Browsing Category wildcard
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 28):
Wildcard (week 28):
Grace Potter – Good Time
American singer-songwriter Grace Potter took four years to come up with a worthy follow-up to her 2x Grammy-nominated album Daylight. The new long-player, her third, is titled Mother Road and will come out on 18 August. Just like it’s predecessor, it was produced by her current partner Eric Valentine. He worked with the likes of Third Eye Blind, Smash Mouth, Queens Of The Stone Age, Good Charlotte and The Wombats before.
If that wasn’t enough name-dropping, the album features contributions from a host of top-of-the-bill musicians. How about guitarist Nick Bockrath, bassist Tim Deaux, drummer Matt Musty, pedal steel guitarist Dan Kalisher and keyboardist Benmont Tench? They drenched the 10 original songs in soulful rock, roots, funk, country, and R&B.
Are you a fan of Sheryl Crow and do you still listen to Rocks by Primal Scream and Take Your Mama by Scissor Sisters on repeat? Make sure not to miss out on Grace Potter’s new single Good Time then. It melts all of the ingredients above into an anthemic new, groovy tune.
Now a 40-year-old, she says about her latest track: “When I was writing Good Time, I was thinking about all the times when there were no boundaries between me and the world at large. As you get older, there’s this expectation that you need to fall in line, that you can’t keep living a fantasy your whole life. But I don’t know about that – maybe we can.”
Good Time by Grace Potter is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Back To Me (feat. Lucius)
Follow Grace Potter on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
remake, single track, wildcardWildcard (week 27):
Wildcard (week 27):
Goodnight Sunrise – This Is Yours (To Make)
At Carte Blanche Music, we’re huge fans of Canadian artists. Well, not all of them, obviously, but there’s a lot (really A LOT) of good music coming from the country. Recent examples include Päter, Augusta, Altered By Mom, Housewife, Lights, Velours, Blonde Diamond, Jessia, Dear Rouge, noelle, Harm & Ease, Madison Olds, Allie X, Elina Filice, Lølø, Chris Corey, Ruby Waters, Goodnight Sunrise… Do you want me to continue? All of these have featured on this blog before.
Today, let’s focus on the latter. Goodnight Sunrise are a Toronto band, led by the dual male-female vocal alchemy of keytarist Vanessa Vakharia and guitarist David Kochberg. Since forming in 2011, they earned a reputation as a great live act through over 400 shows across Europe and North America.
With their new single This Is Yours (To Make) the band comes full circle. One of their first self-written songs, they originally recorded it ten years ago for their debut album Create/Destroy/Create. From the start it was clear it had the potential to become a fan favourite and anthemic concert closer (which it came to be). Since the track kept evolving over the years, Goodnight Sunrise decided to record an explosive new version of it. More powerful and punchy than ever, it’s now likely to grow from a fan favourite into a Canadian classic.
If you happen to be in the country this summer (or are lucky enough to live there), don’t miss the band while they’re on tour!
This Is Yours (To Make) by Goodnight Sunrise is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Wait For It
Follow Goodnight Sunrise on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 26):
Wildcard (week 26):
The Cat Empire – Money Coming My Way
As a big fan of The Cat Empire, I’m really looking forward to 25 August. That date has been set for the release of the Australian band’s ninth album Where The Angels Fall. Finally, I might add, as their latest album came out in 2019. In the meantime, much has changed for the band. Most importantly, the original sextet, which was often supplemented by a horn section, was stripped down to a duo. Only founding members Felix Riebl (vocals, percussion) and Ollie McGill (keyboards, backing vocals) remained on board. However, they still enlist other musicians to help them out. This is also the case on their new single Money Coming My Way.
It’s an absolute party track with many elements that really show what The Cat Empire is all about. The track includes blitzing horns, Cuban-infused piano riffs, thumping drums and bass, and a great vocal hook. They also threw in some extra party-starting elements this time, in the form of Melbourne legends Horns Of Leroy, a string orchestra, and the 40-pice Heidelberg Wind Ensemble.
Riebl comments: “This song’s got a big tongue in cheek, and in many ways, it harks back to some of the first album antics. Who can afford the cost of living these days? Everything is so expensive! Really, we just wanted to have some fun with this one. After that, we added some crazier details. (…) There’s a part where our producer Andy Baldwin acts out the part of a NYC police officer on the squad car radio announcing a robbery which happened spontaneously and caused raucous late night studio laughter.”
