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Wildcard (week 49):
Trunky Juno – Death On TV
If youâre a regular Carte Blanche Music follower, Trunky Juno is no stranger to you. Mark Owens (his real name) has been showing up here regularly in the past few years.
He released his first EP Too Many Teeth – containing the singles he put out prior – in June 2020. Now, 3œ years later, EP #4, Call Me Trunky, sees the light. A 5-track opus that sounds like the best version of everything heâs done before. This is an artist on top of his game.
Apart from the three former singles, the EP holds two new tracks. Appropriately, it rounds off with This Is The End, which is preceded by my favourite: Death On TV. The latter combines melodic verses with pounding choruses. A sure fire future live banger.
The EP is entirely self-released, all the more reason to support it to the fullest.
Although itâs not a single, Death On TV by Trunky Juno is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
More Trunky Juno @ Carte Blanche Music
Follow Trunky Juno on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 48): Blenko – Only A Matter Of Time
Based in Manningtree, Essex, Blenko is the one-woman project of singer and bass player Rebecca Simmonds. In a previous life she fronted local band Annaâs Bones. Sheâs inspired by Talking Heads, Leonard Cohen, Suzanne Vega, and – by the sound of her new single – Talking Heads spin-off Tom Tom Club. Anyhow, this solo venture marks an exciting new chapter in her musical journey.
Only A Matter Of Time is only Blenkoâs third single on her own. Less than four months ago, she released her solo debut Through Your Teeth, which was followed by There There There. Both garnered attention on platforms such as BBC Introducing and Amazing Radio. I predict this new single, produced by Low Lying Sun frontman Michael Hemmings, will broaden her audience considerably. It combines no-nonsense bass lines, distinctive vocals and compelling songwriting.
Simmonds says about the track: âOnly A Matter Of Time is about human relationships, how they can change and how we adapt as a result. It originally came from some very sad personal experiences, but like my previous songs, there is a fun and upbeat aspect to the music that, I guess, symbolises optimism and maybe even a bit of faith in things getting better. Your brain can do a lot of gymnastics during challenging times (at least mine does!), where you juggle lots of different points of view. The multiple sounds and voices in the middle 8 kinda reflects this. But then out of this comes, hopefully, comes some sort of clarity and growth.â
Only A Matter Of Time by Blenko is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow Blenko on Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 47):
Chloe & The Brainwaves – Mind Running Wild
Chloe Gardner, Michael Potts, Lewis Cooke and Alex Baker have been playing in various bands together since their teens. The Sunderland-based quartetâs latest guise is called Chloe & The Brainwaves. They cite influences ranging from Jeff Buckley to Joni Mitchell and Soundgarden to Big Thief. Me, I also hear bands like Fleetwood Mac, First Aid Kit and Temples shining through. And if you like this new track, youâll probably fall for Wings Of Love by Liv (a highlight from 2016) as well.
Mind Running Wild is only C&TBâs sophomore single. Itâs a dreamy indie-rock song that pairs haunting vocals with stunning guitar riffs and killer melodies. A combination that gives the song a â90s, The Cranberries kind of feel. The rather dark musical backdrop mirrors the raw honesty of Chloeâs lyrics about childhood trauma endured in silence. Ultimately however, itâs a song of hope.
As the band explain: âMind Running Wild is about coming to terms with the trauma of psychological and sexual abuse endured as a child and the emptiness and shame it leaves behind. Through government cuts, funding to Mental Health services make it impossible for victims to access the help they desperately need. Then they battle with addictions and misunderstood negative manifestations that follow them throughout adulthood, leaving adult victims of childhood sexual abuse without a voice. This song is a glimmer of hope for those people. Speaking to a safe person or counsellor can help relieve the weight that is often carried as a secret for decades. You are not alone.â
Mind Running Wild by Chloe & The Brainwaves is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow Chloe & The Brainwaves on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 46):
Peking Duk feat. Julia Stone – Fall At Your Feet [Triple J Like A Version]
âLike A Versionâ is a segment on Australian radio station Triple J. Every week a musician or band performs one of their own tunes and a cover of a song they love. The latter often ends up being a stunning and quite different take on a well-known song. This is a great example.
