September 6th, 2021
werner's weekly
Wernerâs Weekly (week 36)
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:
- Self Esteem – How Can I Help You (Wildcard this week)
- Caroline & Claude – Stir The Pot (Wildcard last week)
- Almost Monday – Cool Enough
- Charlie Collins – Just My Luck
- Evie Irie – Bleed
- Mina Okabe – Miss Those Days
- sinĂ© – 2Good2U
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: Charli XCX, Florrie, Pixey, and 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.
single track
Louis Berry – Are You Alone?
Louis Berry launched a great new single, but alas it was largely overlooked last New Music Friday. Itâs called Are You Alone? and Iâd like to draw your attention to it. Especially because the title is appropriate in a sad way. In a message to his fans, Louis announced he caught COVID-19 âin a bad wayâ, and so has his 88-year-old grandad. Theyâre both in hospital right now. Hopefully, they can draw strength from the energy and power in this new single.
I bet heâll get better. Heâs a survivor. Louis was born in Liverpool to a heroin addict father and a mother desperate to keep him on the right side of the law. He once said about his youth: âThe only way I could get respect was by doing bad things.” Luckily, he eventually turned to music. Good for him; good for us.
Iâve been following Louis since his 2015 single .45. That was a blues-rock track. His new single Are You Alone? is another upbeat banger, and just a rootsy. Itâs folky in a Waterboys kind of way. You wonât regret taking 3 minutes of your time to get to know this one.
Get well soon Louis, and your grandad too!
Follow Louis Berry on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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
Certain Animals – Younger Than Now
Dutch retro-pop band Certain Animals are currently recording their sophomore album. Ahead of this long-player (whose release date is kept under wraps for now), they wet our appetite with another song. Following Sun King and Hold On, Younger Than Now is the third single to come out ahead of the record.
The band, consisting of Thijs van Leeuwen (vocals, guitars), Niels-Jan van Dijk (bass, vocals) and Kees Braam (drums, vocals) describe Younger Than Now as âa summary of a human life in just under three and a half minutesâ. But thatâs not all. Itâs a summary of music history as well. Especially fans of jangle-pop bands like The Byrds canât afford to miss this gem. But it gets even better, for Certain Animals also add brass instruments to the mix. Whatâs not to like about that?
The bandâs last two singles reached audiences all over the world, both via streaming services and âold-fashionedâ radio airplay. If Younger Than Now would only become half as successful as its predecessors, Iâd consider it a huge hit. But the good news is: by the sound of it, the new single will easily top these accomplishments and help reach even more people. Deservedly so!
Recommended as well:
Certain Animals – Hold On
Certain Animals – TV
Follow the band on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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
Broods – Piece Of My Mind
Following collaborations with Ladyhawke and Bad Sounds, Broods just released their first âheadliningâ single of 2021. With Piece Of My Mind, the New Zealand sibling duo (Georgia and Caleb Nott) created another anthemic, arena-ready track. It features dry beats and dreamy synths, which at times produce a futuristic atmosphere. Thatâs on purpose, for Piece Of My Mind is the first track off an upcoming album named Space Island. It comes with an artistic visual, inspired by sci-fi B-movies.
Musically, it may sound bright and carefree, but the lyrics are a darker affair. They deal with escapism and mental health issues. Georgia Nott:Â âThe song describes the many paradoxes we encounter when we try to escape our problems. The more we try to run away from our problems and ourselves, the more we are confronted with the aspects of each that we donât like.â
Recommended as well:
Broods – Everything Goes (Wow)
Broods – Peach
Follow Broods on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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
Jacob Fitzgerald – Pretty Good For My Mind
Melbourne-based Jacob Fitzgerald began his career as a singer-songwriter, but he explored new sounds and genres during the lockdowns. In 2021, he feels best at home in the pop-rock field. Heâs currently recording his second 7-track EP Pretty Good For My Mind, and released the title track as its first single.
Pretty Good For My Mind is an energetic song with punchy drums, warm guitars and vocoder backing vocals. It even features a good old saxophone solo. Speaking of the tuneâs lyrical theme, Fitzgerald shares: âWhilst this track is conceptually about how my folks met, the overall message is that our partner should bring out the best in us. They should be good for our minds!â
Follow Jacob Fitzgerald on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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.
album track
Halsey – Honey
Since Ashley Frangipane rearranged the letters of her first name, she goes by the stage name of Halsey. Sheâs currently the #30 most streamed artist on Spotify. Well-done, since both her sound and lyrics have a dark edge. In that respect the news that her new album would be produced by Nine Inch Nailsâ Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross wasnât a real surprise.
