Browsing Category wildcard
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 48):
Wildcard (week 48):
Coral Palms – Something In The Air
Remember the comedy TV series âFawlty Towersâ? Then youâll remember British seaside town Torquay, which inspired the sitcom, although it wasnât 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/BVâs) 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 âanyoneâ. Someone you know there is some future with, you just don’t know quite what that future is yet.
As far as Coral Palmsâ future goes, Iâd say itâs as bright and sunny as their music.
For starters, their single Something In The Air is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. Itâll feature here prominently for a full week!
Follow Coral Palms on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 47):
Wildcard (week 47):
Laura Mac – Garage Full Of Dreams
Youâve got debut singles, and then youâve got DEBUT SINGLES. Garage Full Of Dreams by Laura Mac easily falls in the latter category.
Laura Mac is a brand-new duo from the Australian Sunshine Coast, consisting of Laura MacLachlan and Zachary Connelly. They call their big red tour bus their official third member. Thatâs the place where the couple wrote this song, record their demos and spend most of their time. Zac writes all the music and then Laura throws in the occasional bass line and puts vocals down over the top.
The band subsequently took their demo to a real studio, where Luke Williams (Dead Letter Circus) was enlisted to play the drums. Ian Peres (ex-Wolfmother) played the keys. The result is an energetic fun track with sunny verses and a guitar-heavy chorus. Despite the busy, rocky backdrop, Lauraâs powerful voice cuts through the music like a knife.
In an interview with Good Call Live, the bandâs front-woman says about Garage Full Of Dreams: âYou know how some people have to work really hard for things that other people have given to them for free? Thatâs kind of what this song is about. That and cool cars! I sing about all these cool cars when in reality I drive the worldâs most beat up Toyota Camry. When I got the car it was rancid and had 5000 cockroaches in it. Itâs clean now but has subsequently been nicknamed âThe Roachâ.â
This whole week, Garage Full Of Dreams by Laura Mac will feature here prominently as our Carte Blanche Music Wildcard.
Follow Laura Mac on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 46):
Wildcard (week 46):
Carla Wehbe – Hurts To Love You
After bundling her 2020 singles on her first EP Half Past Nine, Carla Wehbe came to the attention of Warner Music Australia. The love was mutual, and the Sydney indie-pop artist signed a record deal with the major.
Co-produced by Xavier Dunn (who else?), Hurts To Love You is a cracking start of the partnership. Itâs a glorious, uplifting pop song; contemporary, but with a distinct retro feel, thanks to the â80s style synths. The energetic nature of the song is a sharp contrast with its melancholic lyrics.
Wehbe explains Hurts To Love You is about âlosing someone that you care deeply aboutâ, and the visceral emotions that come with being forced to distance yourself from them. She continued: âYou love them so much that it hurts too much to be close to them, so you have to separate yourself. And you realise that all the things you spoke about doing, or planned to do, arenât going to happen anymore and youâre just going to have to live with that.â
Wehbe penned the lyrics with Norwegian songwriters Jim Bergsted and Helge Moemthat, with whom sheâd connected over Instagram. However, she claims the song embodies only her own perspective. âIâve never felt more broken in my life than when I was writing this trackâ, she said.
Next to an upcoming artist, sheâs an in demand songwriter, videographer, producer, photographer and fashion designer as well. âOne to watchâ, as they say⊠Well, donât look any further. Hurts To Love You by Carla Wehbe is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This means itâll feature here prominently for a whole week!
Follow Carla Wehbe on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 45):
Wildcard (week 45):
Foals – Wake Me Up
In 2022, Oxford band Foals will release its seventh album. Itâll be their first album as a trio, following keyboard player Edwin Congreaveâs departure of the band to pursue a postgraduate degree in economics. A title, tracklisting and release date are still under wraps, but first single Wake Me Up is out now.
The track reveals a slightly different musical direction for the band. Adding funky guitars to their trademark syncopated rhythms and catchy hooks, Wake Me Up sounds like The Clash meets Chic. Frontman Yannis Phillipakis explains: âThereâs a journey that the band has gone on experimenting with different palettes of sound. This time there was a desire to take it back to more of the initial idea of the band where the rhythm, the grooves and the guitars are interlocking architecturally. We wanted to tap into the physicality of music. And we wanted it to feel good.”
About the single, he adds: âWith Wake Me Up, I just wanted to write a song about transporting yourself to a better, idyllic situation. I think we all had that feeling of the last eighteen months being like a weird fever dream that felt surreal but very affecting. I think we all wished we could have woken up somewhere else at various points.â
The track was produced by John Hill (Portugal The Man, Florence & The Machine, Cage The Elephant). He also co-produced the rest of the upcoming album, together with Dan Carey (Tame Impala, Fontaines D.C.).
This week, Wake Me Up by Foals is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This means itâll feature here prominently for a full seven days.
Follow Foals on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 44):
Wildcard (week 44):
Smith & Thell – Pixieâs Parasol
I once had a cat named Pixie, so every time her name pops up somewhere, my attention is drawn. For example when Swedish duo Maria Jane Smith and Victor Thell released their sophomore album Pixiesâs Parasol, early this year. I already wrote about the single Radioactive Rain. Itâs one out of two songs on the long-player that was co-written by Joakim Berg. He used to be the front man of one of my favourite â90s bands, Kent.
Funnily, there was no track on the album called Pixieâs Parasol. Now, out of the blue, itâs the title of Smith & Thellâs new single. Once again co-written by Berg, itâs a super catchy song. Not in the least because of its resemblance to France Gallâs PoupĂ©e De Cire, PoupĂ©e De Son. If you like upbeat guitar-pop songs and sing-along choruses with an edge, this oneâs for you.
