This week, news broke that a historically low percentage of music consumed via streaming platforms is from Australian artists. As you know if you’re a regular Carte Blanche Music visitor, this has nothing to do with a lack of Aussie talent. On the contrary, it’s the continent that houses many of my favourite bands. This week, I add a new one to that lot.

Mid Drift is a lovely Brisbane-based band. They take inspiration from some of the greats in the surf rock genre, like Ocean Alley, Spacey Jane and Rum Jungle. The band combines Sarah Engstrom’s mellow vocals with the wickedly talented instrumentals from Rowan Bowyer (drums), Dan Larsen (guitar), George Swan (guitar) and John Reid (bass). Their songs burst with sun-soaked melodies and woozy guitar licks.

Ever since their 2023 debut single Know Your Name more and more people started to, well, know their name. Mid Drift, it is. The indie-rock sweethearts have swiftly captured hearts all across Australia selling out two national headliner tours in 2025. They’ve also played support slots for Aussie crowd favourites Ocean Alley, Old Mervs, and DICE. On top of that, they appeared at renowned Australian festivals such as Spaced Out and Rolling Sets.

After the release of their first EP Lemon Lime And Tan Lines, early this year, the female fronted 5-piece show no signs of slowing down. They just announced their sophomore EP is set to come out in February 2026. Whiplash is the third single to be released ahead of it, and I think it’s their finest moment. It reminds me of the most upbeat stuff The Smiths put out. And Engstrom’s powerhouse vocals are spot on!

Whiplash by Mid Drift is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. It will be prominently displayed at the top of the blog for an entire week.

Follow Mid Drift 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.