Browsing Category wildcard
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.
single track, wildcardWildcard (week 29):
Wildcard (week 29):
boy pablo – Be Mine
Nicolás Pablo Rivera Muñoz grew up in Bergen, Norway after his Chilean parents immigrated to the country in the 1980s. He rose to fame with his DIY-produced bedroom pop track Everytime. Five years after this break-through hit, he delivers the ultimate summer song for 2022.
Recently touring South America, he was struck by cumbia music, and began to absorb it into his song-writing. This resulted in Be Mine, which boasts percussion recorded in Chile. Boy pablo explains: “I’ve been obsessed with cumbia music for a while now so it became natural for me to try writing something inspired by it. It was one of those songs I didn’t expect to write, it just appeared. It’s basically a cheeky way to approach a love interest that you know has a slight interest in you. I feel like it’s a very Latino romantic thing to do.”
The combination of lyrics in English and Spanish and its fuzzy guitars further enhance the summer vibes of the song. If Europe hadn’t already been held hostage by a heatwave, this track would’ve singlehandedly brought out the sun.
Be Mine is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard, boy pablo’s third! This means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
50 Souls And A Discobowl
Losing You
Follow boy pablo 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 28):
Wildcard (week 28):
Jack River – Real Life
While she’s working on her upcoming sophomore album, Jack River drops brand new, sun-kissed track Real Life. A great bubblegum pop song, clearly inspired by the early ‘90s Madchester sound. Its vintage breakbeats and trumpet samples bring Primal Scream to mind, but with a fresh and modern twist to it. If you like Pixey, you’ll surely love this!
To put it short and snappy: Holly Rankin (her real name) shows her most euphoric and baggy side on this perfect summer single. It was co-written and -produced by the brilliant Xavier Dunn.
“Real Life is the ’90s-esque dream land I needed to take a trip to in the depths of never-ending lockdowns”, River explains. “I know there’s so much hectic stuff going on in the world but hopefully this is a little moment of escape; a little portal to remembering all the good, happy, carefree things.”
Real Life by Jack River 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:
Dark Star
Follow Jack River 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 27):
Wildcard (week 27):
Skies – Deconstruction
Folkestone isn’t only the British city where the Channel Tunnel goes underground. It’s also Skies’ hometown. Since their first single in 2015, the band released 4 EP’s. During the infamous first year of COVID19, they played over 200 live streams and a month-long garden tour. After that, they retreated to a wooden cabin in the middle of nowhere to record some songs in response to the strange year the world had faced. These songs eventually ended up on Skies’ fourth EP It’s Not The End Of The World.
With the money earned during their performances in fans’ gardens, Skies were able to record their anthemic new single. Deconstruction is an upbeat song, packed with punch. A great tune to dust off the airwaves as well as a sure-fire future favourite at upcoming live shows. Talking about Deacon-struction: the woohoo part slightly reminds me of Deacon Blue’s Real Gone Kid, which is never a bad thing.
This week, Deconstruction by Skies is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a full seven days.
Follow Skies 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 26):
Wildcard (week 26):
Grand Corps Malade & Melody Gardot – Souvenirs Manqués
Grand Corps Malade’s latest album is titled Mesdames, since it sees the artist collaborate with French female singers like Véronique Sanson and Louane. It was a huge success, with sales of over 550.000 in his home land alone. A Deluxe Edition of the album added four more songs, including Des Gens Beaux.
Two years after the release of the album, a new single is released off it. This time, Grand Corps Malade sings with Melody Gardot. “I very much wanted to propose a duet with Melody”, he explains. “It was my idea for her to sing in French and step out of her usual jazz/blues universe. When we discussed the song’s theme, we chose missing memories, all in self-mockery, in reference to the memory problems from which Melody suffered following her accident.”
Souvenirs Manqués by Grand Corps Malade & Melody Gardot is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Recommended as well:
Des Gens Beaux
Pas Essentiel
Effets Secondaires
Follow Grand Corps Malade on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow Melody Gardot 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.
