Tag Archives: progressive

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – January 25/23 spotlighting songs by @iamDabinLee x @KaiWachimusic x @iamLoSpirit @Showtek & #EDAY @partyPartyNails & @B0ySim @PaulManchin

This week I don’t have any specific opening remarks or editorial, but for those of us who are in the middle of winter, music is a great mood changer, so I encourage you to “think summer” and play or make a playlist of your favourite tunes for a bright summer day!

In addition to the posts about individual songs, you can 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 goes back to the early 70’s this week with his Classic Five pop hits feature. Plus I include the songs that debuted on the BILLCS Top 30 in this week from 2018-2022.

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

DABIN, KAI WACHI, Lø SPIRIT, “Hollow”

“Hollow” hits you between the ears with a jarring progressive electronic production that is peppered with screams and unbridled emotions. It’s all brought to you by Toronto-born producer Dabin Lee, Idaho producer Kai Wachi, and a new name to watch, Atlanta’s Lø Spirit (aka Josh Landry), who received considerable attention last year with his cover of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill”. Everything works so well in this record, even though bigger, harsher-sounding songs are not always my thing. The production is like a whirlwind that’s mixed with a lot of wicked future bass elements and considerable finesse. It’s rare that a vocalist can both sing and scream well, but Lø Spirit gives it his all and the producers make him sound amazing. “Hollow” is a real surprise and will appeal to those who like their electronic music with lots of edge.

SHOWTEK, EDAY, “Everybody”

If you want new music that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits, “Everybody” by Dutch veterans and regular Las Vegas club residents Showtek and American vocalist EDAY (aka Haydee Rivera) will do the trick. Blasting out of big speakers, the line “everybody dance for the love of music” hits a home run, and some amusing, brief spoken-word interludes provide some novelty appeal. Showtek pulls it all together to create a happy, infectious vibe that will work well in clubs.

PARTY NAILS, BOY SLIM, “Like U”

“Like U” is a melting pot of pop/dance influences that pervade it from the 80’s through the 2010’s. Think about what would happen if Cyndi Lauper and Carly Rae Jepsen met the Real McCoy and Ace of Base and decided to make a record with some help from Cathy Dennis and Icona Pop. It’s as catchy as all hell, brought to you by L.A.-based singer/songwriter Party Nails (Elana Carroll) and Austin-based queer producer and co-writer Boy Sim (Christopher Sauceda). Party Nails’ playful vocal is the star as she teases out the song with a few dashes of Madonna along the way. Boy Sim’s vocal in the middle helps give it an unexpected European flavour and balance that was prevalent in early 90’s europop. “Like U” is aural glitter that will leave you smiling.

PAUL MANCHIN, “King”

Versatile Canadian singer/songwriter/producer Paul Manchin returns with “King”, an electronic pop release with a provocative video. Actually “King” is a re-release of a 2017 track from Paul’s album Salutations, and its theme about mental illness, giving up and helplessness will certainly resonate more to listeners post-pandemic. Paul’s vocal is alternately gentle and compelling, and his production with Black Jack is executed well, providing difficult subject matter with a vibrant melody. And do take a look at the video, with its many deliberately still scenes eventually allowing you to home in on its character’s plight. “King” is available for purchase on iTunes and will be available on streaming platforms soon.

FEATURING

NATALIE SHAY, “The Edge”

“The Edge” is a poignant song that finds comfort and resolve with its uplifting, danceable melody. British singer Natalie Shay lays all the cards on the table about the end of a close friendship, which makes “The Edge” an honest, cathartic release for her. But it also shows no fear about moving on, and the buoyant rhythm certainly celebrates that. Natalie’s appeal continues to be wide as her voice often straddles pop, rock and country, and despite delicate subject matter, “The Edge” will be an enjoyable, relatable listen for many folks.

