Years & Years – BILLCSMUSIC BLOG

BILLCS New Music Report – March 6/24 with new songs by @Alexander_Olly, Afroki (@Afrojack & @SteveAoki) & @Aviellamusic, Fie Eike, @K3SSmusic & @BrittLari, @Gt_ofice x @MatthewTopper_ x @SarahdeWarren, @BenedictCork, @thisisNoanne, and @SidSethsings

Now that Beyoncé has successfully crossed genres with her two country singles, what’s next in 2024? Everything has gone quiet again. An artist of lesser stature can’t do the same without either a significant label push or a significant social media drive. Artists who are versatile should be able to cross genres, other than to pop, which has been done frequently, but the industry is too fixed on boxing them into one genre, which makes it next to impossible. That also allows radio to exclude artists who don’t record in a genre that suits their programming. I’m not sure if labels try to promote every release at pop radio as they did more than 25 years ago because no one in promotions or at radio is bold enough anymore to try and be a visionary. Anyone got a crystal ball?

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 DJ Hunter’s “Bop of the Week”. “The Musicman” James Rogers from online radio’s “3D Variety Show” has his Classic Five from 1979 that mostly aren’t disco. I also have my “5-10-15-20-25” feature, looking back on the Top 5 songs in five of the last 25 years from the BILLCS Top 30. One of the artists whose new song I wrote about in this Report has a song on one of those charts too!

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.

OLLY ALEXANDER, “Dizzy”

What better way to break away from the Years & Years moniker than for Olly Alexander to lead “Dizzy” into Eurovision for the UK with his new single “Dizzy”. The more you listen to “Dizzy”, the more infectious it becomes, and it’s not a far stretch from some of Years & Years’ best releases, which hard to believe, go back almost a decade now. “Dizzy” has a mass-appeal factor for audiences because of its common theme about falling in love, and Olly offers another engaging performance which shows why he is where he is today. I’ll still reserve judgment about its chances at winning Eurovision until I hear the other songs that it’s up against, but “Dizzy”, like many other songs from past Eurovision contests, is a hit in its own right.

AFROKI, AVIELLA, “Everything You Do”

And the trend continues – like with Kx5 and more recently Endless Summer, Afroki is the new side-project for Steve Aoki and Afrojack, in which they can mesh their formidable production talents. “Everything You Do” is their first release partnered Proximity’s new label Golden Era, and it’s a festival banger that you’ll be hearing a lot of in the coming months. The producers playfully go at the beats and rhythms with all of their know-how. Vocalist/songwriter Aviella has been a go-to talent in dance music for a few years, working solo or with artists like MYRNE, Acraze and Unknown Brain, with several releases also on Monstercat, and her crisp, classy vocal brings the chorus home. “Everything You Do” is an enjoyable listen with big, anthemic qualities that will garner instant reaction.

FIE EIKE, “Sad”

About a month ago, I brought you words about “The Nile” by Danish singer Fie Eike, who in that song brought alternative electronic pop vibes that would appeal to fans of Kate Bush and Tori Amos, but with a more progressive alternative setting. “Sad” shows that there is much more to Fie Eike than that initial impression. “Sad” is a piano ballad that will appeal to fans of Adele and YEBBA for the sheer beauty of Fie Eike’s vocal in a raw setting. It’s a song about embracing sadness when you’re in the moment, and to be present when you need to absorb the changes around us, which can often affect our emotions and sentiments. Fie Eike gives a taut performance and “Sad” is an engrossing song, not as heavy at all despite what its subject matter might convey, so do yourself a favour and add it to your music discovery list.

K3SS, BRITT LARI, “Deeper”

“Deeper” is a tightly-woven, dark, late night deep house track by San Diego dance producer K3SS with collaborator and vocalist Britt Lari. Both are no strangers to this blog, and it’s great to hear their progression with this kind of cutting edge production being released through Dim Mak. Britt’s seductive vocal combined with K3SS’ bounty of synths and sounds make “Deeper” an easy mix for club DJ’s who want songs that will stand out for their patrons.

GT_OFICE, MATTHEW TOPPER, SARAH DE WARREN, “No Tears”

I normally dislike the use of vocal effects in a song, but if you want to hear a judicious use of them to expand on a hook, then “No Tears” is for you. Two gifted dance producers, Miami’s Gt_ofice and New Jersey-born Matthew Topper, enhance the song with effects and their respective styles while still keeping the always lovely voice of collaborator Sarah de Warren intact. It’s an early summer bop that revolves around the phrase “no tears left to cry”, not too long ago a popular song by Ariana Grande, so the sentiment still lingers for listeners. “No Tears” is dance music radio ready, and could very well follow Gt_ofice’s recent Top 30 hit with ALWZ SNNY and Robbie Rosen, “Feels Like Us” (which also reached #3 on the BILLCS Top 30), onto the charts.

BENEDICT CORK, “Nice Guy”

UK singer/songwriter Benedict Cork just completed a North American tour and has more music coming soon, but he breaks his pop-oriented mold a bit for “Nice Guy”. It’s a rock-flavoured track that weaves a story many of us know, about being nice guys who want more out of relationships and continually get passed over for others who more often than not just want one night stands or short-term flings. Classic rock music styles are coming back into vogue, and Benedict sounds great in a more amped up setting that fleshes out the musicality of “Nice Guy”. Check out a live performance of “Nice Guy” by clicking on the photo above.

NOANNE, “Forgiveness”

Prague-based multi-talent Noanne is on a roll with “Forgiveness”, which follows up “Goodwill” and “White Glove”. Like both singles, “Forgiveness” is another powerful and dramatic affair, with Noanne launching into the song like Florence Welch meets Sarah Brightman. There’s no video this time, but story-wise the song is about finding forgiveness despite the path that led there, which often includes numerous unanswered questions. Sometimes we just have to let go and move on, and “Forgiveness” reassures the listener that it is possible. With her gifted vocal prowess, Noanne straddles theatricality with the essence of pop music, and comes through with an alternative take that captures the fine qualities of both.

SID SETH, “I’m Yours”

It’s been a while since I’ve written about NYC-based singer/songwriter Sid Seth, who came to my attention with the easy-going pop flavours of “Simple But True” and “Caffeine High”. Sid strikes me as a genuine and committed talent, continuing with the earnest story-telling of “I’m Yours”, which seems to come naturally to him as he draws from all genres of music. “I’m Yours” has a solid vocal, and though it might be about 30 seconds too long for what it has to say, it’s an absorbing and fresh listen. Check out the VLOG lyric video by clicking on the photo 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 on several online radio stations around the world.

