progressive – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – April 10/24 with thoughts about new releases by @BensonBoone and @ConanGray plus new songs by @AnnieTracy & @RobinThicke, @ChetPorter, @DiamondCafe01, @JerinJamesmusic, @Linney, @Elazionmusic & @Jayb1rdmusic, Marti and @LittleRain_KR

These last few weeks have seen the album releases by two of my current favourites, who both have songs on the BILLCS Top 30, Benson Boone and Conan Gray.

While they couldn’t be more different in style and approach, I do believe an earnest approach with relatable lyrics helps their appeal go a long way. Plus both are great with their growing fanbases, and fostering your fans is the way to go. Conan’s a few years older and arrived on the scene about five years ago, while Benson started to make waves two years ago after an American Idol appearance and being signed to Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds’ Night Street Records.

Once these artists have reached a certain level of success, it’s always disappointing to read the sniping about looks or vocal style, usually by loud-voiced online detractors who like other artists much more, which makes their credibility as other than casual listeners much less.

I think both albums, Benson’s Fireworks & Rollerblades and Conan’s Found Heaven, will both do well. They both sound fabulous and have A-list producers in their credits. Both are filled with songs that can keep radio audiences happy for the next year, such as Benson’s “Cry” and “Be Someone”, and Conan’s “Fainted Love” and “The Final Fight”, and Conan’s quirky “Bourgoisieses” is a fun one that will go over well in concert when I see his show in September. I couldn’t get a ticket to Benson’s recent show in my city, but he’ll be back at a bigger venue, and I’m sure I’ll be there.

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 1980-81. In case you missed them on Monday, you’ll learn what songs were #1 and the Fastest Riser on the latest BILLCS Top 30. And, you’ll also find out what songs were #1 on the BILLCS Top 30 for each week during 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.

ANNIE TRACY, ROBIN THICKE, “Close To You”

Annie Tracy is a new name you’ll be getting to know better this year when she unveils her debut album. The Wilmington, North Carolina native has been working behind the scenes on her music for the past four years, and so far has released a number of singles along with two EP’s. Her rich and silky R&B-powered voice belies the fact that she has played Patsy Cline in a local musical during the past few years, so the diversity of her talents will soon be on full display. She’s got big name help in having Grammy winning producer Tricky Stewart as her manager, as well as working with other Grammy winners like producer/songwriter D-Mile, and her duet/harmony partner Robin Thicke on “Close To You”, from the Act II EP. She’s got the kind of earthy, pitch-perfect voice that you can listen to over and over again. “Close To You” has a live-on-stage, theatrical quality about it, but would also be of interest to fans of Toni Braxton and Mary J. Blige. Annie also has a hand in producing her own songs too so remember where you read about her first (with thanks to my daughter for bringing her to my attention)!

CHET PORTER, “Aura”

After a long and arduous stretch of waiting, Chet Porter’s debut album Everything You’ve Ever Seen has arrived. If you’ve been following Chet’s releases for the best part of the last decade, you’ll find a bit of everything within, from beautiful, melodic instrumentals to tracks that go off harder, like the irrepressible “Bummed” with Alison Wonderland, still a lot of fun from its initial release which was slightly ahead of its time with its drum ‘n bass vibes. “Aura” gives you some of both – what starts as a luscious, experimental instrumental progresses into a track that slams midway with the introduction of some vocals, used really as effects, the kind of track that will generate all kinds of surprised reactions during a DJ set. Chet is one of the more unique electronic producers who clearly believes in the concept of “what if…”, and “Aura” represents that trait well.

JERIN JAMES, “Broken Dreamers”

Southern California electronic producer Jerin James follows up his EP The Wanderers with the lush sounds of “Broken Dreamers”. This one reminds me a lot of Odesza with its mix of big beats and delicate sounds amid other sonic delights. A delightful, reflective, even whimsical uncredited male vocal offers some brief insight into a story part way through, which is then followed by an electronic chorale of sorts. “Broken Dreamers”, as you can sense, is a highly imaginative and unpredictable track that offers an alternate world of wonder that’s yours for the taking.

DIAMOND CAFE, “Slowly Fading”

Following up the striking and soulful “When You Can’t Resist” (which just arrived in the Top 10 on the BILLCS Top 30), Vancouver’s Diamond Café releases the atmospheric “Slowly Fading”. Once again, the talented singer/songwriter applies his R&B-honed vocal, this time in an echoey production filled with harmonies that gives off a lot of 1980’s flavours. The production is complex and deliberate, gushing with some original synth sounds that set it apart from other current songs. “Slowly Fading” is a late, late night wind-down track, ideal for clubs, that could benefit from some remixes.

