In case you were looking for pop quiz questions…

• Bands with apes in their name: The Monkees, Guano Apes, Gorillaz, Arctic Monkeys
• Band with an ape as their mascot: Shaka Ponk
• Band with an ape as a band member: …

It wasn’t until recently that I found an answer to that last one… Enter Australian duo secs on the beach. One half is platinum-certified producer/songwriter Eric ‘Aukoustics’ Aukstikalnis, who produced hits for some of the biggest artists in the world, such as David Guetta, Galantis, 5 Seconds Of Summer, Steve Aoki, and even the legendary Dolly Parton. The other half of secs on the beach is drummer Doug the Orangutan. They’ve developed a left-of-center indie-electronic genre bending sound that’s pretty unique. New single Lemon Tree is a fine example.

It starts with a blues-like vocal that Moby would love to sample. Next up is some fine upbeat strumming on an acoustic guitar, followed by the catchiest vocal melody of the year so far. Okay, the year has only just begun, but still…. The, completely unannounced, the tune ends in future bass style. Sound crazy, right? Well, it’s nuts indeed.

On their socials, the two musicians explain this song stands for what secs on the beach is. “We got sick and tired of everybody (including ourselves) trying to fit in. F*ck symmetry. F*ck playing it safe. This song is about being different. Doing things your way. A code to self esteem that encourages originality, and being yourself no matter what, however weird it may be.”

If you like your indie dance-pop eclectic, groovy and funky, this one is for you!

Lemon Tree by secs on the beach is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

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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.