Young New Zealander Will Swinton is going to go far with songs like “Harmless”

“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”.

Singer, actress and model Heidi Klum covers Corey Hart’s “Sunglasses At Night” with production by Tiësto

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.

“Lift Off” is by French dance producer Dombresky

“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.

Lobo – Where Were You When I Was Falling In Love
The Knack – My Sharona
Ian Gomm – Hold On
Little River Band – Lonesome Loser
Michael Johnson – This Night Won’t Last Forever

THE BILLCS TOP 30 – 5-10-15-20-25…

The Top 5 songs from the BILLCS Top 30 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years ago…

2019

1 CLOSURE Steve Void, Andy Marsh

2 i’m so tired… Lauv, Troye Sivan

3 DON’T THINK TWICE Revelries, Sam Smyers, Oktavian

4 IN MY ARMS Mahalo, Le:Blanc

5 PLAY Jax Jones, Years & Years

2013

1 THE CITY River Tiber

2 LIFTED Kwik Fiks & Bongiovanni

3 CLARIFY Zedd, Foxes

4 A WORLD APART Davis Redfield

5 1998 Matthew Koma

2009

1 RUN AWAY Sam Taylor & The BBC Orchestra

2 BROKEN Pierre Lewis

3 RELEASE ME Agnes

4 BREATHING YOUR LOVE Darin, Kat DeLuna

5 RIGHT NOW Ryan Star

2003

1 ROCK YOUR BODY Justin Timberlake

2 THE WAY (PUT YOUR HAND IN MY HAND) Divine Inspiration

3 AM I ON YOUR MIND Oxygen, Andrea Britton

4 JUST THE WAY I’M FEELING Feeder

5 THE SOUND OF VIOLENCE Cassius, Steve Edwards

1999

1 EVERY MORNING Sugar Ray

2 LOST ONES Lauryn Hill

3 EX-FACTOR Lauryn Hill

4 MILLENNIUM Robbie Williams

5 BLUE MONDAY Orgy

#BILLCSTop30 #656 – January 2/23

2022 saw me strip back my blog posts to a maximum of twice a week, and the start of 2023 brings us one of those weeks with the arrival of a new personal chart. It has helped me immensely with properly preparing for the weekly BILLCS New Music Report, which will return on Wednesday. I’ve also been pleased with the reaction to my year end Top 100 and the accompanying online radio program which was broadcast four times on three different online stations. While the start of a new year doesn’t generally kick off with surprises, the influx of new tunes onto the chart is steady as I don’t allow songs to stay on the chart for more than 10 appearances (20 weeks) unless they are in an upward movement, which has only happened once and not now for almost 12 years.

The best places to communicate with me continue to be Twitter @billcs or Instagram @thebillcs or Facebook @BILLCSMusicProjects. Follow this blog using the “Follow” button at the bottom of the home page.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog.

Conan Gray’s “Yours” finished out 2022 as my #7 song of the year, and gets a third appearance at the top to begin the new year.

It looks like a battle for #1 is brewing in the Top 5. JVKE’s pop-waltz “Golden Hour” (above) inches up 3-2, while Darin’s fresh and funky “Satisfaction” (also above) climbs 6-3, with “The Power” by Matoma (7-4, below) right behind it, which also becomes Matoma’s personal best on this chart. Or will another song further down the chart steal it away from them? Stay tuned in two weeks!

The only new entry to the Top 10 is Years & Years take on Crystal Waters’ “100% Pure Love”, which rises 13-9. It’s Olly Alexander’s 11th trip to my Top 10, after having three Top 10’s finish in my 2022 Top 100 (at #19, #49, and #57 respectively).

There’s lots of movement on the chart, with four songs moving up six spots or more. “Worst Day” (above) by Illenium and MAX continues to show what a magical collaboration this is, as it rises 19-13. The Fastest Riser is the hypnotic “Black Mascara” (also above) by Greyson Chance, up 25-16, indicating another promising run on the chart after having two Top 10’s last year, including #2 “My Dying Spirit” which slides to #8. Armand Van Helden and Karen Harding’s revival of “Wings (I Won’t Let You Down)” (below) wastes no time in moving up 26-18, and Lena Leon’s #1 dance radio hit “Spiral” (also below) climbs 27-20.

With singer/songwriter JVKE eyeing #1 in two weeks, it’s timely to see him on the chart again, this time rather unexpectedly with Martin Garrix on the anthem “Hero”, which bows at #22, giving both artists two songs on the chart this week. It’s also Martin’s 12th entry on this chart.

At #24 is the debut entry from Australian singer/songwriter Mallrat who has teamed up with The Chainsmokers to give us another song that goes down easily next to The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” and other gentle pop/dance releases. The thoughtful song is “Wish On An Eyelash, Pt. 2”, which bows at #24. It’s The Chainsmokers’ 13th appearance on my chart.

English singer/songwriter Benedict Cork returns to the chart with the haunting and melodic “Dream Of You” at #27. It’s his third time on my chart, and both of his previous entries reached the Top 5.

Returning to the chart with his second entry and his flair for ballads, Benson Boone puts his wonderful wordsmithing skills to use in “Before You” at #28. His first entry of course was last year’s “In The Stars”, which reached #2 and was my #21 song of 2022.

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.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

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

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free. “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

I’m featured Tuesdays between 7 and 7:30 pm EST with my New Music Pick of the Week which debuts every week on “The 3D Variety Show” with “The Musicman” James Rogers, and I also join occasionally for looks at music from our past through some live segments. A repeat of “The 3D Variety Show” airs on Wednesdays at 7pm EST on Radio GTA. My pick of the week airs 20 times during the week and you can view its schedule by clicking here. You can hear past episodes of The 3D Variety Show at this link.

Addictive Energy (returning on Saturday January 7)

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

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side! There have been some changes and they will be updated soon.

#BILLCSTop30 #654 – December 5/22

My chart is three days early as I will be going on my first week-long cruise on Saturday, and plan to take a break from my regular routines to enjoy everything that it has to offer. With this kind of trip, vacation means vacation! A reminder too that there will be no BILLCS New Music Report until Wednesday, December 14.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they are increasingly tied in with this blog.

