Leading up to Rinse FM's 18th birthday, a series of videos have been put together with individuals/associates reflecting on their relationship with the radio station (and its record label). This instalment features Give Up Art: the brilliantly inventive studio that has come to define Rinse's visual communication.
25 September 2012
5 September 2012
Mala In Cuba artwork by &A&K and Teddy Fitzhugh
Link: &A&K
Link: Teddy Fitzhugh
Link: Brownswood Recordings
Following his exploits on the Talkin' Loud label (where he signed a diverse array of artists including 4Hero, Galliano, Reprazent and Nu Yorican Soul), Gilles Peterson more recently dispatched Digital Mystikz's Mala to Havana so that he could collaborate with a selection of Cuban musicians. This has been documented as Mala In Cuba: a project that, marking its landmark status, will be getting the lavish box set treatment.
A four vinyl release on 180g vinyl (plus download code) will come packaged with artwork designed by &A&K [who previously handled the beautiful sleeve of 2010's Return II Space]. The evocative photography by Teddy Fitzhugh helps give a sense of Mala's journey and capably moves dubstep away from the old gritty aesthetic associated with nocturnal London to something that's a bit more Buena Vista Social Club.
Link: Teddy Fitzhugh
Link: Brownswood Recordings
Following his exploits on the Talkin' Loud label (where he signed a diverse array of artists including 4Hero, Galliano, Reprazent and Nu Yorican Soul), Gilles Peterson more recently dispatched Digital Mystikz's Mala to Havana so that he could collaborate with a selection of Cuban musicians. This has been documented as Mala In Cuba: a project that, marking its landmark status, will be getting the lavish box set treatment.
A four vinyl release on 180g vinyl (plus download code) will come packaged with artwork designed by &A&K [who previously handled the beautiful sleeve of 2010's Return II Space]. The evocative photography by Teddy Fitzhugh helps give a sense of Mala's journey and capably moves dubstep away from the old gritty aesthetic associated with nocturnal London to something that's a bit more Buena Vista Social Club.
3 September 2012
Illum Sphere - 'Birthday/808ER' sleeve by ARPA/Roger Ballen
Link: Roger Ballen
Link: Illum Sphere
Link: Young Turks
Link: Hoya Hoya
Out today on digital and later this month as just 500 12" copies is the new offering from Illum Sphere a.k.a. Hoya:Hoya's Ryan Hunn. If you happen to live in Manchester, then you might be more aware than most of this producer's long-standing interest in the combination of music and art - given that, prior to his more recent activities, he was found at the helm of its Sketch City nights. This latest work subsequently builds on that plus the Young Turks label's commitment to quality vinyl manufacturing to deliver a sleeve with "interchangeable artwork". Presented in collaboration with ARPA Design and respected South Africa-based photographer Roger Ballen, there is said to be no heirarchy between the two images - reflecting the release's lack of an A or B side. Both, like Hunn's idiosyncratic output, are totally intriguing.
Link: Illum Sphere
Link: Young Turks
Link: Hoya Hoya
Out today on digital and later this month as just 500 12" copies is the new offering from Illum Sphere a.k.a. Hoya:Hoya's Ryan Hunn. If you happen to live in Manchester, then you might be more aware than most of this producer's long-standing interest in the combination of music and art - given that, prior to his more recent activities, he was found at the helm of its Sketch City nights. This latest work subsequently builds on that plus the Young Turks label's commitment to quality vinyl manufacturing to deliver a sleeve with "interchangeable artwork". Presented in collaboration with ARPA Design and respected South Africa-based photographer Roger Ballen, there is said to be no heirarchy between the two images - reflecting the release's lack of an A or B side. Both, like Hunn's idiosyncratic output, are totally intriguing.
30 August 2012
Nathan Fake - Steam Days artwork and poster by Jack Featherstone
Link: Jack Featherstone
Link: Border Community
Last week's marathon House Party event on Channel 4 paired up a succession of taste-maker DJs with video artists. However, it seemed to reaffirm that club culture struggles as a spectator sport. Some of the VJing didn't help with any kind of reassessment either - particularly given that much of the visual work resorted to the tired imagery that's already accompanied at least 44,000 Ibiza-oriented compilations. The dancefloor experience was too easily reduced to some animated gifs of speakers and rotating headphone-clad people.
A notable exception was Jack Featherstone who took an interesting and far less literal approach that did more to illustrate the abstract communicative abilities of sound. Which is unsurprising given his output: the latest of which follows on from the series of 12" singles he prepared for the Border Community label.
Contextualizing Nathan Fake's upcoming Steam Days long-player, Featherstone appears to touch on an area that has previously been visited by Andy Gilmore and Michael Cina: courtesy of the construction of a complex, overlapping geometric image. In this case, though, it has resulted in a hypnotic, vortex-like arrangement of light that is perhaps as dazzling as Fake's productions. Released next week on double vinyl, CD and download, there is also a limited edition A2 print of the artwork that's currently available to pre-order at bleep.com.
