Cory Henry hails from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, NY, and was surrounded by music since he was a toddler. The venue? Church. Henry honed his  musical virtuosity alongside his mother and grandmother, and he never forgets to give credit where credit is due. “I’ve been playing in church since I was two years old. That Grammy win felt like making my mama proud.”

Regarding “That Grammy win.”

Just this year, Henry took home the Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album in a deeply personal project titled, Church. And he didn’t just dedicate it to his family. He invited them to contribute to it, including his grandmother, Janice MacDonald. But this isn’t his only golden gramophone trophy. Henry also won a Grammy for his collaboration with Rosalía in 2023, as well as a Grammy for his contribution to Kanye West’s 2021 album, Donda.

Springsteen, Stevie and Little Richard?

When you’re a vocalist and keyboardist like Henry, you’re going to get noticed. But you have to be a true virtuoso to play with the likes of legends. Henry has done just that, collaborating with Bruce Springsteen, Jon Batiste, Imagine Dragons and many more. He’s toured with Stevie Wonder and even appeared in the Little Richard film, I Am Everything. All of which is making Henry a legend in his own right.

Behold The Church Experience on Cardboard Sessions.

In the latest Cardboard Sessions, be prepared to witness something extraordinary. With Henry on our cardboard Wurlitzer, Nick Clark on our cardboard Fender bass and TaRon Lockett on our cardboard Master of Maple drums, it was as though this trio had been playing our paper creations their whole lives. Their transcendent set of three original gospel hymns and grooves were crafted right in the studio. We invite you to experience this trinity of tracks and let them move your soul.

Check him out on e+.  

Sam Babayan has been on the music scene for years, but the awe and wonder in his lyrics is closer to how a child might see the world. When you hear his words come to life, it transports you to a place that we all somehow remember. And although the ethereal feeling is young, Sam’s native Armenian roots and rich melodies prove he’s an old soul. The combined effect is a sound that feels effortless, transcendent and truly uplifting.

Ladies and gentlemen…The Dirty Diamond!

With Sam’s brother Orbel Babayan on guitar, Fernando Perdomo on bass and Ben Lecourt on drums, The Dirty Diamond shines in the Sessions studio. And this Cali-based crew are no strangers to that shine. They’ve sold-out shows at the Troubadour, The Viper Room and The House of Blues. They’ve scored  music for the big screen. And they’ve been moving people all across the globe with their clean, honest sound. As a testament to their cool vibes and professionalism, they were kind enough to play new two new tracks with two wildly unfamiliar new instruments.

“I knew it felt funny, but it plays amazing.”

Like the many Cardboard Sessions bands who came before them, The Dirty Diamond plugged in, turned it up and proved once again that paper rocks. With “Sea of Stars” and “The Thing That’s True,” the band took our Fender Telecaster, Fender bass and Masters of Maple drum kit to a whole different plane. In a mix of blues, a little bit of psych rock and the poetry of Sam, this first-ever performance of their two new singles a tapestry of sound. And with Sam on a 10-string acoustic guitar, the blend was something gentle and magical.

Their aura continues.

The essence of their music is something we don’t always see today, filled with positivity, gentleness and just plain honesty. We hope you enjoy these two never-before-heard tracks and encourage you to explore more of The Dirty Diamond discography: “To the Stars,” “From the Stars,” “Our Divine & Sovereign Mother,” and their first, eponymous album, “The Dirty Diamond.”

Check it out on e+

What happens when you start a band in the early 90s in the Pacific Northwest? You start with zero rules. So when Courtney Taylor-Taylor and Peter Holström founded The Dandy Warhols in 1994 by mixing brit pop, 60s rock and a dreamy shoegaze sound‚ it made all the sense in the world. When asked why he started the band, Taylor-Taylon answered, “We wanted to make music to drink to.” Makes sense. And once Zia McCabe joined the boys as a keyboardist in ‘95, they started to take off. A term which had an entirely different meaning for their live shows, where clothing, at times, was optional.

The Capitol of LA.

After releasing a super successful first album Dandys Rule OK on a small indie label, the band signed with mega music behemoth Capitol Records. All three single from their sophomore album The Dandy Warhols Come Down broke into the UK Top 40. Which meant they were on the cusp of taking over the entire earth with the velvety, slightly psychedelic, daydreamy sounds. And with a new/current drummer Brent DeBoer, they’d finally founded the family that is still touring to this day.

