Karsten Dahlgaard Interview

Who is your favorite bubblegum project you have worked with?

Aqua

What is your favourite bubblegum dance song?

Barbie Girl

Do you think the term "bubblegum dance" is appropriate for this style? Did you and Johnny Jam have a different name?

Well, a few names has come up during the years like "Euro-Dance", "Euro-Pop & "Happy Dance".

What got you interested in music production?

During my DJ'ing career I got interested in the production side - met Johnny who was doing jingles on a local radio station and voila...the rest is history as they say..

Do you have plans for any future bubblegum projects? If so, could you reveal some details to Bubblegum Dancer?

Currently everything is under wraps...but stay tuned as we could heading for an exciting autumn..:-)

Are you planning on updating the bubblegum sound? Will it maintain its 90's edge or focus on more recent styles? What might it sound like?

Yes, definitely...I think is difficult to describe ones sound..I'll leave that to others, but that said, I think David Guetta's and Red One's current sound is a huge influence. Also I heard Vengaboys is comin' back..love to hear 'em with a 2010 sound.

Do you have any ideas for new bubblegum acts, and do you plan to revive old groups?

I guess a little of both...if your new acts perform well, the olds ones will want to return as well.

Do you have many "leftovers" from bubblegum dance projects? If so, could you name these?

Well,a few - however they will remain nameless. No one mentioned no one forgotten.

Will these unreleased songs ever be released?

No.

Do you plan to do live shows with a bubblegum style?

Never say never, but I think it'll be more of a package where you have the act performing on the stage and then Johnny & I might be doing a DJ set.

Do you have any interesting or amusing stories from the days of bubblegum?

Remember working with Aqua in our studio.. they suddenly said - now we trust you and we'll play you our secret demo titled B & K (also called the Burger King song or Barbie & Ken)and you cannot mention this song to anyone...okay, we said...heard the demo and we were blown away...the concept in the song was so simple but then again so amazing that we totally understod why they were almost paranoid about getting the concept of the song "out there". They then said if we thougt it was a hit record...we replied - yes, definitely but it would require some work...then they asked if we thought it would be bigger than "Dub-i-dub (the Me & My mega hit record)"...well, yes..and it surely did become bigger.. like over 5 millions singles sold..

What kind of production do you use today in comparison to what you used in the 90s? Do you have a favorite synthesizer?

The bubblegum sound is related to almost one synth - the Roland JV-1080 plus the "lately" bass from Yamaha. Have a few new favorites but I won't let the secret out just yet..:-)

What are some of your musical inspirations today and in the past?

Giorgio Moroder, Denniz PoP, Max Martin, Torsten Fenslau, Frank Farian, Ace of Base, Björn Ulvaeus & Benny Andersson, David Guetta, Red One, Jean-Paul DeCoster & Phil Wilde, SAW, Daniele Davoli - Valerio Semplici & Mirko Limoni, David Morales, C & C Music Factory, Frankie Knuckles, Kevin Saunderson, Larry Levan, Ron Hardy,Tom Moulton, Shep Pettibone, Todd Terry, Benny Benassi, Patrick Cowley,John Jellybean Benitez, Dr. Luke...the list goes on and on...basically whoever inspires me..

Your productions during the bubblegum era had a very specific formula that many artists have attempted to copy. There are specific elements that blend together quite nicely - the nylon guitar, pizzicato, organ chords, piano chords, and a very specific bass line sound just to name a couple. Where did you draw inspiration for that?

Yes, I guess you are right however the "tight buttom end" was also a "trademark" sound. Maybe the reason why it was difficult to copy was the specific use of compression and reverb. Quite a few people who went to the studio bought the exactly same equipment but could never copy the sound. A few machines was responsible like the TC Electronic M5000, The Joe Meek compressor and the SPL Tube compressor. Also the Røde tube mike worked wonders for Johnny's vocal production. Big shout out also goes out to Mr. mastering engineer extraordinare Björn Engelman at Cutting Room in Sweden. Will say no more....:-)

Which artist do you think best duplicated your signature style?

A lot of people did great jobs and somehow managed to get orginality in their sound. One of the best must be Darwich who's currently riding high in the danish charts with the Kato project.

What's the most difficult thing about music production?

Getting the balance right in creating a sound that'll work on the radio but also the dancefloors.

What do you think of Aqua's comeback and their new style?

I think they've done a brilliant job comin' back after almost 10 years and I love their new style. They are already back in studio recording more hits..can't wait to hear 'em. They are an amazing group - the blend between people "in there" is "one of a kind".

If given the opportunity would you work with some of your old projects again, such as Aqua and Daze?

Yes, definitely.

Were there plans to release a follow up single or album with 3-2-1, Plazma, and Camilla? All of those singles were fantastic.

Yes there were, but sometimes record company politics and budgets don't match the punters wishes.

The majority of bubblegum dance styled music comes from Scandinavian countries. Do you know why it has such a huge focus in this area, and why it is mostly popular in Japan?

I think it all comes down to the sense of melody in the Scandinavian countries. We are exposed to very melodic childrens songs with nursery rhymes from a very young age...I guess it sticks in our brains and sort of get blended in when we write and produce music.

Do you still produce music today? What are some of your most recent works? Could you supply us some links?

Currently everything is under wraps but I'll post some links in the not to distant future. Will keep you guys posted, don't worry..

Do you still work closely with Johnny Jam?

We have had a long break but are currently in talks about hooking up again...could be fun..

And lastly, what is your favourite candy?

Must be the gummibears from Haribo..