As a big fan of The Cat Empire, I’m really looking forward to 25 August. That date has been set for the release of the Australian band’s ninth album Where The Angels Fall. Finally, I might add, as their latest album came out in 2019. In the meantime, much has changed for the band. Most importantly, the original sextet, which was often supplemented by a horn section, was stripped down to a duo. Only founding members Felix Riebl (vocals, percussion) and Ollie McGill (keyboards, backing vocals) remained on board. However, they still enlist other musicians to help them out. This is also the case on their new single Money Coming My Way.

It’s an absolute party track with many elements that really show what The Cat Empire is all about. The track includes blitzing horns, Cuban-infused piano riffs, thumping drums and bass, and a great vocal hook. They also threw in some extra party-starting elements this time, in the form of Melbourne legends Horns Of Leroy, a string orchestra, and the 40-pice Heidelberg Wind Ensemble.

Riebl comments: “This song’s got a big tongue in cheek, and in many ways, it harks back to some of the first album antics. Who can afford the cost of living these days? Everything is so expensive! Really, we just wanted to have some fun with this one. After that, we added some crazier details. (…) There’s a part where our producer Andy Baldwin acts out the part of a NYC police officer on the squad car radio announcing a robbery which happened spontaneously and caused raucous late night studio laughter.”

Money Coming My Way by The Cat Empire is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. That means it’ll be featured prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.

Recommended as well:
Into The Night

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In the Wildcards 2023 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.