World domination.

The Dandys’ third and best-selling album Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia catapulted the group into the hearts and ears of the masses. The single “Bohemian Like You” was featured on Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a well as the indie film Igby Goes Down with Kieran Culkin. So what do you do all this new fame and success? The first thing that comes to any young band member’s mind: invest. Taylor-Taylor bought a massive, quarter-city-block PDX warehouse and dubbed it “The Odditorium.” Part rehearsal space, part recording studio and, most recently, part wine bar called Old Portland, Music AND drinks, check.

Into the stratosphere.

Throughout the 2000s, The Dandy Warhols collaborated with some of the greatest musicians in the universe, including a remake of Velvet Underground’s White Light/White Heat with David Bowie.  They made a new studio album was produced by Nick Rhodes from Duran Duran. They were subjects of a documentary film entitled Dig! that won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance. And over the years, they’ve collaborated with indie greats such as The Kooks, J Mascis from Dinosaur Jr, Spoon and The Bravery.

A new cardboard dimension.

As luck would have it, The Dandy Warhols aren’t afraid of weird. So when they rolled into Paramount Recording Studios and were presented with a full four-piece band’s worth of cardboard instruments, they plugged in and turned the whole thing into something strange and sublime. You’re invited to experience the Dandys on the cardboard Fender Strat, Tele, Bass, plus the Masters of Maple drum kit. The distortion-drenched elegance sounds like it’s coming from conventional instruments. But the Ernest and Signal Snowboards collaboration reshaped what’s possible with cardboard. As Taylor-Taylor put it, “It feels different when you squeeze it.”

Over the last 26 episodes of Cardboard Sessions, we’ve had some serious heavy hitters come out to play. Everyone from Robby Krieger of the Doors to Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top to Keanu Freaking Reeves have stepped into the studio and made beautiful, crazy music with us. But that doesn’t mean the cardboard concept is only for the old guard. To prove it, we put our instruments in the hands of a soon-to-be-huge LA band called Return to Dust. The result? One of the most electric Cardboard Sessions we’ve ever recorded. 

90s rock with a modern spin.

This young, fearless band is channeling the soul of 90s rock into something brand new and entirely their own. Born in Texas, forged in California garages, and raised on open mic nights and late-night rehearsals, Return to Dust is the real thing. With echoes of Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Queens of the Stone Age, their sound fuses powerful harmonies, fuzz-laden riffs and seismic grooves, fueled by the raw energy of four Gen Z friends jamming in a garage.

Sounds great on paper.

After the band released their independent self-titled album in 2024, the first single “Belly Up” surged online, organically gathering over 2 million Spotify streams. From there, they lit up the stages at festivals, opened for rock legends Chevelle and Sevendust, and signed with LAVA Records/Republic Records. With that kind of momentum, there was only one thing left for them to do: head to Village Studios in Santa Monica for Cardboard Sessions 27. Playing our custom corrugated creations, Return to Dust laid down a raw, charged episode that introduced us to a new generation of shredders. Check it out, so you can say you knew them before they were big.

When you hear the Doors, the frontman usually comes first to mind, as Jim Morrison was an incandescent presence. But what’s lesser known is the massive influence of guitarist Robby Krieger. Since the very beginning in 1965, Krieger not only contributed his signature fingerstyle approach on the electric guitar to shape the band’s sound. He also co-wrote some of the bands most mind-bending hits, including “Light My Fire,” “Love Me Two Times” and “Touch Me.” Something the entire world IS aware of is how the Doors changed the soundscape of rock and roll forever.

A legend dies, but the Doors live on.

With Morrison’s death in 1971, it seemed like the end of a six-year run for the luminary group that fused rock, blues and jazz. That wasn’t the case. Krieger forged ahead with drummer John Densmore and keyboardist Ray Manzarek. In fact, he and Densmore were no strangers to creating new sounds together, both having studied under legendary sitarist Ravi Shankar. The Doors went on to release two more albums, with Krieger and Manzarek sharing vocals, before finally disbanding in 1973.

A long, strange trip until the 2000s.

