Browsing Category single track
Alessia Cara & The Warning – Enter Sandman
Alongside the 30th Anniversary Edition of their self-titled ‘black album’, Metallica released The Metallica Blacklist. This 4-CD set contains covers of black album tracks by artists like Juanes, Weezer, Sam Fender, Royal Blood, Biffy Clyro, J. Balvin, Chase & Status, Volbeat and Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan. Some of these are truly awful, but don’t take my word for it. You could better tempt you ears yourself…
Meanwhile, some of them are really good as well. I was rather charmed by Miley Cyrus, Watt, Elton John, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Trujilo & Chad Smith’s version of Nothing Else Matters, for instance. The cover album’s opener is equally strong. The first track you’ll hear when you put it on, is Enter Sandman by Alessia Cara & The Warning. No way you’ll fall asleep to this one. Although the epic guitar hook is unmistakable, the ladies give the well-known hit their own spin. Alessia Cara fans especially should brace themselves. Throughout, the track is very well sung.
Just in case you didn’t know: The Warning are three sisters from Monterrey, México. Daniela Villarreal plays the guitar and shares the lead vocals with Cara, while drummer Paulina Villarreal and bass player Alejandra Villarreal both provide backing vocals as well. All four of the artists will donate their portion to Save The Children. A job well done in more ways than one.
Follow Alessia Cara on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow The Warning 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.
Lucy Daydream – Where I Need To Be
Already moving on from their recent second EP of the year, Enter The Luce-Verse, Lucy Daydream just released a great new gem. Where I Need To Be is a guitar-driven pop song. Although the upbeat track would sound great on the radio, most contemporary stations aren’t adventurous enough to please their listeners with this kind of songs. But who needs radio anymore to discover great new music?
Lucy Daydream are Paige Duché and Ross Ryan Edsall from Denver, Colorado. They met in the Spring of 2017 when Duché covered one of Edsall’s original works on YouTube. After reconnecting almost a year later, they started writing songs together. Looking at how prolific they are, they appear to be on a roll.
They don’t only write their own songs by the way. In true DIY spirit, they also produce, mix and release them, as well as filming and editing the music videos.
Recommended as well:
Lucy Daydream – Fast Forward
Follow the duo 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 Vanns – Feels Good Now
Australian artists are on a roll. I could easily write about Aussi acts only. Here’s another uplifting track from down under which I love, by South Coast band The Vanns. Feels Good Now is their second new track since releasing their debut album Through The Walls in 2019. Following a melancholic opening minute it bursts open wide with playful drum patterns, electric guitars, and a groovy bass.
They’re saving the best for last however. The song’s long outro has a truly nostalgic ‘70s sound. Lead guitarist Cameron Little explains: “The song was originally meant to finish with a fade out, but we were having too much fun playing it for it to end so soon. We wrote (and I use that term loosely) the jam at the end of the song at the last minute, before we got in the studio and tracked it.”
He continues: “Thematically, Feels Good Now is about taking a risk on something that you feel needs to change in your life despite any anxieties, apprehensions, and reasons why you tell yourself you shouldn’t; and actually pulling it off and feeling all the better for it.”
Follow The Vanns 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.
MeLLLo – Crown
Marsheaux are a synthpop duo from Athens, Greece. It was formed in Athens in 2003 by vocalists, songwriters and multi-instrumentalists Marianthi Melitsi and Sophie Sarigiannidou. The name Marsheaux is derived from the first syllable of each band member’s name. If you like acts like Depeche Mode, OMD, Ladytron, Hurts and The Human League, you really need to check out Marsheaux.
Both members also have solo projects. Sophie’s is called Aspra, and Marianthi named hers MeLLLo. The latter just released a new single, and it’s brilliant. Crown incorporates the best elements of all of the acts mentioned above and then some. An upbeat, uplifting and very powerful tune!
Follow MeLLLo 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.
Liberty – Troye Sivan
Don’t be mistaken, this article isn’t about a new track called Liberty by Aussi superstar Troye Sivan. It’s the exact opposite, as you might have expected when an artist from the other side of the world is involved. So, let’s talk about Liberty…
Liberty is the artist name of Danish indie-pop artist Mattias Kolstrup. He is the former lead singer of innovative electro-rock outfit Dúné. As a solo artist, he channels the power of rock, introvert pop and the energy of a long lost punk-era in his music and style. Since releasing his solo debut album Haven’t Felt This Great Since 1988 last year, he put out five new tracks. His up-tempo single Troye Sivan is the latest of the bunch.
Kolstrup explains: ”This is a song about my – not so secret – man crush on the one and only, Troye Sivan. (…) While writing it, it somehow took a life on it’s own incorporating themes of the historic religious opposition to the idea of people of the same sex finding each other attractive. Cause after all: what’s Jesus got to do with it? It’s all in the spirit of love, fascination and life.”
Follow Liberty 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.
Thunder Fox – Not For Sale
If you like your music smooth and funky – think Stevie Wonder, Prince or Justin Timberlake – please meet Thunder Fox. They’re a band from Sydney, consisting of Sam Dawes (vocals/guitar), Jesse Tachibana (trumpet/vocals/synth), Travers Keirle (saxophone/vocals) and Max Vallentine (drums). Also, new single Not For Sale marks the first contribution a bass player Casey Allan. His input is undeniable on this swinging cut.
