Carte Blanche Music regulars Arkells turn 20 this year. They named themselves after Arkell Street in Hamilton, Canada, where the band members lived and practiced their music. Their new single Imagine Barcelona is an easy-going, radio-ready song with bright summer vibes and a folky, Come On Eileen-like violin solo.

Imagine Barcelona by Arkells is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

More of Arkells @ Carte Blanche Music

Follow the band on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

You’ll find all of this year’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcards so far in the Wildcards 2026 playlist.

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.