Two months into the new year, we’ve already been gifted so much moving, wacky, wonderful and immersive music to listen to. The releases feel extra special when the album artwork matches tone of the record or even elevates it. Here are four visual artists to recognise for all they add to the listening experience.
Marc Burckhardt, Mitski – Nothing’s About to Happen to Me
27 February marked the release of Mitski’s new album. The cover art is the work of Marc Burckhardt, a Texas-born painter and illustrator mixing oil and acrylic paints in a modern variation of Old Masters techniques. His client list spans Gucci, Rolling Stone and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and he has spoken about his love of working across different art forms. This cover is the result of a collaboration he has described as one of particular mutual respect.
Ariel Fisher, Lala Lala – Heaven 2
Ariel Fisher is a filmmaker and photographer hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic and Vogue among others. The striking promotional images for Lala Lala’s alternative pop record Heaven 2 demonstrate Fisher’s signature eye for quiet intimacy with a touch of the uncanny.
Vicky Huang, Ira Dot – In Blue Time
Ira Dot is the project of Canadian musicians Ryan Akler-Bishop and Eddy Wang, whose work spans electroacoustic rock, ambient techno and pop. The cover art and liner notes were painted by Vicky Huang – the glowy-eyed blue cat staring out from the cover is a perfect visual entry point into an album that is stranger and warmer than it first appears.
Sam Bielanski, PONY – Clearly Cursed
Impressively, the artwork for PONY’s third album was made entirely in-house. Frontwoman Sam Bielanski and guitarist Matty Morand created all the visuals for the record, including the videos for all five singles. The result feels completely of a piece with the album: sparkly and bittersweet. Layout contributions came from drummer Joey Ginaldi.