Pixieâs Parasol by Smith & Thell is this weekâs Carte Blanche Music Wildcard, so itâll feature prominently on the blog for seven full days!
Recommended as well:
Radioactive Rain
Follow Smith & Thell on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 43):
Wildcard (week 43):
Hope Tala – Tiptoeing
Hotly tipped singer and songwriter Hope Tala continues to expand her fanbase, and rightly so. The West London-based talent released EPs in 2018, 2019 and 2020, so a fourth canât be far away. For starters, Tiptoeing is a brand-new song. It pairs a beautiful vocal melody with elements of bossa nova and modern R&B. A truly delicious song, that brings Lily Allenâs early days to mind. Thatâs undoubtedly the influence of producer and co-writer Greg Kurstin, who also worked with Sia, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Adele and about everybody else.
Speaking on the track, Hope Tala states:Â âTiptoeing is about the dance we do when weâre at the threshold of romance. Itâs about treading carefully when youâre not quite sure what the other person is feeling, but desperately wanting to take a risk because youâre young and life is short.â
This week, Tiptoeing by Hope Tala is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. Itâll feature prominently on the blog for a full seven days!
Follow Hope Tala on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 42):
Wildcard (week 42):
Wallows – I Donât Want To Talk
Los Angeles-based trio Wallows consists of Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters and Cole Preston. Since their 2019 debut album Nothing Happens, they put out the Remote EP in 2020. The Deluxe Edition of this EP counted 11 tracks, just like their first long-player.
I Donât Want To Talk is the bandâs brand-new single. Itâs a poppy, upbeat track with melancholy lyrics, a road theyâve walked before. As a consequence, the song falls between an infectious indie bop and a heartbreak anthem. The tuneâs fast drumbeat introduction transitions right into a catchy flute that keeps coming back throughout the song. Other ear-catching elements are thick guitar hooks and a prominent harmonica.
âI Donât Want to Talk is ultimately a song about insecurities,â Dylan Minnette said in a statement. âNot only in yourself, but in this case, particularly in a relationship. It centers around the fear of being away from someone for too long and that ultimately allowing the other personâs head to be turned by someone else, and instead of expressing those fears, completely shutting down and not wanting to talk about it at all.â
This week, I Donât Want To Talk by Wallows is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard! Itâll be featured here prominently for a full seven days.
Recommended as well:
Wallows – OK
Follow Wallows on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 41):
Wildcard (week 41):
Jaguar Jonze – Who Died And Made You King?
Deena Lynch is a multi-talented performer. She is an Instagram artist (as Spectator Jonze), a photographer (Dusky Jonze) and a musician (Jaguar Jonze). Recently however, her artistry was pushed to the back a little, for she had quite the year. Apart from the âusualâ COVID-19 hassle, she attracted the virus herself. Also, she shared her experiences of sexual abuse and harassment in the music industry, and became a strong voice for the #metoo movement in Australia.
In her fiery new single Who Died And Made You King?, Jonze celebrates the fact that in the last year, many notable âkingsâ or heads at the top of the music industry have been taken down. The track is driven by punchy percussion, fierce distorted vocals and determined lyrics. It acts as a warning that more downfalls and clean-ups are yet to come.
Meanwhile, she leaves no doubt sheâs back. Jonze explains: âWith this single, I wanted to take back my power, take back my voice and take back my artistry.â
This week, Who Died And Made You King? by Jaguar Jonze is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. Itâll feature at the top of the blog for a full seven days.
Recommended as well:
Rabbit Hole
Kill Me With Your Love
Follow Jaguar Jonze on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 40):
Wildcard (week 40):
Youth Sector – Self Exile
Are you (like me) old enough to know and appreciate bands like Devo, Talking Heads and Tubeway Army? Then you might want to check out Brighton five-piece art-rock outfit Youth Sector, who combine the best of these bands.
Speaking of their new single, the bandâs Nick Tompkins says: âSelf Exile is about feeling self-destructive, cutting your nose to spite your face, and wanting to push yourself away from those around you as punishment. The lyric âThat should do it this timeâ is written in the mindset of thinking youâve finally hit someoneâs final nerve.â
Clocking in at [3â02], Self Exile is an energetic, well-crafted post-punk track. Exciting and catchy; playful and punchy. What more does a good song need? âThat should do itâ, indeed.
Self Exile by Youth Sector is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard, so itâll feature at the top of the blog for a full week!
Follow Youth Sector on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 39):
Wildcard (week 39):
Foxes – Sister Ray
Sister Ray is a legendary record store in London (worth your visit!), named after a lengthy Velvet Underground song. Now, itâs also the title of Foxesâ new single but sonically, it couldnât be further away from the VU track.
Coming from Foxes, Sister Ray is a euphoric, carefree dance tune, that sounds like itâs been heavily influenced by Robyn. And that, my friends, is never a bad thing. Drenched in pulsating synths, this banger will most certainly have you put on your dancing shoes.
Foxes, real name Louisa Rose Allen, says of the single: “Sister Ray came from a wild part of me during lockdown that was craving a night of freedom and fun again, a longing to let go. The Velvet Underground reference is a nod to describing the most debauched night you could ever imagine but in its spirit itâs a celebration of the people you can have those indescribable times with. I wanted to encapsulate that energy in a song so I could imagine that feeling forever.”
Foxes’ third album The Kick will come out on 11 February 2022. Sister Ray is the first taster of it, and this week, itâs the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This means itâll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a full week!
Follow Foxes on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
