Alice Merton was born in Germany from a German father and a British mother. She grew up in Canada however. When she was 13 she came back to Germany, but spent a lot of time in the UK as well, where her parents had gone and live. Finally, she attended the Popakademie Baden-Württemberg in Mannheim and started her career from Germany. No wonder her debut single was titled No Roots…

Since that song became a pan-European hit, eight years ago, Merton built a steady career. She played Coachella, went Platinum 8x and was awarded a gold record in the US. Her first album Mint (2019) was followed by long-player S.I.D.E.S. in 2022 and EP Heron in 2024. Yet it’s fair to say she never equaled the success of her debut single.

I think however, that time has come. New single Ignorance Is Bliss, co-written by Dan Smith (of Bastille fame) among others, is just as catchy as No Roots. Produced by Merton in collaboration with Jennifer Decilveo (SASAMI, Hinds), it has a vibrant pop-rock sound. The singer’s intense vocals convey both fragility and desire over a backdrop of striking guitars and pulsating beats.

This track is the first taste of Merton’s third studio album, Visions, out on 16 January 2026. It explores themes of self-determination, self-esteem, and loyalty.

Ignorance Is Bliss by Alice Merton 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.