January 8th, 2022
single trackRoyal & The Serpent – Phuckboi Rejects
Royal & The Serpent – Phuckboi Rejects
2022 marks the fifth anniversary of Ryan Santiago‘s debut release as Royal & The Serpent. Her first real success however came in 2020, with the major label debut single Overwhelmed. It would also show up on her first EP get a grip. Sophomore EP searching for nirvana followed a year later. She could also add a collaboration with The Knocks and Weezer‘s Rivers Cuomo, and a remix of Gayle‘s abcdefu to her résumé.
This year, Royal & The Serpent will release their third EP If I Died Would Anyone Care. The 6-track collection will drop on 28 January. It’ll feature most recent single I’m Not Sorry and its follow-up, the punk-rock influenced track Phuckboi Rejects.
Never the one to wear her heart on her sleeve, the latter deals with falling for the wrong guys. In Royal & The Serpent’s own words: “We’ve all got a type. Deny it if you want but we like what we like. I just happen to like heart-breaking, vape-puffing, chain-wearing rejects. This particular breed of ‘phuckboi’ is what got me into this whole mess in the first place.”
Recommended as well:
I’m Not Sorry
MMXX
Follow Royal & The Serpent 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 trackNeon Fields – Meant To Be
Neon Fields – Meant To Be
After writing and producing a series of demos, Ed Barrett began contacting musicians South-West UK in 2019 with the hope of forming a band. Neon Fields was eventually formed in 2020 by Barrett (lead vocals), Luke Russe (drums) and Piers Ward (keyboards/guitar).
Unable to meet up because of the lockdowns, they were forced to collaborate remotely. This lead to them incorporating far more electronic elements into our music. As a consequence, the band now combines dark industrial rock, atmospheric soundscapes, and vocals packed with passion and emotion. This creates their own, unique brand of indie electronic rock. They cite Radiohead, Muse, Alt-J, Moderat, Nine Inch Nails, Deftones and Tool as their main influences. However, the most obvious band that springs to minds is Depeche Mode.
Late last year, Neon Fields compiled their first six singles on EP1, their debut EP. Now, they’re working on an album they hope to release mid 2022. Meant To Be is the first single off it to drop. The track takes the listener on a journey from a mellow emotive vibe to an energetic and frantic ending, which is intended to help tell the story of unrequited love and sinister obsession.
The band call it ‘a love song with a twist’. They say about it: “Ed has a tendency to write about inner struggle/torment with a sinister undertone, and tries to get these emotions across in the vocals.”
Follow Neon Fields 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 trackelison – Hopes And Horoscopes
elison – Hopes And Horoscopes
elison follow their promising debut single Meet Me Halfway with the even catchier Hopes And Horoscopes. While the first single was originally their first demo, this sophomore effort was actually demo #2. It was a track Marissa Kephart wrote the basics of, which she brought to multi-instrumentalist and producer Scott Yoshimura for further polishing. Once again, the American duo did a wonderful job.
When they decided to start a band, less than a year ago, Kephart introduced the name elison. This is a part of her maiden name Cornelison. Also, it’s an ode to her father, a musician himself who influenced her a lot.
In Hopes And Horoscopes, Kephart sings of various bad habits she can’t seem to shake. Her words are backed by a driving beat, playful synths and simple but effective guitar melodies. Don’t expect the duo to play their songs from a stage near you anytime soon. though. “Maybe one day this answer will change, but for now we’re content writing, recording and releasing songs from the comfort of our homes.”
Recommended as well:
elison – Meet Me Halfway
Follow elison 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 trackGoodbye June – Stand And Deliver
Goodbye June – Stand And Deliver
Nashville-based Goodbye June are three cousins: Landon Milbourn (vocals), Brandon Qualkenbush (rhythm guitar, backing vocals) and Tyler Baker (lead guitar). They formed the band after the death of Tyler’s brother in June (hence the group’s name). A wonderful way to honour his memory.
Fusing hard rock licks with deep South blues, gospel swing and soul, the trio craft timeless, catchy and anthemic rock songs. New single Stand And Deliver (not an Adam & The Ants cover) is a good example of what they’re up to. With its staccato guitar riffs, playful (ABBA-esque) piano and Milbourn’s characteristic vocal delivery it’s both edgy and melodic. A bit like AC/DC on a good day.
18 February, Goodbye June will release their third full-length album See Where The Night Goes. It was born during the current global pandemic, but was also influenced by the destruction a tornado caused Nashville in 2020.
Follow Goodbye June 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 trackWho Parked The Car – Rock Climbing
Who Parked The Car – Rock Climbing
One of the musical revelations of the end of last year was Who Parked The Car. These eight schooled musicians from Paris only formed their band late in 2020. In merely six months’ time, they wrote and recorded their debut album Mad Weather, Good Friends. Set for release in April, it’s a collection of songs that blend pop, jazz and funk music.