Link: Border Community
Last week's marathon House Party event on Channel 4 paired up a succession of taste-maker DJs with video artists. However, it seemed to reaffirm that club culture struggles as a spectator sport. Some of the VJing didn't help with any kind of reassessment either - particularly given that much of the visual work resorted to the tired imagery that's already accompanied at least 44,000 Ibiza-oriented compilations. The dancefloor experience was too easily reduced to some animated gifs of speakers and rotating headphone-clad people.
A notable exception was Jack Featherstone who took an interesting and far less literal approach that did more to illustrate the abstract communicative abilities of sound. Which is unsurprising given his output: the latest of which follows on from the series of 12" singles he prepared for the Border Community label.
Contextualizing Nathan Fake's upcoming Steam Days long-player, Featherstone appears to touch on an area that has previously been visited by Andy Gilmore and Michael Cina: courtesy of the construction of a complex, overlapping geometric image. In this case, though, it has resulted in a hypnotic, vortex-like arrangement of light that is perhaps as dazzling as Fake's productions. Released next week on double vinyl, CD and download, there is also a limited edition A2 print of the artwork that's currently available to pre-order at bleep.com.
29 August 2012
Club Cheval & Brodinski - 'Bromance #3' artwork by Viktor Hachmang
Link Viktor Hachmang
Link: Bromance
For the French love-in that is Brodinski and Club Cheval's third release for the former's Bromance label, the artwork depicts similar visual influences to those that have defined the Club Cheval-affliated Marble Music. Created by Holland's Viktor Hachmang - an illustrator whose work can often employ the post-modernist motifs associated with Memphis Group members like George Sowden - this contemporary work is one that owes a debt to Barney Bubbles. In this case its the kind of style used for Bubbles' technical drawing-based sleeve for Ian Dury's 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' and it is one that additionally features what would have been self-reverential details that relate to the graphic designer of the late 1970s and early 1980s. But, while it may be something of a pastiche, it's obviously something with a real fondness for the era it evokes.
Meanwhile, for a more in-depth approximation of Barney Bubbles' output and influence, Paul Gorman's book comes highly recommended. You'll find that available via this link: Reasons to be Cheerful: The Life and Work of Barney Bubbles.
Link: Bromance
For the French love-in that is Brodinski and Club Cheval's third release for the former's Bromance label, the artwork depicts similar visual influences to those that have defined the Club Cheval-affliated Marble Music. Created by Holland's Viktor Hachmang - an illustrator whose work can often employ the post-modernist motifs associated with Memphis Group members like George Sowden - this contemporary work is one that owes a debt to Barney Bubbles. In this case its the kind of style used for Bubbles' technical drawing-based sleeve for Ian Dury's 'Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick' and it is one that additionally features what would have been self-reverential details that relate to the graphic designer of the late 1970s and early 1980s. But, while it may be something of a pastiche, it's obviously something with a real fondness for the era it evokes.
Meanwhile, for a more in-depth approximation of Barney Bubbles' output and influence, Paul Gorman's book comes highly recommended. You'll find that available via this link: Reasons to be Cheerful: The Life and Work of Barney Bubbles.
28 August 2012
Marc Romboy and Ken Ishii - 'Taiyo' artwork by Hort
Link: Hort
Link: Systematic Recordings
It may signify a collaboration between two techno heavyweights, but Hort's artwork for Marc Romboy and Ken Ishii avoids all the machine-based visual cliches in favour of something more sensual. The release, on Systematic Recordings, comes with a poster/print that also offsets a stark yellow and black text area with more detailed black and white photography.
Link: Systematic Recordings
It may signify a collaboration between two techno heavyweights, but Hort's artwork for Marc Romboy and Ken Ishii avoids all the machine-based visual cliches in favour of something more sensual. The release, on Systematic Recordings, comes with a poster/print that also offsets a stark yellow and black text area with more detailed black and white photography.
24 August 2012
Jessie Ware art direction by Kate Moross
Link: Studio Moross
Link: Jessie Ware
Those people thinking that they have the measure of designer Kate Moross after encountering her earliest illustrated text, day-glo colour palettes and geometric patterns might be surprised by her restrained art direction for, singer, Jessie Ware. But then - from Simian Mobile Disco's recurring circle motifs to the art deco aesthetic she devised for Fenech-Soler - Moross is far from being a one trick pony.
This latest campaign (including the singles that preceded, album, Devotion) has been typified by an elegant, balanced approach with some lovely detailing. Meanwhile the creative's playfulness has been demonstrated in new, innovative ways: including the interactive billboard that, while undoubtedly fun, still managed to stay true to Ware's sophisticated image.
Link: Jessie Ware
Those people thinking that they have the measure of designer Kate Moross after encountering her earliest illustrated text, day-glo colour palettes and geometric patterns might be surprised by her restrained art direction for, singer, Jessie Ware. But then - from Simian Mobile Disco's recurring circle motifs to the art deco aesthetic she devised for Fenech-Soler - Moross is far from being a one trick pony.
