“Candles” is arguably the most upbeat song on Sunset Rubdown’s forthcoming album Always Happy To Explode coming out on Krug’s label, Pronounced Kroog, on September 20th, 2024.
Originally written in 2020 and posted to frontman Spencer Krug’s Patreon page as part of his song-a-month collection, “Candles” initially flew under the radar for both Krug and subscribers alike. It started as a fun experiment in crafting a pop song, blending metaphors and abstraction to tackle the somber theme of aging and navigating a music industry that has become increasingly driven by streaming and social media metrics, a stark contrast to the industry’s earlier days.
Musically, the song is upbeat and catchy, creating an intriguing contrast with its reflective lyrics. At the time, Krug felt this juxtaposition was unusual enough to keep the song in his unreleased collection.
Three years later or so the newly reunited Sunset Rubdown discovered the song and unanimously agreed that the song slaps. “What is… ‘slaps’?” Krug asked. To demonstrate, the band worked together to arrange a full-band version, featuring Camilla-Wynne on keyboards and vocals, Nicholas Merz on bass, Jordan Robson-Cramer on drums and percussion, and Krug on synth, vocals, and piano. As they recorded the new rendition, still dancey but now with a raw and raunchy edge, complete with harmonious keys and distorted bass, Krug thought happily to himself, “Ah, yes. Slaps.” “Candles” was one of the most enjoyable songs to record for Always Happy To Explode, with the whole band grooving and nodding along in the control room as they listened back to what they’d done with it. Turns out you can make something that’s happy and sad at the same time.
Are you vibing with Sunset Rubdown’s new offering “Candles”?