Following their energetic, funk/nu-disco debut single Candle Dance and its laid-back, jazzy follow-up Other Side, they just put our their third track. Rock Climbing is another groovy track, with various faces. Basically a jazz tune, it contains parts with a reggaeton kind of vibe. Lyrically, it’s a song about love and addiction.
Recommended as well:
Other Side
Candle Dance
Follow Who Parked The Car 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 Vices – Strange Again
The Vices – Strange Again
2021 was a good year for The Vices. The youthful band from the northern Dutch town of Groningen released their debut album Looking For Faces. Both critics, the media and the public loved it, and rightfully so.
Now, it’s time for a new single, Strange Again, which marks the start of new era. Front man Floris van Luijtelaar explains: “We’re changing as persons, and playing from the heart as best friends, the music changes with us. It’ll always have this childlike energy, but Strange Again is our first track with a more personal and grown-up sound.” He continues to say it’s a song about restlessness. “Restlessness from the ongoing urge to keep looking for the unknown. Pretty exhausting on the one hand, but it can also result in nice and spontaneous situations you wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.”
Strange Again is an energetic song that mixes indie-pop, surf music and rock. This time however, The Vices sound tighter than ever. Can’t wait for their sophomore album At Least I Heard ‘em Saying, which is planned for release after the summer.
Recommended as well:
Looking For Faces
In And Out
Life Grows
Follow The Vices 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 trackKarin Simonian – Beat On My Heart
Karin Simonian – Beat On My Heart
Karin Simonian is a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, who appears to have emerged onto the music scene out of nowhere. For Carte Blanche Music followers however, her last name may sound familiar. This is the catch: she’s the sister of Sebu Simonian, of Capital Cities fame. He’s also the one who co-produced her debut album 11 Degrees Of Love.
The 11 tracks off this long-player will be put out one by one throughout this new year. First single Beat On My Heart was released on New Year’s Day, the second single will drop on 2/2, the third on 3/3, and so on until all eleven tracks are released by November. If you can’t wait that long, you can hear the entire album right here, but don’t tell anyone!
Beat On My Heart is a wonderful pop song, with the Sebu stamp all over it. Karin’s angelic vocals are supported by beautiful piano melodies, great guitar riffs and big drums. An impressive way to start a career.
Recommended as well:
Sebu with Eraserfase – The Worst That Could Happen To Us
Sebu feat. Sirusho – Have You Ever Hurt Somebody
Sebu – The Secret Is Out [Lucas Vidal Arrangement]
The Unknown Project – Swimmer
Follow Karin Simonian on Instagram | Spotify
Follow Sebu 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 trackSpence Paull – When I’m Lonely
Spence Paull – When I’m Lonely
Samantha Loren is a 25-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter and music producer. Until the age of 8 she was tone-deaf. However, the morning after her grandmother (the only musician in the family) passed away, she could suddenly sing. In addition to singing, she plays six instruments: guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele, and harmonica. Loren put out 40 singles on SoundCloud using her own name, before releasing her debut single Do You Listen To Girl In Red as Spence Paull, early in 2021.
Only a few days before the end of last year, she released her fourth single When I’m Lonely. The song is a perfect showcase of the fact Paull was trained in Jazz and Musical Theatre. It features beautiful chord structures and story-rich lyrics. These are combined with elements of ‘80s pop, big band horn lines, and contemporary production.
Spence Paull currently works on a string of single releases for 2022, as well as her debut EP Dear Mistress. This will chronicle the up-and-down nature of a musician’s relationship with music, all set to the backdrop of a tumultuous love affair.
Follow Spence Paull 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 1):
Wildcard (week 1):
Superbird – Elevation Airways
In a situation where real-life traveling is different from before, imaginary travels are the next best thing. Enter our British funk friends Superbird, who just established Elevation Airways.
Released on the last day of 2021, the trio’s single invites us to get on board and fly away to a happy place. In fact, that doesn’t take a long flight, for their track Elevation Airways is a happy place in itself. It combines the band’s trademark funky guitar licks, retro vibes and catchy vocals to full effect.
What a fun tune to kick off the new year! 2022 promises to be a year Superbird will fly higher than ever. I think it’s best to fasten your seat belts…
This week, Elevation Airways is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
Recommended as well:
Operate
Think You Got Me
Super Superior
Year On String Along
Cola Bottle Fizz
Follow Superbird on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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.
single trackSmash Into Pieces – Not Waiting For Heaven
Smash Into Pieces – Not Waiting For Heaven
Since 2012, Smash Into Pieces released six albums, earned 250+ million streams on Spotify and 100+ million views on YouTube. That makes them one of the fastest rising Scandinavian alternative rock bands to date.
The Swedish quartet just released a new single, to start the year with a bang. Not Waiting For Heaven is a powerful, anthemic electro rock song, but catchy enough for radio. Think Imagine Dragons or Thirty Seconds To Mars.
Follow Smash Into Pieces 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.
