Sunny Sweeney Rhinestone Requiem album cover

Wicked Twisted Road
Reckless Kelly

March 15, 2024

CUVR Exclusives

Discover the creative journey behind the album's visual identity and the artistic process that brought the cover art to life.

The Art

The visual and sonic identity of Wicked Twisted Road emerged from a collaborative exploration of Texas roots and the American musical landscape.

Creative Team
Cover Design
Sarah Chen
Photography
Marcus Rodriguez
Graphic Layout
Studio Neon
Typography
Elena Vasquez
Art Direction
David Kim

Vision and Inspiration
Jimmy Hendrix Are You Experienced CUVR admat

The visual concept for "Wicked Twisted Road" emerged from the band's Texas roots and their journey through the American music landscape. The artwork reflects the rugged, authentic spirit of alternative country music.

"We wanted the artwork to capture the essence of the road and the stories we tell," explains the creative team. "Every element was chosen to evoke that sense of wandering and musical exploration that defines the music."

The album design extends this vision across multiple formats, creating an immersive visual journey that mirrors the album's sonic progression through authentic American sounds and stories.

Assets and Images

Explore the visual narrative behind Wicked Twisted Road through artwork, photography, and behind-the-scenes moments.

Album Artwork
Drew Kennedy Self Titled album cover
Sunny Sweeney Rhinestone Requiem album cover
Courtney Patton Carry You With Me album cover
Courtney Patton Electrostatic album cover
Bri Bagwell Corazón y Cabeza album cover

CUVR Journey

Take a journey through the creative process behind "Wicked Twisted Road." From early concept sketches to alternate cover designs that didn't make the final cut, explore the artistic evolution of this album.

These behind-the-scenes materials offer insight into the collaborative process between Reckless Kelly and the visual artists, showing how the Texas country themes developed from initial ideas into the final artwork.

Drew Kennedy Self Titled album cover
Sunny Sweeney Rhinestone Requiem album cover
Courtney Patton Carry You With Me album cover
Courtney Patton Electrostatic album cover
Bri Bagwell Corazón y Cabeza album cover

Formats and Packaging

CD Packaging Materials & Construction

Jewel Case (Standard)
  • Material: Clear polystyrene with black tray
  • Dimensions: 142mm × 125mm × 10mm
  • Booklet: 12-page saddle-stitched
  • Paper: 100gsm silk-coated art paper
  • Tray Card: 4-color offset printing
  • Spine: 10mm with album artwork
Digipack (Deluxe)
  • Board: 300gsm recycled cardboard
  • Panels: 6-panel configuration with pockets
  • Lamination: Matte soft-touch finish
  • Booklet: 20-page perfect-bound
  • Tray: Clear plastic CD hub
  • Special: Embossed logo and foil details

CD Production & Manufacturing

Manufacturing Partner

Disc Makers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

Quality Control Standards
  • C1/C2 Error Testing: Below 50 C1 errors max
  • Jitter Testing: Below 35ns specification
  • Tracking: Verified across multiple player types
  • Print Quality: Color matching and registration checks
  • Packaging: Case integrity and insert alignment
  • Compatibility: Testing on various CD player models

Vinyl Packaging Materials & Construction

GATEFOLD JACKET
  • Material: 24pt uncoated chipboard
  • Finish: Matte varnish with UV spot gloss on logo
  • Construction: Scored and glued gatefold
  • Dimensions: 12.375" × 12.375" when closed
  • Interior: Full-color photography and lyrics
  • Spine: 6mm depth for secure storage
INNER SLEEVES
  • Type: Anti-static poly-lined inner sleeves
  • Material: High-density polyethylene
  • Protection: Prevents static buildup and scratches
  • Durability: Tear-resistant construction
ADDITIONAL INSERTS
  • Lyric Insert: 12" × 12" heavyweight art paper
  • Poster (Limited): 18" × 24" high-quality print
  • Download Card: Digital album access
  • Sticker Sheet: Die-cut logo stickers

Vinyl Production & Manufacturing

Manufacturing Partner

Quality Record Pressings (QRP)
Salina, Kansas, USA

Quality Control Standards
  • Visual Inspection: 100% manual inspection for defects
  • Audio Testing: Sample playback testing on high-end equipment
  • Weight Verification: ±5g tolerance on 180g specification
  • Centering: ±0.5mm hole centering tolerance
  • Surface Quality: Grade A surface finish standards
  • Packaging: Damage-free sleeve insertion and protection

