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werner's weekly
Werner’s Weekly (week 49)
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:
- Coral Palms – Something In The Air (Wildcard this week)
- Laura Mac – Garage Full Of Dreams (Wildcard last week)
- Anish Kumar & Barry Can’t Swim – Blackpool Boulevard
- Blonde Diamond – Red Flags
- Dead Anyway – Space Dust
- Deap Vally – Phoenix
- Highasakite – Love Him Anyway
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: Angèle, RoseeLu, The Sherlocks, 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 track
Creature Comfort – Kudzu From Heaven
‘Podsongs’ is a podcast where musicians interview inspirational people, in service to others, as inspiration for a brand-new song. Recently, Nashville-based band Creature Comfort got to talk to Charles van Rees. He’s a conservation biologist and naturalist specializing in freshwater ecology, ornithology, and human-wildlife water conflict. You can imagine this was an interesting chat. It sure was an inspirational one, as you can hear from the song the session resulted in.
This track, Kudzu From Heaven, has just been released on the streaming platforms. Even though it’s basically an acoustic song, it sounds like it could move stadiums full of people. Kudzu From Heaven is an anthemic song with catchy vocal melodies, which are enhanced by lush backing vocals. A sound that has affectionately been dubbed ‘bootgaze’. As you can read on the band’s website: ‘Think of it as Fleet Foxes for people who grew up bailing hay’.
Recommended as well:
Creature Comfort – Woke Up Drunk
Follow Creature Comfort 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
Greatest Hits – Pleasure To Meet You
Greatest Hits is the project of Australian writer/producer/musician Ryan Cooper, and a collective of friends from around the globe. They toured extensively with the bands Hollow Coves and Halfnoise (Zac Farro of Paramore).
Greatest Hits blend ‘70s groove, sunshine pop and neo-psych, with lyrical sarcasm. This results in a sound that is full of both energy and vulnerability, timeless groove and modern sensibilities. Pleasure To Meet You is their new single.
Follow Greatest Hits 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 track
Render Ghosts – Eye Rhyme
Render Ghosts are not the only Britain-based band with a Dutch singer nowadays. Other current examples are Sam & The Womp, The Hisunz and Nikki & The Waves.
So let me introduce you to the three members of Render Ghosts, who come from totally different musical backgrounds:
- Tamara van Esch is well-known in the Netherlands as a singer-songwriter who sings in Dutch for her solo project Mevrouw Tamara. Also, she appeared on TV talent show The Voice of Holland
- Tom Wilson is a classically-trained composer of infectiously playful arthouse pop
- Iain Chambers is a sound artist who uses buildings as instruments. He famously turned London’s Tower Bridge into a massive resonating chamber
As a trio, Render Ghosts move somewhere in between Everything Everything and St. Vincent, but with a more carefree and light-hearted sound. That doesn’t mean there’s no urgency in the music, as their very first release proves. Eye Rhyme is a synth-heavy, ‘80s inspired song, built around Chambers’ propulsive beats. Meanwhile, Tamara van Esch and Tom Wilson’s lyrics map out the disorientation of human relationships in a digital world.
A very colourful and promising debut!
Follow Render Ghosts on 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 track
Alta Falls – The Fire
In October 2019, my wife and I made the trip of our lives in Australia. During our stay already, images appeared on national TV of the first bushfires of the season. Once back home, the fires turned out to have such an impact, even European media started to pay attention. Eventually, the devastating flames burned over 18 million hectares, destroying over 2.000 homes and reportedly killing 1 billion animals. Shocking numbers. Kangaroo Island, which we had come to love so dearly, was hit particularly hard. The wonderful accommodation where we had been staying two months earlier burned to the ground.
But as always, such overwhelming events can lead to beautiful things. Nature is recovering quickly, and not long after the disaster, Brisbane duo Alta Falls recorded the track The Fire. Although it’s about an earlier experience, the recording circumstances were just right to give the track the emotional burden it needed.
The lyrics on The Fire tell a story from the perspective of the father of lead singer Nathanael Hubbard. “My Dad was telling me a story from when I was only one year old. There was a sudden and catastrophic bushfire heading towards our house. He was working in the city and my Mum, brother, and two sisters were at home. Chills ran down my spine as my Dad told me the feeling of driving home that night, past burning coals and ashes on both sides of the road, wondering if we were still alive. Thankfully, the wind had turned at the last minute and we were spared.”
In contrast with the lyrical content however, the hi-NRG instrumentation is uplifting (euphoric even), with danceable beats and punchy hooks. The Fire is the title track of Alta Falls’ debut EP, which is produced by Aidan Hogg (Jaguar Jonze, Holy Holy). It features Sebastian ‘Baz’ Jennings Hingston (Tia Gostelow) on drums.
