Stolen Minds

Black Hole Studio was recently commissioned to create the artwork for Stolen Minds, the upcoming single from Count Tornado (David O’Byrne). From the outset, the aim was to develop a visual that would sit naturally alongside the music - something atmospheric, reflective, and grounded in a strong sense of story.

The final image captures a quiet moment of introspection, with a lone figure seated inside a pub, looking out at the world beyond. Rather than presenting a literal narrative, the piece offers a subtle and layered impression of a life remembered - hinting at personal history, identity, and the passage of time. The focus was on mood and suggestion, allowing viewers to engage with the image in their own way while complementing the emotional tone of the song.

A conscious decision was made to keep the artist’s presence understated within the artwork. Instead of placing the Count Tornado name prominently, it appears more naturally within the scene itself - helping to maintain the authenticity and quiet atmosphere of the composition.

This project came about through producer Dermot Lambert of Garageland, which operates with a strong ethos of transparency and fairness, championing equal opportunities for musicians of all ages, genres, and genders. It’s an approach that continues to support meaningful, independent creative work, and one that aligns closely with how this project was developed.

Stolen Minds is set for release in May 2026, accompanied by this new visual piece. For Black Hole Studio, it represents another opportunity to collaborate on work where music and imagery come together to create something thoughtful, understated, and engaging.

For a deeper look at the concept and details behind the artwork, you can read the full blog post here.