The Community

Various Artwork - Matt Beaton

Well, I feel like a terrible community member as this is only my second post for the website…
My first post promised many things and I guess I obama/Gillard-ed it all up.

In an attempt to make it up I have summarised the high points of the last few months of  personal design projects. Some people that know me or those that have requested work may be saying “hang on.. you said you were on a break from all of this design business??”. This is semi true. I have attempted to break from design for a while to work on music projects but there are just some instances where I cant say no. Projects that I am involved in or people that I closely support and work with. These are some of those examples.

In order of presentation, first up is The Empty Wolf. This is something I support 100% and I think is such a great idea. Basically community stablemate Empty has been running his own radio show on The Backyard Project for months that allows local emcees to come in and freestyle based on a hand picked and personal topic. I encountered this show first hand about a month ago where I fumbled my way through free thoughts of album cover art. Even though it scared the shit out of me it was a really really fun experience. Emcees who have let their brain-to-mouth filters down on this live show have been Stats, Mathas, Cole Baxter and my bandmate Pronto amongst others. All killing it.

Second on the ranks is Melbourne group Allganiks. My relation to this group is through ex-perth producer Ant and vocalist Tim Crick (who has been collaborating with my band for many years).
In the most unbiased way, these guys have a seriously promising future ahead and are one of those crews who put blood sweat tears and soul into everything they do. Live instrumentation mixed with raw hip hop production and a swag of emcee guests including The Stoop’s very own Pronto. I created this cover design based on a canvas painting and also a t-shirt print concept I made few years back. This was the first time I tackled the concept through photographic montage and manipulation.

On the far right is the promo image for The Stoops new Ep – Milk & Bread. I wanted to make something simple, easy to remember and classy. I think I designed most of it in an airport waiting lounge. Milk and Bread is hopefully out this year and will no doubt be my most personal project to date.

Another Stoop cover design for our latest single – Buried Alive. This was designed as a quick temporary holding image to spam your faces off with but after a late night / early morning revamp I actually began to like it as an official cover. SO NOW IT IS.  It still reminds me of The Lovely Bones… in the creepiest way possible.

Ta-Ku: Re-Twerk. Ta-ku is a local talent who I have had the pleasure of designing for years. From his earliest releases to this current remix album we seem to share a (scarily) similar thought pattern when it comes to design.  Everything seems to go smoothly in the design process and his projects constantly inspire me to level up on my design skills to match. I have no doubt he will reach the pinnacles of global success with his music.

Lastly is my pal Creed Birch. Producer, musician,emcee and all round chiller. This was a quick little digital cover for his latest arsenal of beats for Beat Down 5. The majority of these beats were snatched up within 24 hrs after he showcased the gems to a sold out crowd which is a testament to the quality and appeal of his production. He is also one of the most modest and ego-free producers I know. This is why always have time for mr Birch.

Before I sign off, here are some links for the above mentioned.

Empty wolf:
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/groups/255205781250512/
Empty’s Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/emptysounds
Backyard Project Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/TheBackyardProject

Allganiks:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/allganiks

The Stoops:
facebook – http://www.facebook.com/TheStoopsOfficial 
Buried Alive -listen – download – http://www.triplejunearthed.com.au/thestoops

Ta-Ku
facebook – http://www.facebook.com/takugotbeats
Retwerk – http://ta-ku.me/

Creed Birch
Facebook –  http://www.facebook.com/creedb
beatdown 5 – http://creedbirch.bandcamp.com/album/beat-down-5