The new chart is my second last for 2022 and marks another shakeup, including another new #1. Conan Gray’s stunning ballad “Yours” makes the big leap 6-1 for his first chart topper which is culled from his album Superache. It’s also an early Happy Birthday for Conan, who turns 24 on Monday!!

Remaining at #2 is “My Dying Spirit” by Greyson Chance from the Palladium album. It’s kind of odd to have two songs that aren’t from the electronic dance world at the top, but these ones are very deserving. And Greyson performed one of my favourite concerts of the year last night in Toronto. Though he said he was nervous he was deeply committed and I felt that the concert was the equivalent of a musical group hug.

“Golden Hour” (above) by JVKE rises 10-6, as a new duet of the song, featuring British singer Cat Burns (below), is released, to try and capitalize on the Top 40 success of “Golden Hour” in the UK. As much as I enjoyed Cat’s duet with Sam Smith on “Go” earlier this year, I think that “Golden Hour” is just fine with JVKE solo, though do listen for yourself to decide. And have you noticed that most of the song is pretty much a waltz?

Charlie Puth gets a 31st birthday present today as “Charlie Be Quiet” climbs 14-8, becoming his fourth Top 10 on my chart, from his album Charlie.

L.A. based singer/songwriter Lily Lane’s dynamic and dramatic “Bad” climbs 12-9 from her EP Queen of Hearts. I enjoy how the singer borrows stylistically from some singers and their songs – in the chorus I clearly hear Adele’s “Rumour Has It”.

Norway’s Matoma gets his 3rd Top 10 and first in 4 years with new sports anthem “The Power” soaring 19-10. He previously reached #6 in 2016 with “False Alarm” (with Becky Hill) and #10 in 2018 with “Lonely” (with MAX).

Toronto’s Crash Adams has been picked up by Warner Records and their fun and breezy single “Give Me A Kiss” climbs 18-12.

I’m hoping that Joel Corry & Tom Grennan’s “Lionheart (Fearless)” becomes a huge North American hit outside of dance radio and clubs. This potent anthem bolts 21-13.

The Fastest Riser on the chart – to no surprise to regular readers – is “Satisfaction” (above) by Darin, which vaults 26-14. It looks like the Swedish star is destined for a fourth Top 10 in a row. And might there be a fifth? His pop cover of Johnossi’s “What’s The Point” (below) debuts at #25.

I’ve been enjoying how Martin Garrix has been tapping into more alternative electronica rather than focusing on dance pop or festival bangers. His collaboration with DallasK and vocalist Sasha Alex Sloan, “Loop”, rises 22-17.

The rest of the previous chart’s debuts also make headway. “100% Pure Love” (above), the Crystal Waters classic redone by Years & Years, climbs 27-19. Then there’s the winning collaboration of Tiësto and Tate McRae for “10:35” (also above), which moves up 28-21. And right behind is Zac Poor’s beautiful indie release “Ghost Boy” (below), up 29-22. Although “Ghost Boy” ultimately confronts homophobic behaviour, if you listen closely to the lyrics you may also relate if you have ever been bullied or have been made deliberately to feel out of place.

The Highest Debut belongs to two of my faves, Illenium and MAX, two artists I would never have thought would work together, but here they are with “Worst Day” at #24. The song to me could have even been an outtake from Illenium’s Ascend album. It’s a heavenly match and more on the pop side than usual for Illenium, and introduces MAX to yet another audience. “Worst Day” is Illenium’s 10th chart entry, following last year’s #1 “Sideways”, and it’s MAX’s 12th and first in almost two years!

At #28, Canadian dance producer DLMT makes his chart debut along with Australia-based duo Party Shirt with the immensely fun “Goin’ Down”. This one is tailored for New Year’s Eve parties and just try to resist moving around to it.

And at #29, New York City-based but Israel-born dance producer GATTÜSO returns with his second chart entry, “I’ll Be There”, which is graced with the voice of go-to dance singer/songwriter Zak Abel. GATTÜSO reached #8 earlier this year with “Afterglow” in collaboration with Nicky Romero and singer/songwriter Jared Lee.

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.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

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

Halton Hills Online

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Addictive Energy (currently on hiatus until January)

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 30/22 spotlighting @Tailsxbeats & @mrBenjiLewis @EdenPrincemusic & @KarenHarding @weareApolloLTD

The BILLCS New Music Report is six editions deep already, and I must say that I’ve been pleased with the positive reaction to the new format. I can review more new music – usually, like this week, 10 songs in a week – and can better manage my time to prepare it all for you.

On that note, I’m taking a week’s vacation beginning on Saturday December 3 and will return on Saturday December 10, so there will be no BILLCS New Music Report next Wednesday. It will return on Wednesday December 14. But I will have a new BILLCS Top 30 chart blog for you, three days earlier than usual, on Friday December 2!!

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 offers a varied selection from 1984-85 in his Classic Five pop hits. Plus I list the BILLCS Top 30 #1’s for each year from 1998 to 2021!

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

TAILS, BENJI LEWIS, “is that ok?”

“is that ok?” taps into a lot familiar melodic electronic and guitar sounds, but ends up being a substantially unique electronic alt.pop release from Vancouver producer Tails (aka Spencer Reid). I enjoy how uncomplicated “is that okay?” sounds but yet you can hear all of the work that went into it. Australian singer Benji Lewis’ emotive vocal taps into the longing and nostalgia that happens when you’ve had a good romantic experience with someone, but in the end it just didn’t click. So “is that ok?” ends up being a rhetorical song title but a reassuring song about being perfectly fine with retaining feelings and memories for someone, which help make us all better people. “is that ok?” comes from Tails’ forthcoming EP called (unannounced).

EDEN PRINCE, KAREN HARDING, “Last Christmas”

Wham!’s essential holiday song “Last Christmas” is given a tidy house rework by British producer Eden Prince and the sensational Karen Harding. They don’t rely on the original very much and that’s what makes their take on “Last Christmas” really shine. It features one of Karen’s best vocals in a while, loaded with the heartfelt longing at the holiday season that’s conveyed by George Michael’s lyrics. So if you’re looking for something contemporary to perk up your evening playlist of Christmas songs, Eden Prince and Karen Harding’s rendition of “Last Christmas” is positively swoon-worthy.

