Browsing Tag soul
Spence Paull – When Iâm 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 Iâm 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 â80s 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.
Sara Schwab – Control
âBlue-eyed soulâ was made famous by artists like The Righteous Brothers, Hall & Oates, The Style Council, Lisa Stansfield, Simply Red, Paul Carrack and Joss Stone. Maybe itâs time to add a contemporary artist to that list. My vote goes to New York singer-songwriter Sara Schwab. Her songs sit somewhere halfway soul and jazz, a sound described in a press release as âmelting butterâ. Mixing humour with sincerity, she loves singing about mental illness, feminism, the subway and whiskey. She typically provides catchy music with striking lyrics to contrast.
Her new single is no exception. Control is an upbeat and soulful song with introspective lyrics to stand out against the fun musicality. Schwab explains: âI wrote this in quarantine after spending days upon days thinking about someone halfway across the world. What were they doing? Were they thinking of me? Were they forgetting my face already? I couldnât stand the hypotheticals so I wrote this song out of pure frustration. And it ended up being one of the most fun and groovy songs Iâve put out there!â
Follow Sara Schwab 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.
Wildcard (week 51):
Wilsn – You Know Better
I recommended this great track earlier, but this week, You Know Better by Wilsn is the Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means itâll feature at the top of the blog for a full seven days!
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 Donât Give It Up as Wilsn. She then spent a few years in Nashville, honing her craft with the help of Grammy Award winning writers.
Wilsn 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 labelâs 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.
Wernerâs Weekly (week 51)
This is Wernerâs 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:
- Yuke – Stranger Still (Wildcard this week)
- Miles Kane feat. Corinne Bailey Rae – Nothing’s Ever Gonna Be Good Enough (Wildcard last week)
- Ally Cribb – Bigger
- AngĂšle – Libre
- Kinishao – Always In My Head
- Lou Ella & Shae Brock – Snake In The Garden
- Pipin – Maybe Itâs Me
Click the links for more info and listen to each of the tracks via the Wernerâs Weekly player below.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist. Also added last week: Ana Mena, Davina Michelle, MisterWives, 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.
The Confederation – Coat In The Hallway [New Version]
Coat In The Hallway is The Confederationâs fifth single of the year so far. Or their sixth, actually, for this new version replaces an earlier mix. In their own words, their music is âa melting pot of musical dna fusing styles from the golden past, vibrant present and exciting future of musicâ. The band name soul, pop, rock, jazz, funk and fusion as their main musical influences. With a sound somewhere halfway Amy Winehouse and Morcheeba, new single Coat In The Hallway is a great example.
The Confederation are Lynz Crichton (vocals), Jill Mccracken (vocals), Steven Blessing (guitar) and Simon Jolly (songwriter, keyboards). They recorded this single via online sessions, which had its technical challenges. Still, the quartet managed to maintain a live performance feel. Lyrically, the track is about letting go of the world, if only for a short time.
Follow The Confederation on Facebook | 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.
Wernerâs Weekly (week 50)
This is Wernerâs 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:
- Miles Kane feat. Corinne Bailey Rae – Nothing’s Ever Gonna Be Good Enough (Wildcard this week)
- Coral Palms – Something In The Air (Wildcard last week)
- Alta Falls – The Fire
- Buffalo Paradise – Buffalo Paradise
- Render Ghosts – Eye Rhyme
- Teen Jesus & The Jean Teasers – Miss Your Birthday
- Wilsn – You Know Better
Click the links for more info and listen to each of the tracks via the Wernerâs Weekly player below.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist. Also added last week: Bad Suns, GG, 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.
Who Parked The Car – Other Side
Thomas Salvatore (vocals, piano and keyboards), Laura Wamba (vocals), SebastiĂĄn Muñoz (saxophone, flute), FĂ©lix Reneault (saxophone), CĂ©sar Aouillé (guitar), Ludo Prieur (bass), Malo Ropers (percussions) and Alejandro Dixon (drums) are Who Parked The Car. Eight people in one band. Eight people to share the money. Hopefully theyâre good friends and/or make music for fun đ.
One thing is sure: coming from the best music schools in Paris, this is a talented bunch of young musicians. And with pop influences like Bruno Mars, Stevie Wonder, Toto and Supertramp, and jazz influences like Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper, Louis Cole and Weather Report, what could possibly go wrong?
Following their energetic, funk/nu-disco debut single Candle Dance, Who Parked The Car now show an âother sideâ of themselves. Their new single is a laid-back, jazzy track with soulful lyrics about the different sides of people. A song that fits winter like a glove.
Nevertheless, I canât wait for spring, for more than one reason. Because of the sun and higher temperatures (hopefully), but also because this octet will release their debut album Mad Weather, Good Friends in April. The band say the music on it will be fresh, organic, spontaneous, cheerful, bright, inclusive, optimistic and comforting. Sounds like just the thing we all need. Bring it on!
Recommended as well:
Who Parked The Car – 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.
Wildcard (week 49):
Miles Kane feat. Corinne Bailey Rae – Nothing’s Ever Gonna Be Good Enough
Surprises are the best, arenât they? I mean, had you ever expected a collaboration between Miles Kane and Corinne Bailey Rae? But now that itâs out there, I can only conclude itâs one of those duets we didnât know we missed so dearly. Their voices blend together so wonderfully!
For two seconds, the opening piano notes of Nothing’s Ever Gonna Be Good Enough bring ABBAâs Money, Money, Money to mind. But then the drums kick in and a great groove takes the tune in a totally different direction. It continues to sound nostalgic, but with a Northern Soul feel, which is never a bad thing. A happy song which comes with a cute video.
Nothing’s Ever Gonna Be Good Enough is Miles Kaneâs fourth single of the year, and 2022 is about to make a great start as well. His new, âupliftingâ album Change The Show will be out on 21 January. It contains all four previously released tracks plus seven new songs.
This week, Nothing’s Ever Gonna Be Good Enough by Miles Kane feat. Corinne Bailey Rae is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard!
Follow Miles Kane on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
Follow Corinne Bailey Rae 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.
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 Donât 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 labelâs 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.
Wernerâs Weekly (week 46)
This is Wernerâs 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:
- Foals – Wake Me Up (Wildcard this week)
- Smith & Thell – Pixieâs Parasol (Wildcard last week)
- Dual – Wipe Your Tears Away
- Teenage Dads – Piano Girl
- The Ramona Flowers feat. Nile Rodgers – Up All Night
- Thunder Fox – Head In The Clouds
- Who Parked The Car – Candle Dance
Click the links for more info and listen to each of the tracks via the Wernerâs Weekly player below.
For more great new music, follow the constantly updated Carte Blanche Music playlist. Also added last week: Johnny Marr, Stereophonics, The War On Drugs, 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.