Keen as ever to push the boundaries of publishing, Nobrow have created 101 Artists To Listen To Before You Die - a graphic novel like no other.

Taking the form of Ricardo Cavolo‘s personal diary, the novel guides you through the history of music, introducing an eclectic selection of influential musicians and pausing to share hilarious anecdotes along the way.

The book’s creator, Ricardo Cavolo, previously worked as an art director at several advertising firms before deciding to go it alone and unleash his tattooed beings into the world. Since then, his slightly-surreal drawing style and ferocious use of colour have led him to becoming one of Spain’s most internationally renowned illustrators.

As you might have guessed, as well as an illustrator, Ricardo is a massive music fan! In his humble introduction, Ricardo describes himself as a “music onlooker”, setting the relaxed an informal tone for the rest of the book. As the novel continues, Ricardo builds the story of music through a series of anecdotes and portraits, giving an informed and personal account of the music industries progression whilst giving unique perspectives on the most celebrated artists as well as many more obscure musicians.

I think the great value of The Beatles is that their musical project enabled music to evolve and arrive at all four corners of the planet.

The book’s design is as fresh and unique as Ricardo’s perspective; packed with inky illustrations of rosey-red cheeked musicians, excitable, imperfect paragraphs of hand-written text and countless colourful doodles. Not only does this create a bold aesthetic but each hand-drawn element adds another drop of personality, Ricardo’s fiery artworks perfectly capturing the passion and excitement he has for the industry.

Described in the books blurb as “a celebration of sound in colour”, 101 Artists is like Ricardo Cavolo’s dream party. Amy Winehouse, The Beatles, Dolly Parton and Arcade Fire are amongst the many musical guests, for whom Ricardo has shared a suitably witty and personal anecdote for how they have inspired him.

Order your a copy of 101 Artists To Listen To Before You Die from Nobrow’s online shop.

nobrow.net | ricardocavolo.com