In March this year, Canberra natives Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles (a.k.a. Peking Duk) were invited back into the studio. They did their own song Spend It, originally featuring Circa Waves, with guest vocals from upcoming Aussie singer Dean Brady. However, the session will forever be reminded for their stunning version of Crowded Houseâs Fall At Your Feet. Who wouldâve thought this beautiful track could be transformed into a sure-fire floor-filler? Thatâs exactly what Peking Duk did, with help from Julia Stone (of Big Jet Plane fame) and Dean Brady.
True to their party-vibe style, the dynamic duo and their well-chosen guests  delivered an anthemic and rousing cover of the 1991 classic. Adding bright synths, a booming beat and energy-drenched group vocals in the chorus, they created a classic of their own. Eight months after the recording session, this version is now released as a single by popular demand.
Peking Duk & Julia Stoneâs interpretation of Fall At Your Feet is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow Peking Duk on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
Follow Julia Stone on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 45):
Ciel – Shut In My Body
Brighton-based trio Ciel takes its name from front woman Michelle Hindriks. Sheâs a Dutch bass player, singer and songwriter who moved from the Netherlands to Great Brittain to pursue her musical dream. She teamed up with Spanish guitarist Jorge Bela Jimenez and British drummer Tim Spencer to form her own band.
24 November, they puts out their third EP Rather Be Alone, produced by Blood Red Shoes’ Steven Ansell. Drawing influences from â90s grunge, goth and shoegaze, the bandâs upcoming work sees them reflect a moodier and grittier direction.
Shut In My Body is the 2nd single off the impending EP. Still maintaining their established indie-rock signature, itâs possibly their most radio-friendly single yet. The video was shot in between soundchecks, road stops and during days off while on tour through Europe in September/October 2023, supporting Blood Red Shoes.
Shut In My Body by Ciel is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Recommended as well:
Baby Donât You Know
Follow Ciel on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 44):
Wet World – Fucked Up
Wet World are a Los Angeles-based duo, consisting of Stephanie Barker and Luke Atlas. They met when Steph auditioned to play drums in Lukeâs old band, Coast Modern. The two started messing around in the studio for fun and some wild songs came out. Now Steph sings (and plays drums, among other things), while Luke plays guitar (and produces, among other things).
Only last July, Wet World released their debut EP WelcomeâŠ, which contained four previously released singles plus two new songs. Around that time, I introduced you to their track Wassup. Now, the act serves up not one, but two new songs: Pressure and my favourite: Fucked Up. As you can guess from its title, the latter is not for the faint of heart. Musically, itâs a banger of sorts. Itâs full of slamming beats and euphoric synths. Sounds like a party anthem, but it isnât, really.
Wet World writes on Instagram about this epic track: âfucked up – youâve landed in a club đđšđ”âđ«, feeling crushed over a recent break up. let your tears freely flow đ – you can unleash your emotions amidst the chaos surrounding you đ. let the beats rock your whole body as you contemplate moving on to someone new – are u ready 4 this adventure?â
In response to that last question I can only say: YES, I am. Hope you are too. If not, you will be in a weekâs time, as far as Iâm concerned. Iâll make it extra easy for youâŠ
Fucked Up by Wet World is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow Wet World on Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 43):
Superbus – AseptisĂ©
Superbus is a French band that was formed in 1999 by frontwoman (singer, multi-instrumentalist and main songwriter) Jennifer Ayache. She took the name from the Latin word for âgreatâ. Among her biggest influences are other female-fronted acts like No Doubt, Garbage, Within Temptation and Texas. However, Superbus have a sound of their own, combining rock and electropop. A style they describe as âpop fictionâ of âfree popâ.
Their break-through came in 2006 with their third album Wow, which contained the hits Butterfly and in particular Lola. More hits – sometimes in French, sometimes in English – followed.