Recommended as well:
Alta Falls – Sun In My Eyes
Follow Alta Falls 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
Wilsn – You Know Better
Just like her biggest musical inspirations (Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Etta James, Lauryn Hill, Donny Hathaway, Lianne La Havas and Whitney Houston) Geelong (Australia) native Shannon Busch is gifted with a great voice. With her equally strong pen, she writes songs that celebrate the rich history of soul, but are firmly rooted in the here and now. In 2015, she released her debut EP Don’t Give It Up as Wilsn. She then spent a few years in Nashville, honing her craft with the help of Grammy Award winning writers.
She returned to Melbourne in 2019, when The Teskey Brothers asked her to open their sold out UK/Europe shows. During the 2020 lockdown, she headed back into the studio with producer Stephen Charles. Together, they brought to life what Wilsn had learned in the US. The resulting single, You Know Better, has a truly authentic, yet modern soul sound. Obviously, her voice is a highlight throughout, while the Stax style horns add a delicate vintage touch. A warm and rich song, delivered with attitude. For fans of Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse.
No wonder then, that Wilsn recently signed with Ivy League Records. She joins the likes of The Teskey Brothers, and Carte Blanche Music favourites The Rubens, Hatchie, Shannen James and Mia Wray on the label’s roster.
Follow Wilsn 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
Buffalo Paradise – Buffalo Paradise
When I heard the intro of this single, I could’ve sworn it was a Bob Seger track. But is isn’t. This is the self-confident debut single of a Sydney-based five-piece named Buffalo Paradise. And just to make sure you don’t mistake them for another act, they named their first ever release after themselves. Or perhaps they named the band after the title of their introductory tune, but the result is the same…
When vocalist Lachie Pringle and guitarist Angus Armstrong met in late 2019, they discovered a common interest in the same bands. They were both inspired by fellow-Aussie acts like Spacey Jane, Lime Cordiale and Gang Of Youths (who are no complete strangers to Carte Blanche Music either). The two then recruited Angus’ brother, multi-instrumentalist Chris Armstrong, drummer Rory McDougall and bass player Naren ‘Funky Fingers’ Iyer, who completed the band.
As said, Buffalo Paradise is only their first single, and what a way to start a career! It’s an upbeat feel-good song with driving rock rhythms, thumping basslines, soaring guitars and catchy vocals. Sure to get you in a good mood!
Follow Buffalo Paradise 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 track
Sera – Take A Chance
Only two years ago, Sera de Bruin – from the Dutch town of Sliedrecht – was an unknown singer, but an ambitious one. In order to make a name for herself, she started to post live covers, recorded in her car, on YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. It didn’t take long for her versions of Dua Lipa’s IDGAF and Meghan Trainor’s No to attract hundreds of thousands of views. One of her most popular videos, the Tones & I cover Dance Monkey, even amassed over 30 million views. But things really took off when Justin Bieber spotted Sera’s rendition of one of his songs on Instagram Live and decided to sing along with her. Not long after that, she was asked to perform on world-famous footballer Christiano Ronaldo’s birthday party.
With such an amount of talent and success, it would be a pity to continue covering songs by others. At 27, Sera decided to turn a professional artist in her own right. She signed a major label deal and contacted producer and songwriter Bas van Daalen (J. Balvin, Major Lazer, David Guetta). They went into the studio to write her own material. Last July, she launched her debut single Only Us to much fanfare, but things look even brighter for its follow-up. Take A Chance is an extremely catchy, Dua Lipa-like track, that’s destined to give Sera a worldwide audience.
She says about the tune: “If you really want something, go get it! That’s what this song is all about. You got nothing to lose and chances are that the odds are in your favour. If you never try, you never know. Could be a lover, a project, a self-made goal, whatever you want it to be.”
Follow Sera 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 track, wildcardWildcard (week 48):
Wildcard (week 48):
Coral Palms – Something In The Air
Remember the comedy TV series ‘Fawlty Towers’? Then you’ll remember British seaside town Torquay, which inspired the sitcom, although it wasn’t 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/BV’s) 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 ‘anyone’. Someone you know there is some future with, you just don’t know quite what that future is yet.
As far as Coral Palms’ future goes, I’d say it’s as bright and sunny as their music.
For starters, their single Something In The Air is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It’ll feature here prominently for a full week!
Follow Coral Palms on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
In the Wildcards 2021 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.
werner's weekly
Werner’s Weekly (week 48)
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:
- Laura Mac – Garage Full Of Dreams (Wildcard this week)
- Carla Wehbe – Hurts To Love You (Wildcard last week)
- Palace Winter – Slasher
- Pinegrove – Alaska
- Royal & The Serpent – I’m Not Sorry
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: Adele, Bloc Party, eels, Ladyhawke, 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.
