August 16th, 2019
single track
Son Mieux – Nothing
Dutch band Son Mieux (âhis bestâ in French) is formed by The Hague brothers Camiel, Wrister and Quinten Meiresonne. Their debut album Faire De Son Mieux (including the single Everyday) was loaded with compliments. Rightfully so!
New single Nothing is arguably the long-playerâs most beautiful track. Thatâs not only my opinion, itâs a real crowd-pleaser during their live shows. The song consists of three parts, each with its own theme: the ambition to be in contact with yourself and your surroundings, the desire to be able to express oneâs emotions, and self-realization. The band asked young film makers Philine van den Hul, Robin Piree and Max Westendorp to visualize their views of these themes. Together, these three interpretations form the songâs beautiful video.
Recommended as well:
Son Mieux – Everyday
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
single trackTemples – Youâre Either On Something
Temples – Youâre Either On Something
Ahead of their third studio album Hot Motion (due out on 27 September), British band Temples just released its second single. Being a psychedelic pop band, recent single Hot Motion leaned more towards psychedelic, whereas Youâre Either On Something is more pop. That may not be good news for hardcore fans, but it certainly is for a band that deserves to make a next step in their career. Good stuff!
Frontman James Bagshaw says about it: “I’m really proud of You’re Either On Something lyrically. On that track, I can hear influences of stuff that I listened to when I was growing up. There’s almost a nostalgia to that track, even though it’s very forward-looking. (âŠ) Youâre Either On Something tackles the theme of bliss, and the perception of peopleâs experiences of it. We delved into the idea that some people are inherently carefree, and others more anxious. Some people may use a chemical cocktail to reach a blissful state.â
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
single track
Sulene – Diamonds
So far, South African indie-pop artist Sulene van der Walt is best-known for her blue hair. But thatâs about to change. In fact, sheâs already working hard to raise her profile. You may have seen her when she toured the world as guitarist for Nate Ruess (of fun.). Also, you probably heard her music scoring TV shows, movies and commercials.
Now, she is back with her first new music since her 2017 debut EP Strange. New single Diamond is another piece of shiny, valuable, polished, multi-faceted bedroom synth pop. A jewel!
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
single trackThe Man Who – Give Me Something
The Man Who – Give Me Something
Toronto, Canada-based alt-rock trio The Man Who recorded their new single Give Me Something in Los Angeles. This explains the songâs carefree California vibe. With its characteristic spacey synth riffs and distorted beats, itâs a track that will stand out on radio and streaming playlists alike. Give Me Something is only the bandâs second major label release, so now itâs up to the label to show what theyâre worth.
If you think The Man Who named themselves after the 1999 Travis album, think again. The band took their name from a quote by philosopher and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: âThe world makes way for the man who knows where he’s going.â
For the record: Travis named their album after the book âThe Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hatâ by neurologist Oliver Sacks. A highly recommended book, by the way. Youâre welcome.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
re-release, single track, soundtrack
Nouvelle Vague feat. Julie Delpy – Lalala
Nouvelle Vague is a French band, with musicians Olivier Libaux and Marc Collin as its constant factors. They surround themselves with a large rotating cast of mostly female vocalists. Some of them (like Camille, Phoebe Kildeer and Liset Alea) have also had successful solo careers, while Ălodie FrĂ©gĂ© is currently part of super group Gemme.
The outfit is best known for their bossa nova covers of new wave classics. Thatâs why the band name is appropriate in more ways than one. Nouvelle Vague is French for ânew waveâ, just like âbossa novaâ is Portuguese for ânew waveâ.
Julie Delphy is a French singer-songwriter, actress, director and screenwriter. In 2007, she produced the movie â2 Days In Parisâ. She not only also starred in the film, she composed the soundtrack as well. She co-wrote one of the tracks, Lalala, with Marc Collin. Itâs no cover, but an original song with a retro â60s sound and a beat you canât help but dance to.
Although this bi-lingual tune is 12 years old, it has only just been made available on the streaming platforms. So letâs just pretend itâs brand-new, shall we?
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 33):
Wildcard (week 33):
Terouz – Outstanding
Born in Cairo, professional illustrator/singer-songwriter Karim Terouz moved to Montreal in 2008. With his brassy, folk/rock quintet The Rising Few, he released two albums. Then, after losing his father, he decided to re-emerge under the guise of Terouz.
