Has Carlos Wilde gone punk?
You’d be amazed just how many rock stars were teachers, as Carlos Wilde still is, and has been for years now. Queen’s Brian May taught math(s) and science; Mark Knopfler taught English, as did fellow Geordie, Sting.
Sheryl Crow and Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie were music teachers. Gene Simmons of Kiss taught sixth grade and Brian Ferry (another Geordie) taught art. And they’re just the ones I can think of. As for Carlos, he says he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Other rock stars started teaching after their time of ‘sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll’ music stardom ended.
The Smiths’ Johnny Marr, for example, went on to teach a music degree in Manchester’s Salford University. Nine Inch Nails’ Chris Vrenna is a professor, teaching music technology at Calhoun, Alabama, while The Velvet Underground’s Sterling Morrison became a teaching assistant in medieval English at the University of Texas. Wow. Verily impressed am I. Ye get my drift.
On the subject of drifting, let’s move to the wild Atlantic coast, to Galicia, on Spain’s north-western shoulder. Here, the Portuguese rock musician, Carlos Wilde, teaches English by day while making music at night (or whenever his day job permits). Yes, that’s Carlos of the crunching blues-rock-based guitar riffs and melodic song-lines, whom I’ve talked about before on these pages.
Here’s an example of those melodic song-lines from one of Carlos Wilde’s earlier releases, below.
With his latest EP, ‘Problem Solving’, Carlos has ramped up his guitar riffs even more than usual, inspired, it seems, by the punk rock of his teenage years. There are five new tracks, each sounding how punk might sound today, had its ‘do-it-yourself’ protagonists spent the last few decades honing their craft, as Carlos has.
In other words, ‘Problem Solving’ features five new tracks, each sounding like polished high-end rock ‘n’ roll – the kind of rock the punk guitarists were trying to emulate with their rough-and-ready riffs all those years ago.
The precision and tightness of Carlos’s latest intertwining, fast-paced guitar riffs make these tracks appear angrier than those he’s previously produced. His vocals are more hard-edged but hard rock lovers will love that. Why not check out ‘Different Roads’ from the new EP below.
And get a taste of more new Carlos Wilde tracks below.
https://www.reverbnation.com/carloswilde
So, where do they come from, these rocking guitar riffs running through Carlos Wilde recordings like well-oiled machinery? Carlos says he has a host of influences. Growing up in Portugal, he listened to limitless rock, blues and jazz, absorbing everyone from AC/DC and Jethro Tull to blues legend Lightnin’ Hopkins.
His jazz influences included John Coltrane, Chick Corea and French violinist, Jean Luc Ponty, who’s worked with Frank Zappa and John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra.
Still a teenager, Carlos Wilde took his influences to Holland, where he was living when punk hit the music world like a medieval mace – the spiked metal ball variety, of course. Carlos not only imbibed in the Sex Pistols, Stranglers, Ramones, Boomtown Rats, Dead Kennedys and Buzzcocks, he also soaked up Dutch sounds.
“I loved Dutch punk as well, like Ivy Green (the Pistols of Holland) and Flying Spiderz,” he said, “although the one that I followed and enjoyed most in Holland was not punk. His name was Herman Brood, often called ‘the greatest and only Dutch rock ‘n’ roll star’. I saw Herman live several times.”
Introducing Herman Brood.
Always wanting to know about rockers I haven’t heard of, I checked out Herman Brood on Wikepedia. “As a musician he achieved artistic and commercial success in the 1970s and 1980s”, the site said.
“Later in life he started a successful career as a painter. Known for his hedonistic lifestyle of “sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll”, Brood was an enfant terrible and a cultural figure whose suicide by jumping from a hotel roof, apparently influenced by a failure to kick his drug and alcohol habit”. Born in 1946, Herman Brood died in 2001.
“In those days if we wanted to listen to English, American or Australian bands in Portugal we had to import their records, which were prohibitively expensive,” Carlos said. “So people with good LP collections were in great demand.”
From teaching Portuguese kids about rock and punk through his guitar and records, Carlos headed north across the Atlantic to Ireland to study to become a teacher.
“I had a good teacher, Half devil, half preacher” – Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I wish I had good teachers, like Lynyrd Skynyrd’s. At my school in the dark ages we used to get six-of-the-best (as they used to call it) on our arses (asses), often for just talking in class. Oh, to have had a teacher like Carlos.
“I enjoy teaching because it allows me to explore my creative vein in the world of education,” he said. “I like to think I am an unorthodox but very effective teacher. I bring fun to learning and prefer to be like my students’ older brother or friend. That way, I work closer with them and get excellent results.
