Interview by Katherine Cardinale
Cardboard Sessions is a Youtube-based performance series that brings musicians of all genres together to play instruments built entirely out of cardboard and designed by the creators of Cardboard Chaos. It is a collaboration between Signal Snowboards and Ernest Packaging. The project was co-founded by pro snowboarder Dave Lee and has featured both world-renowned personas and rising acts, such as Billy Gibbons and Keanu Reeves, since its debut in 2022. We recently had the chance to chat with Dave Lee and learn more about Cardboard Sessions’ origin story, inspirations, dream collaborations, and more.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: Cardboard Sessions grew out of Cardboard Chaos — what was the moment that made you realize these concept builds could foster musical collaboration?
CARDBOARD SESSIONS (DAVE LEE): The idea really came out of my roots in action sports, skating and snowboarding. Back then, we were building wild, experimental gear for our YouTube series. One day, we made a snowboard out of cardboard just to test a theory. We partnered with Ernest Packaging for that, who are now my Cardboard Chaos and Cardboard Sessions collaborators.
After that piece dropped, Tim Wilson, CEO of Ernest, asked if we could do more. That’s when I pitched Cardboard Chaos as a broader idea: surfboards, skateboards (even one Tony Hawk rode), and eventually… guitars. We had some connections at Fender and decided, “Let’s build a Strat.” Thankfully, master builder Paul Waller helped us bring it to life. At first, I thought it would be a one-off. I play music, I’m a fan. We’d jam, make it look cool, and move on.
But it worked, better than expected. We followed up with a drum set, bass, keyboard… it evolved fast. Then the pandemic hit. I was home, watching my favorite bands play livestreams to empty rooms, and I thought: “When this is over, I’m pulling out those cardboard instruments and starting something new.”That became Cardboard Sessions.
It’s all about creative play. Art. Innovation where you least expect it. Someone recently told me, “If you can innovate with cardboard, you can innovate with anything.” And that’s the truth. We’re not just making instruments; we’re building a vibe. When legends like The Dandy Warhols, Billy Gibbons, or Keanu Reeves walk in and grab a cardboard guitar or bass, the energy instantly changes, and that’s the magic.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: You’ve previously collaborated with musicians like Billy Gibbons and Robby Krieger. How do artists usually react when handed something made of cardboard? Do any specific moments stand out to you?
DAVE: They trip out! At first, they think it’s just cardboard slapped onto a regular guitar. Or they assume it’s gonna be trash and fall apart in their hands. But then they realize it’s legit. It’s a real instrument, handcrafted with precision and intention. That’s thanks to Paul Waller and the whole team; we take these builds seriously.
Some artists are totally blown away. Billy Gibbons wrote a whole original songabout the experience. We didn’t see that coming. It was such a blast watching him vibe with the build. No real format, he just said, “I want to write a song.” So we made it happen.
Another favorite was Terry Reid, Jimmy Page’s first choice for Led Zeppelin, who brought in a mariachi band for one of his songs. He’d had this idea in his head for years, and through Cardboard Sessions, he finally brought it to life. That’s the kind of stuff that makes this all worth it.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: The show runs on spontaneity, so you have no rehearsals or plan. What have you learned about the nature of musical creativity through this unstructured format?
DAVE: I love the raw energy of unstructured sessions. Having played in bands and being a fan of live music, I’ve always gravitated toward those moments when things aren’t perfect, just real. When musicians play familiar songs with unfamiliar instruments, or when the energy in the room dictates the flow, something new and honest happens.
That creative freedom? You can feel it. It’s fun for the artists, and that translates directly to the viewer. You’re watching them create in real time, not just perform.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: From snowboards to guitars and drums, cardboard has proven to be incredibly versatile. What’s been the biggest challenge in turning it into a working musical instrument?
DAVE: The biggest challenge is working with the right builders. We’ve seen other cardboard instruments pop up online, and some look great, but without that deep craftsmanship, they just don’t sound great. And that’s the dealbreaker.
We’ve been lucky to partner with true masters who know how to build instruments that hold tune, feel right in your hands, and actually inspire you to play. Without that, this would just be a gimmick. Instead, it’s something people respect. That craftsmanship is the line between a one-off stunt and something with real musical soul.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: I read that you come from a pro snowboarding background! How does that mindset of risk-taking, innovation, and style translate into your work with Cardboard Sessions?
