Success has many fathers, but failure is an orphan. Therefore, I’m always hesitant to claim I ‘discovered’ an artist. I like the idea of artists discovering themselves. But If there are two acts in recent years that were very early on my radar, its Dua Lipa and Alma.

The latter’s debut single Karma was record of the week in June 2016 in my then radio show Carte Blanche. A great combination of deep house, r&b and pop. The Finnish singer-songwriter and rapper didn’t only stick out because of her neon yellow hair, but also because of her soulful voice and punk attitude. Her second single Dye My Hair would eventually provide her with her deserved break-through.

Since then, things went quickly. Alma worked with everyone from French Montana and Tove Lo to Icona Pop and Charli XCX. To be quite honest, most of her recent singles weren’t my cup of tea. But on Bad News Baby she’s back in form. It’s a pop song with an edge, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s good news, baby!

Recommended as well:
Alma – Dye My Hair

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

Werner Schlosser

Music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Has been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, he developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart.