August 31st, 2022
Wildcard (week 35):
Ashe – Emotional
After an injury side-lined Ashlyn Rae Willsonâs future as a gymnast, she immersed herself in music as a kid. Only five years since the release of her first single Used To It, her star has risen like a meteor. Her songs amassed 1,8 billion audio streams, 230 million video views, 7,4 million monthly Spotify listeners and 4 million social media followers. Fans include Brian Wilson, Niall Horan, Camilla Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Finneas and Maggie Rogers.
Just 15 months after the release of her debut album Ashlyn, she finished her sophomore long-player Rae (did you spot the pattern in the titles?). It will be out on 14 October. So far, four tracks preceded the album: Another Manâs Jeans, Hope Youâre Not Happy, Angry Woman and Shower With My Clothes On. This week, a fifth single was added to the bunch, and itâs the catchiest of them all.
Emotional is an upbeat, horn-laden banger with a gospel vibe. Ashe says about the story behind the track: “Sometimes we just take things far too seriously in love and sometimes it’s just about driving a little too fast and having a little too much fun.”
Emotional by Ashe is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means itâll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Iâm Fine
Follow Ashe on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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.
Wernerâs Weekly (week 35)
This is Wernerâs Weekly, your guide to the best new music, containing the two most recent Carte Blanche Music Wildcards, and the best of the other new releases in alphabetical order:
- Blonde Diamond – We Just Wanna Dance
(Wildcard this week)
- Georgia Lines – Faith
(Wildcard last week)
- Daya – Her
- Ederlezi – Drawn To The Ruin
- grandma – soft-glow
- Hoshi – Nouvelle Ăre
- Self Esteem – Fucking Wizardry [Block Them Edit]
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: Banners, Rina Sawayama, Walk Off The Earth, 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.
Daniel Schulz – Make It
*SONG SNACK*
Uplifting, inspiring and catchy song, written for a dear friend who needed love and encouragement.
Follow Daniel Schulz 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.
Tangarine – City To The Country
*SONG SNACK*
Adding horns to their newly-found Westcoast sound, this song prolongs the summer of 2022.
Recommended as well:
Big Star
Follow Tangarine 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.
Laura Jean – Too Much To Do
*SONG SNACK*
Breath-taking, string-laden song, released ahead of her new album Amateur (out on 4 November).
Follow Laura Jean 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.
The Hengles – To Be Someone (Else)
*SONG SNACK*
â90s indie influenced track for fans of Pulp and OMD, with a hint of Kirsty MacCollâs A New England.
Recommended as well:
No Time For Tea
Down To The Water
Follow The Hengles 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.
Rook Monroe – I Did Drugs For You
*SONG SNACK*
Addictive single from prolific songwriter for the likes of Rihanna and The Chainsmokers.
Follow Rook Monroe on 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.
AA Sessions (feat. Ciel & Paperflag) – Seeking
*SONG SNACK*
Great up and coming acts collaborating, creating an even greater track in only six hoursâ time.
Recommended as well:
AA Sessions (feat. Arxx, Paperflag & Projector) – Can’t Stand You
Ciel – Baby Donât You Know
Follow AA Sessions on Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow Ciel on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Follow Paperflag on 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.
Reverend & The Makers – Heatwave In The Cold North
*SONG SNACK*
Jon âRevâ McClure explores his Sheffield roots and classic soul on this sun-kissed song.
Follow Reverend & The Makers 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.
Wildcard (week 34):
Blonde Diamond – We Just Wanna Dance
Even though they donât have any huge hits to their name (yet), you may still know Vancouver-based band Blonde Diamond. Theyâve supported bands like Portugal. The Man, Broken Social Scene, Bishop Briggs and Chromeo on tours across Canada, Europe, Australia, the US and India. The alt-pop groupâs eagerly awaited debut album Magnetic Strangers will be out on 23 September.
We Just Wanna Dance is the fourth single to be released ahead of the long-player. Slowly bouncing, itâs danceable indeed, but it also has twangy guitars that remind of âTwin Peaksâ and spoken parts that couldâve been taken from a Grace Jones track. All in all, itâs great track to whet our appetite for the forthcoming album.
Blonde Diamondâs We Just Wanna Dance is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. Itâll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Red Flags
Follow Blonde Diamond on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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.