The long-player, If I Canât Have Love, I Want Power, contains 13 tracks. Honey is my favourite. A great car song, with its up-tempo rhythm. Very recognizable drums as well. From the first note on, itâs clear Dave Grohl is behind the kit. Itâs not the first time that Reznor worked with Grohl though. He also enlisted the former Nirvana drummer for seven songs on Nine Inch Nailsâ 2005 album With Teeth, and collaborated with him again alongside Josh Homme for Grohlâs film Sound City.
Recommended as well:
Halsey – 3AM
Follow Halsey on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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
Breakaway – Iâm Feeling Dead
TikTok users say they discover a lot of ânewâ music on the platform. But when youâre young and you hear Fleetwood Mac for the first time, thatâs new to you as well. Meanwhile, some brand new songs have a very old-school sound to it. Thatâs completely fine as far as Iâm concerned.
Take the new single by Breakaway for instance. Iâm Feeling Dead sounds like a classic emo/punk-pop song. Except for the first 10 seconds, when the Australian five-piece put you on the wrong track. With a marching snare line and a subtle piano, it opens deceivingly as a mellow song. Soon enough however, all the stops are pulled out. They up the tempo, and introduce kicking drums and heavy guitars. All of a sudden a potential tear-jerker turns into a stadium-ready banger.
The bandâs new EP Death Valley will be out on 24 September.
Follow Breakaway on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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
Merci, Mercy – Winnie Crush
In March 2020, Mercedes Thorne released her first proper single Fucked Myself Up as Merci, Mercy. It was a song about dependence on alcohol. Her new single Winnie Crush has the same theme, lyrically. In a press release, the singer explains itâs âabout a toxic relationship that I have with myself [and] these bad habits that Iâm letting take control over my life. I can barely afford what is good for my body let alone whatâs bad for it.â
If you now think ânot much has changed in that year and a halfâ, think again. Following her break-through EP No Thank You, No Thanks, Merci, Mercy signed a record deal with Capitol Records in the US and EMI in the UK. Both companies are part of the worldâs largest record company, Universal Music Group. So, now that sheâs become a household name in her native Australia, the world is next on her roadmap.
Winnie Crush is a catchy track with walking bass lines, funky guitars and a bearable level of vocoder. As always, Merci, Mercy doesnât wear her heart on her sleeve. Her lyrics are direct, brutally honest and very relatable. A potential future star.
Recommended as well:
Merci, Mercy – Fucked Myself Up
Follow Merci, Mercy on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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
King Stingray – Milkumana
King Stingray are a five-piece band from Yirrkala, a community in North-Australia. It was formed by Roy Kellaway and YirrĆa YunupiĆu, who are relatives of Yothu Yindi founders Stu Kellaway and Mandawuy YunupiĆu. In the early â90s, Yothu Yindi were instrumental in voicing the push for Aboriginal recognition. Their hit single Treaty is one of the most important tracks in Australian history.
So, there are big shoes to fill here, but King Stingrayâs star is rising fast! Milkhumana is only their third single, following accidental lockdown anthem Get Me Out and debut single Hey Wanhaka. Itâs an upbeat track with a disco-leaning groove. Although itâs partly sung in YolĆu Matha, itâs catchy enough to sing along to (or pretending to do so). Kellaway explains: âItâs about role models and the importance of setting good examples for the new generation.” Who could be against that?
Follow King Stingray on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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 35):
Wildcard (week 35):
Self Esteem – How Can I Help You
Are you ready for âsomething completely differentâ (as Monty Python would have it)? I can help you! How? By introducing you to Self Esteemâs new single. Built around only drums, vocals and voice effects, it doesnât sound like anything else out there. And If you think this minimal set-up sounds dull, you couldnât be more wrong. Maybe this is the right time to hit the play button below, while you read onâŠ
I donât know shit, but How Can I Help You is a ferocious beast of a song. A track born of frustration (to quote James). Rebecca Lucy Taylor (her real name) describes it in a press release as âa biting response to the misogynistic standards and objectification that women are subjected toâ. And yes, thatâs Self Esteem herself playing the drums.
Be sure to check the video as well. It captures a live solo performance of the song thatâs sticky in more ways than one. The artist explains: âI wanted to play the drums in the video to reclaim how often I used to feel self conscious playing them. The physical act of a woman playing a drum means your tits move â all I ever wanted to do was play but it always came with this fear of being looked at in that way. Now my tits move for me, my song, my video. Iâm also aware itâs probs a nice watch if youâre that way inclined, but Iâm afraid if you wanna watch it you have to hear what Iâve got to say. Click for the tits, stay for the feminism!â
This powerhouse of a track is taken from Self Esteemâs upcoming second album Prioritise Pleasure, set for release on 22 October.
How Can I Help You is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. Itâll feature here prominently for seven full days. At your service!
Recommended as well:
Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure
Self Esteem – Girl Crush
Follow Self Esteem on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 playlist youâll 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.
