Poolguard unveils “Drunk in Idaho (feat. Jack and the Other & Mckala Cass)” as we connect with the trio behind the sound and story
- STAFF
- Jun 24
- 8 min read
By: Staff
Poolguard’s “Drunk in Idaho” is a bold, soul-stirring anthem—cinematic, addictive, and sonically unforgettable.
A Mysterious New Sound Emerges From Atlanta—And It's Already Turning Heads
There’s something magnetic rising from the Atlanta music scene—a new collaborative project that came together in the most unexpected way and has just dropped a debut single that’s as emotionally raw as it is infectiously upbeat. It's the kind of track that lingers with you long after the first listen, pairing vivid storytelling with a summer-ready sonic pulse.
The single, Drunk in Idaho (feat. Jack and the Other & Mckala Cass), carries a narrative rooted in truth, memory, and the difficult beauty of growth. But what makes this release even more compelling is the story behind it—how three strangers, brought together by fate (and an app), turned a shared creative spark into something that feels like both a personal diary and an indie pop anthem.
We sat down with the artists behind this captivating new sound to talk about where they came from, what brought them together, and how a trip out West changed everything.
Read on for our full interview with them
Begin Interview:
Hello Poolguard, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Poolguard is a rising new project composed of members from alternative pop duo Jack and the Other and indie rock artist Mckala Cass. You met through the Vampr app and quickly became collaborators. How did that digital meeting evolve into such an emotionally cohesive project?
A. McKala: Yeah! About a year ago ,I had just moved to Georgia. One night I found myself on Vampr, and I came across J.A.T.O’s profile. My interest peaked after I saw their bio, music taste, and what their overall goal was. That being wanting to make more upbeat sounding music. Something that was different from their normal style, which I had also been wanting to do.
Shortly after, Josh and I started messaging, and he sent me a folder with 10 demos.( Funny enough, the first demo was the one for “Drunk in Idaho”). After listening ,I was game and instantly started writing. Afterwards, we continued to stay in touch, and met a few weeks later. The first demo we recorded that afternoon would be “Drunk in Idaho’s”.
Q. Can you please tell us the names and performance roles of each member?
A.
-Mckala (aka Mack) Lead singer, writer, keys, and a certified pro on Wii tennis
-Josh (aka Jack) Producer, bassist, lead keys, and is allergic to mangos.
-Caleb (aka Cak). Singer, writer, lead guitarist, and enjoys making slogans.
Q. What’s the story behind how you chose the band’s name?
A. Mckala: When I was 18, I was recording an ear shattering voice memo for one of my first songs. When I was done, I was thrown off when I went to save it. Before I had the chance to name the memo, I looked down to see it had already named itself. The screen said “Poolguard”. I was confused, but at the same time really intrigued. I really liked how it sounded. Since then I have always wanted to be a part of a group with this name, so I was especially stoked when the guys wanted to use it!
Q. Can you describe the type of music that you play and the genres you represent? Are there different styles within your genre that influence your sound?
A. Josh : It’s hard to categorize, especially these days when it feels like every genre has a thousand distinct sub-genres each with their own offshoots. If I had to put a name on it, maybe feel-good-sunny-pop-soulcore-alt-electronic-blogwave-mumblejamz. Maybe I shouldn’t put a name on it. Indie music.
McKala: Yeah, this is the one question I will always have a hard time answering. Definitely Indie, but with some soulcore and electronic sounds inspired from bands like Jungle and STRFKR
Q. What was it like blending the more alternative pop style of Jack and the Other with Mckala’s indie rock roots?
A. Mckala “ Honestly, it was not too hard. Maybe it was luck, but it seemed like each of our own vibes and sound preferences flowed well.
Josh: Everything aligned, we met in perfect congress, autocongruity
Q. Mckala, the lyrics stem from a real night in Idaho. Was there a particular moment or conversation from that trip that triggered the emotional breakthrough behind the song?
A. Yes, there was a moment! Two years ago, I was hiking through part of the Sawtooth Mountains. When I had reached this lake, I remember being there looking at this mind blowing scenery I had only seen on TV. Feeling in that moment such a sense of true peace and happiness. I had felt when I was little. Feeling that as an adult was refreshing. Then and there, I knew I wanted to make a song about Idaho.
Q. The song’s narrative has such raw honesty. Are there any standout lyrics or an additional elusive narrative you feel has some specific weight that may unravel even more about the song for diehard fans?