SILVERLAND, “There Tonight”

British singer/songwriter/producer Silverland is a promising new talent who has released the electronic pop track “There Tonight”. It’s a short, uplifting song that reminds me of some songs by One Republic or American Authors. It’s got anthemic rock power that would go down well at festivals, and features some Celtic elements that draw from Silverland’s own Irish roots. Sometimes short and sweet works quite well and here Silverland makes the most of it.

ANDY SUZUKI & THE METHOD, “Chainsaw”

“Chainsaw” is a crunchy slice of rock ‘n roll that’s brought to life by NYC-based Andy Suzuki & The Method, which consists of vocalist/guitarist Andy and hand-percussionist Kozza Olatunji-Babumba. It’s the pair’s first new music in two years after both became parents for the first time during that time. The thundering arrangement veers away from their folk-influenced pop/rock sound of their earlier work, and continues in the rock vein of their last album, 2019’s Alibi, which will appeal to fans of Imagine Dragons, Bastille, and The Killers. The chorus of “Chainsaw” is riveting and memorable, and will play over again and again in your head, which is always a good thing.

JAVI, “Bad Habit”

L.A.-based Puerto Rican-American singer Javi is back after his stunning cover of Sade’s “Cherish The Day” (which peaked at #6 on my personal chart last year) with his take on Steve Lacy’s “Bad Habit”, which was a #1 last Fall on my chart. It’s a straight-forward production that shows off Javi’s dynamic voice, as he tackles and accentuates the more soulful elements of the song. I’m always intrigued by covers like this that are sung in a different vocal style without changing any intent of the original, and Javi completely nails it in the Spotify link above.

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 Shapeshifters covers the Talking Heads’ “Slippery People” with vocalists Ramona Renea and Fiorious

“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.

Sofi Tukker scales it back a bit and covers Snow Patrol’s much loved “Chasing Cars”

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.

British singer Chilli Jesson with “Carolina Reaper”

“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.

Elton John – Crocodile Rock (1973)
Mac Davis – Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me (1972)
B.J. Thomas – Raindrops Are Fallin’ On My Head (1969)
Cher – Gypsys, Tramps And Thieves (1971)
Looking Glass – Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) (1972)

BILLCS TOP 30 CHART DEBUTS 2018-2022

2022:

#10 Darren Hayes – Let’s Try Being In Love

#26 The Chainsmokers – High

#27 Jonas Blue featuring Why Don’t We – Don’t Wake Me Up

#28 Years & Years – Night Call

#29 Gabe James – Gracie

2021:

#22 Illenium, Dabin & Lights – Hearts On Fire

#25 Wizzay – Jealous

#26 Armin van Buuren featuring Duncan Laurence – Feel Something

#27 Bobby Harvey & Danny Dearden – Tell Me

#28 Grandson – Dirty

2020:

#23 Jessie Ware – Mirage (Don’t Stop)

#24 Chocolate Puma & Firebeatz – Soul Fifty

#25 A-Trak & Friend Within – Blaze

#27 Young Bombs featuring Aloe Blacc – Better Day

#28 Homestead – Lifeline

2019:

#20 Revelries & Sam Smyers – Don’t Think Twice

#25 Ava Max – Sweet But Psycho

#26 R3HAB & Mokita – All Into Nothing

#30 Parralox featuring Marcella Detroit – Paradise (Eric Kupper remix)

2018:

#16 Troye Sivan – My My My!

#26 Reigen – Dreams

#27 Two Friends featuring Kevin Writer – Just A Kid

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – January 4/23 spotlighting @TimmyTrumpet & @Tungevaag @TheDiscoFries @Kastramusic & @BrittLari @SLANDERmusic @SaidTheSky & @AWonderland

The end of 2022 and start of 2023 have been quiet, music-wise. It seems that many people in the music industry took a well-deserved rest, given the daunting pace of the industry that is now driven by chart and streaming numbers that totally neglect the artistry that is at its core. As such, the new music selections have been slimmer, and my verdict on a few year end releases is still undecided, so today brings you six fine discoveries.

