Nile Marr has the talent to write catchy pop songs and infectious (guitar) melodies running through his veins. You won’t be surprised to learn he’s the son of Smiths guitarist and successful solo artist Johnny Marr. His first name is a homage to one of his father’s musical heroes, Chic’s Nile Rodgers. But when asked for his influences, he’ll mention Broken Social Scene, Fugazi and Elliott Smith.

Following a 6-year stint as a founding member of indie trio Man Made, Marr Jr. released his solo debut album Are You Happy Now? in 2020. The now 29-year-old artist’s new single, released via Bandcamp and on vinyl, is brand-new. It features How We Drift on one ‘A-side’, and Only Time Can Break Your Heart on the other. Marr recorded both tracks in a studio he built during the COVID-19-induced lockdown. The latter song is by far my favourite.

Jangly and upbeat, Only Time Can Break Your Heart will go down well with fans of bands like The Byrds, R.E.M., The La’s and Big Star. These were bands that made him want to write songs when he first heard them as a kid. “It doesn’t have to be shouty, it doesn’t have to be loud”, he explains. “It’s singing because I like it, it’s melody because I like melody. It’s liberating.”

Only Time Can Break Your Heart by Nile Marr is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard, so it’ll feature prominently at the top of the blog for a whole week.

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In the Wildcards 2022 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.