The metalcore band Arsonwave recently produced and recorded their debut album “Embrace Reality” and needed album artwork and a logo update. Several of the band members are Pensacola natives and longtime friends of Shane Mapoles, Embark Agency’s Co-Founder and Creative Director, so it was an obvious choice for them to select Embark for the creative work.
Because of the band’s history with Mapoles, they knew that he and Embark Agency had experience in the music industry and had a reputation for developing award-winning creative work. One of Arsonwave’s top priorities was for the creative pieces to be of the highest quality and be produced on budget and on time — all of which Embark Agency had a reputation for delivering.
This creative project had several phases:
Research & Discovery
Photo by Chris Visual
Mapoles delivered a brand questionnaire to all members of Arsonwave to understand clearly what their goals and challenges were. After, he conducted a series of interviews with the band members to discuss his findings. Mapoles had listened to the album and lyrics and discussed the band’s inspiration for their songs and what the album represented. This was crucial to understanding what the album artwork needed to represent.
Arsonwave Album Artwork & Logo
After the initial research and discovery process was complete, it was clear that the album represented people’s perception of the human condition — the notion that everyone has dark and light pieces to them, but we only welcome people seeing the light. This is also represented in the music that Arsonwave plays, metal and scream with sophisticated and futuristic tones intertwined.
“After understanding what the album represented, the concept of a futuristic planet being taken over by Arsonwave came to mind,” said Mapoles. “The cover represents the lightness of the human condition and a sky floating in being taken over by a wave of color from light to dark. Inside, you see the darkness of the human condition, represented by the images chosen and deep tones.”
The album artwork also reflects the imagery used in the band’s songs.
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Embark was also asked to update the band’s logo but keep the “AW” stacked. Mapoles updated their logo to something more original. The “A” represents the “Arson” and an arrow pointing upward, the “W” represents the “wave” that is always transparent — making the abstract half-sphere wave from top to bottom vital in conveying the band’s name no matter the format the logo is presented on.
Arsonwave “Embrace Reality” Reveal
Arsonwave and Embark Agency then worked together to plan an album release party at Vinyl Music Hall, and collaborate on the release dates and promotion of the debut album. A music video and teaser video were also produced by Embark Agency and will be featured in a future blog.
The album “Embrace Reality” is now available for purchase on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Google Play. The band is comprised of Nick Cote, Vocals; Kenny Gerbick, Guitar; Casey Shuler, Bass; Michael Turpin, Drums; and Adam McFall, Guitar/Vocals.
The album artwork, enhanced logo, music video production, and promotion of all of these pieces were an overwhelming success. To see how Embark’s creative vision, meticulous planning, and attention to detail can make a difference for your band, contact us today.