APOLLO LTD, “Run”

Nashville duo Apollo LTD released one of my favourite albums of 2019, Out Of Body, so it’s nice to catch up with them again with “Run”, thanks to hearing it on my friend Hunter’s online radio show. Reminiscent of their own “On The Way Up 2.0” (which peaked at #4 on the BILLCS Top 30) as well as artists like Bastille or Imagine Dragons, “Run” is a joyous new, richly produced fist-pumping anthem with a commanding vocal that shows Jordan Phillips and Adam Stark have not let up these past few years and after the release of another album, Nothing Is Ordinary Everything Is Beautiful. Let’s hope that “Run” is the start of another fine string of new music from this talented duo.

FEATURING

TheFatRat, EVERGLOW, “Ghost Light”

“Ghost Light” is an intriguing new track that steps away from the regular melodies and rhythms that you find in most of today’s dance tracks, and offers something funky, mysterious, and anthemic instead. German electronic dance producer TheFatRat is no stranger to experimentation, and this time he veers towards trap sounds with vocals by K-Pop sextet Everglow. It all works out beautifully, with Everglow’s supercharged vocals luring you to follow the song’s theme of desire. “Ghost Light” is a big win for both artists but especially for K-Pop fans, and the melody of the chorus is destined to get stuck in your head.

ALTÉGO, “I Wanna Know”

Many of you already know ALTÉGO, the UK-based producer/DJ’s otherwise known as twins Lukas and Michael Fernandes-Pendse, from their entertaining Instagram and TikTok posts, which led to a surprise radio hit earlier in the year with their mashup of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and Ginuwine’s “Pony”, as “Toxic Pony”. And though they prove their infectious creativity over and over again with their mashups, “I Wanna Know” sets them in original recording territory, and they have lots of pedigree help. First, the music of “I Wanna Know” is based on CHIC’s 1980 release “Soup For One”, so it’s already got a zesty groove which they build upon. Next, co-writing the song with the boys are UK luminaries like Karen Harding and Lewis Thompson, and it’s eminently singable. The *yawn* pitched-down vocals are the only stumbling point and a regular singing voice could have made “I Wanna Know” really fly. Nevertheless, it’s still an above-average release and could help put ALTÉGO on the charts after some successful live performances this year in the UK.

LF SYSTEM, “Hungry (For Love)”

Scottish duo LF System have a hard act to follow – their massive hit “Afraid To Feel” (which peaked at #3 on the BILLCS Top 30) was #1 in the UK for eight weeks. Just as “Afraid To Feel” tapped into lesser known 70’s soulful R&B with a female vocal, “Hungry (For Love)” pivots towards obscure disco, again with an outstanding female vocalist, although it’s one that has a key name behind it. The song revolves around samples from “Hungry” by Sandy’s Gang, which was co-written and produced by the recently departed and renown disco producer Patrick Adams. So “Hungry (For Love)” stands as a fine, if perhaps unintended, tribute to Patrick while being a smart fusion of electronica and disco that will rev up club goers. At only 2:09, it’s a quick but loaded shot of a good time.

LAUREN MAYHEW, ANGELO BASHAM, “I’m Living”

It’s always awesome to see two artists that I’ve written about separately getting to collaborate together. Florida multi-talent Lauren Mayhew and German dance producer Angelo Basham join forces with the deep house banger “I’m Living”. Lauren’s versatile voice always works wonders in a house music setting, and Angelo’s precision production and rich synth work flesh out the song into an inviting and club-worthy release. Let “I’m Living” start off your weekend party soundtrack – definitely one to cue up for New Year’s Eve!

TWO FRIENDS, BRYCE VINE, “Graduated”

I was surprised it actually hadn’t happened yet, but Two Friends and Bryce Vine collaborating together are like three peas in a pod. Their release together “Graduated” has an irresistible, singalong chorus – something that’s becoming a trademark of Two Friends releases – and it’s carried by Bryce’s laid back, personable, WSIWYG vocal. Two Friends recently peaked at #9 with “Timebomb” (with Mod Sun) on the BILLCS Top 30, and continue to make amiable anthems that go down easy in their Big Booty mixes and in concert.

LOLA DUTRONIC, “The Christmas Disco”

What’s there not to love about a song called “The Christmas Disco” by those Canadian-German purveyors of infectious dance tunes, Lola Dutronic? This re-release (originally from a few years back) is well-timed for the first fully celebratory holiday season since 2019, a light, fun song meant to be your companion piece when you decide to slip on those platform shoes, your Christmas party cap, and grab a glass of bubbly or two. And if you have a disco mirrorball or colourful party lights, then you are all set! “The Christmas Disco” is a pleasing alternative to those repetitive Christmas classics. It follows up Lola Dutronic’s “Let’s All Dance (Our Last Summer)”, which recently peaked at #9 on the BILLCS Top 30.

MARK LEE, “Christmas Time Is Here”

“Christmas Time Is Here” is an awesome choice for a cover of the modern day holiday classic that doesn’t get enough attention. Its origins of course are in Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack to the 1965 TV special “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. Mark Lee, Georgia Music Hall of Fame member formerly of the Grammy-winning band Third Day, does a fine job with capturing the sentiment of the song, though to me it is strangely missing harmonies, which would have given it a big boost and connected it more to the original. But “Christmas Time” is a solid add for your Christmas playlists and guaranteed to attract attention since it’s just not heard often enough.

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.

Years & Years with a cover of Crystal Waters’ classic “100% Pure Love”

“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.

“Himalayas” by Vancouver alt.pop singers Elijah Blond & KNOWN and producer KULTARGOTBOUNCE

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK 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. (currently on hiatus till January).

“Memory Lane” by Latvian electronic dance producer Tobu

“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.

This week, songs that helped define 1984-85.

Prince – When Doves Cry
Stevie Wonder – I Just Called To Say I Love You
Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is
Whitney Houston – Saving All My Love For You
Tina Turner – What’s Love Got To Do With It

24 YEARS OF BILLCS TOP 30 #1’s

Songs that rocked my personal chart at this time during the last 24 years.