DAVE: That’s such a great question, no one’s ever asked me that. But yeah, that mindset’s baked into everything I do. I’ve always been the type to dive in deep, learn everything I can, and figure out how to push boundaries. I don’t really see obstacles as stop signs, just puzzles to solve.
And when you bring that kind of energy to creative work, people feel it. They show up. That’s how we got 30+ episodes deep without even realizing it. Friends like Jon Theodore from Queens of the Stone Age and Isaiah Mitchell from Earthless helped get it rolling, and it just snowballed from there. We don’t overthink every detail. We open the doors, get the instruments ready, and let the magic happen.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: That makes sense! There’s also something electric about playing with non-traditional instruments. How do you think that affects the energy in the room and the performances you host?
DAVE: We always have everything set up before the artists walk in, drums, guitars, bass, all made out of cardboard. They open the case, pick them up, and immediately start laughing or shaking their heads like, “What the hell?”
It surprises people, and that changes the vibe instantly. It breaks the ice. Drummers in particular trip out. We just had London Hudson, Slash’s son from Return to Dust, play a full session. He’s used to real wood kits, and he was just like, “Holy shit, this is insane.”
The guitars are Fenders, just made from cardboard. Pickups still do their thing. Through the right amp, they sound amazing. But drums are the true test. If they sucked, everyone would know immediately. And they don’t. They hold up. Every drummer has a different favorite piece of the kit, and I love that.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: What roles do you think curiosity and play have in sustaining long-term creativity, especially in projects like this that blur the lines between engineering, music, and art?
DAVE: Curiosity and play are everything. We’re surrounded by content that’s been over-calculated to fit what an algorithm might like. But real creativity isn’t about that. It’s about chasing an idea you don’t fully understand yet, and having fun while you’re doing it.
The people I admire most are the ones who say, “I don’t know how I got here, but I followed the spark.” That’s what this is. A passion project that’s still alive because we’re not trying to make it anything else. Just something beautiful, weird, and meaningful.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: With a growing roster of iconic and diverse musicians taking part in Cardboard Sessions, how do you choose or invite artists for each session? Is there a dream artist you’ve got your eyes on?
DAVE: It’s a lot of word of mouth. After a session, an artist will say, “You’ve gotta do this with my friend.” That’s how we line up the next one. There’s a real trust in that handoff.
As for dream artists? So many. David Byrne would be wild. I’ve followed his evolution for years and know he’d bring something visionary. John Mayer would be incredible too, just seeing him riff on a cardboard Strat would be next level.
We’ve been talking about Billy Strings, we’re actually building an acoustic guitar now with a custom builder in Detroit. I’d love to get Sierra Farrell, she’s amazing. Daru Jones (Jack White’s drummer) brought hip-hop into the mix recently. That was a big moment for us. And yes, Jack White is a dream. We’ve reached out. It’s floating out there.
Honestly, Ringo Starr on drums? Insane. But just as exciting are the younger artists, Turnstile, for instance. Seeing them take these instruments to the next level? That would be epic.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: Do you think Cardboard Sessions has something to say about sustainability or reimagining waste not just as a trend, but as a genuine medium for art?
DAVE: Absolutely. Cardboard is recycled paper, it’s not taken from fresh trees. It’s constantly being reused. So even when an instrument breaks down, we build the next one out of more recycled cardboard.
There’ve been instruments made of plexiglass or metal over the years, resonator guitars, for example. So why not cardboard? It’s not about being “better,” it’s about being different. It’s something cool to keep in the corner of your studio. A reminder that art doesn’t have to come from precious materials, it just needs heart.
LOUDSPEAKER COLLECTIVE: What’s next for the project? Are there any future builds or format evolutions you’re excited about, or collaborations in the works you can tease?
DAVE: The acoustic guitar is the next frontier, and we’re deep into it now. It opens the door to a whole new group of artists. Players like Chris Stapleton who lean acoustic, it’d be amazing to have them involved.
This one’s technically complex, though. Unlike electric guitars, you can’t hide behind pedals or amps. You’ll know immediately if it sounds good. We’re working with a killer builder out of Detroit, EchoPark Guitars, who also builds for Queens of the Stone Age. We’re hoping to have it ready by the end of summer. It’s a vulnerable process, but that’s what makes it exciting.
Loudspeaker Collective 