Socially conscious indie-rock group Trapdoor Social appeared on the scene in 2012 with the goal of pursuing their passion for music and making a difference in the world. The band’s earliest roots can be traced back to when founders Merritt Graves and Skylar Funk met at a university function. Since then the group has expanded to include a live band that supports the duo’s efforts. Their unique sound and impressive dedication to community service have quickly set them aside from any peers. 

Their efforts in the studio resulted in their 2014 EP Science of Love, a well received collection of alt-rock anthems. The release coincided with a project that raised $35K in funding for solar roofing projects.

New music and community projects continued through 2015. During a tour stop in Colorado Springs the group teamed up with Mesa Ridge High School’s marching band, The Pride of Mesa Ridge, to help the group raise funds to support their floundering music program. Their efforts culminated in the release of a collaborative single between the bands titled “Fine On My Own.” 

Currently the band is in the studio putting the finishing touches on an album for a 2016 release, but, in an effort to tide fans over to the big release, they decided to release two bonus albums (such generous rockers). Each release was written by one of the group’s primary songwriters, Graves and Funk, and it allowed the founding members to share their own stories with songs that didn’t necessarily fit on previous releases. 

Graves’ album is titled Download My Dream, while Funk’s efforts are coming together on Kid In The Sky. 

The group explained the benefit of the double release, explaining that although writing in a group tends to “yield the most exciting, unanticipated results” that it can also “blunt the individual vision.” These two albums gives “give those visions an outlet.” 

The albums were supported by the release of “Second Chance,” a Graves-penned track off Download My Dream. The piano led track features a driving instrumentation over which the band strives for a chance to begin again, a concept that is explored in the colorful accompanying music video.

We at PopWrapped are excited to be able to provide a First Listen to Skylar Funk’s Kid In The Sky! 

Courtesy of Trapdoor Social

Trapdoor Social’s Kid In The Sky opens with the hopeful and self-aware “When Love Comes Again,” on which Skylar Funk sings about leaving himself open to a second chance at love. The honest lyricism reveals that he may not be over a failed relationship, but that he has learned from the experience. 

The rest of the album is written with the same sense of self-awareness and honesty. Track’s like “Faithful Fool” explore the concept of unrequited love, while the rousing “Moonlit Hearts” tells a decidedly more romantic love story.

Kid In The Sky

comes to a close on the acoustic “Time Is Enough.” The inspirational track sees Funk realize that even the most seemingly insurmountable realities are possible with time and dedication. It’s an apt closing to the album, and it reveals that the self-identifying Kid In The Sky has a warrior’s heart to go with his dreamer’s faith.

Overall the album is a solid listen through and through, and it reveals a softer and more pensive side to Trapdoor Social. Skylar Funk’s writing resonates with life and strongly connects with listeners on a personal level.

Take a listen to Skylar Funk’s Kid In The Sky collection below!

What do you think of Kid In The Sky? Let us know if you’re a fan of Skylar Funk’s artistic vision for Trapdoor Social in the comments below!

Keep up to date with future releases from Trapdoor Social by following the band on their website as well as on their Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and iTunes!