Joy Division’s drummer, Stephen Morris, and Peter Saville from Factory Records have joined forces to create an NFT paying homage to the band’s iconic album, “Unknown Pleasures.”
Set to be revealed next month via Pace Verso, the project, titled CP1919, is a digital archive collection that melds iconic album art with previously unheard tracks. The focal point of the project is an animated version of the renowned album sleeve, featuring two separate artworks known as CP1919: Sweeping Sun White 2023 and CP1919: Sweeping Sun Black 2023. Each artwork presents a fresh yet nostalgic experience in distinct monochromatic tones.
The White edition, available openly, includes unreleased vocal snippets and sounds from Joy Division, providing a novel twist to the cherished collection. In contrast, the Black edition, a unique piece, complements the visual artistry with an ambient soundtrack enriched with previously unheard vocal fragments from the band. This one-of-a-kind edition is physically housed in a specially designed case with a hard drive.
This collaboration aims to resonate with fans by featuring newly discovered vocal takes from the late Ian Curtis, offering a deeper insight into the celebrated album.
A portion of the proceeds from the NFT sales will be donated to CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), a UK-based organization dedicated to suicide prevention.
Bill Holding from Morph U.K. transformed the image into a 3D version for the NFT, while Morris crafted music for the project, drawing inspiration from the radio signals of CP1919 and blending them with altered sounds from the band’s archives.
Joy Division, formed in 1976 in Salford, became a defining figure in the post-punk and gothic rock scenes. Comprising Ian Curtis as the vocalist and lyricist, Bernard Sumner on guitar and keyboards, Peter Hook as the bassist, and Stephen Morris on drums, the band’s synergy created waves in the music industry.
In their brief yet impactful journey, Joy Division released two studio albums – “Unknown Pleasures” in 1979 and “Closer” in 1980. Tragically, the band faced an abrupt end with Curtis’s suicide in May 1980. The remaining members went on to form the band New Order.
Joy Division’s influence on the music industry has been profound, with notable bands like The Cure, U2, and Radiohead citing them as a significant influence in their musical journey. As the CP1919 collection is set to be unveiled next month, it serves as a testament to Joy Division’s enduring legacy in the modern digital era, revitalizing their music through the fusion of digital artistry.