Browsing Category single track
single track
Greatest Hits – Pleasure To Meet You
Greatest Hits is the project of Australian writer/producer/musician Ryan Cooper, and a collective of friends from around the globe. They toured extensively with the bands Hollow Coves and Halfnoise (Zac Farro of Paramore).
Greatest Hits blend ‘70s groove, sunshine pop and neo-psych, with lyrical sarcasm. This results in a sound that is full of both energy and vulnerability, timeless groove and modern sensibilities. Pleasure To Meet You is their new single.
Follow Greatest Hits 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.
single track
Render Ghosts – Eye Rhyme
Render Ghosts are not the only Britain-based band with a Dutch singer nowadays. Other current examples are Sam & The Womp, The Hisunz and Nikki & The Waves.
So let me introduce you to the three members of Render Ghosts, who come from totally different musical backgrounds:
- Tamara van Esch is well-known in the Netherlands as a singer-songwriter who sings in Dutch for her solo project Mevrouw Tamara. Also, she appeared on TV talent show The Voice of Holland
- Tom Wilson is a classically-trained composer of infectiously playful arthouse pop
- Iain Chambers is a sound artist who uses buildings as instruments. He famously turned London’s Tower Bridge into a massive resonating chamber
As a trio, Render Ghosts move somewhere in between Everything Everything and St. Vincent, but with a more carefree and light-hearted sound. That doesn’t mean there’s no urgency in the music, as their very first release proves. Eye Rhyme is a synth-heavy, ‘80s inspired song, built around Chambers’ propulsive beats. Meanwhile, Tamara van Esch and Tom Wilson’s lyrics map out the disorientation of human relationships in a digital world.
A very colourful and promising debut!
Follow Render Ghosts 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.
single track
Alta Falls – The Fire
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.
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
Wilsn – You Know Better
Just like her biggest musical inspirations (Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Etta James, Lauryn Hill, Donny Hathaway, Lianne La Havas and Whitney Houston) Geelong (Australia) native Shannon Busch is gifted with a great voice. With her equally strong pen, she writes songs that celebrate the rich history of soul, but are firmly rooted in the here and now. In 2015, she released her debut EP Don’t Give It Up as Wilsn. She then spent a few years in Nashville, honing her craft with the help of Grammy Award winning writers.
She returned to Melbourne in 2019, when The Teskey Brothers asked her to open their sold out UK/Europe shows. During the 2020 lockdown, she headed back into the studio with producer Stephen Charles. Together, they brought to life what Wilsn had learned in the US. The resulting single, You Know Better, has a truly authentic, yet modern soul sound. Obviously, her voice is a highlight throughout, while the Stax style horns add a delicate vintage touch. A warm and rich song, delivered with attitude. For fans of Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse.
No wonder then, that Wilsn recently signed with Ivy League Records. She joins the likes of The Teskey Brothers, and Carte Blanche Music favourites The Rubens, Hatchie, Shannen James and Mia Wray on the label’s roster.
Follow Wilsn 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
Buffalo Paradise – Buffalo Paradise
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.
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
Sera – Take A Chance
Only two years ago, Sera de Bruin – from the Dutch town of Sliedrecht – was an unknown singer, but an ambitious one. In order to make a name for herself, she started to post live covers, recorded in her car, on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. It didn’t take long for her versions of Dua Lipa’s IDGAF and Meghan Trainor’s No to attract hundreds of thousands of views. One of her most popular videos, the Tones & I cover Dance Monkey, even amassed over 30 million views. But things really took off when Justin Bieber spotted Sera’s rendition of one of his songs on Instagram Live and decided to sing along with her. Not long after that, she was asked to perform on world-famous footballer Christiano Ronaldo’s birthday party.
With such an amount of talent and success, it would be a pity to continue covering songs by others. At 27, Sera decided to turn a professional artist in her own right. She signed a major label deal and contacted producer and songwriter Bas van Daalen (J. Balvin, Major Lazer, David Guetta). They went into the studio to write her own material. Last July, she launched her debut single Only Us to much fanfare, but things look even brighter for its follow-up. Take A Chance is an extremely catchy, Dua Lipa-like track, that’s destined to give Sera a worldwide audience.
She says about the tune: “If you really want something, go get it! That’s what this song is all about. You got nothing to lose and chances are that the odds are in your favour. If you never try, you never know. Could be a lover, a project, a self-made goal, whatever you want it to be.”
