this time he’s partnered with Norwegian producer XanTz and Detroit producer Maxxer, and together they all take this song to the next level. Be prepared to bounce to the euphoric synths, and Robbie’s anthemic lyrics are sure to inspire you.

BILL’S NEW MUSIC PICK OF THE WEEK

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

The lost art of love through dance is represented by “La Danse” by Timmy Trumpet & Tungevaag

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

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

Australian trio daste. with “butterfly (so free)”

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.

American duo and twin sisters Lavendine with “Finding My Way Home”

“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.

Zager & Evans – In The Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) (1969)
Bobby Goldsboro – Honey (1968)
Herb Alpert – This Guy’s In Love With You (1968)
Bobbie Gentry – Ode To Billie Joe (1967)
Elvis Presley – Suspicious Minds (1969)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Golden Hour” by JVKE

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“Hero” by Martin Garrix and JVKE (22-8)

Oh to be young and in love while “We’re Still Young”, from Russian electronic producers M.O.O.N. Pro and New York singer/songwriter Alessa

M.O.O.N. Pro and Alessa, “We’re Still Young”

“We’re Still Young” is a delightful deep house collaboration between Russian electronic dance producers M.O.O.N. Pro and New York-based singer/songwriter Alessa. It documents one of those ideal times when you’re with a special someone and nothing else matters in the world. M.O.O.N. Pro previously demonstrated how adept they are at creating a pristine backdrops of synths and beats with their spring release “Feel” with British singer/songwriter Joe Jury. Alessa is a relatively new name to the pop/dance world, with previous releases on Enhanced and Black Hole labels, and she provides a sweet, gentle and genuine vocal to bring home the song she co-wrote with a talent that’s ever-present in these blog pages in 2021, Robbie Rosen. “We’re Still Young” is enjoyable ear candy that will stick with you.

Quebec’s @Kayliox is back with the chic house groove of “Lighter” with American singer @JessicaChertock

KAYLIOX x JESSICA CHERTOCK, “Lighter”

After a few rough relationships, we usually change our focus and start looking for someone better. “Lighter”, by Quebec City native Kayliox and NYC singer/songwriter Jessica Chertock, chronicles that search and zeros in on someone who has that special light inside them. We already had a splendid taste of Kayliox’s rich house, melodic sound earlier this year with “Lost Control” featuring the voice of Victor Perry. Jessica Chertock’s lovely voice and adds the golden touch to this production to make it a winner. The song is co-written by her with best buddy Jesse Blumenfeld, and its hopeful lyrics and gentle strokes are exactly what music lovers need right now. Expect more great things from both Kayliox and Jessica very soon!

NYC’s @GATTUSO_music and Sweden’s @VioletDaysband join forces for dance radio friendly “Save Me”

GATTÜSO and VIOLET DAYS, “Save Me”

After coming off a highly successful 2020 with “Bring That Back” (with vocalist Nadia Gattas and fellow producers Asketa & Natan Chaim) and a remix of Petey Martin & Lauren Daigle’s “Come Back Home”, GATTÜSO returns with possibly his most dance radio-friendly release to date, “Save Me”, co-written with Swedish vocalist Violet Days and others. It’s also GATTÜSO’s second release for Ultra Records. The flow between GATTÜSO and Violet Days is pretty seamless. His production lets you get lost in the committed lyrics, which sing about the protagonist getting too deep into a relationship that isn’t working, hoping that the other person will see the light, but then boldly having to make the decision to save herself from needless pain before it gets worse. The heavy subject matter is offset by a brisk uptempo melody that is a partner to the protagonist’s salvation. Violet Days is more often known as songwriter Lina Hansson, but you’ve heard her memorable voice gracing her own solo hits (“Your Girl”) as well as those of others (Shaun Frank’s “Addicted”). “Save Me” brings us a wonderful collaboration that is worth repeating.

L.A. singer/songwriter Perry Bancs teams up with New York’s @GemChantelle for the enticing alt.pop of “Alone Tonight”

PERRY BANCS & GEM CHANTELLE, “Alone Tonight”

Lately, dance music talent as diverse as The Knocks, Whethan, and Benny Blanco has found their way into alternative rock zones through radio play. And other artists already popular in alt.rock like Machine Gun Kelly and grandson, have added electronics prominently to their recent releases. So it’s no wonder that a song like “Alone Tonight” by indie singers/songwriters Perry Bancs and Gem Chantelle is also mixing minimal electronics with hip hop flavours and settling into alt.rock trappings, while meeting with favourable reaction. It kind of picks up with a style that Halsey and G-Eazy started albeit quite briefly with the Top 20 pop hit “Him & I” . “Alone Tonight” offers thoughts on two young folks who prefer to be alone much of the time for their own mental health reasons, but are still in need of companionship, compassion, and possibly more in their lives, and decide to get together. It stages that opportunity for one evening, which could just be for good company, or the start of something more. The singers have terrific chemistry in this uncharacteristic setting and have created a true “sleeper” that’s well worth hearing.