Dawes acknowledges this in a comment about the song. He states: “Not For Sale is our introduction to Thunder Fox’s new sound. Casey, being a relatively new addition to the band at the time, brought with him a synth bass and a set of fingers carved by the Gods. Man, he had such a groove on that pile of plastic, the rest of us were floored. We wanted to write something dark, but funky (duh), and bad boy Casey had just the stuff.“
Their second single of 2021, Not For Sale is set to appear on the band’s next album Sanctuary. It’ll be out later this year.
Follow Thunder Fox 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 36):
Clara Luciani – Respire Encore
When I first wrote about Clara Luciani, over three years ago, she was an upcoming French singer. By now, we may conclude she delivered on the promise. For those in doubt: just listen to her new album Coeur (‘heart’). It’s a record that was born out of a profound love for 1960s and ‘70s music, but in the meantime firmly planted in the 2020s. That’s French DJ Breakbot’s contribution to the project. He adds a modern touch to Luciani’s retro influences.
When the album came out mid-June, I already recommended album cut Respire Encore (‘breathe again’). A great example of this nu-disco sound. It features a prominent bass and funky guitar riffs, as well as a beautiful string arrangement, played by no less than 18 violinists. Backing vocals are provided by Clara’s older sister Lea Luciani, who was the subject of earlier single Ma Soeur.
Lyrically, Respire Encore is an ode to post-lockdown life. “I wrote this song to convince myself that happier days were coming“, the artist explains. At Carte Blanche Music, we’d like to bring those happier days a little bit closer.
Now the triumphant track has been released as Luciani’s official new single, we’ve chosen Respire Encore as our new Wildcard. This means it’ll feature here prominently for a whole week! Even better: it’s the 1.900th Wildcard since I started choosing one on a weekly basis. Easy Lover by Philip Bailey & Phil Collins was the first one, back in 1985!
Recommended as well:
Clara Luciani – Ma Soeur
Clara Luciani – La Grenade
Follow Clara Luciani 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.
Louis Berry – Are You Alone?
Louis Berry launched a great new single, but alas it was largely overlooked last New Music Friday. It’s called Are You Alone? and I’d like to draw your attention to it. Especially because the title is appropriate in a sad way. In a message to his fans, Louis announced he caught COVID-19 ‘in a bad way’, and so has his 88-year-old grandad. They’re both in hospital right now. Hopefully, they can draw strength from the energy and power in this new single.
I bet he’ll get better. He’s a survivor. Louis was born in Liverpool to a heroin addict father and a mother desperate to keep him on the right side of the law. He once said about his youth: “The only way I could get respect was by doing bad things.” Luckily, he eventually turned to music. Good for him; good for us.
I’ve been following Louis since his 2015 single .45. That was a blues-rock track. His new single Are You Alone? is another upbeat banger, and just a rootsy. It’s folky in a Waterboys kind of way. You won’t regret taking 3 minutes of your time to get to know this one.
Get well soon Louis, and your grandad too!
Follow Louis Berry 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.
Certain Animals – Younger Than Now
Dutch retro-pop band Certain Animals are currently recording their sophomore album. Ahead of this long-player (whose release date is kept under wraps for now), they wet our appetite with another song. Following Sun King and Hold On, Younger Than Now is the third single to come out ahead of the record.
The band, consisting of Thijs van Leeuwen (vocals, guitars), Niels-Jan van Dijk (bass, vocals) and Kees Braam (drums, vocals) describe Younger Than Now as ‘a summary of a human life in just under three and a half minutes’. But that’s not all. It’s a summary of music history as well. Especially fans of jangle-pop bands like The Byrds can’t afford to miss this gem. But it gets even better, for Certain Animals also add brass instruments to the mix. What’s not to like about that?
The band’s last two singles reached audiences all over the world, both via streaming services and ‘old-fashioned’ radio airplay. If Younger Than Now would only become half as successful as its predecessors, I’d consider it a huge hit. But the good news is: by the sound of it, the new single will easily top these accomplishments and help reach even more people. Deservedly so!
Recommended as well:
Certain Animals – Hold On
Certain Animals – TV
Follow the band 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.
Broods – Piece Of My Mind
Following collaborations with Ladyhawke and Bad Sounds, Broods just released their first ‘headlining’ single of 2021. With Piece Of My Mind, the New Zealand sibling duo (Georgia and Caleb Nott) created another anthemic, arena-ready track. It features dry beats and dreamy synths, which at times produce a futuristic atmosphere. That’s on purpose, for Piece Of My Mind is the first track off an upcoming album named Space Island. It comes with an artistic visual, inspired by sci-fi B-movies.
Musically, it may sound bright and carefree, but the lyrics are a darker affair. They deal with escapism and mental health issues. Georgia Nott: “The song describes the many paradoxes we encounter when we try to escape our problems. The more we try to run away from our problems and ourselves, the more we are confronted with the aspects of each that we don’t like.”
Recommended as well:
Broods – Everything Goes (Wow)
Broods – Peach
Follow Broods 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.