LINNEY, “Daisies”

It’s always enjoyable to see an artist progress in the industry over the years through the pages of my blog. L.A.-based singer/songwriter Linney has gone from singing covers of dance hits to being a go-to voice and songwriter in the electronic dance world. Now she can add producer to make it a triad with her new single “Daisies”, which is released through one of the bigger dance music labels too, Helix. It’s a bright-sounding fusion of pop with a fast-paced tech-house rhythm that could do well at dance music radio, and gives a new spin to the (not-so-cliché) act of giving the object of your affection some flowers. Big props to Linney for this one – she’s now one of a few women who can sing, write and produce their songs, so bear in mind that there are many who DJ, sing and write, but do not produce – at least not yet.

ELAZION, JAY BIRD, “Falling For You Again”

“Falling For You Again” is a slick deep house track that marks a first time collaboration between Vancouver’s Elazion and the Bay Area’s Jay Bird, whose music is already familiar to long-time readers of this blog. It’s funny sometimes how many producers there are out there, and there are so many even in my own country that I’m not familiar with such as Elazion. The guys selected a lush uncredited female vocal for “Falling”, and have created the kind of song you want to hear in a club when you’ve met someone you’d like to get to know better. Creative club DJ’s will know how to make “Falling” work best to keep club goers on the floor.

MARTI, “See You Again (Volverte a Ver)”

Hailing from L.A. but originally from Colombia, queer newcomer Marti provides a delightful introduction to his music world with the bilingual English/Spanish “See You Again (Volverte a Ver)”. It’s a song whose cautious melody is filled with both loneliness and longing after Marti’s recent relationship has ended. Using some vocal effects to convey his tender emotions, “See You Again” works by making you sway along to his story to uncomplicated electronic rhythms. One of the messages to take away from “See You Again” is that “it’s ok not to be ok”, often commonly said but sometimes taken slightly instead of more seriously. But if you’re listening more for the beats and melody then you’ll find lots to enjoy in “See You Again”.

LITTLE RAIN, “Same Lies”

It’s been a while since we heard from rising South Korean electronic dance music producer Little Rain, who has worked with vocalists Kacey Fifield, Rachel Woznow and Devyn Rush. He’s been back lately with some recent releases including “Same Lies”. It’s a bit of a change of pace for Little Rain, a brisk piano house track that features a solid uncredited male vocal with an appealing gruff edge to his voice. What ultimately elevates “Same Lies” though is Little Rain’s tight production and attention to detail in an uncomplicated and highly enjoyable setting.

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.

Marcus & Martinus are EuroVision bound with “Unforgettable”

“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”.

It’s Hozier’s viral hit “Too Sweet”

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.

Canadians Walk Off The Earth take on a cover of Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season”

“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.

Michael Stanley Band – He Can’t Love You
Cliff Richard – A Little Love
Boz Scaggs – Miss Sun
David Bowie – Fashion
Donnie Iris – Ah! Leah!

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

John Summit and Hayla take over at #1 with “Shiver”

BILLCS Top 30 FASTEST RISER

“Electric” by Darin moves up 26-17

26 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

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

2023 THE ONLY ONE, Cerrone, Mercer, Brendan Reilly

2022 THE LAST GOODBYE, Odesza, Bettye LaVette

2021 NOT WATCHING ANYMORE, Mahalo

2020 ALL IN MY HEAD, Whethan, grandson

2019 i’m so tired…, Lauv, Troye Sivan

2018 SMILE, Dyrisk, Nik Ernst

2017 SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS, The Chainsmokers, Coldplay

2016 KISS THE SKY, The Knocks, Wyclef Jean

2015 KING, Years & Years

2014 CANNONBALL (EARTHQUAKE), Showtek, Justin Prime, Matthew Koma

2013 LIFTED, Kwik Fiks, Bongiovanni

2012 SOMEDAY, River Tiber

2011 LOVE 2 BABY, Christian TV

2010 BEAT DROP, Simon Curtis

2009 RUN AWAY, Sam Taylor, The BBC Orchestra

2008 WITH YOU, Chris Brown

2007 RUBY, The Kaiser Chiefs

2006 WATCHIN’, Freemasons, Amanda Wilson

2005 COLLIDE, Howie Day

2004 THIS LOVE, Maroon 5

2003 THE REMEDY (I WON’T WORRY), Jason Mraz

2002 TAKE A MESSAGE, Remy Shand

2001 HANGING BY A MOMENT, Lifehouse

2000 THERE YOU GO, Pink

1999 MILLENIUM, Robbie Williams

1998 THE WAY, Fastball

BILLCS New Music Report – January 31/24 with new songs by @DiamondCafe01, @MAXmusic & @DUCKWRTH, @ShawnHook, @BT & @ChristianBurns_ in a @djJohnAskew remix, @MorginMadison & @RyanLucianmusic with @Jas_hylo, and @DLG_soundwaves

There have been recent remarks online about how performing groups are not attracting as much attention as individuals with record label A&R’s, because it’s harder to promote a group through front-facing social media apps than with individuals. Performing groups have always been around so this is obviously just a trend, and I would not take it too seriously. I write about plenty of groups and duos (though not in today’s Report), and while many of them tend to be in the alternative genres, that is also no need to cast them narrowly. If there are in fact lazy A&R’s out there who continue to recruit online only and are only looking for individuals instead of talented performing groups, then they are in the wrong industry. The Rolling Stones would be happy to tell them that after a 60+ year career.