Money Coming My Way by The Cat Empire is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Into The Night
Follow The Cat Empire on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 25):
Wildcard (week 25):
Lily Moore – Summer
Lily Moore has the potential to have a career like Amy Winehouse. But hopefully a longer one with a happier ending. She, too, grew up listening to soul legends like Etta James, Lauryn Hill and Sam Cooke. Surprisingly, perhaps, if you know she’s the daughter of the late Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore. Great to hear she found her own voice in more ways than one. She has a distinctive vocal sound and picked her own genre to excel in.
Moore, now 24 years old, is based in London. She started busking the streets, but her proper musical career started with her promising EP’s Not That Special and I Will Never Be (2018). The latter title almost became a self-fulfilling prophecy, when her momentum (like that of so many other artists) was abruptly halted in 2020. Luckily she decided to give music another chance and used this difficult period to write her strongest tunes yet. These are compiled on her new 6-track EP Before I Change My Mind, Again….
About the writing process of these songs she says: ”The sessions I wrote these in were during those dark days when the world was in a funny place. The outside world was fucked, but inside the studio I was safe. Quite honestly, this EP gave me back my life.”
Her latest six tracks include previous singles Hard Days, Beautiful Lie and Never Wanted You More, plus three brand-new songs. Summer is Lily’s new single. A sunny tune about her beloved subject: a break-up. This time, for a change, it’s her walking away.
We want Moore!
No better day than 21 June to announce that Summer by Lily Moore is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Over You
Follow Lily Moore on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 24):
Wildcard (week 24):
Rose Gray – Happiness
I think it’s fair to say East London town Walthamstow first came to the attention of most music lovers when East 17 named their 1992 debut album after their place of birth. In fact, E17 is the area’s postal code. Artists that referenced it in their lyrics include Paul McCartney & Wings (as long ago as 1979) and The Cranberries. Nowadays, it’s a major centre in London’s grime music scene.
But Walthamstow is also the town where Rose Gray was born and raised. The warehouse parties in secret locations she intended in the small hours are woven into the fabric of her own sonic landscape. This contains an infectious blend of house, pop and dance that feels entirely unique, and totally irresistible. Her new single Happiness is a great example and another huge step forward.
Speaking about the track, Gray said: “There’s no denying I’m a late ‘90s baby with my heart very much in the underground club scene. I take massive inspiration from the euphoric and pure nature of iconic ‘90s records. Happiness is just that, reimagined in 2023 style.”
The tune includes a reference to Deee-Lite’s equally compelling 1990 classic Groove Is In The Heart, which can only be a good thing.
Recommended as well:
Sun Comes Up
Happiness by Rose Gray is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Follow Rose Gray on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 23):
Wildcard (week 23):
Augusta – Maybe
Canadian band Augusta was formed in early 2022 when Joe Dent joined forces with August Jones, Zach Stuckey and Parker Weiss. They perform live as a seven-piece, joined by Tristan Schultz, Daniel-leigh Mclean and Matt Woroshyl. Their first show only took place 14 months ago. By then, they mostly performed songs that either Dent or Jones had written independently. However, most of these songs felt out-dated and didn’t fit the direction they wanted to take the band. Therefore, they decided to go on their first writing retreat in Jones’ family cottage. There, they wrote the songs for Augusta’s debut EP.
Last October, I really liked the band’s very first single Little Birds. Early this year, it was followed by sophomore effort Better Off. With new tune Maybe, they complete a hattrick of great tracks. I think this upbeat, brass-infused song is their best yet.
On Augusta’s Facebook page, Jones writes: “I wrote Maybe in the summer of 2021 just after the pandemic hit. It was one of the first songs I ever fully wrote and produced myself and one of the first ones where I went: ‘I could release this and… be okay with it?’.”
He goes on to explain the track is for the people who are trying to remove themselves from who they were when they were younger. It’s about ‘the constant chatter in the skull that keeps you from doing what you love to do most; And the unwarranted pressure and self-doubt some of us place on ourselves every day’.
On 23 June, Augusta will be playing their biggest headline show ever in hometown Toronto to celebrate the release of their debut EP. The trio of songs they put out so far sounds really promising!
It’s 100% sure that Maybe by Augusta is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Little Birds
Follow Augusta on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 22):
Wildcard (week 22):
The Lathums – Lucky Bean
Early in March of this year, The Lathums put Lucky Bean forward as the ‘focus track’ of their sophomore album From Nothing To A Little Bit More. Ten weeks into the promo campaign, it is now out as an official single. A great choice, which sounds like the perfect cross of The Proclaimers, The Smiths and The Boo Radleys. The upbeat, summer-y track pairs jangling guitars, plenty of horns and even a harmonica. It’s early ‘90s all over again!
