skylar funk steps into the spotlight with Letters from California, his debut solo album arriving Jan 30. Known for his work with Trapdoor Social, funk offers a quieter, more reflective collection shaped by place, distance, and years of songwriting. The release offers a focused look at funk’s songwriting outside of band and sync-driven contexts.

In May 2025, skylar funk earned his Master in Pop Music Teaching and Learning from USC Thornton. This fall, he began teaching Music Theory I at LACHSA and continues private coaching (skylar.funk@gmail.com). “Graduating is just the beginning,” he says.

Trapdoor Social rocked the West Coast with Echobloom in 2024 and now launches The Echobloom Podcast w. Skylar Funk, diving into the story behind each song.

Skylar Funk MA ’25 — a professional rock musician and climate activist — has helped make USC a greener place as graduate co-chair of the Student Sustainability Committee.

Trapdoor Social isn’t just touring for their new album, Echobloom—they’re carrying years of environmental activism, solar-powered shows, and genre-blending music with them. From brass-filled alt-rock jams to sustainability projects on and off stage, the band’s West Coast tour brought high energy, social consciousness, and unforgettable performances to fans across Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Read on to see how Trapdoor Social is redefining what it means to rock responsibly.

L.A.’s Trapdoor Social has signed to Pasadena Records. The band will have a new album that will drop by early summer with a brand new single coming very soon.

From garage-band beginnings to touring internationally with Trapdoor Social, Skylar Funk has spent over a decade blending music, activism, and community. Whether producing a solo album, leading a New Orleans-style parade band, teaching students across instruments and voice, or even selling homemade hot sauce, Skylar thrives at the intersection of creativity and impact. Join us as we explore the highs, challenges, and unexpected detours of a life in music—and get a glimpse of what’s next on this ever-evolving journey.

@Sunstocksolfest features Solar-powered live music by Cayucas, The Epilogues (Reunion Show!), Karmic and more.

“The Lie” is the latest single from Trapdoor Social, an environmentally aware band who not only play music but do so at solar-powered gigs.

Born from an environmental science classroom and raised on the Los Angeles indie scene, Trapdoor Social blends activism with anthemic rock. From founding the solar-powered Sunstock Festival to releasing their latest single “Hold Me Down,” the band continues to prove that music can fuel both passion and purpose.

The rockers and their Sunstock Festival raise money for solar installations.

With their song “Never Stop Listening,” Trapdoor Social turns activism into art. After joining the Standing Rock water protectors in North Dakota, the Los Angeles quintet teamed up with filmmaker Alexandra Velasco to create a music video that captures the spirit of resistance and the fight for clean water.

Fueled by passion for both music and the planet, Trapdoor Social has grown from an eco-driven duo into a powerhouse 5-piece making waves with their electrifying sound and activism. From solar-powered concerts to launching their very own Sunstock Solar Festival, the band is proving that rock and responsibility can go hand in hand. Their latest album marks a bold new chapter—one you’ll want to hear (and feel) for yourself.

Trapdoor Social kicked off 2017 with a renewed mission: loud, socially conscious music powered entirely by the sun. From their explosive debut album to a cross-country tour in a solar trailer, the band has fused activism and indie rock in unforgettable ways. Read on to see how they’re redefining the concert experience—and get a sneak peek at what’s next from this five-piece powerhouse.

The world’s first entirely solar-powered music festival, and the premiere of Sunstock Solar Fest, proved to be a huge success. The event was dreamed up by Merritt Graves and Skylar Funk of Trapdoor Social [...]

From guitar projections to barrier-breaking mosh pits, Sunstock’s solar-powered debut delivered wild moments, standout performances, and a glimpse of a greener festival future.

What started as a classroom conversation between two eco-minded musicians has grown into Sunstock, Los Angeles’ first fully solar-powered music festival. With headliners like Cults and Wavves, the event promises high-energy performances, glowing LED art, and a mission to prove that music can be both fun and sustainable—all while raising funds to bring solar power to kids battling cancer.

Solar power isn’t just for hippies and preppers anymore—it’s running a full-blown music festival. Sunstock, headlined by Cults, Wavves, and the Allah-Lahs, is the first fest entirely powered by stored “sun-juice.” Expect solar-fueled jams, eco-activism, food trucks, and more booze-and-kombucha concoctions than your body is ready for.

The up and coming indie band Trapdoor Social is working at the edge of sustainability and art with their 1.64 kW solar trailer, which will allow them to put on 100% solar-powered concerts and to visibly promote solar as a solution to their fans.

Trapdoor Social isn’t just making music—they’re making a statement. From donating all proceeds of their upcoming LP to solar energy projects, to writing songs that channel environmental urgency into emotive harmonies, Merritt Graves and Skylar Funk are turning concern for the planet into action you can hear. Read on for an in-depth conversation about their inspirations, songwriting process, and life in Los Angeles.

Homeboy Industries has long been a lifeline for formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated Angelenos. Now, with the help of Everybody Solar, GRID Alternatives, and activist rock band Trapdoor Social, the nonprofit has added another layer of hope: clean energy. The long-delayed project culminates in a solar installation led by graduates of Homeboy’s own training programs—showing how resilience, community, and sustainability can work hand in hand.

Known for blending alt-rock with activism, Trapdoor Social is taking their green mission to the next level. Instead of funding their next album directly, the band is donating all net proceeds from their crowdfunding campaign to install solar panels on Homeboy Industries’ roof—helping young people gain vital skills while powering a non-profit that transforms lives. Read on to see how music, sustainability, and community come together in a truly inspiring way.

What happens when clean energy advocates and a socially conscious rock band join forces? For Homeboy Industries—Los Angeles’ pioneering nonprofit for formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals—it means going solar. With Everybody Solar, GRID Alternatives, Trapdoor Social, and even the Sierra Club backing the effort, the project will lower utility bills and redirect thousands of dollars toward job training, education, and support services.

With infectious hooks, bright harmonies, and a message about breaking free from the grind, Trapdoor Social’s award-winning single Away is making waves in the alt-pop scene. The Los Angeles duo—Skylar Funk and Merritt Graves—blend their passion for music and renewable energy into a sound that’s as energetic as it is meaningful. Fresh off the release of their debut EP Death of a Friend and a buzzworthy music video, they’re already back in the studio and gearing up for the next chapter.