When Mark Thomas Gilyead discovered the Ableton Live audio software, around 2007, it was love at first synth preset. He began experimenting by recording the sounds of mugs, creaky chairs, and other unsuspecting household objects. After hitting drums in indie bands for ten years, he started his solo project props.

His first mixtape, Songs, born from climate anxiety and production rabbit holes, was picked up by BBC 6Music, Elton John’s Rocket Hour, Spotify and others. Musically, props sounds like a glitter cannon going off in a therapy session (I wish I had made up that comparison myself, but actually, it’s from his own bio). Lyrics about societal collapse float over euphoric hooks and bright, hyperactive arrangements.

This goes for props’ new single Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is as well. The upbeat tune sounds carefree and extremely catchy, but it has a serious message. On the website that comes with the song, the artist shares: ‘Every quid we spend creates carbon emissions (ergo planetary self-destruction) through the making, moving and marketing of stuff. And that quid is going to get spent again + again, driving more of the same… So it’s up to you and me to start the trend of spending less and better. And when we do, making sure all that money is going towards good people, planet and stuff that’s actually going to last’.

Backing up our words with deeds, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is by props is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

Follow props on Facebook | Instagram | Spotify

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.