It truly was chemistry with drummer Densmore, as he and Krieger formed the Butts Band in 1973. They created two more albums together under this new moniker, but by the mid-70s, it was time for Krieger to find his own way and focus on his jazz-fusion sound. Throughout the late 70s and 80s, he released several solo albums, but he also began lending his signature sound to other bands, with a notable cameo on Panic Station by the Acid Casualties. By 1991, he’d created his eponymous band, the Robby Krieger Band, with one very important co-founding member: his son, Waylon Krieger.

Legends unite. Generations gather. Cardboard wails.

He lent his talents to a Blue Öyster Cult, collaborated with John Avila from Oingo Boingo and Rich Robinson from the Black Crowes. He even hit the stage with Alice in Chains at the Hollywood Palladium in 2018. And today? He takes our Cardboard Sessions stage with his current band, Robby Krieger and the Soul Savages. Along with Kevin Brandon, Ed Roth, and Franklin Vanderbilt, this mind-bendingly talented group has worked with legends such as Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin and Lenny Kravitz.  But keep an eye out for the most honored guest in Robby Krieger’s mind: a special appearance by his son, Waylon.

There must be something in the water in Jersey that makes for incredibly talented songwriters. Take Pete Yorn, for example. He was born and raised in the same state—just 65 miles up the Garden State Parkway—as the Boss himself, Bruce Springsteen. Yorn had his own musical glory day while drumming for his band in a high school talent contest. The crowd requested he sing “Talent Show” by the Replacements and Yorn nailed it. So much so that another band in the competition invited him to sing Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.” While it’s unclear who won the scholastic  contest, Pete Yorn clearly won his classmates’ hearts at Montville Township High School and was on his way to winning the world’s, too.

The breakout album musicforthemorningafter.

By March 27, 2001, everything was about to change for Pete Yorn. With the release of their new album. “musicforthemorningafter” and the lead single “Life on a Chain,” Rolling Stone named Yorn one of the “10 Bands to Watch in 2001.” The publication bestowed the album with a four-star rating, which meant even people who wouldn’t normally listen to the alt rock/indie genre would love the music. To prove it, Pete Yorn set off for a whopping 18-month tour to promote the album. To spread the word, share the beautiful work that had come to fruition and to make sure as many people as possible got a chance to hear their original, melodic sound.

Gold records or the silver screen? Pick two.

The Farrelly Brothers picked Pete Yorn to write the score for their movie Me, Myself & Irene, featuring the original songs “Strange Condition” and “Just Another,” which some argue was a bigger break than his debut album itself, being released just prior. But regardless of when the true explosion happened, it became clear in the early 2000s that audiences everywhere loved hearing Pete Yorn. And  in many other places than just rock venues. The band was featured more and more on the small and large screen, including their song  “Just Another” on the WB show Dawson’s Creek. The band’s song “Murray” was also featured on the soundtrack of Igby Goes Down with Kieran Culkin and Jeff Goldblum, as well as their hit “Undercover” on the Spiderman soundtrack. The boy from Pompton Plains, New Jersey, was now being heard across genres and around the world. Oh, and he was also invited to a little venue called Carnegie Hall in 2007 for a tribute to, yes, Bruce Springsteen.

He plays all the instruments. Including ours.

Flash forward to present day, a full 23 years after the debut album “musicforthemorningafter,” and Pete Yorn is still bringing his signature sound to fans everywhere. One of Yorn’s trademarks over the years, on top of the fact that he’s penned some absolute classic indie rock hits, is that he plays his own instruments, too. Let’s do a quick count. This multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist plays the 1). Guitar 2). Drums 3). Bass 4). Piano 5). Harmonica and 6). Analog synthesizer. But for Cardboard Session 25, it was only fitting he added one more to his list: the Cardboard Fender Stratocaster guitar. Tune in today to watch Pete Yorn pick up our paper and poly masterpiece to play “Real Good Love” from his latest album The Hard Way, with Jackson Phillips accompanying on the keys. Enjoy!

Watch the full video here

When you’re the son of two musicians, it’s almost divine providence that you’ll end up with that same passion. And that’s exactly the case for virtuoso drummer Daru Jones, who picked up the sticks at the ripe age of four. Where? At his church, of course, where his mom worked her day job as a janitor.

HIP HOP AMPLIFIES HIS METRONOMIC BEATS.

Jones pursued his passion for the drums by touring the country performing various gigs. But his big break happened in a truly transformative era of hip hop. With the new millennium came massive digital advances, new collabs and the explosion of the internet, all of which pushed the genre forward. And in 2005, Jones’ big break came with Detroit hip hop group Slum Village. 