You can also read about my pick of the week, along with picks from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and “The Musicman” James Rogers also has his Classic Five pop hits feature. You can also find out what was my #1 song of the week on the BILLCS Top 30 as well as 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

TIMMY TRUMPET, TUNGEVAAG, “La Danse”

“La Danse” is a stunning electronic dance ballad that is built around a frenetic trance melody, giving us a reflective song about the lost art of romance as well as a bass-y banger. Australia’s Timmy Trumpet this time teams up with award-winning Norwegian producer Tungevaag, and they may just need another collaboration sometime soon. This is tight, well-made, and beautifully sung by an uncredited female vocalist.  Oh and those French lyrics, which you can’t find online or even in the lyrics video? “L’amour en danse était romance.” (Literally, the love in dance was romance, but perhaps more idiomatically, love through dance was romance.)

THE DISCO FRIES, KASTRA, BRITT LARI, “Alone At Midnight”

“Alone At Midnight” is a sweet throwback to melodic house of about 10 years ago, largely thanks to a familiar synth hook, courtesy of genre veterans The Disco Fries who this time team up with Florida’s Kastra and relatively new go-to vocalist Britt Lari, who you heard last year on Syence’s “don’t you wanna know” among others. Fortunately “Alone” is more than just about a hook, with Britt’s appealing vocal and a classic song structure contributing to a big win, that should hopefully land this song at dance radio sometime soon.

SLANDER, SAID THE SKY, ALISON WONDERLAND, “Picture”

“Picture” is an atmospheric electronic ballad that throws a huge spotlight on Alison Wonderland’s vocals. Set against a restrained future bass production, “Picture” could easily become a benchmark in production for the genre when creating a stylish release that isn’t meant to have beats and effects go over the top. L.A. duo Slander, Denver’s Said The Sky (noted for his impressive work with Illenium) and Alison have all outdone themselves here to give us a record that will endure while remaining true to the genre, and I think fans will simply adore it.

FEATURING

COBI, “Can’t Have It All”

L.A. based singer/songwriter Cobi brings us another bluesy rocker, “Can’t Have It All”.  Lyrically it’s a cathartic release about letting some things and people go in our lives, and in reflection, looking out for what’s best for you. Cobi has amazing range and it’s so well suited for this style that he’s chosen to pursue. The song may seem dark but self-realization can feel good in the end, and “Can’t Have It All” captures this well.

JAY BIRD, MAKI FLOW, “Divine and Misery”

Dipping into a trance-flavoured melody this time, Bay area electronic dance producer Jay Bird has released “Divine and Misery” in collaboration with go-to topliner/songwriter Maki Flow for the enduring Blanco y Negro on their Spitfire Music label. Maki Flow’s expressive vocal and the infectious chorus – kind of a cousin to Ariana Grande’s “Love Me Harder” – are supported by Jay Bird’s astute attention to detail and a flowing melody. The song is about accepting someone who loves you, warts and all – but with the condition that if they are going to love you, they have to be “all in” too. 

BOY ARIES, “Comets + Death of Time”

Boy Aries is the new performing name for singer/songwriter Jordan Radics, who most recently fronted the promising Toronto-based alt.rock group Blajk (2017’s “Lethal”). And it’s great to hear his deep, rich voice again on “Comets + The Death of Time”, though I’m not exactly sure what the low-key alt.pop song is all about. In the end it seems that love will rule all so hearing Boy Aries’ passionate vocal sing “I’ll love you till the death of time” repeatedly makes you believe it even more. Let’s hope we’ll see Boy Aries return to live performances sometime soon too.

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.

It’s also the Highest Debut on the BILLCS Top 30 this week – “Hero” by Martin Garrix & JVKE

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.

