As a music label, Lotuspike answers the question — Does anyone even produce CDs anymore? In the same way artisans and other people who take their product seriously enough to still do things a certain way for their audience, Lotuspike publishes music for critical listening for those who care about craft. While releases are distributed digitally through various outlets, Lotuspike continues to sell all releases on traditional CD media with Ditipak cases.

As a partner in Lotuspike, I have been part of finding and distributing music of the highest caliber with care and attention to every detail since 2004. We try and maintain an elevated level of quality with every aspect of each release, from working closely with the artists and mastering the audio ourselves to designing and producing all artwork. Each package design is considered a direct and meaningful reflection of the music contained within, and it’s with that in mind that we continue to thoughtfully craft each release as a work of art on behalf of the artist.

EPOCH is a release by Shane Morris & Thomas Park of Mystified and is a deep and immersive soundscape reminiscent of a time when humans were absent from the landscape. The original photography used was taken by Jourdan Laik.

From the liner notes:

Each part evokes an era of time when the earth was populated by dinosaurs, resurrecting the massive size of these creatures, and their tremendous, graceful movements

For this month’s special “winter” edition podcast for Lotuspike, the founders put together a series of winter-inspired tracks, including some custom made experiments prepared for the season. Winter Trail Pt. 1 was my contribution. While it’s a bit unpolished, I am hoping to fix it up a bit more later, as well as develop Pt. 2.

Firm: Daniel Pipitone (freelance)

Working directly and closely with the artist, Ben Cox, I was responsible for translating his musical vision across the packaging and artwork for his debut CD, On Water on the Lotuspike music label.

Artists Statement:
“The music on this album rejects the notion that music must make a narrative statement, and instead embraces the idea of music as an organized sonic experience. These pieces are not portraits; they are rather landscapes or still-lifes.”

/ Ben Cox Background /

Ben Cox has been a musician for twenty-five years and a recording engineer for fifteen years. His lifelong interest in music has taken many forms over time, from playing trumpet in jazz bands to singing bass in an informal renaissance music group. His interest in electronic music follows from interest in experimentation with musical formal structures, metrical and rhythmic complexity, and the wide sonic palettes made possible by electronic instruments and electronic manipulation of acoustic sound sources. His musical works reflect these interests, and have been heard in television and radio advertisements, installation projects, and at trade shows, in locations ranging from Indiana to Australia.

Visit Ben Cox on the Lotuspike Website >

Firm: Daniel Pipitone (freelance)

The mark, created collaboratively with co-founder / artist and fellow-designer Jeff Kowal.

I was responsible for carrying the identity across an integrated suite of business papers and press kit materials, including pocket folder, one-page press release format and promotional CD and postcard design.

/ Lotuspike Background /

Lotuspike has gone through a transition, from being a hobby for the three founders (myself included) to full-on recording and distribution of progressive ambient and electronic music. Lotuspike’s mission is to provide independent artists a venue for releasing, marketing and distributing their music on a quality medium with mass exposure while retaining the rights, property and integrity of their musical endeavors.

Visit Lotuspike’s Website >