His debut single Outstanding is a great piece of pop noir. Driven by muscular, groovy bass lines, and with Karimâs Bowie-esque vocals throughout. âItâs like Cohen on a treadmillâ, the Egyptian/Canadian artist summarizes.
Terouz calls his first single âan ode to my journey of renewalâ and âan empowering Rocky-esque anthemâ. He explains: âLast year felt like a never ending s#%t storm. With the shadow of my fatherâs passing laying over me, my musical aspirations were hitting a wall with my band and I was pretty close to pulling the plug on it all. I stopped everything to take care of myself. I dove deep into writing, belted out (in despair!) improvised vocal lines to recorded melodies while running up and down the Mont Royal… every day, like an obsessed work-out maniac. I focused on getting clear.â
This song is, indeed, Outstanding. And Iâd like to make it stand out even a little bit more, by featuring it here prominently for a whole week. Outstanding by Terouz is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
In the Wildcards 2019 playlist you can find all of this yearâs Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
single track
MisterWives – Whywhywhy
NYC-based band MisterWives actually consists of five males (Etienne Bowler – drums, William Hehir – bass, Marc Campbell – guitar, Jesse Blum – keys/trumpet/accordion and Mike Murphy – saxophone) and one female (Mandy Lee – vocals). Their second album Connect The Dots spawned the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard Machine. Shortly after, they released a stand-alone track. I chose Never Give Up On Me as a Wildcard as well. Contrary to my hopes that a new album was in the works, things went quiet. Until nowâŠ
The band recently signed to record label Fueled By Ramen, joining Twenty One Pilots, Panic! At The Disco, and Paramore. First release: the single whywhywhy. Their first in over two years. The break-up anthem features Leeâs most personal lyrics to date. Nevertheless, itâs the kind of dynamic, high-energy track that I love them for. MisterWives never disappoints!
Recommended as well:
MisterWives – Machine
MisterWives – Never Give Up On Me
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
single track
Ankathie Koi – Cats And Diamonds
When she released her latest single Royal Boy, end of June, Ankathie Koi also announced a new album. Her second long-player Prominent Libido is due out on 13 September. Ahead of it, the jazz singer turned pop diva now unleashes Cats And Diamonds.
The new single starts with a weird synth melody, which appears to have classical influences. The rest of the song, however, is drenched in â80s sounds. Itâs both funky and electronic, very well sung (as always), and a rap is included. Swell! (as we used to say in the â80s đ ).
Recommended as well:
Ankathie Koi – Royal Boy
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
single track, soundtrack
SofĂa Ellar – La RevoluciĂłn
Following the success of the Angry Birds games, the spin-off movie became a hit as well. You wonât be surprised then, to learn that a second Angry Birds flick can be watched in theatres as off 23 August.
The gameâs (and filmâs) soundtrack are in part responsible for the franchiseâs triumphant reception. Itâs a clever mix of classics and a few new songs. During âAngry Birds 2â, you can expect to sing along to tunes by Vanilla Ice, Bonnie Tyler, 2 Unlimited, Survivor, Minnie Riperton, David Bowie and Lionel Richie. Yes, itâs that diverse. As far as the new songs go, youâre already familiar with Keshaâs Best Day.
In the larger musical markets, the movie soundtrack will also contain tracks by local artists. The best Iâve heard so far, is La RevoluciĂłn by SofĂa Ellar. Ălvaro Solerâs girlfriend provides the âAngry Birds 2â theme song in Spain. A wonderful sing-along tune (if you speak Spanish, that is), with a very summery vibe. Lucky for us, Spotify, YouTube etc. are worldwide platforms, so you can also enjoy this wonderful track outside Spain.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
werner's weekly
Wernerâs Weekly (week 33)
This is Wernerâs Weekly, your compass to the music that matters, containing the two most recent Carte Blanche Music Wildcards, and the best of the other new releases in alphabetical order:
- The Howl & The Hum – Human Contact (Wildcard this week)
- Tape Toy – Sad Girl (Wildcard last week)
- Ava Max – Blood, Sweat And Tears
- Client Liaison – The Real Thing
- Dirty Heads – Lift Me Up
- Ilira – Pay Me Back!
- Rider – Jump
Click the links for more info and listen to each of the tracks via the Wernerâs Weekly player below.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist. Also added last week: Johnny Marr, Keane, Noel Gallagherâs High Flying Birds, Pixies, and many more.
I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.
