Cloud Cult

words by Elliot Cole
photos by Randy Cremean

In the span of the last year, we’ve seen Radiohead self-release In Rainbows, Nine Inch Nails go anti-industry with free downloads of Ghosts I-IV and The Slip, and several artists publicize the fact that they are converting their vans to go “green” on their respective tours. This fresh, admirable trend has been rightfully celebrated in the press, bringing to light an array of musicians who are putting their morals before profitability. Meanwhile, somewhere on an organic farm in Minnesota, Cloud Cult has humbly released their eigth album of orchestral indie rock bliss, and done so while turning down major labels, avoiding distribution companies, and shunning manufacturing plants. Instead, the members of Cloud Cult have shown a consistently remarkable integrity: an honesty in their business sense that makes their compelling, layered melodies and emotive lyrics of their music all the more convincing.