Chicago-based band CANNING has officially released their latest single, State of Mind, an introspective and upbeat track that captures the band’s ability to weave their dynamic experiences into sound. Formed in the 2000s, CANNING is composed of Ricky Canning (guitar, vocals), Fritz Armstrong (bass, vocals), and Tom Miller (drums). Their music is an eclectic mix of alt-rock, characterized by a deep connection to the present moment and a spontaneity that infuses each performance. With State of Mind, the band delivers a song steeped in fresh perspective, born out of Ricky Canning’s experience in Rome, and an ethos of embracing life’s unexpected beauty.
CANNING has always sought to make music that reflects the energy of the day, and State of Mind perfectly encapsulates this ethos. The track was inspired by lead vocalist and guitarist Ricky Canning’s time in Rome, where the vibrant culture and daily life served as the backdrop for a moment of musical inspiration. “The way of life brought an uplifting aspect to the track as the aromas and song came together sitting upon a rock enjoying all that was around,” Canning shares, underscoring how deeply the city’s atmosphere influenced the song.
At its core, State of Mind is about embracing the new—whether that means fresh experiences, opportunities, or ways of thinking. Canning explains, “The song is about the new and embracing that new, which in hopes influences future new in a brighter way, and hopefully, adjusting some of the old too.” This sense of optimism is reflected in the music, which is filled with bright guitar riffs, driving bass lines, and a rhythmic energy that keeps moving forward. The band’s live recording process, which captures the raw and spontaneous interaction between the members, adds to the sense of immediacy in the track.
CANNING’s approach to recording State of Mind is as unique as the song itself. Known for their DIY attitude, the band tracked and edited the song in their own studio before sending it off for mixing and mastering. This hands-on process gives the band total creative control while allowing them to experiment with different sounds and textures in the studio. They recorded the basic tracks together in one room, much like a live rehearsal, capturing the natural energy of the band as they played. According to the band, the editing process was just as entertaining as the recording, with some of their banter and jokes making their way into the captured audio, leading to hilarious playback moments during the mixdown.
This relaxed, collaborative environment in the studio is a hallmark of CANNING’s work. The band is also in the process of upgrading their studio setup, having moved from what they jokingly call “Stream1.0” to the new “Stream2.0” version. The self-described “amusing learning curve” of this upgrade highlights the band’s willingness to embrace new challenges and grow together, both musically and technically.
While CANNING’s music is hard to categorize into any single genre, their main influence comes from the energy of the moment. The band is driven by a desire to capture the flow of time and the emotions that come with it, creating a sound that is always evolving. This philosophy is especially evident in State of Mind, where the spontaneity of life in Rome merges with the band’s distinct style to produce a track that feels fresh yet familiar. The band’s dedication to capturing these moments has allowed them to create music that resonates with listeners on both an emotional and energetic level.
CANNING’s music has earned them some memorable praise from listeners and critics alike. One reviewer described their music as an exhilarating experience: “As I hit the play button and I was assaulted by the guitar riff, my hand went up with horns pointing towards the sky…” This reaction reflects the powerful impact of the band’s live energy, even when captured on record.
Although State of Mind marks an exciting moment for the band, CANNING has plenty more in store. With plans to hit the road for a tour in 2025, the band is gearing up to bring their energetic live performances to a wider audience. Their approach to touring, much like their approach to recording, is rooted in the present moment. Each show promises to be a unique experience, as the band feeds off the energy of the crowd and the environment to shape their performances.
In addition to their touring plans, the band is continuing to explore new musical directions. Their process of recording, where they allow the “micro and macro to exist in harmony,” ensures that each song is an organic and collaborative effort. As Canning himself puts it, “CANNING deems to explore their music and portray a song in its rightful place for a moment… with the elasticity of time… the songs will play the band.”
State of Mind is a vibrant and reflective track that perfectly showcases CANNING’s ability to merge spontaneous inspiration with polished production. The band’s unique approach to songwriting, recording, and live performance sets them apart from the typical alt-rock scene, offering listeners something both grounded in the present and open to the possibilities of the future.
With their DIY ethos, engaging musicality, and a sense of humor that keeps things light even in the studio, CANNING is a band to watch as they continue to carve out their place in the music world. As they prepare for touring and future releases, State of Mind offers a perfect introduction to their ever-evolving sound and creative journey.
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