Robert Shields was born in Scotland, where he started making music in his early teens. He learned to play the piano and made himself conversant with song-writing. Soon, it became clear he’s a talented singer-songwriter, multi instrumentalist, and producer. But even though he was offered record deals by multiple labels, he decided to perfect his skills first. In the process, he wrote loads of songs and toured with the likes of Bastille.

As an artist, Shields calls himself ONR, and in my ears, Kill TV is his master piece so far. The track, which he describes as ‘anarchic’ and ‘incredibly aggressive’, touches on the subject of media and social media and just how toxic it can be to us. It features Nile Rodgers‘ unmistakable guitar licks, Bastille’s Chris Wood on drums and was mixed by acclaimed producer Mark ‘Spike’ Stent (Madonna, Coldplay, Florence & The Machine, Muse, and many more).

Kill TV came to be when ONR was at a songwriting camp at Abbey Road Studios. That’s where he met Nile Rodgers. When Corona ruined ONR’s plans to release an EP and go on tour, he wrote this track in his home studio in Scotland. He sent it to Rodgers, who loved it so much that he immediately laid down the guitar tracks.

In a world of justice, Kill TV would be ripping apart radios (and television sets) all over the globe. In the world we currently live in, ONR has to settle with my choice to make it this week’s Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. For now, that is. For I’m convinced in the end justice will prevail.

In the Wildcards 2020 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.