This latest campaign (including the singles that preceded, album, Devotion) has been typified by an elegant, balanced approach with some lovely detailing. Meanwhile the creative's playfulness has been demonstrated in new, innovative ways: including the interactive billboard that, while undoubtedly fun, still managed to stay true to Ware's sophisticated image.
16 August 2012
M.I.A. - 'Bad Girls' USB
Link: M.I.A.
Picking up on the car theme that was explored on Romain Gavras' astounding video, M.I.A. has put out the remixes of 'Bad Girls' on a limited edition gold-plated key shaped USB. Available only in the US and retailing at $50, they come suspended from a ½” gold colored snake chain. The 2GB capacity includes audio content boasting production by Danja, Switch, and Leo Justi plus guest vocals from Missy Elliott, Azealia Banks and Rye Rye.
The packshots, meanwhile, utilise the culture clashing, almost anti-designer aesthetic that has typified the artist's artwork for almost ten years.
Picking up on the car theme that was explored on Romain Gavras' astounding video, M.I.A. has put out the remixes of 'Bad Girls' on a limited edition gold-plated key shaped USB. Available only in the US and retailing at $50, they come suspended from a ½” gold colored snake chain. The 2GB capacity includes audio content boasting production by Danja, Switch, and Leo Justi plus guest vocals from Missy Elliott, Azealia Banks and Rye Rye.
The packshots, meanwhile, utilise the culture clashing, almost anti-designer aesthetic that has typified the artist's artwork for almost ten years.
26 July 2012
Daphni - JIAOLONG artwork by Jane Eastlight
Link: Jane Eastlight
Link: Caribou
Ever enticing, Dan Snaith now moves on from being known as Manitoba and, more recently, as Caribou to air his Daphni guise for a proper long-player. Coming on double vinyl, CD and digital in October, JIAOLONG demonstrates his dancefloor leanings and features visuals from Jane Eastlight.
After also putting together a video for 'Ye Ye' (the track Snaith submitted for his split single with Four Tet), Eastlight's been developing a hypnotic concept seemingly based around lighting effects and repetition: an apt direction for what is one of this year's most anticipated club-oriented albums.
Link: Caribou
Ever enticing, Dan Snaith now moves on from being known as Manitoba and, more recently, as Caribou to air his Daphni guise for a proper long-player. Coming on double vinyl, CD and digital in October, JIAOLONG demonstrates his dancefloor leanings and features visuals from Jane Eastlight.
After also putting together a video for 'Ye Ye' (the track Snaith submitted for his split single with Four Tet), Eastlight's been developing a hypnotic concept seemingly based around lighting effects and repetition: an apt direction for what is one of this year's most anticipated club-oriented albums.
18 July 2012
Flying Lotus - Until The Quiet Comes artwork by Stephen Serrato & B+
Link: Warp
Link: Stephen Serrato
Link: B+
The new album from Flying Lotus - featuring guest appearances from Erykah Badu, Laura Darlington, Niki Randa, Thundercat & Thom Yorke - is set for release on October 1st via Warp Records. The artwork has just been revealed and it's designed by Stephen Serrato (who did the Reset EP). Although this time he has been working with some stunning photography by the lauded LA-based B+.
Link: Stephen Serrato
Link: B+
The new album from Flying Lotus - featuring guest appearances from Erykah Badu, Laura Darlington, Niki Randa, Thundercat & Thom Yorke - is set for release on October 1st via Warp Records. The artwork has just been revealed and it's designed by Stephen Serrato (who did the Reset EP). Although this time he has been working with some stunning photography by the lauded LA-based B+.
16 July 2012
Tame Impala - Lonerism by Leif Podhajsky and Kevin Parker
Link: Leif Podhajsky
Link: Modular
The new album from, Perth-based psychedelic rockers, Tame Impala features artwork, once again, from Leif Podhajsky. Following his previous sleeves for the band, this latest [coming after the 'Apocalypse Dreams' single and, debut album, Innerspeaker] is in collaboration with, frontman, Kevin Parker.
Interestingly, the Modular label has also chosen this point to crowdsource ideas about what should constitute a future deluxe version of the release. Defining this process as 'choosing your own adventure', the company asks:
"Do you want a bonus rare seven inch? Do you want a poster of some gazelles? Do you want a lock of Kev's hair?"
Answers can be submitted here. "All genuine offers will be considered."
Link: Modular
The new album from, Perth-based psychedelic rockers, Tame Impala features artwork, once again, from Leif Podhajsky. Following his previous sleeves for the band, this latest [coming after the 'Apocalypse Dreams' single and, debut album, Innerspeaker] is in collaboration with, frontman, Kevin Parker.
Interestingly, the Modular label has also chosen this point to crowdsource ideas about what should constitute a future deluxe version of the release. Defining this process as 'choosing your own adventure', the company asks:
"Do you want a bonus rare seven inch? Do you want a poster of some gazelles? Do you want a lock of Kev's hair?"
Answers can be submitted here. "All genuine offers will be considered."
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