Cardboard Sessions, the groundbreaking YouTube series that melds musical innovation with the whimsical charm of cardboard instruments, continues to captivate audiences with its latest episode featuring Grammy Award-winning drummer Daru Jones. Following our January article that explored the series’ innovative approach, Cardboard Sessions has expanded with numerous new episodes featuring iconic acts and stars engaging with these marvellous cardboard instruments.
Cardboard Sessions YouTube Series
Daru Jones Takes the Stage
The unforgettable YouTube series released the first of two captivating new episodes, a few days ago, featuring Daru Jones. Known for his dynamic drumming style, Daru Jones has worked with luminaries like Jack White, Bootsy Collins, and Kanye West. In this session, titled “Stay Off The Streets Pt. II”, Jones teams up with vocalist and guitarist MarkNoxx, together forming the duo NoxxJones. Their raw, unfiltered performance breathes life into cardboard drums and guitar, creating a unique musical experience.
“Stay Off The Streets Pt. II” showcases Daru Jones and MarkNoxx in an intimate, creatively charged setting. The video captures Jones behind an intricately crafted cardboard drum kit, with the snare and toms uniquely positioned to face the audience, enhancing his powerful, groove-oriented style. MarkNoxx complements this with his soulful vocals and rhythmic cardboard guitar, both blending seamlessly into the aesthetic. The set is a visual feast, with the cardboard instruments’ detailed designs standing out against the minimalistic backdrop. The duo’s chemistry and the novelty of the cardboard instruments make this session a captivating watch, highlighting the spontaneity and raw talent that Cardboard Sessions is known for.
Full of funky soul, NoxxJones takes the YouTube series to a whole other level, adding that beach-relaxed vibe with a cocktail in hand, sunbathing with a gorgeous summer funk beat; not to mention those killer vocals from MarkNoxx that connected well with the track and complimented the beats with some flawless falsetto! Add that to Daru Jones’ incredible drum playing demonstrating exactly why he is a two-time GRAMMY Award winner. The chilled energy coming from these professionals, on these legendary cardboard instruments, brilliantly showcases their artistry as a whole.
Next week, the series will unveil another exciting collaboration featuring Daru Jones and DJ J. Rocc. This upcoming episode, which was also produced by the renowned Dweezil Zappa, promises to be a rhythmic tour de force, blending Jones’ drumming prowess with J. Rocc’s masterful turntable skills. NoxxJones has also officially released “Stay Off The Streets Pt. II – Cardboard Version” on download and streaming platforms, so we presume the follow-up episode will see an official release too.
The Journey So Far
Since its inception, Cardboard Sessions has become a haven for musical creativity, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Signal Snowboards and Ernest Packaging. The series began in March 2022, with Jon Theodore and Isaiah Mitchell jamming on cardboard instruments, and has since captivated audiences with its spontaneous, no-rules approach to music-making.
The series has showcased an impressive roster of artists, including ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, Matt Sorum, and the legendary Dogstar, featuring Keanu Reeves. Each episode is a testament to the unrestrained creativity that the cardboard instruments inspire, resulting in performances that are as visually intriguing as they are sonically compelling.
Recent Highlights
The past six months have seen a surge of new content and rising popularity for Cardboard Sessions. Following Meg Myers’ spellbinding debut, where she performed “Secret” with a cardboard guitar and keyboard, the series has continued to attract top-tier talent. Myers returned for additional episodes, delivering memorable performances of “Ovaries Speak” and “T33NAGERS”, further solidifying her place in the Cardboard Sessions Hall of Fame.
Other notable episodes feature Marcus King, Ray Barbee, and the duo MACKANDGOLD, each bringing their unique flair to the cardboard stage. These sessions have collectively garnered hundreds of thousands of views, highlighting the series’ growing influence and appeal. Marcus King, especially, makes an impact on the series, going on to create four episodes where he performs with his band—collectively known as The Marcus King Band—gifting the series a different song for each episode and showcasing the band’s versatility as musicians.
Behind the Scenes: Ernest Packaging and Signal Snowboards
At the heart of Cardboard Sessions are its creators, Ernest Packaging and Signal Snowboards. Ernest Packaging, a family-owned company since 1946, specialises in unconventional solutions that extend far beyond traditional packaging. Signal Snowboards, founded in 2005, is an independent brand dedicated to innovation and community-building through snowboarding, music, and storytelling.
Together, these companies have transformed the simple medium of cardboard into a powerful tool for artistic expression, proving that creativity knows no bounds. You can check out the full Cardboard Sessions playlist by clicking here.
Looking Ahead
As Cardboard Sessions continues to evolve, fans eagerly anticipate future episodes. The series’ ability to draw in eclectic artists and produce mesmerising performances ensures its place as a cornerstone of musical experimentation and creativity.
We’re excited to see who next performs a cardboard session. There are many top artists, guitarists, bassists, keyboardists, drummers, and multi-instrumentalists who we’d love to see react to these incredible cardboard instruments including Orianthi, Avril Lavigne, Keith Urban, Dave Grohl, Brian May and Roger Taylor (Queen), Carrie Underwood, Lindsey Buckingham, Green Day, Dolly Parton, Paul McCartney, Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, and so many more. We can’t help but hope more are on their way—a lot more.
In a world where music often follows a script, Cardboard Sessions stands out as a pioneer, constantly pushing the boundaries where music and creativity intersect. With each episode, it invites artists into an uncharted realm, fostering an environment where spontaneity reigns and innovation flourishes.
Cardboard Sessions is not just a series—it’s a movement, a celebration of music’s ability to transcend materials and expectations. With each new episode, it reaffirms its mission: to create, innovate, and inspire, one cardboard instrument at a time.