1998 YOU GET WHAT YOU GIVE New Radicals
1999 THE FUTURE OF THE FUTURE (STAY GOLD) Everything But The Girl with Deep Dish
2000 HERE WITH ME Dido
2001 BLACK BLACK HEART David Usher
2002 SERVE THE EGO (Gabriel & Dresden remix) Jewel
2003 DEEPEST BLUE Deepest Blue
2004 THEY MIGHT SAY Mitchell Hunter
2005 PRETTY VEGAS INXS
2006 FUTURE SEX/LOVE SOUND Justin Timberlake
2007 ME, MYSELF AND (I) Darren Hayes
2008 RELAPSE Jesse McCartney
2009 ALONE Dan Black
2010 RESURRECTION (Penguin Prison remix) The Temper Trap
2011 CAN’T HELP MYSELF (KEEP DANCING) Matt Blue
2012 DON’T YOU WORRY CHILD Swedish House Mafia featuring John Martin
2013 AN OPEN HEART Bright Light Bright Light
2014 SAY YOU LOVE ME Jessie Ware
2015 HELLO Adele
2016 STARBOY The Weeknd f/ Daft Punk
2017 NEED YOUR HEART Latchmere
2018 PHANTOM OF THE DANCE FLOOR Kiesza featuring Philippe Roy
2019 LIGHTS UP Harry Styles
2020 DIAMONDS Sam Smith
2021 HOLDING ME MORE Darin

#BILLCSTop30 #653 – November 21/22

There’s a lot of big moves on the new edition of the chart, so I’ll be focusing on writing about those. But there’s a change-up at #1 too and four steaming hot debuts.

My chart continues to be posted bi-weekly below with an accompanying blog post. The regular blog posts under the new name The BILLCS New Music Report now appear weekly on Wednesdays.

Check out my ONLINE RADIO SHOWS below too as they will become increasingly tied in with the BILLCS New Music Report. This week I am on air LIVE on Tuesday November 22 at 8pm EST counting down Toronto’s Top 10 from this week in 1969 on the 3D Variety Show.

ANNOUNCEMENT

I would normally publish the next chart blog post on Monday December 5. However I will be away on vacation from December 3 to 10, so it will appear three days early, on Friday December 2!

I always look forward to this song coming up on my personal playlists, so there is absolutely no reason why it shouldn’t be the new #1 song on the BILLCS Top 30. Up 2-1 it’s the crazy infectious “The Boss” by French producers Coopex and Charles B with NYC singer/songwriter Robbie Rosen. It’s the first #1 for both producers, but the second for Robbie, following last year’s glorious “Sanctuary” which he made with Dutch producer Howen.

Coming up close behind and looking to succeed it in two weeks is “My Dying Spirit” by Greyson Chance, which soars 7-2 and ties “Dancing Next To Me”, which also reached #2 in 2020. “My Dying Spirit” comes from Greyson’s fascinating album Palladium, and I am so looking forward to seeing him perform in concert in Toronto on Thursday December 1!!

The Fastest Riser on the chart is one that I simply cannot get enough of – it draws me in and makes me sing along every time. From his album Superache, Conan Gray’s “Yours” vaults 22-6 to follow “Memories” (which peaked at #4) into the Top 10. Conan is currently touring in eastern Asia.

Also making an impressive move is Stephen Sanchez, whose “Until I Found You” sails 16-7. The production and its layered harmonies sounds to me like The Everly Brothers (specifically Phil Everly) in a contemporary setting!

Amid all of the movement, two more songs land in the Top 10. Two Friends and Mod Sun climb 11-9 with the crowd-pleaser “Timebomb” (above), while Rhode Island native JVKE’s impressive “Golden Hour” (below) moves up 18-10!

“Charlie Be Quiet” by Charlie Puth moves up 20-14. It’s short and sweet but packs a big punch!

Toronto singer Shawn Molko rises 28-16 with the absolutely beautiful ballad “I Will Wait”. He’s definitely a new talent to keep your eyes and ears on.

Also from Toronto, pop/rock duo Crash Adams knows how to package up a lot of fun in just under three minutes with “Give Me A Kiss” (26-18), which is their third chart entry to date. Watch the video too above too, which is shot in Southern California.

Then soaring 29-19 is “The Power” by Matoma, sure to be a New Year’s Eve anthem this year!

It’s not going to take long for a commanding song like “Lionheart (Fearless)” by Joel Corry and Tom Grennan to get out of the lower reaches of this chart. This week it’s up 30-21.

The Highest Debut belongs to Sweden’s Darin as “Satisfaction” bows at #26. The fun and flirty single follows one of my summer faves, “Superstar” (which peaked at #2), and two #1’s, the ballad “Holding Me More” and last year’s “Can’t Stay Away”. In total it’s Darin’s 8th chart entry, going back to 2008.

Years & Years surprised us a few weeks back with a reverent cover of Crystal Waters’ “100% Pure Love”. Yes folks, it’s THAT good, and arrives at #27. It’s Y&Y’s 12th entry on the chart, and 4th this year, and follows the immensely appealing Night Call album, from which three songs (including #2 “Sweet Talker” with Galantis) reached my Top 10. Olly Alexander’s vocal is especially playful on this release!

After watching his sensational set in Las Vegas this past summer, it’s no surprise to me that Tiësto gets his first chart entry in three years with “10:35” featuring Calgary’s Tate McRae at #28 from his upcoming album Drive. This is exquisite ear candy for radio, clubs and festivals, and Tiësto’s 6th chart entry, though he also has 4 entries as a remixer which begin as early as 2003! It’s also Tate’s 2nd entry after last year’s “You” with Regard and Troye Sivan.

The fourth debut is the brilliant release by Montana-born, L.A.-based singer/songwriter Zac Poor, a heartbreaking but hopeful track called “Ghost Boy” at #29. Although almost anyone can relate to its story, it’s the LGBTQ2S+ community to whom the song will mean a lot. Zac’s been a prolific songwriter for others like Tori Kelly, Backstreet Boys and Tate McRae – total coincidence their songs debut back to back! – over the past 10 years, along with releasing his own music periodically (and appearing in this blog), but this is his chart debut. Be sure to watch its lovely video above – tears or a big lump in your throat are likely, so keep a tissue handy.

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.

ONLINE RADIO SHOWS

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

Radio GTA

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

Halton Hills Online

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

Addictive Energy

This is a weekly show hosted by Hunter Wilbur that airs on several online stations but is anchored at Mix88.ca on Saturdays beginning at 8pm EST. Be sure to listen to Hunter’s special Thanksgiving show starting at 11 a.m. EST on Thursday November 24! You can hear past episodes of Addictive Energy at this link.

For other details about the shows, such as dates and times of broadcasts, go to my home page and scroll down to the bottom right side!

