Browsing Category wildcard
Wildcard (week 32):
Altered By Mom – Walking With The Enemy
As you may have noticed, Australia and Canada are currently two of my favourite sources of exciting new music. Altered By Mom are from Toronto.
The project started as an excuse for producer/songwriter Devon Lougheed to play with some of his favourite musicians from all across Canada. But it really took shape with the permanent addition of Gina Kennedy (bass/vocals) and Jamie Williamson (drums). Well, not really permanently actually, for in 2020, Altered By Mom are a duo consisting of Lougheed and Kennedy. In general, they play all instruments themselves.
Long before Corona kicked in, the band set a goal for themselves: they would release a song a week this year. That’s 52 songs. In other words: quite a lot! Still, they manage to maintain a high standard, combining a knack for infectious melodies and classic song-writing with a quirky sense of humour and a tongue-in-cheek post-grunge aesthetic. They describe themselves as ‘like Sloan had a baby with Barenaked Ladies… and then that baby stole your cigarettes’.
Walking With The Enemy is the pair’s latest single. Or, by the time you read this, they’ll probably have released a follow-up already. But Walking With The Enemy is a song worth servicing to radio stations and playlist curators. It’s an above par track which starts with an ‘80s, Neue Deutsche Welle kind of synth, before the drum kicks in. What follows is a tune so catchy, it deserves to be a hit (whatever that may mean these days).
As I like to put my money where my mouth is, Walking With The Enemy by Altered By Mom is this week’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
Recommended as well:
Altered By Mom – Hear That Sound
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 31):
The Magic Gang – Make Time For Change
Brighton quartet The Magic Gang offer a wide range of musical styles. Personally, I like them best when they enter The Style Council territory. In other words: when they revisit the Northern Soul sound. The band did so with recent single Think, and they’re back at it with their new track Make Time For Change.
Lead vocalist Gus Taylor explains, “Make Time For Change is a song about self-care. It’s a reminder to look after yourself and to encourage yourself to do the things that make you feel good.”
28 August, The Magic Gang will release their second album Death Of The Party. This horn-driven new single will feature on the vinyl Bonus Edition and digital formats of that long-player. It was recorded in Atlanta with producer Ben H. Allen (Deerhunter, Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley).
This week, Make Time For Change will feature prominently on Carte Blanche Music. It’s the new Wildcard!
Recommended as well:
What Have You Got To Lose
Think
How Can I Compete
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 30):
Crimer – Eyes Off Me
Did you like recent The Weeknd singles Blinding Lights and In Your Eyes? Then look no further for your next favourite song. Eyes Off Me is a new track by Crimer, a Swiss singer who deserves to conquer the world with this one.
In his own country, his career has already taken off in a big way. He reached #2 in the Swiss charts with his debut album Leave Me Baby, containing most tracks off his EP’s Leave, Me and Baby. Also, he won the ‘Best Talent’ gong at the Swiss Music Awards 2018.
Previously singing with a baritone voice, Crimer re-invented himself for his new single. Written in just 5 hours during a song-writing camp in Berlin, Eyes Off Me combines his effortless vocals with rousing retro synths. This results in a fresh and exciting electronic pop track with a euphoric ‘80s vibe.
Radio stations and curators who featured The Weeknd, but ignore Crimer, aren’t worth their salt. This week, Carte Blanche Music has its eyes on him, as Eyes Off Me is the new Wildcard. May more well-deserved attention follow!
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 29):
Doves – Prisoners
11 years. Eleven(!) years. It’s that long ago that Doves released their latest album. If you, like me, were eagerly anticipating its follow-up, the wait is almost over. On 11 September, at last, the Manchester rock band will give us their fifth full-length The Universal Want. In an interview with NME, frontman Jimi Goodwin calls it ‘probably the most organically-made Doves record’. Further explaining that process, he said: “It was born out of chatting to each other over email. (…) We started pooling all our material and the material that we couldn’t work into shape on the last record Kingdom Of Rust.”
Following Carousels, Prisoners is the album’s second single. A soaring, yet melancolic rock song. Goodwin: “Sometimes we get trapped by our own behaviour. You can be a prisoner of your own thoughts. They can take you to some pretty dark and unexpected places if you let them. It’s a song about checking yourself. It’s not to do with lockdown or the pandemic, it’s just the day to day wellbeing.”
This whole week, Doves’ new single Prisoners will feature here prominently. It’s the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 28):
Grace Farriss – All The People
Grace Farriss has lived on an artistic and musical diet all of her life. She grew up in the UK and Australia, as the daughter of Andrew Farriss, the main composer/songwriter for INXS. Growing up, she was always encouraged to play the piano and guitar. Eventually, she became a poet, singer, songwriter, composer, producer, painter, artist, author and environmentalist.
In 2017, she wrote All The People, which celebrates the interconnection between the diverse cultures that shape the world. The song has just been released as her debut single. It’s a ‘70s-inspired funky disco track, driven by a tight drum, horn and bass groove. Think of it as a more organic version of Lola’s Theme by The Shapeshifters. And the guitar that drops in after 1 minute reminds me of the opening riff of Sausolito Summernight by Diesel. What a great way to start a career!
Farriss is set to release her debut album Grace later this year, featuring performances from some of the world’s greatest musicians. The ‘thank you’ section in the booklet will include The Section Quartet, Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley) on drums, Joey Waronker (Beck) on drums, Abe Rounds (Andrew Bird, Meshell Ndegeocello) on drums, Benji Lysaght (Adele, Father John Misty) on guitar, Ralph Carney (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, The B-52’s) on saxophone, John Kirby (Solange) on keys, and Todd M. Simon (Angel City All-Star Brass Band) on horns.