“Game-based learning and collaborative learning are some of the methods I use. But one thing I never, never neglect is individualized learning. One must never forget that students learn at their own pace, otherwise we have a recipe for disaster.
“We prepare students to sit English Cambridge Exams (also known as ESOL – English for Speakers of Other Languages) and we have an EXCELLENT 95 percent pass rate from Lower Intermediate level to Proficiency. Not many can claim that, even if I say so myself.”
Carlos Wilde lived in Ireland in the 1980s and 1990s, teaching ESOL in Dublin and lecturing on Teacher Training Courses throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. In rock circles, he mixed with Thin Lizzy, Hothouse Flowers and U2, described in ‘his own words’ in an earlier feature on Carlos, available below:
As for future plans, Carlos Wilde says he takes it one day at a time. “I am enjoying my teaching and the freedom to write music without worrying about paying bills or putting food on the table. I have a much healthier relationship with my eternal love affair – music.
“What I will do next or where I am going to be – your guess is as good as mine,” he says laughing.
Hopefully, you’ll let me know when it happens, Carlos. So, I can keep your many thousands of fans around the world informed on the next part of your journey.
Great write up .. carlos makes great music
Great biographical piece on a wonderful musician. Carlos is talented and modest in equal measure and deserves a far wider audience than the few who love his creativity and gutsy soundstage. A true man of the people who plays fine rock for all discerning listeners.
Thanks very much, Rob – Visit and kind words truly appreciated
Thanks very much for your feedback, Rob.
Great interview… inspiring!
Many thanks, Joanne.
Thanks, Vic – Your continued support is appreciated, my friend
Thanks, Vic – Your continued support is appreciated, my friend
carlos wilde what can you say ,well rather alot really but if you just listen to his music it will tell you eveything you need to know- carlos wilde is an exceptionally talented singer/ songwriter .so stop reading right now and start listening . you will be so glad you did
Thank you, Paul (Hilrant) – support appreciated
A good biography of a man of many talents: Carlos Wilde.
Thanks for such a nice comment, Melisa. Much appreciated.
Many thanks for your feedback, Vic. Much appreciated.
Many thanks for the feedback, Vic. Much appreciated.
Love it! Carlos and his Wilde Goopy Christmas performance return to my home page next month!
Thank you very much, Terry
Awesome! Had Carlos guest on my radio show a while back and always pleased to play his new stuff – so I’m delighted to see him getting the recognition he deserves!
Thanks a lot Luis – Continued support appreciated!
I have followed Carlos for years and his continual musical growth always impressed me. Another great offering with this release.
Yes, you have, Steve – you have been very supportive of my music for many years now and I thank you for that, my friend!
A great musician and humble man But i guess that’s what it takes to be an outstanding musician. Thanks for the insight on Carlos!
Thank you very much, Anthony
Very nice information about Carlos. I’ve enjoyed his great music for a very long time and appreciate knowing some of the details of his history in music.
Awesome article, full of information and well deserved!
Thanks, Shelah.
Hi Shelah – Appreciate the visit and the comment – Happy Sunday!
Cheers, Shelah.
I didnot know Carlos was living in the Netherlands , i know Herman Brood very well he was a great performer . Also Carlos is a great guitarist , i love guitar music because my son Robert is a guitarist too
Thanks very much, Diana – I lived there for a while in my teens – Utrecth, Laren and A’dam. Yes, Herman was great – Thanks for the kind words – Wishing you and your son the very best!
I like Carlos a lot, nice man and fabulous musician !! All his latest work is top notch !!
Thank you, Rob – Your kind words make me feel good, especially coming from such a great musician as yourself!
Always impressed when i listen to the music of Carlos Wilde…ct
Cheers, CT – Appreciate the visit and the comment
Knowing Carlos as an educator, I can vouch for his unique teaching qualities and unrivaled success. His communicative acumen flows from the classroom to the recording studio, transforming his deepest concerns into music of multiple genres. Punk rock has always mirrored his inner energy and these lines pay laudable homage to that particular part of his musical journey. Great blog and portrait of the educational rock star Carlos Wilde.
Hi Angela – Thank you for the insightful comment – Truly appreciated!
Excellent article about a long time friend and musical colleague. Carlos really surprised me with ‘Problem Solving’ (his latest release). I love the energy and the angst that comes from these tracks. A must-buy for any Unsigned/Indie music collector!