HERE COMES THE NAME DROP. AND THE MIC DROP. 

After moving to New York, Jones began collaborating with true luminaries in the hip hop arena, including Nas, Talib Kweli, Pharoahe Monch and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan. In 2010, while performing with Black Milk, Jones got the attention from someone who wasn’t a rapper, but had a profound appreciation for the art form: seminal rocker Jack White. White was so impressed by Jones’ talent that he invited him on tour, not to mention taking up the drums on two of White’s albums.

“AND THE GRAMMY GOES TO…”

He already won the respect of his peers in the music industry. So the next natural step? The adulation of the public. Jones has taken home two Grammy awards, been featured in Rolling Stone and USA Today, and appeared on The David Letterman Show and Saturday Night Live. He formed a super group with Living Colour bassist Doug Wimbish called The Daru Jones Project. And if all that isn’t enough, he owns his own record label Rustic Records. So if you haven’t already, join the millions who are nodding their heads to this luminary performer and percussion artist.

Although today she goes by the stage name of MACK, she began as a girl known by her given name, Mackenzie Graham. At just 15 years old, she started finding her signature, soulful voice. Raised in the Coachella Valley desert, it could be those festivals vibes drifting through valley that influenced her to pick up a guitar and start singing so young.

 AN INCREDIBLE, BUT STARVING, ARTIST.

MACK moved to LA in 2014 to keep the dream of making music alive. And this is no spoiler: it came true. But that meant years and years of living hand to mouth to make ends meet. The struggle is, of course, the heart of the art. She uses it to her advantage in creating a signature, soulful sound. And let’s that feeling take her wherever it is she’s going.

 THE REWARD? MOVE PEOPLE.

As MACKandgold continues the ascent toward stardom, there’s a singular grounding quality. MACK isn’t necessarily interested in extraordinary riches. Instead, she defines success in how her art affects others. To move someone. To vibe with others. To make people feel they’re not alone. It’s all about the love she feels when her art connects her with humanity. Which in turn, makes her feel superhuman. 

Hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, Marcus King first stepped onto the scene around the time he took his first steps. Literally. By age eight, he was on stage with his father, blues musician Marvin King. And at eleven he performed on his father’s album. Now, that’s a good way to cut your teeth. At the ripe old age of twenty seven, Marcus is cruising into fame-hood and all of our hearts.

Southern-fried soul music 

Marcus King is going places, but not without his Southern roots. What do you get when you combine Southern-fried psychedelic with honky tonk rock and sweet soul music? A singing and strumming Marcus King. His jams are emotional, moody and pure magic. Every note and intention can be heard and felt from King’s performance on our cardboard Fender Strat. His session featured horns, keys and all the production glory we come to love from Cardboard Sessions. 

New album. Who dis?

King’s performances are said to be a captivating journey through the heart and soul of American music. We do not disagree. For Cardboard Sessions #22, he debuted four singles from his new album “Mood Swings.” We are so excited and proud to host him in collaboration with the rockstars of Signal Snowboards and our own Ernest team.

Born in San Jose, CA, Ray Barbee strongly believes in marching to your own drum or guitar strum, as the case may be. He hit the skateboard scene hard during the late 80s and early 90s. His smooth style and innovative tricks were immediately recognizable. His name is a staple among those who list their favorite skaters of that era. Street skaters see the world differently. Unthinkable landscapes, structures and the world around us are carefully scanned for its skate-ability. It’s an added layer on top of the world we live in every day, a different kind of relationship with your surroundings.

The ultimate corrugated collab

Ray took his unique view of the world and transitioned it into a successful career as a musician. Watching Ray play guitar is similar to watching him skate. Ethereal and fluid, his style is his own. Barbee has collaborated with various artists and released albums that blend elements of jazz, blues, and soul. And the corrugated collab was no different. Recording in the Van’s studio, Ray’s effortless style made our Fender Strat sing. 

Rocking on

What does the future hold for Ray? No one knows, but you can bet he won’t stop anytime soon. Much like Cardboard Sessions and the creative team behind the corrugated creations, the sky’s the limit. Ray reminds us that “The joy is in capturing the journey.” Words to whistle to and live by. Thank you, Ray Barbee, and thanks to the unbelievable team at Signal Snowboards.