Episode 5

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Published on:

2nd Sep 2025

What would JW do...? - Creating Real to Reel Cover Art

In this episode of Judged by the Cover, Phil Hyland takes us on a nostalgic journey through his musical past. He shares the story behind "Reel to Real," a collection of 90s demo recordings recently brought back to life. Josh from JW Creates details the creative process behind the album artwork, incorporating weathered textures and Phil's handwriting to capture the essence of the era.

The duo discusses the importance of physical formats in music, from cassettes to CDs, and how they shaped the industry. Phil reminisces about recording techniques, the New York music scene, and the thrill of getting an indie deal.

As a surprising twist, Phil reveals a heartwarming tale of fan mail received 30 years after the release of his band's debut album. This story highlights the enduring connection between artists and fans, and the unexpected ways music can bridge generations.

Tune in to hear more about the resurrection of these classic demos, the art of album design, and a touching reminder of music's lasting impact.

***Link for voting for Gracie in the Shoals City Showdown***

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About the Podcast

Judged by the Cover
The Judged by the Cover Podcast is all about album cover design. I will be discussing the designs of a variety of album covers, how the cover design helps tell the story of the album, and any cool facts and stories I find along the way. I believe that album art can be one of the major factors in someone listening to and buying your music, so come on a journey with me as we discover why having an album cover designer is a key to your musics success.

About your host

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Josh Wilhelm