Let me start by adressing the elephant in the room. It’s hardly possible to listen to Chelsea Jacoténe (her full name) and not think of Amy Winehouse. They have the same vocal delivery and an equal amount of talent and charisma, that’s for sure. One can only hope Jacoténe has more decent people in her entourage than Winehouse had.

Stunningly, Melbourne-based Jacoténe is only 17 years old. Her influences include Toots & The Maytals, Gorillaz, Adele and – you won’t be surprised – Amy Winehouse. She only wrote her first song at the age of 15 and things developed quickly from there. Last year, she won the Unearthed High competition of radio station Triple J. Since then, she performed live with G Flip and made her solo debut in the iconic Sydney Opera House. Also, Jacoténe released three demos. A fourth one has just come out.

Yes, you read that right. Don’t Let Him Say Goodbye is ‘only’ a demo. Personally, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s a jaw-dropping track that’s sure to induce goosebumps. Speaking with Purple Sneakers, she says it’s a song ‘about the feeling of regret and confusion during the process of letting someone go’.

Don’t Let Him Say Goodbye by Jacoténe is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. This implies that it will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

Follow Jacoténe on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

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.