It is very important to have great gear to make a record, but a recording studio should be more than that.  A recording 
studio should have a vibe where people want to record and create great music. The vibe is just as important, if not more
 so, then any vintage mic or compressor a studio owns. Part of the vibe at Cloud 9 is our love of art. It ranges from 
original posters of groups like, "The Who" and "Led Zep", to original  illustrations used in comic books. 
Even autographed pictures of famous celebrities like "Teri Hatcher" and "Dean Cane" are included. And like the 
Cloud 9 Collection of instruments we're always looking to expand the studio's art collection, as well. 

That's why we were honored when our good friend and artist Ken Kelly, offered to add to our collection by 
signing two of the KISS album covers he was commissioned to paint; over 25 years ago.

The story goes that after the success of the "KISS Comes Alive" album -  Kiss wanted their next album cover to be a
painting of themselves. Ken's work was spotted by someone in the Kiss organization and was brought to the attention 
of Gene Simmons. Gene was impressed with Ken's mastery and set up an appointment to meet with Ken, to discuss the 
possibility of Ken painting the next KISS album cover. Ken told us that Gene wanted him to see the band live before he 
started the project. He felt it would influence Ken's work. Ken agreed and the next thing he knew he was invited to see 
KISS live, complete with a back stage pass. When he saw what KISS was all about live he couldn't believe his eyes. 
"It blew me away", he told us. Ken then started on the art work that would become "Destroyer". The Band liked it so 
much that they decided to use Ken's talents again for their next release, "Love Gun". The rest is history.

Ken is available to paint your next CD cover, too. If you'd like to see more of his fabulous paintings 
you can visit his web site www.kenkellyart.com.

Jack, Joe and Ken holding the Gold Records Ken received for doing the album 
cover art paintings.

Jack, Joe & Ken holding the signed album covers ready to be
framed and put on display at Cloud 9.