Parker Cannon, the lead singer of The Story So Far, recently opened up about the band’s new album and the personal experiences that shaped it. The album, titled “I Want to Disappear,” marks the band’s first release in six years and delves into themes of grief and loss, emotions that Cannon has had to confront head-on.
Cannon, known for his raw and emotional lyrics, has always channeled his anger into the band’s music. This anger is evident in their first three albums, which have resonated deeply with fans. However, the new album sees Cannon grappling with grief, a feeling that has added a new layer of intensity to his songwriting.
In a recent Zoom interview, Cannon, who had just celebrated his 32nd birthday, spoke about the impact of his father’s death on his music. His father passed away in August 2021 after a three-year battle with throat cancer. Cannon admits that he struggled to process his father’s death in real-time, often blocking out the harsh reality to keep moving forward. His father had always been a significant influence on his music, providing honest feedback on the band’s demos. “He was music to me,” Cannon said, reflecting on his father’s role in his life and career.
The following year brought more changes for the band. In March 2022, founding bassist Kellen Capener announced his departure from The Story So Far. Capener’s exit was a significant shift for the band, and Cannon chose not to delve into the reasons behind it. Instead, he expressed his love for Nik Bruzzese, the Man Overboard bassist who has since joined the band for touring.
These personal and professional upheavals led the band to consider breaking up. Cannon revealed that they almost called it quits several times, feeling that they had achieved all their goals. However, the remaining members—drummer Ryan Torf, lead guitarist Kevin Geyer, and second guitarist Will Levy—helped Cannon navigate these changes. They gave him the space he needed to return to songwriting, reinforcing their bond as more than just bandmates.
Cannon realized that continuing The Story So Far was a way to honor his father’s memory. He channeled his grief into his music, resulting in some of the most honest and visceral songs the band has ever produced. Despite the challenges, the band managed to create an album that captures the raw emotion of their earlier work while reflecting the maturity and experiences of adulthood.
Touring with Blink-182 on the European leg of their Rock Hard Tour was another pivotal moment for Cannon. The experience was a dream come true for him, having been inspired to start a band after seeing Blink-182 on television as a teenager. The tour helped raise The Story So Far’s profile and provided Cannon with a sense of camaraderie with Blink-182 members Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge. A particularly memorable moment for Cannon was connecting with Hoppus, who is in remission from lymphoma. They shared a heartfelt conversation about their experiences with loss, which helped Cannon find some closure.
Reflecting on the future, Cannon expressed his desire to keep playing shows and maintaining the strong friendships within the band. The journey to creating “I Want to Disappear” has been marked by significant personal and professional challenges, but it has also solidified the band’s commitment to their music and each other.
The Story So Far’s new album is a testament to their resilience and growth. It captures the raw emotion and intensity that fans have come to love while exploring new depths of vulnerability and honesty. As they continue to navigate the complexities of life and loss, The Story So Far remains dedicated to their music and their fans, ready to face whatever comes next.
