Cloud Cult

The organic instigator of Minnesota’s Cloud Cult, Craig Minowa, released their newest album, Feel Good Ghosts (Teapartying Through Tornados) in early April. The album reveals how the band is notably progressing, yet remains true to their “genre-challenged” style. Compared to previous releases, the changes on this album stick out like a cross-dresser in a Catholic church. “I was trained in classical music, and I really love composing,” Minowa explains. “I bought a computer bank of orchestra sounds so I could do any sounds I want. I could do an obo, clarinet, first violin, second violin, and it opened up a whole new world as far as writing. I could compose it as an orchestra instead of what was available in the studio.”

Having kicked out five groundbreaking albums, Minowa’s river of creativity is far from running dry. During the recording of last album, The Meaning of Eight, Minowa was writing songs for Feel Good Ghosts. But that trend is surprisingly ending, “I am forcing myself not to write right now,” Minowa notes. “I’ve been in constant writing mode since Cadyn left [when his son passed away]. Feel Good Ghosts reflects a lot of those philosophies. During all that time, I’ve been focusing on mortality and philosophical issues and getting all that out. It has gotten obsessive; I don’t think about anything else. I wake up in the middle of the night thinking about harp parts. I should be waking up thinking about visiting my nephew. It is time to shift priorities. I’ll still write and create, but I really want to exercise a mental break.”

Minowa is more than a non-stop musical mastermind. He holds a degree in environmental science and, when you consider his green friendly approach to the music industry, it’s evident he prefers a holistic method. Craig’s independent label, Earthology, keeps the environment in mind on every level. Cloud Cult’s CDs are from recycled materials, printed with soy ink and the shrink-wrap is made from biodegradable cellulose. Wind energy powers the whole process. To boot, they plant trees to help offset any unforeseen consequence.

Only time will tell if Cloud Cult is able to take a break. In the meantime, check out Feel Good Ghosts, crack open a micro-brew and help support the environment—one song at a time, you dirty hippie.