October 30th, 2021
single track
Mike Posner (feat. James Valentine & Jacob Scesney) – Amor Fati
If you don’t know Mike Posner from his brilliant debut single Cooler Than Me, you’ll surely know his worldwide hit I Took A Pill In Ibiza. The latter has 1,5 billion(!) streams to it’s name. However, he started his musical journey producing records for Big Sean. Later, het began producing and writing music for other artists including Nick Jonas, Pharrell Williams, and Wiz Khalifa. He also co-wrote Sugar by Maroon 5 and Justin Bieber’s Boyfriend.
Outside of music, Posner walked across the United States in 2019, clocking in more than 3.000 miles by foot alone. In June 2021, he climbed and reached the top of Mount Everest. Pretty impressive…
In 2018, Posner launched the Amor Fati Music Academy, a one-week scholarship program where young artists are mentored by world-class musicians, producers, and songwriters. Looks like he just released the theme song to this institute, for his new single is called Amor Fati. This is Latin for ‘love of faith’.
Amor Fati is a song with several, totally different segments. It opens with a Lenny Kravitz-like funky guitar riff over a big drum beat. Half a minute into the song whoever, the music strips back to an It’s Probably Me-kind of acoustic guitar with some flute in the background.
Most remarkable though, is the change halfway. Then, the tune transforms into a piece of soulful classic rock, complete with organ, horn and guitar solos. And just when you think it’s over, it ends for real with the melody of Jingle Bells. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Well, it is. Yet, although not likely to become a huge hit, it’s a great song.
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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
ella jane – Calling Card
New York native ella jane started playing the piano at the age of four and wrote her first song at seven. Now a 19-year-old, she released her debut mini album This Is Not What It Looks Like! only two months ago. Since then, its tracks have been streamed over 20 million times on Spotify alone.
The singer-songwriter hasn’t sat still following this release, for her new single is a brand-new track. Calling Card is an energetic, cinematic piece that took three years to write. “I know three years is a long time to stick with an idea before finishing a song”, jane explains. “But I think the reason I held onto it all that time was because I was so drawn to the concept of master manipulators and the way they work. The idea that people with bad intentions are often the most charming ones was so interesting to me, and it was really fun to explore in my writing.”
From the infectious ‘lalalalala’ part to the catchy drive of the guitar and the simple but effective bassline, Calling Card is an instantaneous earworm.
Follow ella jane 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 trackThe Book Club – Pursuit Of Happiness
The Book Club – Pursuit Of Happiness
Manchester-based duo The Book Club consists of Jake Hilton and Emily ‘Em’ Price. As one can hear, Em is a classically-trained singer. She currently does a creative music technology course at The University of The West of England. Jake first picked up the guitar at the age of four, and studies Music Production at BIMM Manchester at the moment. After meeting at a National Youth Music Camp as early teenagers, they formed The Book Club in late 2019. Their sound combines elements of dreampop, indie rock and alt-pop.
Following the pair’s debut single Flowers Grow (which isn’t available on streaming platforms), their first ‘proper’ single is out now. Pursuit Of Happiness is an uplifting indie pop-rock anthem with a driving bassline and euphoric guitar melodies. On top of that, Em’s angelic vocals stand out.
The Book Club say about their new single: “Pursuit Of Happiness is about learning to stop searching for that next hit of dopamine and instead utilise the people and opportunities around you to give you happiness. Pursuit of Happiness init.”
Follow The Book Club 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
Salt Ashes – Lucy
5 November, Salt Ashes will release her sophomore album Killing My Mind. Ahead of that, Lucy is the latest single off it. The track combines raw synth textures and reverberated guitars with a relentlessly driving and pulsating rhythm section. Lyrically, it’s equally fierce and hard-hitting. The song speaks out against violence towards women.
Salt Ashes explains: “I wrote the song after an experience I had at a petrol station when I was filling up my car. A man was opposite me getting his own fuel and was staring at me. I awkwardly, but politely, smiled at him which he took as an invitation to come over and harass me. I apparently ‘gave him a look’ and in his words ‘what I was wearing was too sexy to not be interested’. This kind of thing happens all the time and it has to stop. The change does not come from me wearing something different but from men changing their behaviour.”
Salt Ashes is Brighton-born, London-based singer Veiga Sanchez. Inspired by Giorgio Moroder’s blend of disco and epic dark atmospheres, she released her debut album in 2016. Subsequently, she toured with artists such as Alphabeat, Say Lou Lou, Tove Styrke, Little Boots and ‘80s pop sensation Tiffany.
Follow Salt Ashes 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
Pattern Pusher – Another Girl
As far as I’m concerned, not every (new) song has to be innovative. Nothing wrong with a good old retro song, and a vintage sauce on the side. Another Girl by Pattern Pusher, a three-piece from the South West of the UK, is a good example.
