One For Album

Although album art has existed for decades,but a lull creeped into the scene. However,in the last one year or so,things have started to look up once again. Those in the indie music circuit vouch for the recall value of a band based on the cover art or logo. Circus’ debut album From Space stays in memory primarily because of the vague purple orange on a white background that reflects its theme — abrupt endings and disconnect. Same is the case with the kitschy art of Swarathma’s debut album.

Sulk Station,comprising Rahul Giri and Tanvi Rao,recently released its debut album,Till You Appear,which is about waiting and yearning. This sentiment is bang on the cover — one side of Rao’s face with focus on her eyes. “The image is very powerful; she is looking for something,waiting,” says Giri. As Swarathma gets ready for their second album,Topiwalleh,they are leaving no stone unturned to make the art even more appealing than their first one. Since Vasu Dixit,the vocalist,is a fine art post-graduate from NID,Ahmedabad,he has designed the album himself. “The inlay is based on two songs — Topiwalleh and Aaj ki taaza fikr. The first one is on politicians while the second one is on sensationalism in the media. We did a photo shoot with some topis and have used motifs related to print and electronic media,” he says.

“Cover art of bands such as Pink Floyd and The Beatles is a mirror reflection of their work and the society at that time. This is what indie music in India,too,is moving towards,” adds Dixit.

There is no dearth of album artists also now. Delhi-based Archan Nair,29,designed the artwork for Karsh Kale’s latest album Cinema. The multimedia photo of a figure against a red and white background makes one take a second look. Design companies are as eager. Those like Cinnamon Designs are known for designing merchandise and album covers for bands such as Bhayanak Maut and Cyanide. “The indie rock and metal scene is growing faster. As more albums release,more covers will be there,” says Shashwat Gupta,Business Developer,Cinnamon Designs.

Girish ‘Bobby’ Talwar,co-founder of artist management firm,Only Much Louder,agrees. “Till a year ago,releasing an album itself was a huge challenge but now that it’s a tad easier,bands are working on album art too. It’s like a collectible for the fans,” he says.

While many complain about the lack of money in the indie music industry,for once,it is this feature that works in the favour of the artistes. “We had no money to do art for our first album,so we decided to do it ourselves. With money,it’s convenient but with no money,one gets more creative. That’s why all the brilliant artwork is coming from the indie industry,” concludes Dixit.