Japanese Whiskey
A Limited Edition Vinyl Record Release
By Grand Cru Records
Headed by independent record label producers KATS1R1S and STLDRMS, we were contracted to create more than 350 hand-painted album covers for limited-edition vinyl single releases of only 50 discs per song, along with a main album limited to 50 as well, that would tie the entire project together under the name Japanese Whiskey.
Full LP Release
We created the final full LP covers after the singles and decided to craft a more unified look that would be instantly recognizable within a uniform design, but with an interchangeable color scheme that would still spell out eye-candy in a signature look. With four distinct variations using red, black and gold we created an iconic, simple design with interchangeable color patterns.
Single Record Releases
Before the main LP record cover, we painted 300 unique and distinct individual record covers that maintained a central theme that utilized a simple, but variable take of an enzo motif. This allowed each song and cover to develop a distinct identity, while maintaining a shared connection. Over the course of a few months, these designs evolved into the covers for the songs you see below.
Wax Poetic
Echoing the embrace of two halves that join together to make a whole, we used the enzo motif to join two together and have them in direct, close contact with all of the kanji calligraphy characters. Also represented as the rising moon, waxing on its way to full.
Untitled
Without the definition of a name, Untitled resonates with the unnameable beauty of life that comes with such beauty which defies words. It is a force that transcends our ability to pin down the wonder of the universe we inhabit and allows the nameless to remain a wonder.
An appropriate design for such a non-construct, we chose the simplest version of the enzo. One single loop that represents the ethereal and everlasting. It serves as the beginning, the end, and everything in between, in an circuitous cycle that is the never-ending persistence of the universe.
Tricky Bass
We went tricky for the design here, offsetting two diagonally opposing sets of enzō, overlaying them with a staggered placement of the Japanese calligraphy title, to create a feeling of a complex, tricky approach for this track.
Who Needs Keys?
The design of this piece was inspired by the ornate and intricate design of old keyholes. We comprised the keyhole of four interlocking enzō with the break of each facing inward, toward the center, to create the illusion and impression of a Baroque, or perhaps Victorian-style lock and keyhole.
We thought this especially appropriate that the design be absent of any key, because, Who Needs Keys?
Waffle House
Though varying in color, Waffle House was one of the easier designs to come up with using the enzō motif. Put four together in a square and you have yourself the elements of a waffle.
Fire!
Here is the only example of where we used two separate design elements to illustrate and illuminate the unique theme of Fire! One features disjointed, and often disconnected, almostt random enzō, resembling the chaotic, powerful and disruptive force fire has in heating up excited molecules.
The other has plumes of fire that explode in all directions, from various points. Truly a force that will not be reckoned with.
And that, is Japanese Whiskey
This was absolutely one of our favorite projects we've ever worked on. First and foremost, for the amazing creative director at Grand Cru. His genuine love for the art we created together was palpable. The level of understanding and respect he had for his fellow creative artists allowed our imaginations to run free, to explore all possibilities for the project, and as you can see, it allowed us to create beautiful works of art together.
Rarely have we ever felt that our voices were heard with such clarity and listened to with such regard. Thank you to everyone at Grand Cru. We are incredibly proud of the work we completed together and hope our art graces the walls of aficionados, as Japanese Whiskey plays on the record player.