The last thing I heard from Montaigne (the Sydney-based singer whose real name is Jessica Cerro), was her collaboration with The Bamboos. Their cover version of The Easybeats’ 1966 single I’ll Make You Happy was a Carte Blanche Music Wildcard at the end of 2017.

Now, Montaigne is back with her most anthemic single so far. Ready is a soundtrack for activism, built around simple drumbeats, her soaring vocals, and the irresistible hook ‘I think I’m ready to go, I think I’m ready’. The singer explains: “To me the song is about this political moment, where humanity is starting to realise how actually cooked this planet is, that it never had to be like this, and that we have the power now to overthrow those who’ve forced us into this corner.”

Ready is released ahead of Montaigne’s second album Complex, which is set for release on 30 August. The list of producers who helped shape the album reads like a who-is-who of modern pop music. On Complex, she worked with Tony Buchen (Courtney Barnett, The Preatures), Wynne Bennett (Twin Shadow, Janelle Monae), Kyle Shearer (Dua Lipa, Broods, K.Flay), Mozella (Madonna, Miley Cyrus, One Direction), Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Foals), Mario Späte (Tkay Maidza, Urthboy, Allday) and Eric J Dubowsky (Flume, St. Vincent, Dua Lipa).

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Werner Schlosser

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.