Imagine songs have a life, if so, what stories would they tell? While you’re wondering, the eclectic Chicago-based band Canning has all the answers. They have a song that has a life all on its own—“Shortline” enters the stage with Jimi Hendrix-style electric guitar lick; striking, bossy riffs that steal the spotlight. Its electrifying blues twangs charm your ears away, while the groovy, old bone of the track can’t stop grooving from underneath.

At some point, or maybe from the first note, Canning disappears. Instead, it’s all about “Shortline.” And at some point, the listeners disappear too. They have melted into the song, allowing it to take them wherever it desires to go, and as for “Shortline,” it has become the air, the atmosphere, the aroma, and the room. It’s intoxicating as it is unforgivable.

It’s a surreal experience to hear something as refreshing and spirited as the track, but you know it when you hear it. “Shortline” has an old soul, nostalgic, and a little old-fashioned, but also new and exciting because it has so many stories to tell. You could hear it in the sonics, in its energy and soul. And it speaks to the four players of Canning, who are in sync with one another. Something happened there that allowed the song to be so transparently out there for the listeners to feel it too. Collectively, Canning entered a space of conversation, and there seems to be so much left to discuss. The music can go in any direction. It’s stimulating, and it’s organic. They’re just getting started.

Even just from the recording, it’s safe to say that Canning’s live show is going to be hot. They are also working on more singles. Stay tuned! And if you’re in the area, follow them on BandsinTown and Songkick!

Punk Head: I love the bluesy twangs in “Shortline” and your overall authenticity. Where did you find the inspiration for the song?

Canning: Being from Chicago the blues has always seeped into our ears. While being a rock band, blues is closely related so one day the riff just flowed through the fingers. This version of “Shortline” is actually a reincarnation. The chorus remains the same but the blues just naturally evolved the song for the rest of it. Songs really do have a life of their own.

PH: I can hear that you guys have a wide range of sonic palettes. Basically, each song is different from another. Who would you quote as your influence?

Canning: Our influences are all over the map from classical to Bjork and everything in between...

PH: Is there any specific ethos/aesthetic that Canning adheres to?

Canning: Our ethos would be simply to continue...just playing together is all that matters in the end...

PH: Can you tell us more about you guys as a band? How did you all meet?

Canning: We've been playing music for quite a while actually in a few different bands since senior year in high school and just after. This is just something we do in life...being a band.

PH: Any upcoming live shows/releases in the near future?

Canning: We are currently working on the next batch of singles which will hopefully start being released this summer otherwise we do have a catalog of a couple of albums and a bunch of singles currently out. As for shows, follow us on BandsinTown and Songkick!