Dear all,

I guess this is a plug really. I've been writing for DiS for a little bit now, don't really use forums or social media more generally as I'm not up to speed on it, in all fairness. I've started using Twitter a bit, it's quite fun.

Anyway, Cate has kindly let me have a stab at writing a feature on current releases that looks at artwork. It's an opportunity to talk to the people involved in creating the amazing design and art that becomes a wonderful album cover/sleeve/digital cover/ltd edition oddity. I think it'd be great to start to hear more stories from the design side with a contemporaneous feel, rather than a coffee table book retrospective thing. If this one goes well I might be able to do more.

Obviously the lovers of music on this forum are going to be eons ahead of me in having a nose for labels that put out wonderful products (I really like the Sullen Tone/Old Apparatus covers, for example) and upcoming albums with something special about the cover. So I was just hoping to ask that if there is anything coming out or a label you think needs to get some attention, please message me your suggestions.

Right now I'm looking at albums coming out in August. I'm focussing on albums, but singles can't be ignored. I'm look to establish contact with labels/musicians/designers from as wide a range of styles as possible, the wider the better.

OK, any questions or suggestions please feel free to message me. I'm sure some of you are writing similar things for other fine websites/blogs, I am not trying to tread on any feet here, I just love a good tactile album cover or something that looks awesome as it flitters down my smartphone.

Many thanks again and I hope everyone is AOK.

Jon