“Surfing in Iceland” by Oregon singer/songwriter Goth Babe (aka Griff Washburn)

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK OF THE WEEK

Hunter J. Wilbur is the host of the online radio shows “Modern Hype” and “Addictive Energy” (returning this Saturday!) which can be heard on several online stations including Classic Hits Canada.

“Daydreaming”, a Top 40 Canadian radio hit by singer Noelle with Virginia To Vegas

“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.

Starland Vocal Band – Afternoon Delight (1976)
Mel and Tim – Backfield In Motion (1969)
Heart – Magic Man (1975)
Loverboy – Turn Me Loose (1981)
David Bowie – Changes (1972)

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Yours” by Conan Gray

 

 

 

Progressive electronic producer @NGHTMRE takes you on a sci-fi journey with new video for “Fear + Love” from his recent album “DRMVRSE”

NGHTMRE, “Fear + Love” (video)

Video is the perfect platform for much of the music of Connecticut-born Tyler Marenyi, otherwise known as NGHTMRE. And not long after the release of his powerful and wonderfully melodic album DRMVRSE, he brings us a fanciful sci-fi video by combining two tracks from the album as “Fear + Love”. It’s a captivating visual incorporating live action and digital animation in what might be a story into whose middle we have been thrust. The futuristic setting is unique, and there is both potential romance and peril in store for the lead characters. Ultimately what this video needs is a bit more context and perhaps that is forthcoming if there will be more videos to explain more of the story. It’s definitely ambitious and fascinating to watch. Fans of video games will whole-heartedly approve. I had the pleasure of seeing NGHTMRE perform a show this summer in Las Vegas, which contained a riveting half-hour that left me out of breath. DRMVRSE includes the recent single “Fall Into Me”, with frequent collaborators SLANDER and Dylan Matthew, and if you enjoyed Illenium’s Ascend as much as I did, then DRMVRSE is waiting for you to hear.

NYC-based electronic producer Greg Oakland shines with complex new instrumental “Convalescence”

GREG OAKLAND, “Convalescence”

Following up his recent trance instrumental “Sanguine Energy”, NYC-based producer Greg Oakland returns with the complex “Convalescence”. This is a dreamy track layered with mixed emotions, one which fans of the trance genre would Shazam if they were in a club or at a festival. It’s best to check out the extended version above for full effect (edit is below), which allows the track to build and for the hook to kick in solidly, allowing the rest of the song to flow by quickly. I’m no expert at this genre so I don’t have many reference points as fans do. But for “Convalescence” to be picked up by no less than trance veterans Aly & Fila for release on the recent Future Sound Vol. 8 EP for their label Future Sounds of Egypt is pretty wild. Right now you can pick it up on Beatport for download.

The evolution of @Trivectamusic continues with “Back To The Start” from new album “The Way Back Up”

TRIVECTA and ISAAC WARBURTON, “Back To The Start”

On the eve of the release of his album The Way Back Up, Florida-based producer Trivecta continues to show why he is someone to always keep your eyes and ears on for solid music. “Back To The Start” is an optimistic ode to starting over and not giving up, and it’s bound to be a festival favourite. The focus this time is not on dubstep or future bass, but melodic and euphoric progressive electronic sounds. Aided by a top notch vocal by Isaac Warburton, “Back To The Start” immediately draws you in and leaves you wanting more, and that’s your clue to dive deeper into The Way Back Up. It has already been preceded by three singles and features stalwarts like Rico & Miella with strong assists.

