‘Podsongs’ is a podcast where musicians interview inspirational people, in service to others, as inspiration for a brand-new song. Recently, Nashville-based band Creature Comfort got to talk to Charles van Rees. He’s a conservation biologist and naturalist specializing in freshwater ecology, ornithology, and human-wildlife water conflict. You can imagine this was an interesting chat. It sure was an inspirational one, as you can hear from the song the session resulted in.

This track, Kudzu From Heaven, has just been released on the streaming platforms. Even though it’s basically an acoustic song, it sounds like it could move stadiums full of people. Kudzu From Heaven is an anthemic song with catchy vocal melodies, which are enhanced by lush backing vocals. A sound that has affectionately been dubbed ‘bootgaze’. As you can read on the band’s website: ‘Think of it as Fleet Foxes for people who grew up bailing hay’.

Recommended as well:
Creature Comfort – Woke Up Drunk

Follow Creature Comfort on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

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.

www.carteblanchemusic.nl

In October 2019, my wife and I made the trip of our lives in Australia. During our stay already, images appeared on national TV of the first bushfires of the season. Once back home, the fires turned out to have such an impact, even European media started to pay attention. Eventually, the devastating flames burned over 18 million hectares, destroying over 2.000 homes and reportedly killing 1 billion animals. Shocking numbers. Kangaroo Island, which we had come to love so dearly, was hit particularly hard. The wonderful accommodation where we had been staying two months earlier burned to the ground.

But as always, such overwhelming events can lead to beautiful things. Nature is recovering quickly, and not long after the disaster, Brisbane duo Alta Falls recorded the track The Fire. Although it’s about an earlier experience, the recording circumstances were just right to give the track the emotional burden it needed.

The lyrics on The Fire tell a story from the perspective of the father of lead singer Nathanael Hubbard. “My Dad was telling me a story from when I was only one year old. There was a sudden and catastrophic bushfire heading towards our house. He was working in the city and my Mum, brother, and two sisters were at home. Chills ran down my spine as my Dad told me the feeling of driving home that night, past burning coals and ashes on both sides of the road, wondering if we were still alive. Thankfully, the wind had turned at the last minute and we were spared.”

In contrast with the lyrical content however, the hi-NRG instrumentation is uplifting (euphoric even), with danceable beats and punchy hooks. The Fire is the title track of Alta Falls’ debut EP, which is produced by Aidan Hogg (Jaguar Jonze, Holy Holy). It features Sebastian ‘Baz’ Jennings Hingston (Tia Gostelow) on drums.

Recommended as well:
Alta Falls – Sun In My Eyes

Follow Alta Falls on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

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.

www.carteblanchemusic.nl

When I heard the intro of this single, I could’ve sworn it was a Bob Seger track. But is isn’t. This is the self-confident debut single of a Sydney-based five-piece named Buffalo Paradise. And just to make sure you don’t mistake them for another act, they named their first ever release after themselves. Or perhaps they named the band after the title of their introductory tune, but the result is the same…

When vocalist Lachie Pringle and guitarist Angus Armstrong met in late 2019, they discovered a common interest in the same bands. They were both inspired by fellow-Aussie acts like Spacey Jane, Lime Cordiale and Gang Of Youths (who are no complete strangers to Carte Blanche Music either). The two then recruited Angus’ brother, multi-instrumentalist Chris Armstrong, drummer Rory McDougall and bass player Naren ‘Funky Fingers’ Iyer, who completed the band.

As said, Buffalo Paradise is only their first single, and what a way to start a career! It’s an upbeat feel-good song with driving rock rhythms, thumping basslines, soaring guitars and catchy vocals. Sure to get you in a good mood!

Follow Buffalo Paradise on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist.

Werner Schlosser

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.

www.carteblanchemusic.nl