By Zach Collier
Rugs Unplugged is a live music video series created by the team at 10Cent Studios, a Utah-based production company known for its high-quality photo and video content. Born from a shared passion for the local music scene, Rugs Unplugged was inspired by iconic series like NPR’s Tiny Desk and COLORS while seeking to craft their own signature style. The series showcases Utah’s musical talent with striking visuals, rich sound, and an inviting atmosphere.
At its core, Rugs Unplugged is about community and collaboration. It aims to elevate Utah’s vibrant music culture by offering a platform that celebrates diversity and creativity. Through consistency, shared passion, and grassroots support, Rugs Unplugged has become a staple of the Utah music scene.
Here are our Top 5 Rugs Unplugged sessions.
5. Jordan Moyes
Opening with Jordan Moyes’ “Hangin’ around,” this gorgeous acoustic set perfectly encapsulates what makes Jordan Moyes so magical. Rhythmic, picked acoustic guitar parts; pitch perfect tenor vocals; and heartfelt songwriting – all in a warm and folksy atmosphere.
4. Clovers Daughter
Rugs Unplugged’s first ever outdoor session, this one not only highlights clovers daughter as one of indie folk’s most exciting new talents, but also demonstrates the video team’s incredible ability to scout gorgeous and interesting locations; record beautiful live audio (even with wind); and capture light, action, and color in an emotionally resonant way. This feels timeless.
3. Riff Wood
I mean. It’s Riff Wood. Hands down the most endearing and talented group of musical teens on the internet. Need we say more?
2. Kaytlin Numbers
To quote the comment section, “four leaf clover is so so good.” Kaytlin Numbers is criminally underrated, and this performance is remarkable in the way it wraps her stellar vocals up in homespun warmth. The slightly detuned upright piano; the bright, rhythmic strums of the mandolin; and the light sounds of Kaytlin’s rings against her guitar… it’s visceral. It’s real. It’s “so so good.”
1. The Kilans
Arguably one of the most iconic performances ever captured in Utah, It deserves to not just be at the top of this list, but at the top of any Utah list. Clips from this performance went viral on TikTok and were instrumental in propelling The Kilans to where they are today. The opening track “Why Is It Light Out?” (which went viral), is now sitting at nearly 5 million Spotify streams.
Make sure to follow Rugs Unplugged on Instagram and subscribe to them on YouTube here.