Fig.1: PRETTYMUCH’s new EP cover (PRETTYMUCH, 2021)
PRETTYMUCH, a band started by Mr. Simon Cowell, was recently signed to Sire records under Warner Music. Their new single, Stars, premiered last Friday and on the same day, they released the artwork for their new EP, featuring three (3) brand new tracks that their fans aka ‘BEANZ’ are eagerly anticipating.
From the artwork it is obvious that PRETTYMUCH has always been a band that pays tribute to the iconic era of boybands in the 90s like NSYNC and Backstreet Boys who sing and dance. Therefore, their new EP “Smackables”, has never been more on brand for them. Resembling a famous nostalgic American snack, Lunchables, it is no wonder the EP art is so synonymous with their image of reviving the love for boy bands whilst putting their own modern-day spin on the term. Especially with the usage of the CD, it is very clear what inspires them and their sound/style of music.
This deliciously packaged EP features the band members of PRETTYMUCH on the front cover outlined in a light pastel yellow. The colors used are mainly a sky-blue color and darker blue edges at the end of the letter. By doing so, the blue contrasted with the yellow helps the text stand out and makes it draws the attention of someone who’s looking at the image for the first time. Their album name “Smackables” spans across the top half of the lower third of the album art in a san-serif font called “Neue Frutiger” (Fig.2).
As previously established that it is similar to that of the Lunchables packing, “Smackables”, can be interpreted as their new EP having really good songs that they are confident enough to put out and after hearing the songs, dare I say, it smacks, especially “Parking Spot”. This is further reinforced by the plastic-type wrapping that is constant throughout the EP art. This can be interpreted as the EP being brand new and freshly sealed for the viewer’s enjoyment when they slowly begin to discover the art that they have put, and it can also indicate how their tunes are always fresh.
Their band name is positioned directly above the letters ‘A’ and ‘C’ in “Smackables”, where the letter H, became the line that surrounds their band name, separating it from the album title. It is also in the same shade of color as their EP name which brands them as a band, and it lets viewers know that this EP belong to PRETTYMUCH.
On the bottom right, their track list is being released in white san-serif fonts. Behind the track list is a logo created that has the words PM, PRETTYMUCH worldwide and est. Los Angeles in dark blue. These words are in a circle and almost resemble the shape of a seal that can be interpreted as them making their mark on the world but also not forgetting where they belong. This is complemented by the bottom left-hand side where they again state the words “PM EP” and an infinity sign which resembles the Lunchables’ nutritional information indicators on the packaging. This can be an indication from the fan’s point-of-view that they are here to stay, and they are going to constantly keep making music for the world to hear. Next to the letters there are photos of them in yellow and blue stating their names where the first letter of their names spells the word BEANZ, which is also the name of their fandom. The top right-hand corner does the same where a globe is depicted in neon type colors and there is a ticket on the bottom stating the year their EP is dropping which is 2021.
The graphics and elements of the photo have been arranged in a hierarchy whereby it draws your attention to the respective portions that the band wants you to see which would first be the title of the EP, their faces and the bottom right which features their track list if you pay close attention. The EP has done very well when it incorporates the usage of bright colours which allows the band members to stand out from the background. This is because the CD behind them reflects a lot of light which might be very distracting to the viewers when looking at it visually and takes away the focus from the members. Fortunately, the designer has managed to see that and put a bright yellow outline around the member’s very vintage-looking image so that the band does not blend in with the background. However, I think if it were me, I would try a white border around the members instead, so it makes them stand out a bit more instead of the yellow. This is because when I looked at it at first glance, it was a bit jarring and the stroke was a little thick. I do understand that it is probably because of the color scheme that they designers are decided to go with yellow in the end.
Moreover, all these elements being put together can be an indication that PRETTYMUCH as a band are here to stay and they’re constantly making music as if they never left. This is a very successful part of their artwork as the message is very clear to the viewers that the band is first and foremost releasing a new EP titled “Smackables” and their songs are going to be heard around the world. The infinity sign could also be an indication of how their songs will be so iconic that they will be remembered forever and that’s what the band is aiming to achieve with their new music.
In conclusion, this EP design has been an overall success as it conveys what they wanted to to their fans. It also showcases a new era for PRETTYMUCH as they continue doing what they do best which is producing music for everyone, mainly their fans, to enjoy and relate to.
PRETTYMUCH. (2021). Smackables EP Artwork. Retrieved 29 January 2021, from https://www.instagram.com/p/CKVdvKWMY6J/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
