You may have noticed that we have a new design here at EQ and that's all due to the lovely and talented man named Liam Curry who is pictured above. Liam designed the current layout of EQ and we couldn't be any more happier with it. We asked Liam to come up with a design which reflected the spirit of EQ and to help bring it into the year 2011 and what he came back with is just amazing in our opinion.
Music and art go hand-in-hand and EQ is committed to working with some of the coolest new digital artists out there and we are proud to show off Liam's talents here at EQ. We caught up with Liam for a mini Q&A session too and if you like what you see and want to work with Liam, make sure to hit him up!
So Liam – tell us about yourself…
Sure. I'm a visual artist and lyricist from the UK specialising in art direction and graphic design, and over the past few years I have been fortunate enough to work with some of the best up-and-coming music acts from around the world. I keep in constant contact with the stylists, photographers, directors and other creative types involved in developing a pop act, and together we create the "world" for the music to be born into. It's such a great feeling when you have a good team around you, a lot of the people I've collaborated with on earlier projects have stayed with me as I’ve taken on new challenges so there is a real “family” feel about everything I do at the moment.
I’m also writing and co-writing lyrics on a regular basis. Having fingers in so many pies means I often find it hard to describe exactly what I do, but I like to keep things varied. My background is actually in video and art installation, so I am very much used to a multi-media approach.
We love the re-imaging you did for EQ – thank you so much for working so hard on it.
What was your inspiration behind your re-imaging. I'm really glad you like it! As you know it was some time ago that you originally approached me about this but it’s been a really hectic few months and I wanted to make sure I had enough time to give it the attention it deserved. The idea behind the piece was to try and sum up what EQ is all about. Iconic London imagery formed a backdrop for a variety of pop legends and stars of tomorrow to adorn the page, with Lady GaGa and P!nk rubbing shoulders with Queen of Hearts and Simon Curtis. Overall I’m pleased with the result and hope the readers like what I’ve done.
Your are truly a pop music fan. What is it about pop music that inspires you so much?
Definitely the way you can plot your life by the music that was around at the time. I grew up listening to Mel and Kim, Five Star, stuff like that, and even to this day hearing those songs brings back memories.
I bring my iPod with me everywhere I go, as my life has to have a soundtrack. I’m that guy you see in supermarkets, completely oblivious to the world around him as he tries to resist the urge to dance to the music he’s listening to. Sorry if I’ve ever walked into you or anything! I also love seeing artists perform live. For as long as I can remember I have been going to gigs, from the Radio 1 Roadshow as a nipper to getting elbowed by crazy Australian women at Madonna concerts, it has always been something I’ve enjoyed. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the acts I’ve been working with this year too.
It's 2011 – a new year. What are your big artists in 2011 that you are most excited about?
As far as existing artists are concerned I’m expecting Lady Gaga to come up with something spectacular, and of course we have the long-awaited Dangerous Muse album to look forward to. Kyle Brylin is one to watch, I’m sure Simon Curtis has got some impressive tricks up his sleeve and I’m really excited that Electrovamp are back on the scene.
As for newer acts I think Queen of Hearts is going to reign supreme. Forget that wedding, this is the royal event of the year! I’m also eager to see how Natalia Kills does and if Jessie & the Toy Boys don’t make it big then the world is a very sad place indeed.
How can people get in touch with you if they would like you to do some creative collaboration with them?
They can email me at [email protected]. Links to my Facebook page and twitter can be found on my MySpace. I’m always looking for new challenges so would love to hear from people. If you’re doing something different and cool and really care about making a statement, get in touch. If you just want some text slapped onto a photo then you needn’t bother.