The track has a Jamiroquai vibe, but with more of a bite. I guess Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Biffy Clyro) and his mixing duties are to thank for that. The song sounds energetic, catchy and optimistic. It’s taken from the Pattern Pusher’s new EP Sunshine, and one can imagine why it’s called like that. Meanwhile, they spent the lockdown to write and record their debut album, which is slated for a Spring 2022 release.
Frontman Alex Johnstone says about the single: “Another Girl was inspired by an incredible book I read called ‘The Unbearable Lightness Of Being’, which speculates how a chance meeting with someone can completely change the whole outcome of your life, a bit like the butterfly effect.”
Follow Pattern Pusher 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 trackPäter – Obstinate Brain
Päter – Obstinate Brain
If you’ve been following Carte Blanche Music for the last 15 months, you’ll have a decent impression of Päter’s career so far. The upcoming Canadian artist released an EP and a handful of singles, and her sophomore EP is on its way. Described by herself as ‘a collection of scrappy break-up songs’, the set is scheduled for release in February 2022. Something to look forward to!
For those who are as impatient as I am, the first single off the EP is out now. With its classic drum beat, rolling synths and wonderful vocal harmonies, it’s a pop/rock anthem for unrequited love. In Päter’s own words: “It’s an energetic track that portrays the ethos of romantic frustration while staying upbeat.”
She created Obstinate Brain in her hometown Toronto with fellow Canadian talents. The musicians on this self-written track are Kevin Howley (Running Red Lights), Alex Purcell (Dead Projectionists, Tenshi) and James Cudworth. It was produced by Charles Tilden (Delta Will), mixed by Kyle Gamble and mastered by Mariana Hutton.
Recommended as well:
float.ing
MTL (feat. Alexandra Willett)
Earth In Revolt
Sleep
Follow Päter 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
Molly Millington – October
Molly Millington is one out of many talented artists from Australia. At the age of 14, her parents took her to the Byron Bay Bluesfest. It was her first live experience and she fell head over heels in love with it. Four years later, she performed at the festival herself, playing songs off her debut EP Daddy’s Gotta Gun (which isn’t on Spotify in Europe).
Now 21 years old, Millington’s currently working on a second EP. It’s produced by Xavier Dunn (Amen Mustang, Slum Sociable, Evie Irie, Sarah Wolfe and others). The first trio of songs is available for streaming worldwide, October being the third single. Self-described as ‘possessed pop’, her style has been compared to the likes of Olivia Rodrigo and Melanie Martinez.
Talking about the track October, Millington explains: “I wrote this song the day I realised you can look back on someone or something fondly and not want them/it back.”
Follow Molly Millington on Facebook | Instagram | 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 43):
Wildcard (week 43):
Hope Tala – Tiptoeing
Hotly tipped singer and songwriter Hope Tala continues to expand her fanbase, and rightly so. The West London-based talent released EPs in 2018, 2019 and 2020, so a fourth can’t be far away. For starters, Tiptoeing is a brand-new song. It pairs a beautiful vocal melody with elements of bossa nova and modern R&B. A truly delicious song, that brings Lily Allen‘s early days to mind. That’s undoubtedly the influence of producer and co-writer Greg Kurstin, who also worked with Sia, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Adele and about everybody else.
Speaking on the track, Hope Tala states: “Tiptoeing is about the dance we do when we’re at the threshold of romance. It’s about treading carefully when you’re not quite sure what the other person is feeling, but desperately wanting to take a risk because you’re young and life is short.”
This week, Tiptoeing by Hope Tala is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It’ll feature prominently on the blog for a full seven days!
Follow Hope Tala on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s 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.
werner's weekly
Werner’s Weekly (week 43)
This is Werner’s 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:
- Wallows – I Don’t Want To Talk (Wildcard this week)
- Jaguar Jonze – Who Died And Made You King? (Wildcard last week)
- Coeur De Pirate – Tu Peux Crever Là-Bas
- Dancer – Fears
- elison – Meet Me Halfway
- Inge van Calkar – Rise
- Underline & Gissberg – Get Down With It
Click the links for more info and listen to each of the tracks via the Werner’s Weekly player below.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist. Also added last week: Alex Lahey, James Morrison, Train, 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 trackLemaitre feat. Anna Of The North – What About U
Lemaitre feat. Anna Of The North – What About U
After releasing 7 EP’s between 2010 and 2015, jazzy dance track Closer became Norwegian producers Lemaitre’s first really huge hit. Following inclusion in commercials and TV series, it has been streamed over 100 million times by now. Six years later, it still sounds as epic as in 2015.
Via collabs with The Knocks, Betty Who and others, they steadily built upon this success. Now, Ketil Jansen and Ulrik Denizou Lund release their next collaboration. What About U is Lemaitre’s softest and most poppy track yet, in part thanks to Anna Of The North’s sweet vocals. The fellow-Norwegian, real name Anna Lotterund, also co-wrote the song with the duo.
A radio-friendly tune that should expand Lemaitre’s success from the dancefloor to the radio.
Follow Lemaitre on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow Anna Of The North 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.