Canadian progressive electronic dance producers @WeAreFury delve into dark future bass with “Crown” featuring @Brassiemusic and @KyReynoldsmusic

WE ARE FURY, BRASSIE and KYLE REYNOLDS, “Crown”

At the end of 2021, Canadian production duo We Are Fury were dabbling with drum ‘n bass sounds in their song “Belong”. Since then, they continue to hone their skills in the future bass sub-genre with a new EP on the way called The Lost and The Damned. Their most recent single “Crown” will be included in that EP. The dark and intriguing song features a lead vocal by new Washington DC-based singer Brassie, with the chorus anchored by the familiar voice of California singer Kyle Reynolds, who you’ve already heard on songs by the likes of Griffyn, Said the Sky, and Two Friends, among others. Brassie’s vocal teases and entices you in, while Kyle sings about the focus of the story in “Crown”. That production and synth work is skilful, creative and playful, which makes “Crown” one of We Are Fury’s best singles to date. Check out the compelling video above – it looks like Joachim and Stuart of We Are Fury got to have the blindfolded roles throughout!

.@ManilaKilla uses drum ‘n bass inspiration for “Take Me Higher” featuring @fknsyd

MANILA KILLA and FKNSYD, “Take Me Higher”

With “Take Me Higher”, dance producer Manila Killa goes down a more progressive electronic path than usual, incorporating drum ‘n bass flavours that really invigorate this release. In fact “Take Me Higher” could easily be a rock and roll record with the addition of live instruments like electric guitar. But with that aside the synth work is really impressive and the song has a fun, frenetic pace to it. He also added vocals by FKNSYD which help make it sound richer with that other layer. “Take Me Higher” more than sustains it’s 4 1/2 minutes length, and the stylistic musical journey of Manila Killa continues to evolve.

#BILLCSTop30 #637 – April 11/22

This new edition of the chart was a particularly tough one to compile. It’s because there’s so much music out there that I enjoy, even beyond those songs that I write about. So what happens is that the songs now move up and down and off the chart quickly. The oldest songs now in my Top 30 are 16 weeks old (8 appearances) – from the first chart of this year! – and just about any artist with a song on the chart for 10 weeks (5 appearances) has already released one or more songs in follow up. Songs deserve a longer shelf life – the maximum a song can remain on my chart is 20 weeks (10 appearances), and songs don’t reach 10 appearances very much anymore. The music industry currently alludes that the more you write and release, the more money and exposure you might get. At one level perhaps that’s true, but I don’t think that’s the case at all with most indie artists. This is a model that is fracturing that the music industry will have to mend soon. It means burnout – physical and financial – for indie artists, and a short life span for some very worthy songs. 

That being said, there’s a new #1 and four debuts!

Make sure you read about my ONLINE RADIO AFFILIATES (see details after the post)!

Washington electronic duo Odesza achieve something rare on the chart – two consecutive number ones, nearly four years apart, which are their only chart appearances to date. Their jaw-dropping rework of Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy”, as “The Last Goodbye” (which will be the title of their upcoming album) charges up the chart 4-1, following the lead of their now-classic “Loyal” in the Fall of 2018. And yes, I’ve got my ticket to their concert in my city on their summer tour. Watch the magnetic video performance above too.

That means “High” by The Chainsmokers holds at #2, but it’s in great company, because next to their three number ones on the chart, it becomes their fourth #2, following “Let You Go”, “Sick Boy”, and “Everybody Hates Me”.  Their new album So Far So Good arrives on May 13.

Frankmusik’s gorgeous “The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky” advances 6-3, becoming his highest reaching chart entry since 2013’s #1 “Map”.

One of the most melodic pop singles out there is “Don’t Wake Me Up” by Jonas Blue and Why Don’t We, which rises 7-5.  It’s the second Top 5 entry for Jonas Blue, following 2016’s “Fast Car” (#3).

The Fastest Riser on the chart soars 25-8, and it’s “Aretha” by French dance producer Mercer. It’s his third Top 10 entry on the chart.

“Oxygen” climbs 11-9, becoming the 4th Top 10 on the chart for German producers Saxity, and it’s also their third Top 10 with Victor Perry on vocals.  For Victor however, it’s his 13th Top 10 entry. Still, it’s hard to beat a team like this!

Rounding out the Top 10 is “Reflection”, a deep cut from Years & Years’ deluxe edition of the Night Call album, which moves 12-10. It’s Olly Alexander’s 10th song to reach the Top 10.

