Jackson Cloud stopped by the KGNU studios for a live session and conversation with host Indra Raj, performing songs from the band’s debut album, Twisted Faces, and sharing the story of how the Boulder-based group came together. Frontman Jackson Cloud discussed writing and recording the album as a solo project before assembling the band with the help of Stone Cottage Studios, while the group reflected on their musical influences, creative process, and plans for new music. They also talked about Stone Cottage Studios’ role in supporting the local music community and highlighted upcoming live performances at the Velvet Elk and the Fox Theatre (Air Date 4/16/26).
Listen to the studio session here:
Transcript:
Indra Raj: We’re going to interrupt this set now because I’m so pleased to bring in our friends, Jackson Cloud, a newer band here in Boulder. Welcome to the studio.
Jackson Cloud: Hello, hello. Thank you for having us.
Indra Raj: Love the reverb.
Jackson Cloud: Is the reverb on?
Indra Raj: It’s on the broadcast, but that’s okay. It sounds really cool.
Indra Raj: Good. We’re just going to get into some music, and then we’ll chat, so let’s leave the reverb on.
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Indra Raj: Jackson Cloud live in the KGNU studios. How are you guys?
Jackson Cloud: Good.
Indra Raj: It’s really nice to hear you live in the studio, and I’m so glad you got in touch. You have a couple of shows coming up—one on May 1 at the Velvet Elk.
Jackson Cloud: Yeah, May 1 at the Velvet Elk.
Indra Raj: And then at the Fox Theatre later in the summer.
Jackson Cloud: July 24 at the Fox.
Indra Raj: Those are some big shows, and you guys are pretty new on the scene. I’d love to hear how this group came together.
Jackson Cloud: It all started because Davis, our bass player, has a studio called Stone Cottage Studios on Pearl Street in Boulder. He runs it with his dad, and it’s become this little creative hub. We had been friends for a while, so I’d stop by occasionally.
Then Chris walked into the studio, and they made a video together. I saw it online and thought, “Who is this guy walking into Stone Cottage and blowing everybody away?”
At the time I was really frustrated because I couldn’t find bandmates to bring these songs to life. Then I saw that video and thought, “These two together are really cool. Let’s see what happens if the three of us play together.”
We got together, and immediately it felt like there was something special. Then we found Gabe, who’s an absolute beast on drums. He learned everything in a day. We played through each song once, and they were already sounding great. It’s all come together really naturally.
Indra Raj: It’s amazing what happens when you trust the process.
Jackson Cloud: Exactly. Just letting it happen.
Indra Raj: It sounds like you had already written all of the songs before putting this band together.
Jackson Cloud: That’s right. I wrote the album, played all the instruments, produced it, and recorded everything in my basement. Eventually I realized I couldn’t perform these heavier rock songs by myself—they have too many parts. I needed a band.
Davis: Jackson came over and played the record for me, and I was blown away. I told him, “We’ve got to get you out of the basement. Let’s put a team together and make this happen.” And now we’re at KGNU.
Jackson Cloud: We made it out of the basement and into the studio.
Indra Raj: Into KGNU—and into live venues. It’s impressive that you not only wrote all these songs but also played every instrument. Where does your musical background come from? Did you learn formally?
Jackson Cloud: I started with drums when I was really young. I loved them, but the neighbors didn’t. The police showed up enough times that my parents decided it was probably time for another instrument.
So I got a guitar for Christmas. That was also the day I figured out Santa Claus wasn’t real because I’m left-handed, and my parents realized they’d bought me a right-handed guitar. I thought, “Santa would have known.”
From then on, guitar became my thing. I played talent shows, kept writing songs, and eventually played in a band with my dad, who played bass. We were a three-piece through middle school and high school. COVID slowed everything down for a while, but now it’s exciting to be back playing with this group.
Indra Raj: Are you from Boulder?
Jackson Cloud: Born in Boulder.
Indra Raj: Did you go to Boulder High or Fairview?
Jackson Cloud: Neither. I went to Niwot High School.
Indra Raj: How was the arts program there?
Jackson Cloud: Pretty good. I played in the jazz band, although I mostly wanted to write my own music. Jazz band was just the closest thing available.
Indra Raj: It all feeds into itself. It sounds like you’ve been creating music from a very young age, so this must be an exciting moment.
Jackson Cloud: Definitely. Very exciting.
Indra Raj: For anyone just joining us, you’re listening to Jackson Cloud live here at KGNU. Let’s hear a couple more songs, and then we’ll talk some more.
Jackson Cloud: Sounds great. This one’s called “Haunted House.”
