Browsing Category wildcard
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 39):
Wildcard (week 39):
Your Angel – Complicated
Maddy Boyd grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, but moved to Los Angeles on her own to pursue music. At first, she started touring in indie rock bands like Current Joys and Surf Curse. However, in 2019 she left the bands to pursue her own project Your Angel. Other than her earlier endeavours, her solo material has more of a modern girl group sound. Maddy cites artists like Britney Spears, Dido, Portishead, Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake as influences.
Complicated is Your Angel’s new single, which she wrote and co-produced herself. An addictively bouncing track with a catchy chorus. Complicated is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Follow Your Angel on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 38):
Wildcard (week 38):
Courteeners – It’ll Take More Than A Weekend Away To Fix This Mess
After forming in 2006, The Courteeners were lauded by Q Magazine as ‘one of the world’s biggest underground acts’. The band lived up to that title, as all of their six album reached the Top 10 of the UK Album Chart. Morrissey and Bono are among the artists who have expressed their appreciation of the band.
This success story started with the band’s 2008 debut album St. Jude, produced by Stephen Street (of The Smiths and Blur fame). In 2012, they dropped ‘The’ from their name, continuing as Courteeners. On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of their debut, the band re-recorded the album and released that version as St. Jude Re:Wired. 13 January 2023 there’s another jubilee to be celebrated, and a 15th Anniversary Edition of the album will come out. This expanded version will include the original album plus b-sides, non-album singles and demos.
One of these bonustracks is It’ll Take More Than A Weekend Away To Fix This Mess, an ‘unearted’ song from the original recording sessions. The reflective, laid-back tune sees front man Liam Fray croon over a largely acoustic guitar-led instrumental before keys, lovely trumpets and chanted backing vocals are introduced in the triumphant final part. The title may appear to be impossible to sing, but ends up having a hypnotising effect on the listener.
Courteeners’ It’ll Take More Than A Weekend Away To Fix This Mess is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Follow Courteeners on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 37):
Wildcard (week 37):
Jessia – One Of The Guys
Last year, Jessia amassed over 100 million Spotify streams for her single I’m Not Pretty. So far, 2022 has been quite the year for her as well. The Canadian newcomer (real name: Jessika Harling) opened for Maroon 5 at the Canadian Open golf tournament, supported OneRepublic across 10 European dates and took home the title ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ at the JUNO Awards. With her new single One Of The Guys, she proves the award jury right.
It’s a rock-infused pop-anthem that shows a more confident side of Jessia than her multi-platinum hit. The self-penned track may contain her familiar vulnerability (combining themes of heartache, self-worth and discovery), but in the end she concludes she’s ‘too hot to be one of the guys’. Musically, the upbeat song features a bouncy beat with trap undertones and staccato guitar licks. Clocking in just under 2 minutes, this super catchy single leaves you wanting more. And that’s exactly what you’ll be getting here…
One Of The Guys by Jessia is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Follow Jessia on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 36):
Wildcard (week 36):
Kakkmaddafakka – Good Guy
Kakkmaddafakka are one of my favourite feel-good pop bands. Their new single is another great example why. Power pop song Good Guy is a throwback to the eighties. To the sound of fellow-Norwegians a-ha, to be more precise. With its pounding drums, buzzing bass and catchy piano loop, this has the potential to become a Take On Me for a new generation.
Good Guy is the fifth single to be released ahead of their upcoming album Revelation, which is planned for the end of September. Judging by these tracks, it sounds like the synthesizer has been given a more prominent role on this long-player. Something to look forward to!
Kakkmaddafakka’s Good Guy is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
More Kakkmaddafakka @ Carte Blanche Music
Follow the band on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 35):
Wildcard (week 35):
Ashe – Emotional
After an injury side-lined Ashlyn Rae Willson’s future as a gymnast, she immersed herself in music as a kid. Only five years since the release of her first single Used To It, her star has risen like a meteor. Her songs amassed 1,8 billion audio streams, 230 million video views, 7,4 million monthly Spotify listeners and 4 million social media followers. Fans include Brian Wilson, Niall Horan, Camilla Cabello, Shawn Mendes, Finneas and Maggie Rogers.
Just 15 months after the release of her debut album Ashlyn, she finished her sophomore long-player Rae (did you spot the pattern in the titles?). It will be out on 14 October. So far, four tracks preceded the album: Another Man’s Jeans, Hope You’re Not Happy, Angry Woman and Shower With My Clothes On. This week, a fifth single was added to the bunch, and it’s the catchiest of them all.
