Dave Lee has always loved science. It is a mix of curiosity and experimentation that can lead to a world of endless possibilities. He decided to take that scientific mix and challenge himself to create a music series unlike anything else.

Cardboard Sessions is an engineering-meets-art series where acclaimed artists walk into the studio and perform - completely unrehearsed - using musical instruments made entirely out of cardboard. The lineup of instruments includes a cardboard Stratocaster, Telecaster, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboard and full drum kit. Each is built with meticulous engineering and are documented in fascinating behind-the-scenes videos that highlight the art and science behind their creation.

Lee said that the real science comes from the team at Ernest Packaging Solutions. Mike Martinez and Tim Wilson figured out how to make cardboard emulate wood, and that was just the beginning.

“Flutes, cross-corrugated patterns, engineered layering; it’s all designed to strengthen weak points and shape sound,” Lee said. “There’s real innovation in how these instruments handle tension, vibration and tone. You’d be surprised how close it gets to traditional wood when it’s done right.”

For Lee, it is less about cardboard and more about creativity without a net. In a world that is overproduced, over-edited and driven by perfection, he wanted to make sure that Cardboard Sessions pushed against that.

“It’s about play, risk and honesty,” he said. “When artists understand that it’s not a gimmick but a space to actually let go and create, that’s when they get it.”

There have been many stand-out moments so far - from Marcus King and LP to one of the final recordings of Terry Reid. There was something about Billy Gibbons, however, that was so authentically pure.

“Total pro, no hesitation, just instinct and style,” Lee said. “We had Matt Sorum on drums, and it turned into something unreal. Seeing legends like that light up over something made of cardboard hits different. It proves that creativity has no boundaries if you give it the right space.”

There are a number of artists that Lee would love to see create something from nothing. The texture and character of Tom Waits. The chaos of Jack White. The curiosity of St. Vincent. The edge of Josh Homme. The rhythm and experimentation of Questlove. Lee thinks they would thrive in this environment.

Most importantly, Lee hopes that these performances remind them what it feels like to play with no agenda. He wants Cardboard Sessions to resonate not just as music content but as a cultural statement.

“No safety net, no preset sound; just reaction and flow,” he said. “When you strip away the usual setup, musicians start listening to each other in a different way. They get back to the core of it; the joy of creating in the moment. That was the idea from day one: to give artists space to find that spark again and let the rest of us witness it in real time.”