Create your own adventure with electronic instrumental “Ddos” by Watertown, NY’s @GhostData

GHOST DATA, “Ddos”

Ghost Data is the performing name for Watertown NY native Xzaviyer Hoffpauir, who has been making his name in the progressive electronic world as well as in the video game and animé worlds with his “Dreamsynth” sub-genre and his recordings that tell the story of “The Shepherdess”. “Ddos” is an inspiring, aggressive instrumental that will prompt you to imagine your own adventure, whether video game or animé, as set to its music. Its dramatic, cinematic effects hold your attention all the way through, and before you know it you have a mini-movie in your head. “Ddos” could be the start of another story, who knows, so it’s best to pay attention with what Ghost Data has coming for us next, too.

“Waitin'” by Finland’s @Samlightmusic and India’s @Trauvmusic with vocalist Morell Brown @officialMBrown puts some big bounce into your summer

SAMLIGHT & TRAUV and MORELL BROWN, “Waitin'”

With the world sometimes feeling so close together, it’s always amazing to see cross-continent collaborations come to successful fruition, and such is the case with “Waitin'” by Samlight and Trauv with vocals from NYC’s Morell Brown. Finland’s Samlight has seen electronic dance releases flourish through most of the major dance music labels. Here he’s partnered with Trauv, a rising producer from India whose music has already been supported by the likes of Thomas Gold and Hardwell. Although there have been a number of successful dance producers from India such as Shaan, I must admit it’s rare to see this kind of collaboration. Bring in singer/songwriter Morell , who totally nails the vocal, and you have “Waitin'”, a true bop that aims to put some big bounce into your summer. In between its story, “Waitin'” emphasizes sparkling arpeggios which teleport you back to melodic house of 2012. We need more feel-good music in 2020 and “Waitin'” certainly has the recipe for just that.

It’s 10/10 #10: featuring @jessemccartney @wallflowerperry @francescoyates @FLouisemusic @Slavesofficial @Saxity @ErenAB @PhenixRedmusic @TepNomusic @Proxxxy

It’s 10/10 – Edition 10!!

I’ll be completely upfront – there is far too much music being released right now that I enjoy and can write about.

My playlist of new songs ‘for review’ every week ranges sometimes from 60-90, not including submissions of EP’s and albums. I’m totally loving all of the variety and selection. I don’t enjoy not being able to write about everything I hear that I like. So the blog posts for now are coming to you with a lot of scrutiny. Another ’10/10′ feature will follow in the week too!

In 10/10 (or tenoutoften) , I write about 10 hot and fresh songs in no particular order, for your kind consideration and attention.

I continue to write individual blog posts about certain songs. That does not mean that songs in the 10/10 lists are any less than those featured individually, and they are not listed in any particular order. An example is “All On You” by Nashville electronic producer Super Duper, which just flew into my Top 10 this past week at #6.

Writing 10/10 features means I can cover more songs in one shot. So you get to learn about more new music that I hear but don’t always get a chance to write about.

JESSE McCARTNEY, “Yours”

Rumoured to be part of the returning disguised celebrities in “TheMasked Singer” (USA) season three, Jesse McCartney is also back with his first new single in two years with the somewhat revealing indie release, “Yours”. Recently engaged himself, this song publicly offers Jesse to his fiancée, warts and all. It also puts listeners on notice that there is a whole other side to the lives of our celebrity faves that we never see. In any case, “Yours” is an enjoyably honest release, with Jesse’s voice often drifting into falsetto, emphasizing the soulfulness that often appears in his songs. It’s the start of a new project after the one that started with “Better With You” (which got to #6 on my chart in 2018) was shelved. So in 2020 we have lots more from Jesse to which we can look forward!

VICTOR PERRY & CAL1, “Missing”

Originally recorded as a sparse but effortless piano-and-vocal version of the Everything But The Girl classic in late 2016, NYC-based pop/R&B singer Victor Perry revives “Missing” in an atmospheric production that has little to do with the 90’s original except with the popular refrain. He teams up with German producer Cal1 to flesh out the rendition into a unique take that I could hear in a placement at key points on a TV episode or in a movie. And with some meltworthy high notes once again being a major selling point, “Missing” (along with current single “Lost Boy”) will help us all get through to a new Victor Perry EP, coming very soon!

FRANCESCO YATES, “Superbad”

It’s hard to believe it’s been over 5 years since “Better To Be Loved” became a huge radio hit in Canada. My fellow Scarborough native Francesco Yates has all the chops to make that happen again, and I’m confident it will! After a few softer previous releases, “Superbad” is a party and a half! There are Justin Timberlake influences throughout and a climactic soulful scream that will compel you to take notice. Francesco has also been taking advantage of these times and performing and chatting online on various platforms. “Superbad” is definitely a positive new chapter for him. Check out the short video preview of a short film of “Superbad” above.

