Browsing Tag pop
werner's weekly
Werner’s Weekly (week 2)
This is Werner’s Weekly, your compass to the music that matters, containing the two most recent Carte Blanche Music Wildcards, and the best of the other new releases in alphabetical order:
- Superbird – Elevation Airways
(Wildcard this week) - Our Propaganda – Essential Love (Wildcard last week)
- Emmy – Stupid Big Teeth
- Peter Stone – Cold
- Smash Into Pieces – Not Waiting For Heaven
Click the links for more info and listen to each of the tracks via the Werner’s Weekly player below.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist. Also added last week: Aurora, Elbow, Elvis Costello & The Imposters, The Weeknd, and more.
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 trackNeon Fields – Meant To Be
Neon Fields – Meant To Be
After writing and producing a series of demos, Ed Barrett began contacting musicians South-West UK in 2019 with the hope of forming a band. Neon Fields was eventually formed in 2020 by Barrett (lead vocals), Luke Russe (drums) and Piers Ward (keyboards/guitar).
Unable to meet up because of the lockdowns, they were forced to collaborate remotely. This lead to them incorporating far more electronic elements into our music. As a consequence, the band now combines dark industrial rock, atmospheric soundscapes, and vocals packed with passion and emotion. This creates their own, unique brand of indie electronic rock. They cite Radiohead, Muse, Alt-J, Moderat, Nine Inch Nails, Deftones and Tool as their main influences. However, the most obvious band that springs to minds is Depeche Mode.
Late last year, Neon Fields compiled their first six singles on EP1, their debut EP. Now, they’re working on an album they hope to release mid 2022. Meant To Be is the first single off it to drop. The track takes the listener on a journey from a mellow emotive vibe to an energetic and frantic ending, which is intended to help tell the story of unrequited love and sinister obsession.
The band call it ‘a love song with a twist’. They say about it: “Ed has a tendency to write about inner struggle/torment with a sinister undertone, and tries to get these emotions across in the vocals.”
Follow Neon Fields on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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 trackelison – Hopes And Horoscopes
elison – Hopes And Horoscopes
elison follow their promising debut single Meet Me Halfway with the even catchier Hopes And Horoscopes. While the first single was originally their first demo, this sophomore effort was actually demo #2. It was a track Marissa Kephart wrote the basics of, which she brought to multi-instrumentalist and producer Scott Yoshimura for further polishing. Once again, the American duo did a wonderful job.
When they decided to start a band, less than a year ago, Kephart introduced the name elison. This is a part of her maiden name Cornelison. Also, it’s an ode to her father, a musician himself who influenced her a lot.
In Hopes And Horoscopes, Kephart sings of various bad habits she can’t seem to shake. Her words are backed by a driving beat, playful synths and simple but effective guitar melodies. Don’t expect the duo to play their songs from a stage near you anytime soon. though. “Maybe one day this answer will change, but for now we’re content writing, recording and releasing songs from the comfort of our homes.”
Recommended as well:
elison – Meet Me Halfway
Follow elison on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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 trackWho Parked The Car – Rock Climbing
Who Parked The Car – Rock Climbing
One of the musical revelations of the end of last year was Who Parked The Car. These eight schooled musicians from Paris only formed their band late in 2020. In merely six months’ time, they wrote and recorded their debut album Mad Weather, Good Friends. Set for release in April, it’s a collection of songs that blend pop, jazz and funk music.
Following their energetic, funk/nu-disco debut single Candle Dance and its laid-back, jazzy follow-up Other Side, they just put our their third track. Rock Climbing is another groovy track, with various faces. Basically a jazz tune, it contains parts with a reggaeton kind of vibe. Lyrically, it’s a song about love and addiction.
Recommended as well:
Other Side
Candle Dance
Follow Who Parked The Car on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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 trackKarin Simonian – Beat On My Heart
Karin Simonian – Beat On My Heart
Karin Simonian is a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles, who appears to have emerged onto the music scene out of nowhere. For Carte Blanche Music followers however, her last name may sound familiar. This is the catch: she’s the sister of Sebu Simonian, of Capital Cities fame. He’s also the one who co-produced her debut album 11 Degrees Of Love.
The 11 tracks off this long-player will be put out one by one throughout this new year. First single Beat On My Heart was released on New Year’s Day, the second single will drop on 2/2, the third on 3/3, and so on until all eleven tracks are released by November. If you can’t wait that long, you can hear the entire album right here, but don’t tell anyone!
Beat On My Heart is a wonderful pop song, with the Sebu stamp all over it. Karin’s angelic vocals are supported by beautiful piano melodies, great guitar riffs and big drums. An impressive way to start a career.
