Voltalab Sound Studios
Voltalab is a brand new bespoke recording studio built in the space where Cargo Studios and Suite 16 used to be. Renowned for recording classic bands like New Order, Joy Division, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, The Fall, Happy Mondays and The Stone Roses.
We had the pleasure of developing the new visual identity for the studio. Inspired by the buildings rich heritage, we wanted to capture the energy of the space that created so many cherished and seminal records. Our challenge was to create an authentic brand that brought the old and the new together. We achieved this by blowing the dust off old recording equipment, cassettes, documents, gig posters, and photographs, allowing us to gather an array of rich resources that informed the overall brand aesthetic.
A flexible identity
It was important for the application of the identity to remain flexible throughout the printed materials which we achieved through a wide variety of materials, formats and processes such as letterpress, screen printing and the use of specialist papers. We developed a logo mark that is a visual play on the Voltalab name, combining references to a test tube rack and the octave of a keyboard. In keeping of what you find in a laboratory, we designed a set of stationary that includes letterheads, grid paper, complement slips and letter pressed business cards. We also supplied a set of simple brand guidelines in the style of old analogue instruction manuals that helps inform how to effectively implement the brand assets to all print, web and social media posts.
To celebrate the launch of Voltalab we designed a set of limited edition posters that play tribute to Cargo and Suite 16 as well as the bands that have recorded there. The studio is synonymous with the rise of the post-punk music scene in the North of England and as the incubator of many bands that would go on to make their mark in the UK and worldwide. One of the best known songs recorded at the studio is Joy Division's ”Atmosphere".