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 transport us back to the mid-80’s. If you missed them on Monday, then you’ll find out what songs were #1 and the Fastest Riser on the BILLCS Top 30.

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.

DIAMOND CAFE, “When You Can’t Resist”

Diamond Café returns with the poignant alternative soul track “When You Can’t Resist”. Recently signed to Warner, readers will know it’s been a long road to a major label deal for the tall British Columbia-based artist formerly known as Tristan Thompson – when you have one of the most popular same-named basketball players taking up headline space, you have to find another moniker – who I first wrote about as a teen nearly 10 years ago. His soulful pop has always been interesting over the years, but “When You Can’t Resist” combines a lot of Michael Jackson, Prince and George Michael inspiration to achieve a long song (nearly 5 minutes) that holds your interest with an arrangement that flows along. The vocal is sweet and soulful, supported by an atmospheric beats-laden backdrop. As you think the song may end, along comes a blistering guitar solo which is the pièce de resistance. “When You Can’t Resist” would need a careful edit to be played at Top 40 radio, but it’s a gripping alternative soul song which stands apart from the rest.

MAX, DUCKWRTH, “Say Less”

MAX puts on his platform disco shoes for “Say Less” in collaboration with California hip hop artist DUCKWRTH. Zing go those 70’s string sounds along with cowbell, and we’re off to the races with a playful track with a Jack Harlow-esque rap break by DUCKWRTH. “Say Less” is a nice switch up from MAX’s ballad “Strings” (with JVKE and Bazzi), which got to #3 on the BILLCS Top 30 last year. MAX’s vocal is in solid Barry Gibb falsetto throughout the song, making it a sweet update from one of the most enjoyable eras of music for both listeners and dancers to enjoy. MAX’s third album and first in nearly four years, Love In Stereo, drops February 16.

SHAWN HOOK, “Bigger Than The Night”

Shawn Hook is a British Columbia-born twice Juno Awards-nominated talent who has racked up eight Top 40 hits in Canada, including “Sound of Your Heart” (which also reached #1 on the Billboard Dance/Club Play chart) and “Reminding Me” (with Vanessa Hudgens). Shawn recently faced a year long battle with throat cancer which is now in remission, and pop music fans will be delighted with his new single, “Bigger Than The Night” from an upcoming EP. It’s an uplifting pop anthem with a classic song structure, and his voice, with much practice and therapy, sounds better than ever. The song unveils enjoyable times with a special someone with hints of becoming more than just that, hence the title. “Bigger Than The Night” should have no problems being embraced by Canadian radio and fans of solid pop worldwide.

BT, CHRISTIAN BURNS, “Save Me” (John Askew remix)

“Save Me” was first recorded as an electronic ballad and included in BT’s 2021 album The Lost Art of Longing. Remixer John Askew has turned the song on its head, creating an intense, fast-paced electronic bop that’s intended to keep club and festival goers bouncing. It’s also at times highly reminiscent of trance in the early 2000’s, which were BT’s breakout years with his 2003 album Emotional Technology, a favourite of mine. BT has since become a Grammy-nominated, highly progressive producer who has also scored films and TV shows. While the remix of “Save Me” is missing a lot of the fine Christian Burns vocals from the original, John Askew has taken the essence of the vocals and has provided the song with an urgent, uplifting vibe. I’m glad also to see this remix of “Save Me” get an suitable release through Black Hole Recordings, a label that started as BT’s career began to blossom in the late 90’s and for which he has made numerous releases.

MORGIN MADISON, RYAN LUCIAN, JAS., “Tell Me Who You Are”

American dance producer Morgin Madison teams up once again with Australian dance producer Ryan Lucian for the dark, trance-flavoured “Tell Me Who You Are”. The two previously had a dance radio hit with “From The Start” last year, and I also wrote about their intense track “Stimulate”. This time they’ve added another Aussie as vocalist, singer/songwriter Jas., who is noted for her 2022 EP Along The Way. Her rich vocal gives a lot of presence to “Tell Me Who You Are”, providing the song with an aura of mystery and urgency, while the deep house rhythms play out around her. It’s a classy song that’s ideal for the late night club setting.

DLG., “Dive In”

“Dive In” is a quirky slice-of-line electronica release from Austin-born, L.A.-based producer DLG. (aka Dave de la Garza). Similar in style to recent releases by fellow L.A. producer Helloworld, “Dive In” is all DLG. and goes down easy with a wry sense of humour in a short song about having to take those bold moves that we often don’t want to face when they are needed. DLG.’s semi-sung guy-next-door vocal is appealing and while it sounds uncomplicated, his synth work and production are bright and refreshing.