Follow Sera 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.
single track
Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers – Miss Your Birthday
Anna Ryan (vocals), Scarlett McKahey (guitar/vocals), Jaida Stephenson (bass) and Neve van Boxsel (drums) met in high school. There, they formed the most likeable of female punk-rock bands: Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers. 10 points for that name alone.
They are not too prolific. Their 2017 debut single was followed by two singles in 2019, one in 2020 and two in 2021. But, in a good old-fashioned case of quality over quantity, every track they put out is a banger.
Their latest tune is no exception. On the contrary. Miss Your Birthday was co-written with Alex Lahey and produced by Violent Soho guitarist James Tidswell. It combines rough and rugged riffs with ultra-bright melodies and a soaring hook. Packing a punch both musically and thematically, the track touches on the idea of being comfortable in your parents’ home yet yearning for freedom out of home.
Speaking of the release, Scarlett McKahey shares: “Miss Your Birthday was written during the first COVID lockdown, when I was staying in Melbourne and really homesick. I wrote it with Alex Lahey (which was an absolute dream) and we wanted to write something relatable, referencing share house couches and dirty bathrooms. It’s about the internal battle of wanting to be back at your Mum’s cosy house without abandoning your new ‘grown up’ life. Sometimes going home is the only option!”
Recommended as well:
Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers – Ahhhh!
Follow Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers 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 48):
Wildcard (week 48):
Coral Palms – Something In The Air
Remember the comedy TV series ‘Fawlty Towers’? Then you’ll remember British seaside town Torquay, which inspired the sitcom, although it wasn’t actually filmed there. Also, Torquay is the place where writer Agatha Christie was born. In 2017, it was the town where Ollie (drums/vocals) and Will (guitar/vocals) formed Coral Palms. Indeed, Ollie follows in the footsteps of singing drummers like Phil Collins, Don Henley, Sheila E. and, more recently, Georgia. Two years later, Adriano (guitar/BV’s) and Callum (bass) joined the duo. The band is currently based in London.
Coral Palms released their debut track in early 2021, and Something In The Air is only their fourth single to date. Its infectious, breezy indie sound draws inspiration from acts like Two Door Cinema Club, Foals, Arctic Monkeys and The 1975. Lyrically, the song is about meeting someone on a night out. But not just ‘anyone’. Someone you know there is some future with, you just don’t know quite what that future is yet.
As far as Coral Palms’ future goes, I’d say it’s as bright and sunny as their music.
For starters, their single Something In The Air is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It’ll feature here prominently for a full week!
Follow Coral Palms 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.
single track
Moretti – D’ya Care?
Moretti are a rock band from Bradford, UK. Jack Duffy (vocals/guitar), Cameron Bagnall (guitar/vocals) and Alex Marsh (bass) are childhood friends, while Brad Dransfield (drums) and Matt Armstrong (guitar) joined in later. In true DIY spirit, they write and produce their songs themselves.
They cite Oasis, Stone Roses, Blink-182, James, David Bowie and Suede as their influences. A great bunch! Personally, I think Guns N’ Roses should be in that list as well, for new single D’ya Care? bears more than a little resemblance to Sweet Child O’ Mine. But isn’t that one of the best inspirations a rock band can have?
D’ya Care? is an anthemic, driving song with ‘90s style rock riffs and a powerful rhythm section. Armstrong describes it as ‘the band’s manifesto’. “It incorporates everything we are about: big sound, big chorus. It asks the question D’ya Care? because we want the audience to think about what is important to them and their lives.”
Follow Moretti 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
Blonde Diamond – Red Flags
Even though they don’t have any huge hits to their name (yet), you may still know Vancouver-based band Blonde Diamond. They’ve 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 group’s eagerly awaited debut album is expected in 2022.
Their full-length’s first single sheds light on abusive relationships. “Red Flags is a retrospective of moments leading up to the realization that a seemingly fairytale romance has slowly evolved into a dark, twisted, and manipulative stronghold”, says lead singer Alexis Young. “It’s the moment of clarity: realizing that walking away is stronger than trying to tough it out. And more importantly, understanding that you cannot try to fix someone else at the expense of your own well-being.”
With its energetic drums, sparkly keys, dreamy guitars, slinky bass and intimate vocals, Red Flags is a trademark Blonde Diamond track.
Follow Blonde Diamond 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.
