Feature: Carla Malrowe Decodes ‘The petals and sand’
What was the creative process like for this particular EP 'The petals and sand?'
‘The petals and sand’ has lived a secret life in the back of my mind for a decade before being released. While I was simultaneously busy with other music projects (harsher and darker in nature, i.e. Me’ek and Psycoco), these “softer” introspective songs were growing in my head, along with my own experiences and fascination with love, loss and eventually, with grief.
It was with “Dear Host” that I discovered a creative process that I still use to this day: A line entered my mind whilst driving, “Would you tear it out of me, taking everything you need.” I repeated it over and over in my mind, like a mantra, until a lyrical story grew around it. A melody grew, a chorus grew, a bridge grew, all like vines intertwining and forming patterns, and eventually, a picture. It lived in my head for ages before I put instruments to it. The remainder of the songs came to me quickly, following the same process – self-sustaining one-liners that grow into stories in my mind.
I wanted to treat my stories with compassion, and so gifted them majestic flowing violins, simple yet melancholic chord progressions and easily digestible structures, however, I never ventured far from my obsession with obtrusive electronics so, such elements were always going to show face. My instrumentation, structures and arrangements are forever being influenced by what I listen to. For me, life inspires my stories, but what inspires my art, is art.
What is your personal favorite song from 'The petals and sand' and why?
Missing Circus Freak is my personal favorite because it saved my life. It’s the first song that I wrote after the death of my subject matter. It gave me a reason to carry on through a very dark time. It was a distraction but also a means of processing what had happened. The song provided a safe space in which to feel. Outside it, I couldn’t even speak his name. Still can’t.
What did you enjoy most about making 'The petals and sand?'
The best part about creating ‘The petals and sand’ was the moment that “Dear Host” became “Dear Host.” As mentioned, it had lived in my head for years. I finally recorded the piano and vocals and went to sit in my studio in front of my DAW and started producing. When I felt that it was finished, I downloaded it to my phone, put my headphones on, and “took my song for a walk.” That was my favorite part, taking my completed songs for a walk, just listening and enjoying what I’ve worked so hard on, all judgment suspended. Just listening.
What do you find most rewarding about co-writing with others?
I find working on creative projects with others rewarding in that it’s somewhat risky. You have no idea how it’s going to turn out so you really have to surrender to the process. I am forced to become precious over nothing and open-minded over everything, which is, in co-writing and in life (I believe), a rather good stance to take.
Collaboration is often crucial in music production. How do you collaborate with artists and other professionals to bring a project to life
Again:
Precious over nothing. Open-minded over everything.
When I have this mindset, my creativity is instantly triggered and I feed off of the creative input of my fellow producers and musicians. I thoroughly consider every suggestion and usually come up with an even crazier idea based on that suggestion. Ego ruins the creative exchange and so, ego is not allowed in my studio, which suits me fine… I’m way too much of a typical insecure musician to let my ego run riot anyway. Yes, it’s true. I doubt myself, all the time, but then, of course, I doubt myself: I’m the one taking the huge risk of expressing my vulnerability, authenticity and art.