“Hold Me Down” by Italy’s Luca and Giam with vocal by Florida’s Sam Merkin is quickly becoming one of the chart’s highlights as it rises 19-11.

Florence Welch hasn’t sounded as good in years as on “My Love” (above), from Florence & The Machine’s upcoming album Dance Fever. The song climbs 28-17, and was recently remixed simply as the “Dave Glass Animals Remix”. You can check out what a fine job Dave did below.

“Tuff” by VASSY and gt_ofice is a fun national dance radio hit and moving up the chart nicely, as it advances 27-21.

To the surprise of no one, the highest debut on the chart belongs to Harry Styles with the magnetic “As It Was” at #25.  It now has the task of following 2019/20’s “Lights Up” and “Adore You” to the top of the chart. Think Harry can do it again? “As It Was” also continues to prove what a great voice he has. It’s from his forthcoming album called Harry’s House.

At #27 is “First Time” by L.A.’s Damon Sharpe in collaboration with the #1 future house producer/DJ in Asia, Tokyo-based VIVID. “First Time” follows up last year’s “15 Minutes” (#5) by Damon with The Disco Fries.

“Fall Into Me” is destined to be an inescapable progressive electronic song of the summer for festival goers and fans of its L.A.-based producers, NGHTMRE and SLANDER, and its vocalist, Dylan Matthew, who all appear on the chart for the first time. “Fall Into Me” bows at #28.

Completing the chart at #30 is Toronto area native Ryan Shepherd with vocalist Bella Renee on their single “The High”.  It’s Ryan’s fourth chart entry, and he’s playing an already sold-out show at The Garrison in Toronto on May 7 with LUN and Glass Petals.

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

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.  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, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario!

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada –  I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm with my New Music Pick of the Week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments.  A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” now airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA .  NOTE: The show will not air on April 12 and 13.

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST, and now on WXNZ, community radio in Maine!

 

“Fall Into Me” is an anthemic EDM heartbreaker from the powerhouse trio of @NGHTMRE @Slanderofficial and @itsDylanMatthew

NGHTMRE & SLANDER and DYLAN MATTHEW, “Fall Into Me”

Heartbreak and desperation are often popular themes in the electronic dance music world because they so suit the intensity of complex synth arrangements and huge beats. Spawned during lockdown times in the pandemic, “Fall Into Me” is by the American dream team of NGHTMRE, production duo Slander, and singer/songwriter Dylan Matthew, is destined to be a classic for festival season which is now upon us. The arrangement doesn’t go too heavy, which makes a lot of the detailed synth work really sparkle, and Dylan’s driven, weary vocal perfectly suits the backdrop. NGHTMRE and Slander have worked together several times before and the ongoing symmetry in their songs is obvious, and Dylan has worked with Slander – their song together, “Love Is Gone”, just was certified Gold. “Fall Into Me” is a powerful electronic dance release that you’ll be hearing for the rest of the year. NGHTMRE is coming off of his set at Ultra Miami, and the song is the first single from his upcoming album.

Bay area electronic producer @JayB1rdmusic teams up with Canada’s Nivek Fforhs for the epic-sounding future bass of “Your Light”

JAY BIRD & NIVEK FFORHS, “Your Light”

After releasing some more house and pop crossover flavoured dance tracks recently, Bay area producer Jay Bird steps back into some future bass grooves for “Your Light”, recorded in collaboration with new Canadian producer Nivek Ffohrs.  It’s easy to picture this one being played at a big arena future bass concert. The producers take their time with “Your Light” to let it build until the uncredited female vocal really takes off. By then, there’s no turning back and the song’s taut and progressive arrangement makes you hang on her every word. Future bass lovers will flock to this one, but like with songs by the genre’s reigning king, Illenium, there is plenty of appeal for pop/dance music lovers too.