Wet Leg, a British indie rock band, embarked on a creative journey to select the cover image for their second album. Lead singer Rhian Teasdale, along with art directors Iris Luz and Lava La Rue, orchestrated the artwork for “Moisturizer,” blending girly and repulsive elements to evoke a unique aesthetic. The resulting cover, inspired by a weekend photoshoot, earned the trio a Grammy nomination in the best album cover category, marking the first time this award has been presented in over five decades.
Competing with Wet Leg for the prestigious accolade are albums by Bad Bunny, Tyler, the Creator, Perfume Genius, and Djo. This year, the recording artists are included as nominees in all cases except for Perfume Genius’s “Glory.” The Recording Academy’s decision to introduce a standalone award for album cover art reflects the evolving significance of visual aesthetics in the digital era and aims to honor the artists shaping the music industry.
The artistic teams behind the nominated albums shared insights into their creative processes. For instance, the cover of Tyler, the Creator’s “Chromakopia” encapsulates a surreal aesthetic, with the final striking portrait emphasizing the artist’s expressive eyes. Perfume Genius’s “Glory” cover, art-directed by Cody Critcheloe and Andrew J.S., captures a contrasting narrative of introversion and public persona through intricate visual details.
“Djo,” the musical persona of actor Joe Keery, unveiled the cover for his third album, “The Crux,” set in a fictional Brooklyn-inspired hotel. The elaborate scene, conceptualized by photographer Neil Krug and collaborator Jake Hirshland, reflects meticulous casting and design choices, creating a visually captivating narrative.
The creative process behind each album cover underscores the depth of storytelling and visual world-building in music. The cover art plays a pivotal role in conveying the essence and energy of the music encapsulated within each album. As the Grammy Awards continue to evolve, recognizing the artistry and impact of album covers is becoming increasingly vital in celebrating the holistic art form of music production.