#BILLCSNewMusicReport – November 9/22 spotlighting @Darinofficial @DLMTmusic & @PartyShirt @YearsandYears @TheHim & @BullySongs #MByrd

Check out my posts about 10 new songs below, along with picks of the week from online radio buddies “Big Daddy” Russ Horton and Hunter Wilbur, and myself. “The Musicman” James Rogers offers more tunes from the 80’s in his Classic Five. Plus I recap this week’s BILLCS Top 30 new #1 and the Fastest Rising song 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

DARIN, “Satisfaction”

After three brilliant singles, it’s absolutely no surprise that “Satisfaction” is another newly minted gem for 2020’s Darin. Like “Superstar” and “Can’t Stay Away”, a flirty and sexy style of dance music for the Swedish pop sensation draws its influences from 80’s stars like Madonna, George Michael, Pet Shop Boys, and other risk takers who converted several of their songs into visual feasts too. Minus the unnecessary voyeuristic plot, the video for “Satisfaction” captures this too with Darin embracing his sexuality amid some eye-catching choreography.

DLMT & PARTY SHIRT, “Goin’ Down”

With the right club DJ and the right mix, “Goin’ Down” is one of those infectious dance tracks that could easily become a centrepiece in a mid-evening set. It’s brought to you by increasingly noted Toronto producer DLMT – he’s recently remixed Bad Bunny – and American-Australian producers and Tik Tok favourites Party Shirt. I’m certain the hook featuring Latin horns is a sample (but I can’t place it… help) and the producers totally smash the production in “Goin’ Down” with their loaded bag of tricks. “Goin’ Down” is one of those dance tracks you don’t want to let up and leaves you feeling exhilarated at the end.

YEARS & YEARS, “100% Pure Love”

Taking a break from original tunes after his fine album from earlier this year Night Call, Olly Alexander and team offer us “100% Pure Love”, a reverent cover of the 1994 Crystal Waters smash. It wouldn’t have occurred to me that this one could be a Years & Years song but it makes total sense. Olly certainly has fun with the vocal, and the supporting musicians nail the mid-90’s house bounce that it could not go without. It’s bound to sound fab at a Y&Y live event!

THE HIM and BULLYSONGS, “Violet Skies”

Dutch producer The Him continues to keep vibrant beats rolling, and switches it up a bit with the slower but funk-flavoured “Violet Skies”. The vocalist is BullySongs, a British artist probably known more as an epic hit-making songwriter for the dance music world cream of the crop like Armin van Buuren, Galantis and Don Diablo among others. His gentle, echo-filled vocal gives “Violet Skies” that soothing, delightful quality that you associate with watching a sunset on the beach. Notch up another impressive release for The Him!

M. BYRD, “Flood”

Although I haven’t written about his music till now, I’ve been paying attention to the growth of Germany-born singer/songwriter M. Byrd through the songs I’ve heard. His new song “Flood” almost sounds like a fresh start, a song about letting go of certain things and people in our lives, even if temporary, to lead your best life. M. Byrd describes it as follows:

“I like to think of it as a constant cascade, like a waterfall that is becoming stronger and stronger, the more it is raining. Musically I find that to be most apparent in the littler guitar melody that slowly weaves into the song…”

Musically, the song harkens back to late 80’s, early 90’s alt.pop/rock that evolved out of the new wave era by British groups like The Railway Children, House of Love, and The Mighty Lemon Drops – whether or not that could have been in M. Byrd’s trajectory is another thing. “Flood” is most enjoyable and also succeeds on its own merit as cathartic and ambitious.

FEATURING

COCO & BREEZY and TARA CAROSIELLI, “Just Say”

“You’re toxic but it only makes me wanna love you”

That memorable recent lyric might have been nagging you when you’ve heard it on your dance radio show, and it comes from “Just Say” by Coco & Breezy with singer/songwriter Tara Carosielli. The independent release has quickly made huge strides and is in the Top 20 nationally for dance music radio airplay. That’s great news for twin sisters Coco & Breezy, otherwise known as DJs/producers/ entrepreneurs Corianna and Brianna Dotson. Among their achievements include running a successful sunglasses company that began when they were teenagers, and performing as tour dancers with Prince. “Just Say” has a welcoming, light-hearted, playful vibe that fills a bankable void left by 90’s pop/R&B acts like TLC or Brandy.

MICHAEL MALCOLM and VICTOR PERRY, “Out Of My Mind”

NYC singer-songwriter Victor Perry teams up with new Canadian dance producer Michael Malcolm for “Out Of My Mind”. Some of Victor’s best releases have been in the deep house genre, and this song about being just a little bit more than infatuated goes down easy. Michael’s production isn’t full of effects or tricks, and ably showcases Victor’s superlative Michael Jackson-inspired vocal. Club DJ’s and dance radio shouldn’t sleep on this one!

OLLY MURS, “Die Of A Broken Heart”

Olly Murs is back with a fresh sound after four years since his last new music. He’s a superstar in England from the early ’10’s hits “Heart Skips A Beat” and “Troublemaker” (with Flo Rida) but is in comeback mode with the reggae-tinged “Die of a Broken Heart”. And it’s a nice change from recording songs with Snoop Dogg or Shaggy for name value. The sound is bright and crisp with a nice percussive backdrop, which allows his vocal to really soar. As a guy in love, he’s got a new album coming appropriately called Marry Me so there may be more opportunities yet for Olly to be back on the charts.

JOT SINGH, “Nothing Like This World”

Earlier this year, I introduced you to L.A.-based singer/songwriter Jot Singh and his beautifully sung acoustic release “Don’t Play With Fire”. “Nothing Like This World” serves as a worthy follow-up. This time it’s a more DIY effort, relying on some effectively distinct choppy guitar sounds which compliment another solid vocal by Jot. The song is about taking risks to help give yourself a better life, and the optimistic lyrics and dreamy melody yield better than average results. Check out the video above!

TYLER GARRETT, “Deception”

This past summer brought us an ambitious full album release, Mirage, by L.A. dance music multi-talent Tyler Garrett. “Deception” is sure to turn heads as Tyler shifts flavours from pop/dance/house and into trance for a trek to a darker side of electronic music. Self-realization is at the core of “Deception”, and Tyler playfully alters his vocal before the chorus kicks in. It’s a tad long at almost 5 minutes but trance music fans will thoroughly enjoy it, and I think it would benefit from an even deeper trance mix.