Thanks, Mark – Appreciate the friendship and support throughout the years
Carlos is a very talented singer, songwriter and musician who can draw from a variety of influences and genres and create exciting, emotional, and truly infectious songs that everyone can identify with. Sincere, honest, and down to earth observations are the cornerstone of Carlos’ never-ending creativity. He never ceases to amaze and excite me. I love what I’ve heard off the new album and am anxious to hear more. A true artist in every aspect of the word!!
Thanks very much, Mike – Your kind words are appreciated
Carlos Wilde is an amazing, eclectic artist who combines an array of influences and genres to create music that is both accessible and infectious. He never ceases to surprise me, and never disappoints. I’ve loved what I’ve heard off this new project and am anxious to hear more. A true artist in every sense of the word!!
I follow Carlos Wild music in internet..on his musical pages.. for years..and admire his talent and personality..love his passion to music of course!
Thank you, Barbara – Continued support appreciated
Cool!
Indeed.
Cheers, Steve
Carlos Wilde is an amazing musician. His latest project is certainly a testimony to that. Infusing the great energy and raw emotion of punk with a nice polish of his virtuoso guitar skills. Amazing writing and passion. Thank you for shining the light on this outstanding artist, in this wonderful and well-written article.
My pleasure, Robert.
Thanks very much, Bob – Your friendship and continued support are appreciated!
Looks like I’ve got some hw to listen to!
And to read, I trust.
Cheers
Fabulous article about a fabulous artist! Continued success to Carlos! 🙂 xo
Thanks for that, Cheryl. Appreciated.
Thanks very much, Cheryl
I love the way Carlos brings his own unique sound to music that is all his. This is just another great collection of his work. Well done Carlos
Thanks, Steve – Great job on mixing and mastering this project – Cheers
Excellent article about a really lovely guy and grreat musician. Its always nice to learn about peoples journey in life.
Thanks for the comment, Donna.
Thank you very much, Donna
From the moment that guitar starts up you know it’s Carlos, he has a distinct sound all of his own, plus he comes without ego, is one of the nicest guys, and is always supporting others on social media, an enjoyable read and well deserved review. Keep on Keepin On Carlos
Cheers, Stacy – Visit and kind words appreciated
Very cool music.nice to hear real musicians playing from the heart..
Thank you very much, Brian
I bet your an awesome teacher jack black eat your heart out thsi is the real rock school!!
Thanks very much
Impressive music formation and path!
Awesome ballad “When Your Sun Sleeps”. I like His voice.
I’ll definitely check out for more music of Carlos.
Thanks for the feedback, Fernanda.
Thanks very much, Fernanda
Great Work Carlos! UP!!!
Cheers, Giuseppe
An interesting and enjoyable writing about an outstanding musician. All the many wonderful things said about Carlos and his music are well deserved….when I first heard Carlos’ music , it was clear that he puts his heart into his playing and music writing….that, to me, is what makes him so special as a musician …once you hear one of Carlos’ songs, you will definitely want to hear more !
Great to hear you liked the article, Mary, and enjoy Carlos’ music. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you very much, Mary – Kind words truly appreciated!
So now I have to think about my english before I write on Twitter?! Nice blog, I didn’t know most of the stuff!
Many thanks, Dan. I’ll ask Carlos NOT to give you lines should you stuff up the English.
LOL, Dan – no worries, that made me laugh. Thanks for stopping by
Great piece on a fine musician!!! I’ve enjoyed reading up on him and This is well done … much respect to Carlos and the music he creates and shares with us all … cheers
Cheers, Tom. Many thanks for your feedback.
Thank you vry mucery much, Tom – Appreciate you taking the time to stop by and your great feedback!
Oops – damn typos – Sorry, Tom – here it is typo-free – lol
Thank you very much, Tom – Appreciate you taking the time to stop by and your great feedback!
Love this article . Carlos is such a great guy and musician. I will always support you !
Great stuff, Jackie. Many thanks for the comment.
Thanks very much, Jackie – Your continued support is appreciated!
Really enjoyable article on a nice guy and highly talented musician. I’ve been listening to his work for a good few years now. Keep on rocking Carlos!
Thank you, Alexander – Your kind words are appreciated, my friend – I also enjoy listening to your work. All the best!
Good to see great artists no matter the roots getting the love!
This is great music to boot
My pleasure, Emma. Thanks for the comment.
Thank you very much, Emma
I enjoyed this really great article on Musician Carlos Wilde. Interesting about his background as a teacher too. As well a great artist as songwriter, he has always been supportive and encouraging to me and others.
Definitely recommend you check him out and he also has some beautiful videos on YouTube .
❤️
Thank you very much, Rose – Your kind words are truly appreciated. You are also supportive of others and I respect you for that. All the best!