Grace Farriss’ very first single All The People is this week’s new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 27):
Noga Erez – No News On TV
Noga Erez is one of Israel’s few breakthrough indie stars and one of the country’s most hyped artists. Combining electronic and pop music, she works in collaboration with her partner and co-writer, composer and producer Ori Rousso.
Currently writing and producing her sophomore album, the Tel-Aviv based artist just released its second single. No News On TV is an up-beat bop the pair wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s Erez’s warning against apathy and giving into paralysis and fear, especially now when there is so much to care about.
She says about it: “This song was written during a period where I had more time than I’ve had in a decade. I was able to sit down and work my ass off on new music without any emails disturbing the silence. No notifications, nothing. I wanted to write a song that talked about that. I felt a deep need to imagine what it would be like to live in a world with no politics, money, grit, racism, or violence.” In summary, she calls it ‘an escape song’.
The summery track is held together by a catchy bass line that runs throughout the song, combined with electronic elements. Hearing this single reminded me of the first time I heard Imani Coppola’s single Legend Of A Cowgirl, back in 1997. It’s got the same kind of youthful naivety and joyful freshness to it. Also, Erez has a comparable vocal style, somewhere halfway singing and rapping, which is very endearing.
No News On TV by Noga Erez is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 26)
Baxtr – Bloom
In the 30 years I’ve made radio shows, each of my programmes consisted for at least 50% of female voices. I didn’t even select them on purpose. Much of my favourite music appeared to be sung by women, simple as that. I’m very happy female artists gain more ground on festivals and radio playlists nowadays. There’s so much talent out there!
Take brand-new, all-female alt-pop trio Baxtr from London for instance. Floss Mackintosh (vocals, guitar), Bash Powers (guitar, keys, backing vocals) and Keiko Jackson (drums, backing vocals) have been close friends of 10 years. They shared the vision of being in a band together for a long time, and finally made it real.
To me, Bloom is one of the best debut singles of the past years. A euphoric banger, inspired by ‘80s pop songs, with added guitars and hooks of the catchiest kind. Shamelessly danceable, flamboyant, and empowering guitar pop in the best Haim tradition.
‘Your summer is coming soon’, they sing, and I’m sure that goes for the Baxtr girls themselves as well. About to ‘bloom’ in no-time, the band gave their career a hell of a kickstart with this first single. To ensure this gem won’t be overlooked, Bloom by Baxtr will appear here prominently for a full week as the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 25):
Hoshi feat. Corine – Larmes De Croco
In the last few years, two female artists rose to the top of the French charts from out of nowhere. Both of them featured multiple times on Carte Blanche Music: Hoshi (Mathide Gerner) and Corine (Aurore Imbert).
So far, these two phenomena each operated in their own genres, but things have changed. Hoshi just released her sophomore album Sommeil Levant, which is more produced than her debut Il Suffit D’y Croire. It contains more synths, which pulls its sound more towards Corine’s disco-pop.
Hoshi and Corine fans will be delighted to hear the album contains a duet between their favourites. Unsurprisingly, this collaboration between two of France’s biggest contemporary talents sounds exactly the way you hoped. A full on electro-pop song, Larmes De Croco (‘crocodile tears’) is the best possible mix of Hoshi’s and Corine’s musical universes. Four minutes of fun!
Although it’s not a single (yet), it’s the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
Recommended as well:
Hoshi – Amour Censure
Hoshi – Je Vous Trouve Un Charme Fou
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 24):
Julie Bergan – Commando
As a daughter of two music teachers, it came as no surprise Norway’s Julie Bergan pursued a music career herself. In 2018, she featured on Alan Walker’s global smash Ignite. Yet, her solo career has so far been mostly successful in the Scandinavian countries. Massively successful, that is. She already amassed 450 million streams on Spotify alone from a catalogue including two domestic #1 singles. Her debut album Turn On The Lights went 2x Platinum, while she collected several prestigious awards.
Without a doubt, Bergan’s new single will be the launch pad for well-deserved worldwide success. Commando is a great party anthem with a monster of a beat, acoustic guitars and samples aplenty. It sounds like an updated version of the Max Martin sound that made Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears world stars.
As of today, Julie Bergan takes command of Carte Blanche Music. Her bouncing single Commando is the new Wildcard, which means it will feature here prominently for a full week.
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
Wildcard (week 23):
Certain Animals – TV
Thijs van Leeuwen (vocals, guitars), Niels-Jan van Dijk (bass, vocals) and Kees Braam (drums, vocals) are Certain Animals. The trio, fans of The Beatles, Beach Boys, Neil Young, Crosby, Stills & Nash and ELO, are real DIY enthusiasts. While busy touring, they managed to build their own recording studio in Rotterdam. That’s where they write, produce and mix all of their songs themselves. Watch out for their debut album Songs To Make You Move, out on 25 September.
Until then, the band release a single a month. TV is the sixth single to be released ahead of the long-player. It opens with a phaser-turned drum fill, followed by a fuzzy double guitar harmony. The rhythm section consists of congas, bongos and a grunting bass. A melodic rock track filled with vocal harmonies, that wouldn’t have sounded out of place in the ‘70s. Apart from the influences mentioned above, Joe Jackson, Focus and Queen shine through in it as well.
This week, TV by Certain Animals is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
In the Wildcards 2020 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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.
