It’s 8:00 p.m. on a Friday night in Chicago. The sun has set, and the summer air is beginning to cool. The entrance to The Riviera Theatre is swarmed by concertgoers. I’m surprised by the age range of the crowd, it’s a mix of young and old. There are dads and young daughters, older couples on dates, and the occasional slew of Gen Zers; decked out head-to-toe in sequins and glitter.
As my brother and I make our way into the historic theatre, excitement seeps beyond the front doors. The Riviera’s walls are lined with photographs from previous performers. From Elvis Costello to Iggy Pop to Wilco, this venue is no stranger to talent. Tonight, we’re here to see Cannons, and it makes me wonder if one day their photo will hang amongst the wall of legends too.
WHO ARE CANNONS?
Started in Los Angeles by childhood friends Ryan Clapham (guitar) and Paul Davis (bass & keyboard), the band Cannons truly came to life after they recruited Michelle Joy for vocals in 2013.
Their debut album, Night Drive, was released in 2017. Two years later, they released Shadows. The band had amassed a following of loyal fans and listeners, but after a song of theirs was used in a popular Netflix show, Cannons—pun intended—ignited in popularity.
“Fire For You”, off of their second album, was featured in Netflix’s hit teenage rom-com series, Never Have I Ever. As things heat up for the main will-they-won’t-they characters, a singular kiss seals the deal, accompanied by the perfect song.
From there on, Cannons made their way onto the charts. The band signed to Columbia Records and by 2021, “Fire For You” truly was, well, on fire. It reached #1 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart. Radio stations across the country began playing Cannons. And the rest is history.
Seeing Cannons Live
I’ve been listening to Cannons since 2019, after a couple of their singles were featured in my Spotify pre-made mixes. When a song you’ve never heard pops up in your shuffle, it’s easy to hit “skip”, but if that song is by Cannons, I promise you’re in for a treat.
Michelle Joy’s hypnotic voice is the perfect mixture of ethereal and breathy. With sequined outfits that give Eras Tour bodysuits a run for their money and a way of dancing and twirling that’s reminiscent of Stevie Nicks, her presence as the band’s front woman is electric.
Paul Davis and Ryan Clapham’s combination of instrumentals and synthesizers makes for a rhythm that’s equal parts futuristic and nostalgic. The two vibe and sway together in a way that makes playing their instruments seem effortlessly cool.
Blended together, the trio are complete naturals at what they do. They’ve mastered a unique sound that sets Cannons apart from the rest.
At the show, I joked with my brother that Cannons is what it would be like if you’d given angels studio recording equipment back in the 80s. It’s equal parts angelic and groovy. As seen in the music video for their most popular song, “Fire For You”, Cannons is perfectly summed up as “music for the funky roller rink of your dreams.”
The Band On “Fire”
If you’re looking for windows-down, highway-driving music, I highly recommend you check out Cannons. Dust off your roller skates and shuffle their discography for a true feel of their vibes.
“Loving You” and “Desire” are their most recent singles, but right now, I’ve got two tracks from their 2022 album, Fever Dream, stuck in my head. “Bad Dream” and “Hurricane” have been on repeat; two dreamy songs with catchy lyrics I guarantee will be stuck in your head.
Which song by Cannons is fire for you?
