Jodie is an illustrator from Derbyshire, UK, currently based near Cambridge.

Hiya Jodie. Can you tell us a little bit about your tape and your song selections?

Hello! For my tape I put together some songs which I feel best awaken a feeling, or state of momentarily becoming aware of time, and truly appreciating the present. Originally, this playlist was curated about this time last year. It was about the sort of sad feeling you felt during the amazing unforgettable moments in your life, knowing how much you will miss it. For me personally, this was my time at university coming to an end, and anticipating the nostalgia I would feel once it was all over. There would be so many moments that felt especially vivid to me, where I would be with a group of friends, and I couldn’t help but feel slightly sad in the moment knowing how it would soon become a very fond memory to look back at.

I really enjoy songs that have a childlike dreaminess to them, evoking a sort of familiar nostalgia, yet also having something slightly sad about them. I think it’s really beautiful, and I want the songs in the playlist to reflect these conflicting feelings. I hope that others who listen can take the time to remember some good times, or reflect on the good moments in your own life right now.

What direction did you take with your cover art, and what was your process?

I started by thinking of places which were specifically nostalgic for me at my time at university, one of those places was our local club which had weekly LGBT nights. We had a lot of good times there, and I thought that especially right now, going on nights out with friends; whether it’s to clubs, gigs or events, is definitely something being missed by many in these times. I illustrated a scene outside of our old club, as I thought that it captured a unique atmosphere. There is something about the wait to go in, knowing that it will soon be a great night out, and a fond memory to look back on.

What are your fave album covers, records with a great music and artwork combo, or musical projects with a visual component?

Tame Impala is one of my favourite bands, and they never fail to impress me visually with their covers. The recent album The Slow Rush has a beautifully atmospheric cover, and is a gorgeous album too.

What did you listen to growing up?

As a kid I was mainly listening to whatever my Dad had on during our car rides. He is a huge music lover of every genre, but especially of everything from alt-metal to psychedelic rock. Both me and my sister were brought up with a lot of weird and wonderful stuff, the likes of Frank Zappa, The Beatles, Beastie Boys, Bowie, Electric Light Orchestra, Gorillaz and The Who. I think an element of that definitely stayed with me and is the reason why I enjoy a lot of rock and psychedelic music.

And what’s on heavy rotation for you at the moment?

I’m a huge fan of Superorganism, I can have their recent album on repeat all day when working, it’s the perfect album for me to draw to. This past month I’ve loved the recent release from Miley Cyrus and her live cover of Zombie by the Cranberries, her voice is amazing on it.

What’s happening in your creative world at the moment?

I’m currently working as a freelance illustrator and animator. I recently made a couple of music video animations for both Chillhop Music and Ardley Songs which were really fun to do and can be found on my website.

I also create a lot of prints to sell of my work, which are available to buy on my online shop! (jodiehoward.co.uk/shop)

Where can we find you?

︎ jodiehoward.co.uk
︎ @jodiehoward

Thanks, Jodie!

TRACKLIST
Superorganism - Night Time / Wolf Alice - Bros / Bombay Bicycle Club - Eat, Sleep, Wake (Nothing But You) / Bad Sounds - Sympathetic Vibrations / Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer / Two Door Cinema Club - Once / Melody's Echo Chamber - Quand Vas Tu Rentrer ? / Cocteau Twins - Cherry-coloured Funk / Wolf Alice - Don't Delete The Kisses / The Drums - Days / Neon Indian - Polish Girl / Inner Wave - Mushroom / Home - If I'm Wrong / This Is The Kit - Moon / MGMT - Time to Pretend ︎