Our collaboration with RZA is all about creativity, authenticity and staying true. These shared similarities also show up in the extensive creative process behind making an album, and the making of good whisky. That is why RZA’s ethos is an ideal match for the Ballantine’s Stay True lifestyle.
Everyone knows a crucial aspect of an album’s creation is the cover artwork. So, while the artwork is never going to be as important as the music inside, it does influence the vibe of an album and how we relate to it. For an artist like RZA, who views his musical works as concepts, the album artwork is at the top of the overall impact of his collection.
It’s like when we create a new bottle of whisky – we don’t make bottles at random. Each whisky in our collection is a conceptualisation, it has a backstory that gives it authenticity within our range. And we adjust the aesthetics of our bottles and labels accordingly, a little like album artwork.
To honour our collaboration with RZA, we’re doing a deep dive on our favourite album covers, so grab some Scotch, turn up your RZA album of choice, and read on…