FRANCESCA LOUISE, “Out Of Sight (Out Of Mind)”

London singer/songwriter Francesca Louise is a new voice to get to know well with “Out Of Sight (Out Of Mind)”. She cites classic singers like Carole King and Joni Mitchell as influences, but she has a soulful edge that neither of them have that will work to her advantage. In fact it puts her potentially in the same league as someone like blog fave and Grammy winner YEBBA. The song is also a reminiscence of someone who is in fact “not out of mind”. “Out Of Sight” starts off rather unassuming but by the end you are sold on Francesca, who looks to be a unique new talent for whom to keep a watch out.

SLAVES, “Talk To A Friend”

“Talk To A Friend” is the latest single by American rock quintet Slaves. The band has dedicated following that was nearly fractured by the departure of their lead singer last year, who was replaced with a rather unlikely voice – that of Matt McAndrew, who you know as a memorable second place finisher on “The Voice” about 5 years ago. And while the aftermath of “The Voice” attempted to shape Matt into more of a pop-flavoured vocalist, he is perfectly at home with harder rock. In fact his effortless voice, along with some blistering dual guitars and propulsive drum work, totally anchors “Talk To A Friend”. Fans of Linkin Park, Billy Talent, Chris Cornell, and 3 Doors Down will have a blast with the music of Slaves.

SAXITY, “Complicated”

The German production duo Saxity are back with another foot-stomping, toe-tapping, sax-laden release called “Complicated”. Not to be confused with Avril Lavigne’s 2002 hit, this one is about one person in a relationship being the ‘complicated’ one, while the other wants more to keep figuring her out. And a good time can be had doing so on the dancefloor where tropical-tinged rhythms and synths flesh it all out.

EREN AB, “Beauty Lies With You”

New York-based producer Eren AB’s “Beauty Lies With You” marks the return of the Tipsy label which has some more fine new electronic dance and pop music on its way. Direct, well-made and catchy, “Beauty Lies With You” also has a comforting and positive message for all. The arrangement is lined with subtle synths and some ear-tugging percussive sounds, with a friendly uncredited male vocal weaving the storyline.

PHENIX RED, “Bad News”

With one album under her belt was well as songwriting credits with the likes of Jadakiss and Cassidy, Nashville-based singer/songwriter (and recording studio owner) Phenix Red is poised to break out with stylish and memorable songs like “Bad News”. Taking bits and pieces of influences that might be from Christina Aguilera, Pink, Ariana Grande, Kate Bush and others, and Phenix Red fuses them together into a darker brand of her own. Alt.rock and college radio stations would take to “Bad News” instantly, and I highly recommend the song to anyone who likes to push their boundaries on a daily basis. There’s definitely a lot more than meets the eyes with Phenix Red! Check out the imaginative video, which she directed and edited, above.

TEP NO, “Sippin’ On Feelings”

“Sippin’ On Feelings” is a gentle, summer-flavoured, radio-friendly new song by Canadian producer and remixer Tep No. Not much is known about Tep No. He has acquired a huge following through breaking into the industry at the same time as streaming sites. Tep No has also opened for the likes of San Holo and The Chainsmokers, and has been signed to Ultra Music for a few years, but like others, is looking for a big breakthrough song. “Sippin’ On Feelings” has a warm, uncredited guy-next-door vocal that helps give it some noteworthy charm.

PROXY, “Nervous”

Russian producer Proxy is well-known to lovers of more hardcore dance/electronic styles, which generally stray outside of my wheelhouse. “Nervous” is pretty heavy-hitting, but once clubland reviews, I think we’ll find excerpts of the song added in the mix at peak points in an evening. Its entire vocal is a sample of a woman swearing… the rest is left to your imagination until you listen! There’s a lot of impressive synth work throughout; I keep hearing classic Yellow Magic Orchestra or Ryuichi Sakamoto in my head.

“Starlight” is a smooth and silky R&B ballad from Germany’s ZEROBADDAYS @ZBDmusic and NYC-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry @wallflowerperry

ZEROBADDAYS and VICTOR PERRY, “Starlight”

In their second collaboration together, German producer ZEROBADDAYS (also known as Mr. Stan Sax from the duo Saxity) and New York-based singer/songwriter Victor Perry have concocted a smooth and silky retrotastic R&B ballad with the original “Starlight”. This one has many shades of 80’s R&B/pop present recalling songs like Smokey Robinson’s “Just To See Her” and Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love”. Perhaps “Starlight” is a sign of a mini-revival of those delightful songs, which in turn were succeeded by the styles of Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige, and many other less popular singers in the 90’s. I could go on naming names, but Victor’s golden voice hanging on to every note under the lovely lyrics is so suited to the sparse arrangement with ZEROBADDAYS’ saxophone of course holding court. Create your own private quiet storm with “Starlight”.

“Fever” is a big banger that will heat up the Spring from @DonDiablo and @CiDmusic

DON DIABLO & CiD, “Fever”

It took a few weeks after Miami Music Week to put together Don Diablo’s cameo in a set that I saw by New York’s CiD – the pair were about to release a knockout deep house banger called “Fever”. CiD may have even played it that night, I cannot recall. Nonetheless, “Fever” is bound to heat up the Spring months in clubs. There is no mistaking the power of its draw to the dance floor and I expect some remixes may be forthcoming. Don’t miss this one!