Dublin-born Orla Gartland started her career like so many others. At the age of 14, she started posting covers and originals on YouTube. At 18, she moved to London to launch a full-time career in music instead of going to college. Things went uphill from there. She ditched the covers and fully concentrated on her own songs, which are filled with warmth and humour. Her tracks are filled with personal realisations that lay herself bare, while always remaining in on the joke. This combination of wit and gut being recognizable for many, her audience grew and grew.

Now 29 years old, Gartland just released her sophomore album Everybody Needs A Hero. Its main theme is ‘women do it all’. In line with this theme, she expanded her production skills. After co-producing her debut album, Gartland took the reins even more on this follow-up. Yet it isn’t a full DIY project. She even asked her former roommate and close friend, Lauren Aquilina, to co-write some of the songs. Since their time in London, Aquilina became a sought-after songwriter, who worked with artists such as Demi Lovato and Rina Sawayama.

One of the songs they wrote together is anthemic new single Backseat Driver. A song about self-doubt, it’s a takedown of intrusive thoughts. We can hear Gartland demand: “Shut up backseat driver, this has gone too far / You’ve taken up enough space, now get out of my car.” With its rocked-up instrumentals and euphoric la-la-la chorus, Backseat Driver is a driving slab of indie sleaze. Gartland manages to portray an emotionally difficult subject with an infectious sense of fun. Groovy production and a stonking bassline lend an edgy, alt-pop flavour to the song.

Backseat Driver by Orla Gartland is in the driver’s seat at Carte Blanche Music this week. As our new Wildcard, it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

More Orla Gartland @ Carte Blanche Music

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In the Wildcards 2024 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.