Japanese Whiskey
A Limited Edition Vinyl Record Release
By Grand Cru Records
Headed by independent record label producers KATS1R1S and STLNDRMS, we were contracted to create more than 350 hand-painted album covers for limited-edition vinyl single releases of 50 discs per song, and a main album also limited to 50, 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 a simple iconic design of 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 layout 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 it especially important 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. Four together in a square pattern and you have yourself the makings of a waffle.
Fire!
Here is the only example of where we used more than one design element to illustrate and illuminate the unique theme of Fire! One features excited, often disconnected and random enzō, resembling the chaotic, powerful and disruptive force fire has in heating up and stirring up motion.
The other features plumes of flames that flare out in all directions, representing the raw, elemental force that can not be contained or 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 freed our imaginations to explore all possibilities for the project, and gave fruition to these beautiful works of art
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 and collections of both fans and aficionados, as Japanese Whiskey plays on the record player.