Cassette Packaging Materials & Construction

J-CARD
  • Material: 300gsm coated card stock
  • Finish: High-gloss UV coating
  • Printing: Full-color offset with spot varnish
  • Dimensions: Fits standard cassette case
  • Spine: 7mm width with track listing
  • Interior: Lyrics and production credits
CASSETTE CASE
  • Material: Clear polystyrene
  • Type: Standard Norelco-style case
  • Durability: High-impact construction
  • Hardware: Spring-loaded tape holders
TAPE LABELS
  • Type: Direct-printed on cassette shell
  • Method: Thermal transfer printing
  • Adhesion: Permanent, fade-resistant
  • Design: Custom artwork with track info

Cassette Production & Manufacturing

Manufacturing Partner

National Audio Company
Springfield, Missouri, USA

Quality Control Standards
  • Audio Testing: Frequency response and level checks
  • Mechanical: Transport mechanism and shell integrity
  • Dropout Testing: Minimal signal loss verification
  • Label Alignment: Precise printing registration
  • Case Fit: Proper J-card insertion and fit
  • Longevity: Accelerated aging tests performed

Digital Packaging Materials & Construction

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Album Credits

Wicked Twisted Road represents the collective creativity and passion of talented artists, producers, and collaborators who brought this vision to life.

Album Bio

"Wicked Twisted Road" marks Reckless Kelly's continued evolution as masters of authentic Texas country rock. Born from the band's deep roots in Austin's vibrant music scene, this fourteen-track journey explores the highways and byways of American experience through honest storytelling and uncompromising musicianship.

The album was crafted at The Zone in Austin, where the Braun brothers and their bandmates channeled years of touring and life experiences into songs that resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers to their distinctive sound. "There's something about capturing the essence of the road," explains the band, "both literally and metaphorically - the places music takes you."

Musically, the album draws from the band's alternative country foundations while embracing rock, folk, and Americana influences. Each track showcases the tight interplay between Willy and Cody Braun's songwriting and vocals, supported by a rhythm section that locks in with the precision that comes from years of playing together.

Working with producer Mike McCarthy, the band captured both the energy of their live performances and the intimate moments that define their songcraft. The recording process emphasized the organic, authentic approach that has made Reckless Kelly a cornerstone of the Texas music scene.

"Wicked Twisted Road" stands as both a musical journey and a testament to the enduring power of honest songwriting, the bonds of family and bandmates, and the endless possibilities that unfold when you follow the music down whatever path it takes you.

Tracks
  1. Nocturne Dreams
    4:23
  2. Silver Cascade
    3:47
  3. Midnight Reverie
    5:12
  4. Velvet Shadows
    4:01
  5. Ethereal Drift
    6:18
  6. Luna's Lament
    3:55
  7. Starlight Serenade
    4:34
  8. Dawn's Echo
    7:22

Musicians

Core Band

Vocals, Guitar
Alex Morgan
Bass, Synthesizer
Riley Thompson
Drums, Percussion
Jordan Patel
Lead Guitar
Casey Williams

Additional Musicians

String Arrangements
Maya Nakamura
Additional Vocals (Track 3)
Sam Rivers
Piano (Track 6)
Elena Martinez
Saxophone (Track 8)
David Torres

Production

Production Team

Produced By
Reckless Kelly & Tom Harrison
Recording Engineer
Jamie Foster
Mixed By
Chris Anderson
Mastered By
Lisa Park at Sterling Sound

Studio & Label

Recorded At
Moonlight Studios, Portland
Label
Ethereal Records
Management
Starlight Management

Thanks

RECKLESS KELLY extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made "Wicked Twisted Road" possible. This album represents not just our artistic vision, but the collective support and love of our extended musical family.

Special thanks to MIKE MCCARTHY for his patience and creative guidance throughout the production process, and to the entire team at THE ZONE for providing the perfect environment for capturing our authentic sound.

To our families and friends who supported us through this creative journey, your understanding and encouragement kept us grounded. Thanks to the AUSTIN MUSIC COMMUNITY and our fans worldwide for embracing our sound and supporting independent music.

Finally, to our listeners: thank you for joining us on this wicked twisted road. Your connection to these songs gives them life beyond the recording studio.

Stream The Album