Recommended as well:
Sebu with Eraserfase – The Worst That Could Happen To Us
Sebu feat. Sirusho – Have You Ever Hurt Somebody
Sebu – The Secret Is Out [Lucas Vidal Arrangement]
The Unknown Project – Swimmer
Follow Karin Simonian on Instagram | Spotify
Follow Sebu on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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 trackSpence Paull – When I’m Lonely
Spence Paull – When I’m Lonely
Samantha Loren is a 25-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter and music producer. Until the age of 8 she was tone-deaf. However, the morning after her grandmother (the only musician in the family) passed away, she could suddenly sing. In addition to singing, she plays six instruments: guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele, and harmonica. Loren put out 40 singles on SoundCloud using her own name, before releasing her debut single Do You Listen To Girl In Red as Spence Paull, early in 2021.
Only a few days before the end of last year, she released her fourth single When I’m Lonely. The song is a perfect showcase of the fact Paull was trained in Jazz and Musical Theatre. It features beautiful chord structures and story-rich lyrics. These are combined with elements of ‘80s pop, big band horn lines, and contemporary production.
Spence Paull currently works on a string of single releases for 2022, as well as her debut EP Dear Mistress. This will chronicle the up-and-down nature of a musician’s relationship with music, all set to the backdrop of a tumultuous love affair.
Follow Spence Paull on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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 1):
Wildcard (week 1):
Superbird – Elevation Airways
In a situation where real-life traveling is different from before, imaginary travels are the next best thing. Enter our British funk friends Superbird, who just established Elevation Airways.
Released on the last day of 2021, the trio’s single invites us to get on board and fly away to a happy place. In fact, that doesn’t take a long flight, for their track Elevation Airways is a happy place in itself. It combines the band’s trademark funky guitar licks, retro vibes and catchy vocals to full effect.
What a fun tune to kick off the new year! 2022 promises to be a year Superbird will fly higher than ever. I think it’s best to fasten your seat belts…
This week, Elevation Airways is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
Recommended as well:
Operate
Think You Got Me
Super Superior
Year On String Along
Cola Bottle Fizz
Follow Superbird 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.
album trackPeter Stone – Cold
Peter Stone – Cold
Pietro Carallo is an Italian singer-songwriter, musician and music producer. He started playing the piano at the age of 8, while adding singing and song-writing to his palette at 15. In 2020, he released his first single under the Peter Stone moniker.
On Christmas Eve, his debut EP Unlabeled came out. It contains his recent single Lead Me, as well as four new songs. The track Cold is a highlight in my ears. Its opening notes bring the intro of Duran Duran’s Save A Prayer to mind. Elsewhere, the ‘80s are omni-present as well. Check the The Weeknd-like drum fills, the propulsive synths or the guitar solo, for instance. Despite those influences however (or perhaps because of them), the song fits the current musical climate like a glove.
All in all: a track that deserves to push Peter Stone’s career firmly in the right direction.
Follow Peter Stone on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify
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 trackEmmy – Stupid Big Teeth
Emmy – Stupid Big Teeth
There used to be a time when wannabe artists learned themselves to play an instrument. Next, they’d form a band with like-minded people and do endless amounts of shows in bars or at street corners. Eventually, almost none of them would be discovered or start a proper career in music. In 2022, things are way different and much more efficient.
Take 22-year-old Cleveland TikTok phenomenon Emmy Hartman, for instance. She’s been treating her fans with a capella covers of artists like Lorde and Billie Eilish, amassing over 3 million followers. Apparently, this number is substantial enough to serve as a launch pad for her music career.
Stupid Big Teeth is only Emmy’s debut single, and it’s a promising one. Co-written with celebrated songwriter Amy Allen (Harry Styles, Halsey, Selena Gomez), it was recorded using little more than the human voice. With added finger snapping and a synth element that sounds like it’s borrowed from Control-era Janet Jackson, this is an infectious tune.
Follow Emmy on Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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 52):
Wildcard (week 52):
Our Propaganda – Essential Love
British alt-rock band Our Propaganda just released their new single Essential Love. It’s the third track to be released ahead of their upcoming debut album Fast Food At Midnight. The record was produced by Steve Lyon (Depeche Mode, The Cure), and mixed by Grammy-nominated recording/sound engineer Jonas Westling.
If the single is anything to go by, expect an anthemic album, with stadium sized guitars, driving beats, euphoric choruses and plenty Brit-rock swagger.
Frontman Jack Denton says about the track: “It’s simply about a love for a partner, how they teach you new things and enable you to grow into a more mature person. It’s how they can feel completely out of this world. Love is blind and lessons are always learned whether you know it or not. Everybody has a few romantic mentors in their life and each of them bestow valuable knowledge on us.”
Apart from Jack, Our Propaganda consists of Harvey Groom, Joe Newman and Charlie Denton. Taking influences from the likes of Biffy Clyro, Royal Blood, Twenty One Pilots and numerous iconic British artists, they’ve been taking their striking blend of alt-indie rock to the stage since 2016.
This last week of the year, we spread some Essential Love at Carte Blanche Music. The Wildcard is for Our Propaganda, meaning it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.
Follow Our Propaganda on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
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.