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Indra Raj: You’re listening to Jackson Cloud live in the KGNU studios. They’re a Boulder band with upcoming shows at the Velvet Elk on May 1 and the Fox Theatre on July 24.
I loved hearing two very long songs. Is that typical of your songwriting?
Jackson Cloud: Pretty much. You have to build the journey.
Indra Raj: I’m trying not to ask about your influences because I think I already know some of them.
Jackson Cloud: Let’s hear it.
Indra Raj: Jeff Buckley.
Jackson Cloud: Can I tell the story?
Indra Raj: Please.
Davis: When we first started rehearsing, we were talking about cover songs. I suggested “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” by Jeff Buckley. Jackson said, “Sure, we could do that.” Then he came back to the next rehearsal and said, “Hey, I wrote this song instead.” So now we play that one.
Jackson Cloud: To be totally clear, I don’t really listen to Jeff Buckley. I’ve listened to Grace once. Yet people mention him constantly, probably because I also look a little like him. I’ll happily take that compliment.
Indra Raj: If that’s not the influence, who is?
Jackson Cloud: Radiohead is a huge one. The diversity of what they’ve done is incredible. Growing up, Led Zeppelin was always my favorite band. I also love The Flaming Lips, The Who, and a lot of classic rock.
Chris: Jimi Hendrix. Eddie Van Halen.
Davis: I’m all over the place, honestly. What I love about this project is that we get to explore a lot of different sounds and genres. The next song is going to be very different from what you’ve heard so far.
Indra Raj: I’d love that. Gabe?
Gabe: Big Sid Catlett.
Indra Raj: A jazz guy?
Gabe: Yep.
Indra Raj: Jackson, you came into the band with these songs already written. How are things evolving now that you’re creating together?
Jackson Cloud: At our last rehearsal, we started improvising and didn’t stop for about thirty minutes. As a four-piece, I think we can create something beyond what I could have done alone. We’re already learning how to play off one another, and it’s exciting to see where that goes.
Indra Raj: Tell us about any recordings you’ve done.
Jackson Cloud: We recorded “Hazel Eyes” live at Stone Cottage Studios with a full multi-camera setup. It’s on both my YouTube channel and the Stone Cottage YouTube channel. That’s the only version of the song available right now, but it’ll probably be our next single.
Indra Raj: Are you thinking about another album or an EP?
Jackson Cloud: Right now we’re focused on making the live show as strong as possible and performing the album.
Davis: Go stream Twisted Faces by Jackson Cloud. As someone who’s also a singer-songwriter, it’s exciting to help build something that’s growing beyond the original vision. It’s a fantastic record.
Jackson Cloud: It does require a little patience. The songs are long. Turn off the lights, lie down, and let yourself sink into it.
Indra Raj: That sounds perfect. Any excuse to slow down these days is a good one.
Davis, before we hear one last song, tell us about Stone Cottage Studios and what you’re doing for the local music community.
Davis: My father Jamie and I started Stone Cottage Studios during COVID as a livestream studio behind my family’s home to support musicians. About a year ago we opened a new location on Pearl Street in a beautiful old brick building.
The goal is to create a music hub for artists and fans. I also partnered with Yellow Barn Farm to host a songwriter showcase and open mic every second Thursday. Last week we had twenty-five musicians, every song was original, and every performer was someone I’d happily go see again. We also offer live recordings from the open mic for anyone who wants a professional recording.
Thank you, Indra. We love KGNU and are grateful to be part of this community.
Indra Raj: It’s such a wonderful resource for local musicians. There’s so much talent on the Front Range, and we’re all trying to help get it out into the world.
Let’s hear one more song.
Jackson Cloud: Thank you.
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Indra Raj: That was completely different from the rest of the set, just as you promised. Incredible shredding here at KGNU.
You have shows coming up May 1 at the Velvet Elk.
Jackson Cloud: With Infinite Cousins and Squash.
Indra Raj: And July 24 at the Fox Theatre. Who’s playing with you?
Jackson Cloud: It’s a four-band bill, but I still haven’t memorized everyone’s names.
Indra Raj: Fair enough. How can people keep up with you?
Jackson Cloud: Find us on Instagram, Spotify, and all the streaming services. We also have a website at jacksoncloud.com.
Go listen to Twisted Faces. We also have three standalone singles, and we play two of them live. They’re a little more R&B, while the album goes in a different direction, so there’s a lot to explore.
Indra Raj: It sounds like there’s a lot to discover and a lot to look forward to. Thank you so much for being here at KGNU.
Jackson Cloud: Thank you for having us.
Band: We love you, KGNU.
Indra Raj: Thank you.
