When music carries history as living heritage, the visual and experiential world that goes with it cannot simply sit in the background; it has to become an extension of the voyage.

For With Apfelstrudel & Turkish Coffee — an evocative Balkan music EP by British ensemble The Magic Violin Trio — I knew I wanted to immerse the listener in an ancient storybook reminiscent of classic fantasy films and timeless video game realms, because that's exactly how I felt the first time I listened to this release.

Every design choice was curated to feel nostalgic, fun, and analog, capturing the rich, multi-course feast of cultural treasures that Gundula Gruen spent years researching and recording along the Danube.

To evoke a journey spanning centuries — from the 16th to the 20th — the visual identity relies heavily on organic textures and deep, rich colors. Let me walk you through it:

The ripped paper motif: Multiple layers of physical-style torn parchment and weathered paper textures are used throughout the digital and physical assets to create the sensation of turning pages from treasures that have survived more than one lifetime, but it is also reminiscent of the waves of the Danube River, consolidating the storytelling.

Color choices: Deep, midnight-indigo linen backgrounds establish a rich nocturnal calm, perfectly contrasted with earthy ochres, maroons and sepia tones that feel both intimate and antique.

Personalized imagery: Grounding the narrative in the absolute authenticity and quirkiness that define the artist, the asset layouts weave in personal photography captured by Gundula during her travels along the river, with collage-style overlays that accompany the story, especially in the booklet.

We designed a thorough ecosystem of assets, including postcards and coasters as giveaways for their live performances, flyers, multiple pages for her website, and even a digital booklet that reminds us of the good old times when physical albums were a thing, tailored to give visitors and supporters a fully immersive half-hour escape:

The booklet: Reserved for those who purchase the EP, the digital booklet unfolds as a beautiful narrative. Within its pages, we hid whimsical, secret details — tiny paper whirling dervishes from Turkey, delicate stars, a folded paper boat, and a handmade paper rose, each subtly echoing the emotional and conceptual core and folklore of the tracks.

Honoring the craft: On the website, the design intentionally steps back to let the music and the project speak for themselves. The goal was never to crowd the experience, but to create a space of pure reverence where the visitor feels entirely submerged in the warmth of a great story, a cup of dark coffee, and an unforgettable soundscape.

'With Apfelstrudel & Turkish Coffee' has been one of those rare, transcendent projects for me. It’s deeply contagious in the best possible way and it's full of the kind of beauty that quietly slips past the surface, starts living right under your skin, and refuses to leave for a long time.

I’m endlessly grateful to have been commissioned to be a part of this journey!