Cardinal Bloom has come a long way from their college days in Utah. What began as a creative escape from the pressures of school has turned into a thriving indie rock career—and the band shows no signs of slowing down. Since releasing their debut EP in 2019, the Salt Lake City-based quartet has been steadily building momentum, winning Velour’s Battle of the Bands, dropping popular singles, and earning a devoted fanbase along the way.

At this year’s Treefort Music Festival, bassist Jacob Silvester offered a glimpse into the band’s journey and the collaborative spirit that fuels their sound. Formed by lead vocalist and guitarist Joey St. John, the band includes Josh Thomas on lead guitar, Nathan Adair on drums, and Silvester on bass and vocals. Their origin story is grounded in friendship and shared passion: they met while studying music in college and found refuge in playing together outside the classroom. That outlet soon turned serious as they began performing live and finding their voice.

Their breakthrough came with the win at Velour’s Battle of the Bands—a surreal and validating moment that sparked a shift in mindset. From that point on, the band committed to working harder, pushing forward, and making the most of their growing platform. The result has been a steady stream of music that connects with listeners on a personal level.

“She’s Just a Friend,” one of their recent singles, has quickly resonated with fans, racking up thousands of streams. Its blend of raw emotion and catchy instrumentation captures a familiar kind of relationship chaos—the uncertainty and tension of unspoken feelings or undefined connections. It’s that relatability, paired with thoughtful songwriting and a polished yet honest sound, that continues to draw listeners in.

Silvester described the band’s writing process as highly collaborative. While Joey often brings in initial ideas, the songs come to life when the full band contributes. “It’s never a whole song from one person,” he said. “Usually it’s just a small idea and then we jam it out together. It’s what keeps it fun and fresh. Everyone’s voice gets heard.”

The group’s sound balances ambient textures with bold guitar riffs, often shaped by the band’s wide-ranging influences—spanning from The Beatles to Bon Iver, Dr. Dog to Cage the Elephant. “It’s like if Flipturn had a little more Led Zeppelin in them,” Silvester joked, pointing to the band’s ability to switch between dreamy and gritty depending on the track.

Songs like “Denver” and “Nothing Stays the Same” showcase that dynamic range. “Denver” was particularly tricky to record because it kept evolving during live performances. “We actually had to go back and re-record it because the live version just felt so much better,” Silvester said. To preserve that energy, Cardinal Bloom often records their tracks live in-studio before layering and refining them.

The band has carved out a space within the Utah music scene—a scene Silvester praised for its community-first mentality. “There’s really not a lot of gatekeeping,” he said. “It’s a very collaborative environment. Everyone’s just friends.” With roots in cities like Provo, Salt Lake, and Logan, the state has nurtured talent like The Backseat Lovers, Neon Trees, and Imagine Dragons, and Cardinal Bloom is part of that continuing legacy.

As they continue to write, tour, and expand their reach, Cardinal Bloom remains grounded in the collaborative spirit that brought them together. The name itself—Cardinal Bloom—reflects a band still in the midst of growing, still exploring what they can become. And with each new song, they’re proving they’re just getting started.