Robert F. Cranny


Robert Francis Cranny is a musician, songwriter and record producer based in Sydney, Australia.
𝕏 robertfcranny

Peachfield

In 2019, Cranny began releasing music with new alt-Australiana six-piece, Peachfield. The band is described by Beat magazine as, "...a delicate blend of emotive lyrics, drifting piano, colourful narratives and soaring vocals".
Its debut EP Monuments of Debris was released in November 2020. The work is described by Beat magazine as, "...a sweeping exploration of Cranny’s own narratives of young Australian lives, set in urban, coastal and rural cities and towns."

Collaboration with Sarah Blasko

Robert F. Cranny co-wrote and co-produced the first two albums of Sydney musician, Sarah Blasko, The Overture & the Underscore and What [The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have], both of which were certified platinum.
The Overture & the Underscore was recorded in Hollywood, California with engineer Wally Gagel and session drummer Joey Waronker.
What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have was produced by Blasko, Cranny and Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil-fame. It was recorded in Neil Finn's Roundhead Studios in Auckland, New Zealand. The album won an ARIA award in 2007 for Best Pop Release.
Cranny co-wrote all tracks on both albums, with the exception of Beautiful Secrets. He is the sole writer of the song Perfect Now which has appeared in the television program, One Tree Hill.
On What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have, Cranny arranged and conducted a chamber ensemble as well as a Maori choir. In 2007, Sarah Blasko undertook a 12-date national tour accompanied by a five-piece chamber section. Cranny again scored the orchestral instruments. Songs from The Overture & the Underscore, which were never originally arranged for orchestral instruments, were also given this treatment.

Other Production and Musical Work

In 2015, Cranny joined seminal Melbourne indie-rock band, Gersey, to write and record the band's fourth LP, "What You Kill". Cranny co-wrote the majority of tracks, played a CP-70 piano and was given a specific production credit for his work on the expansive "There Are Things That You And I Can Never Be".
In 2011, Cranny co-produced the debut album by Ben Salter, "The Cat". It was produced by Gareth Liddiard, Robert F. Cranny & Ben Salter at Liddiard's rural property in Myrtleford, Victoria. Liddiard's own band, The Drones had previously recorded the album Havilah at the property. Cranny made songwriting contributions to two album tracks, and personally wrote the song, "Know Your Strength" for the album.
In 2010, Cranny played an 11-date Australian tour as a keyboard player in Gersey, supporting US band, Pavement.
In 2009, he played keyboards for US indie-rock musician Spiral Stairs, including an appearance at the 2009 Sydney Laneway Festival.
In 2008, Cranny co-produced three tracks with Leonardo's Bride vocalist, Abby Dobson, for her debut solo album "Rise Up", including the single, "Horses".
Cranny has also performed and recorded with other artists such as Ben Salter, 78 Saab, Sianna Lee, The Maladies, The C-Minus Project, Darren Hanlon, Soap Star Joe, Gaslight Radio & Magic Lunchbox.

Songs Featured in Television Series

Robert F Cranny composed original songs that were used in the following TV series:
YearSongArtistComposerTV seriesSeasonEpisodeRef.
2005"Always Worth It"Sarah BlaskoRobert F Cranny & Sarah BlaskoSix Feet Under512
2006"Perfect Now"Sarah BlaskoRobert F CrannyOne Tree Hill318
2015"Endlessness"GerseyJackson/Cranny/Tulen/Bradie/DavisThe Royals22
2015"It Means Nothing"GerseyJackson/Cranny/Tulen/Bradie/DavisThe Royals27

Record Label

Along with Sarah Kelly from theredsunband, Robert F. Cranny owned and operated Enchanted Recordings, an independent record label based in Sydney, Australia, which was active between 2006 and 2010.
Enchanted Recordings was distributed nationally by Shock Records and employed the resources of Nonzero Records & Rice Is Nice. The label released the following catalogue:

Singles

The Eagle – theredsunband, August 2008, Enchanted Recordings

EPs

Like An Arrow – theredsunband, November 2007, Enchanted Recordings

Albums

The Shiralee - theredsunband, June 2008, Enchanted RecordingsPhoenix Propeller –, March 2010, Enchanted Recordings

Awards and recognition

"The Cat" by Ben Salter
  • Won the Queensland Music Award for Album of the Year in 2012
  • "West End Girls" listed at #28 on The Courier Mail's "Top 50 Queensland Songs"
"What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have" by Sarah Blasko
"The Overture & the Underscore" by Sarah Blasko

Credits

Production credits

Don't U Eva single – Sarah Blasko – produced by Sarah Blasko and Robert F CrannyThe Overture & The Underscore – Sarah Blasko - produced by Sarah Blasko and Robert F CrannyShe Will Have Her Way: The Songs of Neil & Tim Finn – Sarah Blasko – Don't Dream It's Over produced by Sarah Blasko and Robert F CrannyWhat The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have - Sarah Blasko – produced by Sarah Blasko, Robert F Cranny and Jim MoginieRise Up – Abby Dobson – three tracks produced by Robert F Cranny and Abby DobsonHorses single Abby Dobson – produced by Robert F Cranny and Abby DobsonPhoenix Propeller – Sianna Lee – Mercenary in Me produced by Robert F CrannyThe Cat - Ben Salter – produced by Robert F Cranny, Gareth Liddiard & Ben SalterKing Me - Love Parade – produced by Robert F CrannyWhere The Ocean Starts EP - Katie Whyte - produced by Robert F CrannyWhat You Kill - Gersey - produced by Tim Whitten & Gersey
  • "Helicopters To Find You" - Peachfield - produced by Robert F CrannyMonuments of Debris - Peachfield - produced by Robert F Cranny

Songwriting Credits

Don't U Eva single – Sarah Blasko – written by Sarah Blasko and Robert F CrannyThe Overture & The Underscore – Sarah Blasko all tracks written by Sarah Blasko and Robert F Cranny, except "Beautiful Secrets" by Sarah Blasko & "Perfect Now" by Robert F Cranny.What The Sea Wants, The Sea Will Have – all tracks written by Sarah Blasko and Robert F CrannyPhoenix Propeller – Sianna Lee – You Are The Sea written by Sianna Lee and Robert F CrannyThe Cat - Ben Salter – Know Your Strength written by Robert F Cranny, The Cat written by Ben Salter, Robert F Cranny & Gareth LiddiardMonuments of Debris - Peachfield - all tracks written by Robert F Cranny

Other Recording Credits

Picture a Hum, Can't Hear a Sound – 78 Saab – piano, organ, synthOrange Syringe – Tom Morgan - Casio MT70, Hammond Organ
  • "What You Kill" - Gersey - CP70, Roland JUNO, guitar, vocals, production