MBG is short for Music Box Girl, the artist name of Carolina ‘Leena’ Rodriguez from Ontario, Canada. A toy keyboard sparked her interest in music at the age of 15. It was the first instrument she mastered, learning songs by ear. She also self-taught herself other instruments such as the drums, guitar, and bass. Since her family couldn’t afford music lessons – let alone the instruments themselves – she commuted to the local music store every day after school, where she practiced until closing time.

In 2021, after years of self-education, Leena is a skilled multi-instrumentalist who excels in the genres of jazz, r&b, blues and classic rock. She is part of a band project called the Common Chase, a four-piece where she mostly plays the bass and sings background vocals. But above all, she’s an up and coming solo artist using the MBG moniker. As a one-woman rock band, Leena writes, records, performs and produces her music in her home studio.

Following her 2019 debut EP Have A Alright Day, she put out a single in 2020. New track This Time is her first release of 2021. A great alt-rock track with an accessible melody, drenched in guitars.

This Time by MBG is the new Carte Blanche Music Wildcard. As such, it’ll feature prominently at the top of this blog for a whole week.

Follow MBG on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify

In the Wildcards 2021 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.