In the realm of creative collaboration, Cardboard Sessions stands as an awe-inspiring fusion of art, music, and innovation, borne from the minds of Signal Snowboards and Ernest Packaging. This groundbreaking video series, which has captivated both musicians and fans alike, is not your typical jam session. It is an unpredictable and raw exploration of sound, where the only rule is that there are no rules. Imagine world-class musicians jamming out, but instead of traditional instruments, they are playing on guitars, drums, and other gear—all crafted entirely from cardboard.
Cardboard Sessions is the evolution of Cardboard Chaos, a previous collaboration between the two companies. Originally designed to showcase how cardboard could be utilized in action sports and music, Cardboard Chaos was a thrilling experiment where progressive concepts were created and tested using this humble, eco-friendly material. This idea led to the creation of the iconic Cardboard Fender Stratocaster and the Cardboard Drums—two instruments that garnered attention from music legends like Chester Bennington of Linkin Park and Eric Kretz of Stone Temple Pilots, who both endorsed and helped bring these bizarre yet beautiful creations to life.
However, after the initial excitement and the instruments’ eventual storage, the world entered a pause during the pandemic, causing a temporary hiatus. But like all great creative endeavors, the hiatus was merely a breath before the next big thing. Enter Cardboard Sessions, the rebirth of this innovative concept with a fresh twist. Instead of just testing these instruments, the team decided to turn the spotlight on the musicians themselves, creating a free-form, no-holds-barred video series that brings together artists from various genres to jam, improvise, and explore new musical territories.
What makes Cardboard Sessions so captivating is its unpredictability. There’s no rehearsal, no pre-planning, and certainly no blueprint for what will happen next. Each session is an organic experiment in music-making, where anything can happen. The musicians, whether they are seasoned legends or emerging talents, embrace the challenge of playing on instruments that are as unconventional as they are. The result is an exhilarating blend of sound and creativity that never fails to surprise.
Among the legendary artists who have stepped into the Cardboard Sessions studio are ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Dinosaur Jr.’s J Mascis, and Guns N’ Roses’ Matt Sorum. Each musician brings their own unique flair, adding layers of personality and expertise to the raw sound of cardboard instruments. The show has also featured performances from artists like LP, Marcus King, and Meg Myers, along with members of iconic bands like The Doors’ Robby Krieger and Stone Temple Pilots’ Stephen Perkins. Even the eclectic Ray Barbee, a pro-skateboarder and musician, showcased his ability to create a song on the spot, proving that the spirit of improvisation is alive and well in the world of Cardboard Sessions.
In an unforgettable moment, the show even lured legendary singer Terry Reid into the studio after a two-decade hiatus, proving that the Cardboard Sessions series is not just about the instruments—it’s about the connection between artists, the love of music, and the joy of rediscovering the art of jamming.
Each episode of Cardboard Sessions offers viewers a front-row seat to a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you are a music lover or simply someone who appreciates innovation, the series invites you to witness how creativity can flourish when there are no constraints. The cardboard instruments—while unassuming in material—serve as a powerful metaphor for the endless possibilities that arise when artists are free to explore without the limitations of convention.
So, whether you’re a fan of rock, blues, or alternative music, or simply curious about what happens when world-renowned musicians pick up something as unconventional as a cardboard guitar, Cardboard Sessions is a must-watch.
Connect with Cardboard Sessions via:
