5 questions for Vaughan Oliver

How did you approach the design for Mountain Battles?
All of our projects are undertaken after serious consideration of the music, it’s tone and values, the reading of lyrics and after discussion with the artist. In this case Kim briefed us on a particular direction for the art which we misunderstood but still came out with something she liked. She’s such a cool client. She doesn’t interfere but let’s us know when it’s not quite right and she always passes everything by the band which can result in a diluted result but here we have something that everybody confers upon. It’s a good relationship and, by the way, we are being given a bunch of songs that actually inspires us.

Who took the photograph on the front?
Long term collaborator and proficient artist in his own right Marc Atkins. It was a privilege to work with Marc and he managed to imbue the imbue with a real sense of spontaneity, beauty and violence. I don’t know how he does it but it really captures the essence of the music for me. There’s a brutal tenderness in there methinks.

Where was it taken?
In his studio in his house in the middle of France.

Were there any special effects?
Throughout the shoot Marc was obliged to wear a pair of Wedgewood platform shoes to slightly elevate his perspective. I don’t think this shows. The work is without tremor.

How long have you been working with this Marc character?
Marc has worked with us on a number of projects over the last 5 years. When he first came in with his portfolio we got on so well that he that he didn’t open his book for the first 3 hours and he left after 9 hours. So, yes there is an empathy between us.

[ Bonus Question unrelated to Mountain Battles ]

What’s your favorite font?
My desert island font would be Bodoni in the Poster Bold version, such a sexy, curvaceous number. Okay, a little bit old fashioned but I could spend all night with it.