Emotional is an upbeat, horn-laden banger with a gospel vibe. Ashe says about the story behind the track: “Sometimes we just take things far too seriously in love and sometimes it’s just about driving a little too fast and having a little too much fun.”
Emotional by Ashe is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
I’m Fine
Follow Ashe on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 34):
Wildcard (week 34):
Blonde Diamond – We Just Wanna Dance
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 Magnetic Strangers will be out on 23 September.
We Just Wanna Dance is the fourth single to be released ahead of the long-player. Slowly bouncing, it’s danceable indeed, but it also has twangy guitars that remind of ‘Twin Peaks’ and spoken parts that could’ve been taken from a Grace Jones track. All in all, it’s great track to whet our appetite for the forthcoming album.
Blonde Diamond’s We Just Wanna Dance is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Red Flags
Follow Blonde Diamond on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 33):
Wildcard (week 33):
Georgia Lines – Faith
I’d like to introduce you to Georgia Lines (not to be confused with country band Florida Georgia Line). She’s an up and coming independent artist from New Zealand who’s sure to make new fans with her latest single. It’s the lead track off her new five-track EP Human.
Faith is as captivating as George Michael’s unrelated single with the same title, but in fact it’s sonically inspired by Prince. The riff-heavy track boasts vulnerable yet catchy lyrics, supported by a funky synth bass and bursts of guitar.
Lyrically, it explores a tension frequently felt in relationships, where stubbornness can often get in the way of necessary change. Lines explains: “Any relationship requires sacrifice from both sides; a give and take, and a willingness to make changes in order for the relationship to thrive. When you’re exhausted from waiting and desperate for that change to happen, you can often feel hopeless or like you’re running out of faith.”
Faith by Georgia Lines is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Follow Georgie Lines on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.
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 32):
Wildcard (week 32):
Grace Amos – Nothing To Say
In 2018, then 14-year-old Grace Amos received the Maton Guitars Britton Morrison Scholarship. This granted her the opportunity to attend the prestigious CMAA Academy of Country Music in Tamworth, Australia. During her study, she started perfecting her talents busking the town’s streets. Taking inspiration from a range of genres including indie, country and pop, she released her first single Listen Real Closely two years later. But only in 2022 things took off seriously.
So far, Amos released three tracks this year, including a cover of Foo Fighters’ Everlong. Her brand-new single, the self-penned track Nothing To Say, builds upon those heavier influences. Opening with a bassline that brings Donna Summer’s I Feel Love to mind, it continues as a fun rock song. Key element are the singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s great vocals, which are backed by a walking bass, thumping drums and fiery guitars. A great step forward on a path that’ll undoubtedly see her grow into a voice of her generation.
This week, Nothing To Say by Grace Amos is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a full seven days.
Recommended as well:
Kiss You ‘til I’m Sober
Follow Grace Amos on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 31):
Wildcard (week 31):
Sult – Ick
It’s fair to say Sult isn’t the most prolific act around. Aussie sisters Cori and Paige York released their first single in 2019 en put out its follow-up a year later. Only now we can enjoy their third ever track. But it was well worth the wait!
The song is titled Ick, and perhaps I should explain that title first. According to the Urban Dictionary, an ick is ‘something someone does that is an instant turn-off for you, making you instantly hate the idea of being with them romantically’. Apparently, this is a theme the duo can relate to, since they consistently draw from personal experience in their music.
The sisters say about their songs: “We’re not afraid to talk about things that people say women shouldn’t – such as sex. We believe everyone has the right to embrace their sexuality without being scrutinized or judged. For us, it’s all about equality.”
Personally, I can’t think of a more attractive song about turn-offs. Therefore, Ick by Sult is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Follow Sult on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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, wildcardWildcard (week 30):
Wildcard (week 30):
Speelburg – I’m Back
Guess who’s back? It’s Speelburg, the musical alter ego of Noah Sacré. And holy cow, did he put out a great tune! It’s called I’m Back, but you’re forgiven if you misheard ‘I’m Beck’. For Beck sure is a befitting reference. This is top notch adventurous pop, and you’ll probably hear new things upon each listen.
Carte Blanche Music makes it extra easy for you to listen to the track repeatedly, for I’m Back by Speelburg is our new Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
For those who missed out on Speelburg until now: he is a half Belgian, half American artist who called Brighton, LA and the south of France his home. Just like the singer-songwriter and producer himself, his music has no boundaries. He usually describes it as ‘weird pop’. Each release takes a different turn. In other words: let him surprise you and expect the unexpected.
Follow Speelburg on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2022 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.