A. Mckala: My favorite line would be “ I’m turning tables, shut off my cable, going through old pictures sometimes”. For few years I was stuck in a rut, trying to make a change to my life and myself. That included putting the phone away, and shutting off my TV. Only to find myself later that night staring back at old photos. Getting lost in them, like I did with toxic media. Except this time I was getting trapped in Nostalgia. I wrote these lyrics after having had the realization I was walking on some of Nostalgia's thinnest lines.
Caleb: I always liked the line “got me tippin on my toes” like you’re reaching as high as you can and instead of going higher you start to fall off balance.
Q. The track was recorded in the same space where the band first met. How did that setting shape the emotional tone of the song and the creative experience?
A. Mckala” Yeah! We met in Josh’s home studio… Well, actually his home. I have to say it's the perfect setting. The place has got an amazing studio that Josh built, Plus it’s has dogs!
For the last year, we have spent a lot of time in that studio, but also in that house. When we take our breaks from working, we get a chance to hang as friends in the house. I think that's why it has been so easy to create there. It's a casual environment where we can let guards down, and create something carefree.
Q. You describe your sound as “hydrating” indie pop. How did that term come about and what does it mean to you as artists?
A. Josh: The abstract outlines we tossed around for the kind of music we wanted to make always felt very bright, summery and energizing. As three people who innately struggle to make anything besides chill music, the word hydrating felt like the perfect adjective to describe what we’ve been striving for as collaborators. It’s quenching a thirst and relaxing at the same time.
Caleb: Also, It’s water-adjacent, so it fits thematically. Songs that I come back to consistently always feel like they’re giving me life, almost like they’re refreshing to listen to. Most importantly, I’m on a health-kick and trying to always stay hydrated throughout the day. So ‘hydrating’ felt like the move, personally and professionally.
Q. You haven’t performed live yet. What are your most preferred stages to hit when you take the stage for the first time as Poolguard?
A. Mckala: “ I just prefer to see a stage haha, I'm not picky. I know I'm going to be very happy with whichever one it is. Although if I could make a wish… I would say a stage at Shakey Knees. That festival holds a special place in my heart”..
Caleb and Josh: "Bonnaroo & Madison Square Garden”.
Q. Poolguard started with three strangers in a room. How has your friendship changed your music and how has the music changed your friendship?
A. Caleb” More intellectual theft”.
Josh: I think now we’re more likely to share opinions openly when we like or dislike something, which has benefitted the creative process. It’s also helped having three of us to make decisions, since nothing ends in a tie when there’s disagreement. The music wasn’t impacting our friendship too much until Caleb decided he was going to ‘sell out’ and started making us go through his agent to schedule writing sessions.
Mckala: It feels like a full on butterfly effect sometimes. We wouldn't have become friends if we didn't want to make music, and wouldn't make music if we didn't become friends. It's just crazy to see the progress we have made and how it has changed since crossing paths.
Q. Looking back at the person you were when “Drunk in Idaho” was written, what would you say to them now after creating and releasing the track?
A. Mckala “ I would say to her dont give up.That she is on the right track, and is going to make a lot of music. Although there's no need for her to beat herself up, because she is going to hit a lot of obstacles regardless. At the end of the day listen and trust your gut, because good decisions lead to good things and people.
Q. If you could each suggest a cover song that represents a band or style that influenced your style today from when you were a pre-teen, what would that song be?
A. Caleb : “ Oooh, I like this one: for me it’s “gone” by switchfoot. This is the only one I’m not embarrassed by.
Mckala: “ It’s a tie between “While I’m Alive” by STRFKR and “Breezeblocks” by Alt J. Both just hypnotize my ears.
Josh “Toxic” by Britney Spears. It soothes the soul.
Q. Everyone writes their pick secretly on a piece of paper (do it for real) —if you had to agree to appear on a late night TV show and the options were Kimmel and Fallon, after the reveal who got the most votes and won?
A. Caleb” Kimmel won because of the Conan-Leno thing”
McKala “ But I stand with my choice of Fallon because he and Paul Rudd blessed the world with the remake of the music video for “ Too Much Time On My Hands” by STYX.
Q. We can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! So, what's next? Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We'd love to be the first to share the news!
A. McKala: Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity! And yeah! We have a lot of new music to come for the remainder of this year. In fact we have our newest one “Dial Tone” dropping on every streaming platform July 11th! It's a perfect summer bop to listen to outdoors on a sunny day. Since we are Poolguard, it is our duty to make sure people stay hydrated”.
Poolguard, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Poolguard’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
