Dutch singer Anouk may be best-known as a rock chick, but that image is partly caused by her attitude. She wears her heart on her sleeve and says things the way they are (or how she sees them, anyway). Musically, she’s more of a chameleon, though. She doesn’t like to do the same thing twice.

That said, her 15^th studio album Set This Thing On Fire is a rock set, like in her early days. However, Thomas Azier’s production skills provide it with a fresh, contemporary sound. Anouk made it with a clear purpose: she needed a new bunch of powerful songs to spice up her forthcoming festival shows. Mission accomplished, I’d say; the record contains nine up-tempo guitar tunes and one ballad.

The title track falls in the first category. It’s a song about people in large, influential networks who abuse their power. Or in fact, it’s about the ones who dare to stand up against those people, even when they run the risk of putting their careers on the line.

Set This Thing On Fire by Anouk is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

Follow Anouk on Instagram | Spotify

In the Wildcards 2025 playlist you’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far.

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.