Lucky Bean looks back on a romance of the Wigan band’s singer and songwriter Alex Moore. “It’s a song about love,” he explains, “speaking of a doomed relationship at a time when I thought we’d be together forever and have kids. At the time, I used to call that person my lucky bean.” The relationship soured between writing and recording, but at least it resulted in one of the best pop moments of the year so far. A bittersweet skiffle-pop track that’s ready to warm the hearts of festival attendees.
The Lathums’ new single Lucky Bean is this week’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a full seven days.
Recommended as well:
Say My Name
Follow The Lathums on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 21):
Wildcard (week 21):
Ericka Jane, Dopha & bbybites – Come Sit With Us
Denmark has always been a great incubator for new pop talents. The last few years alone, the country produced hot new artists like Drew Sycamore, RoseeLu, Mina Okabe, Eyjaa and Dopha. All females, as you might have noticed. Despite that, Denmark doesn’t have a real ‘girl crew’ atmosphere, according to singer Ericka Jane. In a press release, she claims Danish women in pop have often supported each other, but this seldomly resulted in musical collaborations.
In that respect, Come Sit With Us is a break-through. It’s not only an ode to female artists and sister love by three of Denmark’s most promising young singers, it’s also an invitation to others to spread these good vibes. The song title is a response to this scene from teen movie ‘Mean Girls’, where Regina is told: ‘You can’t sit with us’. Instead, Ericka Jane, Dopha and bbybites invite everyone to come and sit at their table.
Come Sit With Us is an incredibly catchy tune with euphoric synth strings, memorable vocal melodies and multiple ways to say ‘okay?!’.
This week, Come Sit With Us by Ericka Jane, Dopha & bbybites is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week. Okay?!
Follow Ericka Jane on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Follow Dopha on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
Follow bbybites on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 20):
Wildcard (week 20):
Sparks – Nothing Is As Good As They Say It Is
This week sees the glorious comeback of some ‘old’ favourites, like Amanda Marshall, Queens Of The Stone Age and Tenacious D. And they don’t return with half-baked wannabe tracks. No, they provide us with some of the week’s best new music. Top of the bill, in that respect, are Sparks. Their new single has the unmistakable Sparks stamp on it. However, in 2023 – over 56(!!!) years after brothers Ron and Russell Mael made their first recordings as Urban Renewal Project – they sound as fresh as ever.
Yes, you read that well. The band ultimately known as Sparks first entered the studio in January 1967. They were soon discovered by Todd Rundgren and, sorry if this sounds lazy, ‘the rest is history’. Despite regularly changing styles, their songs are immediately recognizable. The same goes for their visual representations throughout the years. For almost six decades now, Sparks have been at the forefront of modern, artful pop music.
Their 26th studio album The Girl Is Crying In Her Latte (out on 26 May) was already preceded by its title track and Veronica Lake. But single #3, Nothing Is As Good As They Say It Is, is the most accessible track off it so far. A hi-NRG song with upbeat drums, guitars, Ron’s subtle piano and Russell’s authentic vocals, which could have been recorded when they formed FFS, with Scottish band Franz Ferdinand. Let me tell you it’s beyond good, and despite the tune’s title, you can trust me on this one.
Nothing Is As Good As They Say It Is by Sparks is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Hippopotamus
Follow the duo on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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 19):
Wildcard (week 19):
Tom Grennan – How Does It Feel
Tom Grennan’s collaborations with dance artists are sure fire hits. His 2016 single with Chase & Status, All Goes Wrong, became his big break, while By Your Side (with Calvin Harris) was a pan-European hit. However, I personally like his own (pop) singles better. His new one is another great example why.
How Does It Feel is the third single to be released ahead of Grennan’s upcoming third album. The longplayer, What Ifs And Maybes, will be out on 16 June. The British singer and songwriter said about the record: “I want (people) to feel they have no stress and no worries when they’re listening to these songs. So I made that conscious decision to write some up-tempo songs that can live in a party world.”
New single How Does It Feel is a good example. Speaking about the track, he explained: “This song is a reflection of a moment in my life when I realised I had let something unreal slip. It’s a reflection on the excitement that comes when you know you have a chance to rebuild. It’s exciting, fun, and gives you the energy to want to get up and do what you believe in!”
With its upbeat drums, sunny guitar sound and catchy lyrics, How Does It Feel by Tom Grennan is a contender for the Summer Song of 2023 trophy.
For starters, it’s the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Sober
Found What I’ve Been Looking For
Follow Tom Grennan on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2023 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.