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.

“I Will Wait” by new Toronto singer/songwriter Shawn Molko

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.

“Kick Ass” by the one and only Bryan Adams (with an amusing prologue by John Cleese)

HUNTER J. WILBUR’S PICK 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.

A fast-paced slice of EDM by Quickdrop, “Too Late To Turn Back”

“THE MUSICMAN” JAMES ROGERS’ CLASSIC FIVE

Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Toto – Africa
Yes – Owner Of A Lonely Heart
Wham! featuring George Michael – Careless Whisper
U2 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For

BILLCS Top 30 #1 SONG

“Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy

BILLCS Top30 FASTEST RISER

“My Dying Spirit” by Greyson Chance (18-7)

#BILLCSTop30 #638 – April 25/22

Due to the fact that there are a lot of songs on the BILLCS Top 30 that I really love, there’s plenty of activity, just not a lot of really BIG movement. This is quite a contrast to my charts of 15 or 20 years ago when many songs would debut high on the chart and spend a longer time at the top before they dropped down the chart. Within the last seven or eight years, songs have usually started off in the 20’s and made a steady climb before peaking and then making a often a big drop. I think this has to do with the sheer volume of music that’s available now, and less reliance on influence from Top 40 radio and major labels, which makes the chart much more unique and personal. Anyway that’s my take on how my current chart is today and you have plenty of music to check out and enjoy!

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

The timing of the new BILLCS Top 30 is a bit off this week as we’ll have a new song from Odesza tomorrow! In the meantime “The Last Goodbye”, their rework of Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy” continues its reign at the top for a second appearance.

Rising from 8-2 with a firm design on a future destination of #1 is French electronic dance producer Mercer with his tribute, “Aretha”, which is an absolute sure dance floor killer. It becomes Mercer’s third Top Three entry on my chart.

The dynamic trio of Mahalo, Milkwish and Lena Leon climb 6-4 with their deep house track “Careless”.

“Reflection” (10-6) is a beautiful mid-tempo ballad by Years & Years only available on the deluxe edition of the album Night Call.

New to the Top 10 are a pair of house tracks that you can play back-to-back and will keep you moving. “Hold Me Down” (above) by Italy’s Luca+ Giam with singer Sam Merkin moves up 11-8, while “Prisoner” (below) by England’s Shadowkey and singer Jordan Jane climbs 14-10.

Only a handful of songs in the next ten move up four or five spots ohttps://youtu.be/h9CNGPy11Jcn the chart. Rising from 17-13 is “My Love” (above) by Florence & The Machine from the album Dance Fever. Also moving up 21-16 is “Tuff” (below) by Australian dance queen VASSY and Florida electronic dance producer Gt_ofice. Sweden’s Liamoo continues to climb the chart with “Bluffin'” (also below), up 24-20.

And the Fastest Riser on the chart belongs to Harry Styles, who sang recently with Shania Twain at Coachella. His worldwide #1 “As It Was” soars 25-17.

With the new chart so loaded there are only two debuts. New York City singer/songwriter Victor Perry already has a song in the Top 10 with Saxity called “Oxygen”, but he’s back with his first solo work in two years called “Punching Bag” (above) which bows at #27. It’s Victor’s 14th entry on the chart, and his fourth as a solo artist. He’s also appeared once with his side project Labrose. And at #28 is LA based electronic dance duo capital Syence featuring singer Britt Lari and “don’t you wanna know” (below). Syence’s first chart entry was back in 2017 with Steve Void on the thoughtful electronic ballad “We Won’t Leave You” (#7), and it’s nice to have them back with a rollicking dance track!

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! Links to all stations appear later in this section in blue.

Radio GTA

Listen to The Big 20 from 10pm to Midnight EST on Wednesdays as “The Musicman” James Rogers and I bring you the latest in new songs. The show also repeats on Sunday mornings on Radio GTA at 2:00 AM EST, at 8pm EST on Sundays on Party Dog Radio, and then at 7:00 am EST Fridays on Unique Radio Australia!

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

Halton Hills Online

“Your Weekend Music Mix” has a second home on Saturday and Sunday evenings from 8pm to Midnight EST! It’s a different mix from Radio GTA’s show, and like that one it is also commercial free, now brought to you by the Appalachian Pub & Eatery in Georgetown, Ontario! “The Big 20” also airs on this station at 6pm EST Saturdays.

The 3D Variety Show by Planet Radio Canada

My New Music Pick of the Week also now airs on:

Radio GTA Wednesdays at 11:00 pm EST, Saturdays after Midnight EST, and Sundays at 3 am EST
Halton Hills Online Saturdays and Sundays at 3pm EST, and Saturdays at 7pm EST
Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays after 9pm EST
WXNZ, community radio in Maine, after 10pm EST
Party Dog Radio, Sundays at 9pm EST
Unique Radio Australia, Fridays at 7am EST

I’m proud to be heard every day except Thursday on 7 online stations – and growing!

#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!

#BILLCSTop30 #635 – March 14/21

The pace of the music industry is not letting up, and with festival season setting in, I expect tons of dance music to flood the market. It’s making it harder to choose new songs for a Top 30 every two weeks, but after 24 years it will continue (he says, turning on new tunes to listen to hehe)! I’ve always intended for songs to have a long stay of 5+ appearances (10 weeks) and only rarely does that not work out. So I’m not sure if shorter stays on the chart will prevail on the chart for some songs, so I’ll wait on that. In any case, there’s a new #1 and four more debuts!

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

Darren Hayes returns to #1 for the first time since 2007 with the intensely beautiful “Let’s Try Being In Love” (above). It’s his 5th #1, following 2002’s “Crush (1980 ME)”, and 2007’s “Step Into The Light”, “Me, Myself & I” and “How To Build A Time Machine”. It looks like Darren is planning much more new music to release this year, in addition to his already announced Australian tour, as he has quickly followed it up with 80’s flavoured, Prince-influenced “Do You Remember” (below).

The Chainsmokers continue to move up with “High” (above) climbing 6-4. It’s the current #1 song on dance radio right now, and they also have followed it up quickly with “iPad” (below).

Martin Garrix, Matisse & Sadko and John Martin soar 9-5 with “Won’t Let You Go”. It’s Martin’s 6th time in the Top 5. He’ll also be playing just about every festival around this year – you’ll recall he was sidelined with a fractured leg a few years back which prevented him from touring.

