PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your latest project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?
Thomas Malmgren (TM): Our latest project was in fact the IPO concert held in Stockholm this year and it was a matter of clearing unfinished business. We were scheduled to appear on the 2:nd IPO in Los angeles 1999 but domestic things came in the way. 16 years later we got the invitation from David Bash once again and now there was enough space left in our daily lives to finally say “Yes!”.It was lovely to meet mr David Bash, Jeremy Morris at last and considering that it was our first gig in 18 years, it went well. Nice to meet some fans from both Sweden and abroad as well as standing on the stage and spotting my family in the public.
The Recording Process: There are so many interesting ways that music projects come into the world these days compared with what artists had to struggle through years ago. Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way. Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?
TM: When we recorded our first album Forest Fruit Hills in the mid nineties it was 95% solely on analogue equipment housed in a studio located in an attic. At the end of the process some digital trickery were introduced and the marketing strategy was still analogue as well. Way forward Some 18 years later it’s a completely different scene. It ain’t enough anymore to be on a record as you have to promote yourself heavily on social media to be recognized amongst the other musicmakers. The recording of Merry Go round went very fast as it was recorded in the rehearsal room with a portable digital recorder. Not many overdubs as in the past . Just a sound capture of the Cranbury sauce live sound 2015. When that decision was taken it was quite easy even though I wished we had done at least 10 different overdubs and sweetenings when I listen to it some 4 months later.
Are there any particular songs on this project that are special to you or communicate a message that you’d like to share here?
TM: One of the two new songs rehearsed for the IPO festival were in fact in the same age as our previous concert in the nineties. It was written for live purposes in 1997 and ended up as a very transformed song for an abandoned album project in 2003. The bridge in that version was kidnapped there years later for a song we donated to a charity CD. Some 9 years later we went back to the original version and just tidied it up for the IPO project. My colleague, Roger, is more productive songwise but I have a tendency to play around with old song motives until they finally find a proper home. So, yes. It was a relief to complete it after 18 years.
As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are your thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of the changes helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?
TM: It’s a different scene these days and it must be wonderful for all young hungry musicians to have this whole digital platform to publish music in order to get instant feedback. On the other hand, I guess us oldtimers are too lazy to fight for recognition.
Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ will look like in the coming years? How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music? Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits compared to, say, 10 years ago?
TM: I used to buy records until some years ago and finally resigned to Spotify and other streaming services. At first I thought it was incredible to catch up by listening to the big “must hear”backlog I had at the time. Soon enough i discovered that my patience became more and more limited as I found myself listening to 20 seconds to each song before clicking on the next, .Good or bad, I don’t know, but I will certainly not go back in time.
We would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them? Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?
TM: There aren’t any plans for the future at the moment. If we receive good feedback and people want to hear more, we see no problem with recording another song or two. There’s some stuff in the can that would be nice to release on a physical disc. An digital only EP was discussed before the summer but it’s totally depending on the feedback. Otherwise we just get along with our lives and find pleasure in other things.
Is there a particular musician(s) you’d love to collaborate with – and why?
TM: Mr Brian Wilson. Would love to hear him transform a promising sketch from me into a full blown masterpiece.
Advance apologies: the so-called ‘classic’ questions. What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”? (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust us!)
TM: Speaking for myself. My Cranbury Sauce contributions are probably a mixture of Beach Boys, Beatles, 10cc, Jellyfish, The Millenium and assorted indie pop from the 80:s.
Top 5 as it stands today
1. Beach Boys-Pet Sounds
- Beatles-Revolver
- 10 cc – Sheet Music
- Free design – You could be born again
- Elvis Costello – The Imperial Bedroom
We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of the last few years?
TM: Songs by Paper Kites and Fink.
Yes, it would be great if most indie musicians could work on music full-time but the reality rarely the case for most of them. I am always asked by music fans, what are the careers or full-time jobs that the musicians of the music they are listening to do…so ‘what’s your main gig?!’
TM: System developer consultant, Digital Platform specialist and process owner, Transport consultant, Coffee production manager.
Where can we hear more of your music and any other releases you have?
Go to https://www.facebook.com/Cranbury-Sauce-474315736052518/ and enjoy our YouTube videos. Otherwise, search for our albums Forest Fruit Hill and Circular songs on Amazon marketplace.
