I made Sleep Token's masks on my mum's kitchen table

Lani Hernandez-David is a talented mask maker from south London who has played an important role in the success of the band Sleep Token. At just 22 years old, Lani creates unique masks that the band members wear to keep their identities hidden during performances. His journey began when he was about 11 years old, inspired by cosplay and learning through YouTube tutorials. Over time, he honed his skills and started sharing his creations online. One day, Sleep Token's drummer noticed Lani's work and reached out to him through social media, inviting him to design masks for the band. Initially skeptical, Lani soon realized the opportunity was genuine after recalling he had seen the band perform live before.

Sleep Token is known for their mysterious image, with members wearing custom masks and costumes. Their lead singer, known as Vessel, performs wearing a striking white mask decorated with red geometric patterns and a black hooded cape. Lani met with the band to discuss ideas and began the challenging task of crafting masks that would fit their style and stage presence. The masks made their debut at a sold-out show at Wembley in 2023, a moment Lani describes as unforgettable. He was amazed to think that the masks were created on his mother's kitchen table. Besides working on masks for Sleep Token, Lani also holds a job at a costume shop and has been commissioned by other bands. He immerses himself in their music and interviews to find inspiration for his designs, believing that understanding the artist helps him create better masks.

Sleep Token's music is unique because it blends different genres such as metal, pop, R&B, and even trap. Their 2023 album Take Me Back to Eden and their latest release Even in Arcadia have brought them rapid success, including chart-topping albums and hit singles. However, their style has also attracted criticism from some traditional rock fans who find their music unusual. Music journalist Emma Wilkes explains that while some listeners may not understand Sleep Token's sound, the strong negative reactions are surprising. Lani hopes to one day work with Slipknot, a band famous for their nine masked members and theatrical performances. For now, he is proud to be known as the person who makes masks for bands and looks forward to creating more imaginative and exciting designs in the future.