I’m with the band: music videos with a difference for Hot Rocks

I’ve collaborated with guitarist, musician, and composer Rhys Morris for many years, and around 2012 we decided to push things further by developing an audio-visual project under the working name HotRocks.

At the same time, I was exploring more experimental video techniques in After Effects, which gave the project a distinctive visual edge. Our work spanned music videos, lyric animations, album artwork, branding for HotRocks Records, and the design of a bespoke website — anchoring expertise in art direction and motion design within a musical context.

What emerged was not just a collection of deliverables, but a true creative partnership. By blending Rhys’s musical depth with my focus on visual storytelling, we developed a cohesive identity that extended across formats — animated clips, album covers, stationery, and interface design. Each piece reinforced the band’s alt-rock aesthetic while showcasing the strength of collaboration, experimentation, and the seamless fusion of sound and image.

Please note: When I edit these showreel examples I obviously highlight my own art direction, animation and motion design contributions but that certainly doesn't mean that I am entirely responsible for every visual shown. I have been fortunate to collaborate with many exceptionally talented colleagues — those that I can recall at the time of writing are listed below:

HotRocks Records - Branding

Various stationery pieces for HotRocks Records
 

HotRocks - Demonstration

CD album cover for HotRocks album 'Demonstration'.

hotrocks.info

HotRocks Records - Identity

Logo mark and styling for HotRocks Records new iTunes identity.

hotrocks.info

THEM — HotRocks Lyrics Video

Lyrics video for 'Them' by HotRocks, Summer 2014.

HotRocks - Website

Black is black, all in we're gonna win, check it out, yo 

HotRocks.info

HotRocks - Video Holding Device

Holding device for music with no current video footage. For use with websites such as YouTube and Vimeo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXqB9_fVDcE

HotRocks - Fella

HotRocks 'Fella'.

HotRocks - 'Something New' Music Video

Music video for HotRocks 'Something New'.
Filmed on my iPhone and a Sony HD Handycam. Edited in After Effects.
Made with love.

HotRocks - 'Robot' Music Video - Character Illustrations

Character illustration development for HotRocks - 'Robot' Music Video.

HotRocks - 'Robot' Music Video - 5 Lamps Illustrations

Illustrations for the HotRocks 'Robot' music video animation.

HotRocks - Logomark

Logomarks and type exploration for music and sound producers HotRocks.

Check out their tunes here:

http://soundcloud.com/hot-rocks

Any questions?
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