Carlos’s music is extremely professional, very well written and produced. We feel the passion while listening
Good stuff, Rachel.
Thank you, Rachel – your kind words are appreciated, my friend
Great article!
Thank you kindly, Wendy. Much appreciated.
Thanks very much, Wendy
Carlos is not only a great musician, he’s a very genuine guy. I bet he’s an awesome teacher too
You bet, Simon.
Thanks, Simon
I love your videos and music! I love the fact that you are a teacher and are able to have a better relationship with music because of it. It validates how I feel being a teacher and writing. Thank you for the inspiration and validation!
What an inspiring comment, Sean. Many thanks.
Thanks for the kind words, Sean – Appreciate it
I’m a newcomer to the fandom of Carlos Wilde. I almost literally stumbled across Carlos and his work when he followed me on Twitter ( @melodeeaaron ) and I followed him back. He sent me a link to a few of his songs. After a couple of “listens”, I was hooked. Yes, the word “listens” is indeed in quotes. Let me tell you why…
I have been deaf since birth. No, not hard of hearing and need to wear hearing aids. I’m totally 100% stone cold deaf. What the doctors call “Profoundly Deaf”. I had a specialist tell me once that I have, effectively, no ears at all. You could fire a gun behind me and other than the shock wave, I’d never know you did it. And, fellow Carlos fans, it is that shock wave that is important.
I can feel music. Sometimes I can pick up vibrations through the air, others I can feel them through objects. I have a device called a Bone Phone that is not much more than a speaker that hangs around my neck to rest on my shoulders and chest. I can get the vibrations that way, and that is the system I used to “listen” to Carlos’ music. I can “hear” each note. With that system plus a rather sophisticated captioning system, I can “hear” the words.
Am I missing things? Sure…subtle key shifts, the sound of the fingers of the guitar player sliding up and down the strings, delicate vocal intonations. Those are but a few. But I can–and do–enjoy music.
Add to my deafness the fact that I know jack shit about music. The closest I get to playing an instrument is running my MP3 player. And trust me…you do NOT want to hear me sing!
But I do know what I like.
And I like the music made by Carlos Wilde.
To me, there is a unique blend of old, new, and futuristic qualities. The hard punch of metal and the Big Hair guitar bands is there. The tight melodies of Classic Rock and the soft sway of Olde Time Country are in there. The rapid shifts of contemporary music floats around. And for reason I can’t put into words because of my lack of musical education I can “hear” a little of Tangerine Dream and Emerson. Lake, and Palmer in the mix giving me a promise of a bright musical future.
There is only one area where I actually envy those with normal hearing: Listening to music.
But thanks to talented artists like Carlos, I can still enjoy music.
Keep Loving!
Melodee
Truly uplifting feedback, Melodee, beautifully written. You may be “stone cold deaf” but you certainly know your hot rock. ELP! Now, that’s a blast from the past.
Thanks, Paul!
As I recall, ELP released “Lucky Man” the year before I was born, but it’s still on my top-ten favorite songs list.
Try this sometime if you want an amazing experience…
Get your two biggest speakers. Sit between them and turn the volume up so far you break the knob off. Put in good earplugs. Play “Lucky Man” as you rest your fingertips on the speaker cones, about midway between the dome and foam edge.
When the synthesizer riff (not sure if that’s the technically correct term or not!) hits, your entire body will shake in harmony!
Keep Loving!
Melodee
I’m speechless, Melodee – You have made my day – don’t really know what to day except that I am honoured that in some way I can make your world a bit more musical. Much love!
Carlos, it is music and musicians that make life better for me.
I’ve written and published more than 500 novels, 750 shorter works, and God knows how many magazine stories over the years under many pen names and in pretty much every genre you can imagine. But they all share one very important thing in common…
They have all, to one degree or another, been inspired by songs.
It is I who owe you, and all the musicians out there, thanks.
Keep Loving!
Melodee
That’s amazing – You have been busy, my friend. Versatility is a great thing to have on your side – Glad to hear you have put that gift to good use. Hope you keep delivering the goods. All the best, Melodee
Carlos is a great talent! Thanks for the nice article.
He certainly is, Bob. Thanks for the feedback.
Cheers, Paul
Thanks very much, Bob – Very kind of you
Interesting article Carlos. Really enjoyed it.
Thank you, Johnny – Appreciate the visit and feedback.
Carlos is one of the most diverse Artists I have heard. It is a Sin that He is not filling out Stadiums .Maybe soon
That’s the unfair world we live in, Jimmy. So many great artists fall through the cracks. But you never know, the world might discover Carlos yet.