On their sophomore album, Are You Smiling Yet?, Artikal Sound System delivers a laid-back yet vibrant mix of reggae, alt-rock, and soulful grooves that highlights their evolving sound.
With smooth vocals, hypnotic bass lines, and rhythms that flow like a deep conversation with an old friend, the album captures both warmth and emotional depth. The South Florida band continues to refine their signature style, blending energy and introspection in a way that feels both grounded and free.
Where 2022’s Welcome to Florida played like a sun-soaked postcard from the band’s roots, Are You Smiling Yet? takes a more inward-facing approach. The songs dig into personal growth, uncertainty, and healing—while still keeping the groove intact. There’s a sense of maturity in the writing and production, a willingness to be more vulnerable without losing the laid-back charm that defines their sound. See for yourself on Spotify!
Standout tracks like “Get Me Out,” “Self Sabotage,” and “Oh No” showcase this evolution. “Get Me Out” is fueled by restless energy, echoing the feeling of needing change, while “Self Sabotage” tackles internal struggle with surprising grace and groove. “Oh No” strikes a playful yet bittersweet tone, reminding listeners that realness and rhythm don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Throughout the record, the band leans into their strengths while embracing new influences and collaboration. It’s their first time working with a producer, and that shift brings a fresh dynamic—tightening the arrangements, expanding the sound, and adding a new layer of polish to their sun-drenched style. Even with members now living on opposite coasts, the creative chemistry remains as strong as ever.
From start to finish, the album captures a band stepping confidently into a new chapter. There’s a looseness to the record that feels earned—like a group fully in sync, unafraid to push boundaries and trust where the music takes them. The result is a sound that’s expansive, cohesive, and unmistakably their own. Whether you’re dancing, driving, or just figuring it out, Artikal Sound System has got your soundtrack.
A CHAT WITH LOGAN REX AND CHRIS MONTAGUE
The Pier: Are You Smiling Yet? really digs into personal struggles and growth. What made you take that more introspective route this time around?
Logan Rex: I think the more I write, the more I feel called to spill my guts and be as vulnerable as I can. I hope that as I get older, I become more comfortable being myself and sharing honestly. This album was also written while I was consistently going to therapy for the first time in my life, so I was looking at myself more thoughtfully than ever before.
TP: What vibe are you hoping fans take away from the album—both musically and lyrically? And how has the response been so far?
Logan: The response has been awesome. We’ve actually been kind of surprised by which songs are resonating. Some of the heavier tracks we were hesitant to include have landed really well. It’s been so cool hearing people’s stories about how they connect with the songs. That’s one of the best parts of releasing new music. We want people to hear themselves in the lyrics. I’ve joked online about “mid-dudes” saying our music isn’t reggae enough, but that kind of chatter is minimal and expected. Mostly, we’re just stoked that people are excited to hear new flavors from us.
TP: Songs like “Get Me Out” and “Self Sabotage” dive deep. How do you keep it real while still maintaining those upbeat, feel-good grooves?
Logan: I think that’s just kind of who we are (she said, hoping that doesn’t sound too self-important). We try to be honest about our feelings—not ignoring them or coping with toxic positivity—but also, it’s not that serious. Life keeps moving, so you may as well dance through it if you can. We almost named the album Dancing in the Dark because that was the vibe that unfolded as we created it. Also, working with Matt Keller on production added a ton of fun grooves. He brings that energy to everything he touches.
TP: “Asleep at the Wheel” really stands out. What’s the story behind that track?
Logan: That one came together outside of the studio, pretty late in the process. I found a voice memo of me singing the first few lines in the shower. I asked Chris to come over and help build the chords underneath, and he wrote this really cool bridge that the band expanded into the heavier part. That’s what’s cool about writing with a band—you get these spontaneous moments that wouldn’t happen otherwise.
Chris Montague: One fun tidbit: the crickets you hear in the bridge were recorded outside my mom’s cabin in Kentucky.
TP: Chris, “Get Me Out” was written without Logan. How did that song come to life?
Chris: I wrote “Get Me Out” with South Florida artists Sierra Lane (Day Lily) and Ron Eisner (The Resolvers) back in 2022. I always liked it, and when the album came around, I asked Logan if she’d be interested. She happened to be moving to L.A. at the time, so it really hit home for her. We recorded it, and the rest is history.
TP: Do you think Are You Smiling Yet? marks a shift for Artikal Sound System? What’s next?
Logan: I think so! It’s definitely our most mature work yet. It pulls from the broadest set of influences, and it was our first time working with a producer in a real studio setting. We’re not writing anything new just yet because it feels like this baby just arrived, haha. But I do feel like I’ve gotten a lot of heartache out of my system. Maybe I’ll even write some love songs next—who knows?
TP: What’s your favorite track to perform live, and why?
Logan: I really love playing “NCB.” It’s super dance-y, and I feel kind of bratty when I sing it, in a fun way. “Right Now” is also a blast because we’ve been getting the crowd to sing along, and I live for that.
Chris: “Right Now” is my favorite too. It has a different groove from our usual stuff and is just a lot of fun to play.
TP: With Logan now in California, how does that affect your creative process?
Logan: Yes and no. Obviously, I have to fly in for rehearsals and writing sessions, but I’m still on the phone with these guys for hours every week. When we write an album, it’s usually in one big push anyway, so geography doesn’t change much—just takes a bit more planning.
Chris: Logan being farther away has made us really value our time together. But we do miss her for the day-to-day hangs.
TP: Now that Are You Smiling Yet? is out, what’s on the horizon?
Logan: We’re working on a cool new project that involves a bunch of the friends we’ve made on tour over the last few years—so stay tuned for that. Otherwise, we’re just trying to hit the road, live in the RV, and play every Planet Fitness parking lot and venue that’ll have us. We’re super grateful we get to do what we love.
Chris: We’re always cooking.
