In spite of the entire download culture and the MP3 format there are still labels that consider their releases to be true aesthetic gems. Domino has always paid attention to graphic designers and labels that have regard for their artwork previously (see: Dennis Tyfus, Raster_Noton, Rune Grammofon, Morr Music, Touch., Type Records,…). During this final Domino edition we offer a forum to the Latitudes series, a series that strongly supports the concept behind this.

The idea behind the Latitudes (a sublabel of Southern Records) series came about as a tribute to radio-maker John Peel (remember his famous BBC Radio One Sessions) and from the notion of again blowing new life into the associated Southern Studios. From the end of the 70's onwards, many legendary bands recorded albums in this studio. Think: Crass, Sonic Youth, Fugazi, PJ Harvey, Lee Perry, Bauhaus, Big Black,The Jesus And Mary Chain, My Bloody Valentine...

Touring bands are asked to spend one day in the Southern Studios, to freely improvise, to experiment and allow spontaneity to take a leading role. The result preferably breaks boundaries. Equally important: in times of lifeless mass-production, the packaging should be unique. The ugly jewel cases are replaced by ‘warm’ digipacks and the issues are limited to a maximum of 1000 copies (often being immediately sold-out).

Sunn O))) founder and cult designer Stephen O’ Malley provided the basic format. The bands themselves did the rest. Think: texts, photos or drawings that best capture the spirit of the recording session.

Latitudes Series presents a selection of enlargements (at vinyl format) from the entire catalogue that now contains 30 releases from such Domino loyals as Grails, Magik Markers, Bohren Und Der Club Of Gore and Mount Eerie. But also Gang Gang Dance, Alexander Tucker, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti,…