Frankmusik appears in the Top 10 for the first time since 2014’s “Dear Nicole” (#6) with “The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky”, which vaults 16-8.

Jonas Blue and Why Don’t We also both return to the Top 10 with their collaboration “Don’t Wake Me Up” rising 13-9.

While “Sweet Talker” leaves the Top 10, Years & Years moves up 15-10 with “Night Call” (above), the title track from the album. And there’s also another deep cut on the rise as the Deluxe Edition-only “Reflection” (below) jumps 26-18.

“Careless” by Mahalo, Milkwish and Lena Leon climbs 18-11, and is finally starting to make inroads on the dance radio airplay charts.

The Fastest Riser on the chart, not surprisingly, is Odesza’s massive “The Last Goodbye” (above), which revamps Bettye LaVette’s 1965 single “Let Me Down Easy”, to extraordinary effect. The song rises 23-13, and Odesza has already followed it up with another promising release with vocalist MARO called “Better Now”, below.

One bright indie release on the chart that should not be overlooked is Gabe James’ charming “Gracie”, which continues to make its way up the chart, moving 19-16.

Jully Black’s latest single, the empowerment jam called “No Relation” (above), moves up 28-20. She’s also recently released a duet with Grammy and Juno Award winner Dan Hill called “Something More”, below.

The Highest Debut at #24 has been around for a while, but it’s a song that just keeps giving. It’s the rollicking deep house track from the UK’s Shadowkey and Jordan Jane, “Prisoner”.

Italian producers Luca + Giam debut at #25 with the incredibly catchy 90’s flavoured house track “Hold Me Down” featuring singer Sam Merkin.

L.A.’s Michael Medrano makes it a two-fer on the chart as his collaboration with Funk LeBlanc of the “Dance Floor Version” of “It’s Your Thing” arrives on the chart at #27. It’s back-to-back with his #5 “I don’t wanna talk about love” (#26).

The fourth debut at #30 is a second visit to the chart for Glass Petals, the dance production side project for Felix Cartal and Johnny Jover, with “Leave Your Mind Behind”.

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

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!

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, on Halton Hills Online on Saturdays and Sundays at 10pm EST, and now on Mix88.ca‘s “Addictive Energy” show with Hunter Wilbur on Saturdays at 9pm EST.

#BILLCSTop30 #634 – February 28/22

The shortest month in the year has come and gone as quickly as ever, but it’s jammed packed with new music, some of which I hope to feature in the coming two weeks. In the meantime, there’s no shortage of activity on the new chart which features four unique new entries!

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

I’m excited for what Swedish pop/rock band Louis Pax will bring us in 2022, as the 80’s inspired “Bad Things” continues in a second appearance at #1! This quartet with a diverse set of influences and the amazing lead vocals of Oscar Reingsdahl did a Q&A on Instagram last week and offered up an acoustic version of their recent single “Spanish Rain”. You can check out the new lyric video for that song below, with a follow up single expected soon!

Right now “Bad Things” is keeping #1 away from Darren Hayes’ “Let’s Try Being In Love” – a pretty hard thing to do – which moves up 3-2. The singer is currently in his native Australia and was a judge this weekend at their EuroVision entry contest.

The Weeknd’s 80’s soaked “Less Than Zero” from the Dawn FM is one to watch as it climbs 7-3. Somewhat surprisingly, it becomes The Weeknd’s second highest entry on my chart, next to 2016’s #1 “Starboy” with the now re-formed Daft Punk.

“High” is a song that invades my head and stays there for a long time whenever I play it. So, accordingly, The Chainsmokers have the Fastest Riser for the second chart in a row, soaring 16-6. Up next for the guys amid touring is the follow-up single “iPad”.

Martin Garrix gets his first Top 10 on my chart since 2018’s “High On Life” with “Won’t Let You Go” (14-9), in collaboration with Russia’s Matisse & Sadko, and vocalist John Martin, who obtains his second Top 10 a little over 9 years after Swedish House Mafia’s #1 “Don’t You Worry Child”.

Rounding out the Top 10 is UK queen of house Karen Harding, whose “Sweet Vibrations” climbs 12-10, becoming her 6th Top 10 entry since the end of 2020.

“Don’t Wake Me Up” by Jonas Blue and Why Don’t We climbs 19-13 and has designs on the Top 10 next week.

Years and Years has the rare feat of having three songs on the chart right now. While “Sweet Talker” peaked at #2 on the last chart, the title track (above) from the album Night Call climbs 20-15. And Olly Alexander’s voice has never sounded better, full of poise and control, than on the album track “Reflection”, which is only available on the deluxe versions of Night Call. “Reflection” (below) arrives on the chart at #26.

“The Half Moon Came Up In The Sky” (above) may be an inauspicious release for Frankmusik, but it’s turning out to be one of my favourite songs by him, as it climbs 24-16. He is currently re-recording his 2009 album Complete Me, and you can check out the first tastes of this new work “In Step Completed” and “Better Off As 2 Completed” below.

“Careless” by Mahalo and Milkwish featuring the recognizable voice of Lena Leon climbs 25-18, and is certainly one of the best and most infectious deep house tracks on release right now.

We definitely weren’t ready for Odesza’s first release in four years (aside from their Bronson collaboration). I guess “Loyal” (which reached #1 on this chart in 2018) was a jumping off point for dabbling in early R&B and fusing it with the duo’s progressive sounds. So they took Bettye LaVette’s 1965 R&B hit “Let Me Down Easy”, in full collaboration with the now-76 year old singer, and created the new epic “The Last Goodbye”, which arrives on the chart at #23. This one must be listened to multiple times to be appreciated. The depth of production and reverence for its source is extremely impressive, and by my ears, Grammy Award-worthy.

Next up at #27 is “Cold Shoulder”, the debut chart entry from mystery American dance producers Electric Polar Bears with UK singer/songwriter Katie Sky. This one has it all – top notch production, a distinct vocal, and engaging songwriting. The EPB’s are known for their entertaining live sets, and of course they wear polar bear disguises on their heads.

The fourth debut at #28 is chart-returnee Jully Black with “No Relation”. It’s the striking Canadian talent’s first chart entry since 2015’s “Fever” (#8). It’s also Jully’s 8th chart entry, and they go back to 1999’s “Rally’n” (#4)!

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

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!