The band is currently working on its seventh album and has been teasing the first single via their socials for some time now. This week, AseptisĂ© (French for âsterileâ or âsanitizedâ) finally came out. Itâs one of Superbusâs trademark sophisticated pop-rock tracks. A funky guitar and a sing-along chorus which simply repeats the title to great effect, makes this an ultra catchy song. This will undoubtedly go down very well live.
âSuperbeâ indeed!
Aseptisé by Superbus is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow Superbus on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 42):
JacotĂ©ne – Donât Let Him Say Goodbye [Demo]
Let me start by adressing the elephant in the room. Itâs hardly possible to listen to Chelsea JacotĂ©ne (her full name) and not think of Amy Winehouse. They have the same vocal delivery and an equal amount of talent and charisma, thatâs for sure. One can only hope JacotĂ©ne has more decent people in her entourage than Winehouse had.
Stunningly, Melbourne-based JacotĂ©ne is only 17 years old. Her influences include Toots & The Maytals, Gorillaz, Adele and – you wonât be surprised – Amy Winehouse. She only wrote her first song at the age of 15 and things developed quickly from there. Last year, she won the Unearthed High competition of radio station Triple J. Since then, she performed live with G Flip and made her solo debut in the iconic Sydney Opera House. Also, JacotĂ©ne released three demos. A fourth one has just come out.
Yes, you read that right. Donât Let Him Say Goodbye is âonlyâ a demo. Personally, I wouldnât change a thing. Itâs a jaw-dropping track thatâs sure to induce goosebumps. Speaking with Purple Sneakers, she says itâs a song âabout the feeling of regret and confusion during the process of letting someone goâ.
Donât Let Him Say Goodbye by JacotĂ©ne is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow Jacoténe on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 41):
The Reytons – Let Me Breathe
The Reytons have amassed over 110 million Spotify listens so far, and play huge venues. Apparently they have an impressive fan base, but they arenât a household name to the general public yet. Indeed, yet, for I think their new single is a huge step in the right direction.
With Let Me Breathe, Jonny Yerrell, Joe OâBrien, Lee Holland and Jamie Todd created another high-octane, explosive cut. But it has that little extra that makes it even catchier than their other tracks. The four-piece deliver it with the bravado of Oasis circa Definitely Maybe. It comes with insatiable guitar lines, a walloping bass and an anthemic melody that could turn it into a classic. Lyrically, Let Me Breathe deals with needing to be free and breaking away.
The South Yorkshire indie rockers will release their third album Ballad Of A Bystander independently on 19 January 2024.
Let Me Breathe by The Reytons is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Recommended as well:
Broke Boyâs Cartel
Jealous Type
Follow The Reytons on Facebook | Instagram | X| Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
Wildcard (week 40):
grentperez & Lime Cordiale – Op-Shop Lover
While Europe is slowly but surely slipping into Autumn, our friends down under are embracing Spring. No wonder this collaboration of grentperez (real name: Grant Perez) and Lime Cordiale is such an ĂŒber sunny tune. Both are Sydney locals after all.
Perez (21) found his audience on YouTube playing guitar and singing both covers and self-written songs from the age of 5. He put out four EPâs worth of original material in the last two years, collecting 300 million streams on Spotify alone. Lime Cordiale had their big break in 2020, 11 years after the band was formed. Their sophomore album 14 Steps To A Better You shot to #1 and spawned no less than nine singles.
Now, two of Aussieâs finest acts combine forces on a fresh and vibrant track. Op-Shop Lover combines grentperezâs smooth vocals with Lime Cordialeâs infectious melodies. Just like Macklemoreâs 2012 hit, this summer anthem is an ode to thrift-shops.
Grentperez explains: âOp-Shop Lover is a light-hearted, carefree jam. Itâs about going to thrift stores with your partner, having fun trying on endless amounts of clothes, living life with no plans! The song to accompany your op-shop journey.â
âIt was so fun putting this song together,â Lime Cordiale add. âWe have the same sense of humour and musical taste. Very excited to release this to the world. Hopefully you find the record in an op shop one day.â
Op-Shop Lover by grentperez & Lime Cordiale is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.
Follow grentperez on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
Follow Lime Cordiale on Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.