Chris Garneau has unveiled his brand-new single “Off The Ring”, accompanied by a visualiser, and we’re showcasing the exclusive premiere. The track not only offers listeners a striking introduction to his next era but also arrives with the announcement of his forthcoming album “In Reverse”, which is due for release on January 23, 2026, via The Orchard and Rough Trade. This acts as the follow-up to his previous single, “Canon”.
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Blending breakup catharsis with bold, rhythmic energy, “Off The Ring” is an exploration of letting go and finding strength in the aftermath of loss. Speaking about the single, Chris Garneau explained: “It’s a breakup song. It’s about finding a bold freedom in letting that ending happen. I wanted it to feel inspired and alive. At first, it could have felt so weighed down, but the production turned it into something I actually wanted to listen to, move to—something that let the feeling move through me instead of keeping it stuck inside.”
Written in July 2024, after Chris Garneau chose to set aside an entire completed record, “Off The Ring” represents a reset both musically and emotionally. The track fuses shimmering synth bass, programmed beats, and twang-inflected guitar lines, creating a sound that nods to country influences while leaning into a moody electronic edge. With its vivid imagery and layered metaphors, the single delves into themes of heartbreak, risk, and transformation, capturing the raw ache of loss while also embracing the freedom that comes with letting go.
Chris Garneau’s vocals shine with soulful intimacy, carrying the sadness of a relationship’s end while drawing listeners into his emotional world. His voice channels the rawness of heartbreak yet does so in a way that feels touching and relatable, creating a connection that lingers. Surrounding him is a subtle, carefully built production — intimate and soft, with electronic edges that grow steadily — which not only complements his delivery but also offers a sense of comfort. As the song unfolds, that soundscape gently shifts, guiding the track from sorrow into something more hopeful and quietly uplifting.
The single comes to life through a collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist Patrick Higgins (Zs, Nicolas Jaar), whose contributions on guitar and drums shape the track’s intricate layers. Mixing was handled by Dan Marcellus (Lo Fang, Happy Hollows), with mastering by Ruairi O’Flaherty (Lana Del Rey, St. Vincent), giving the song its refined, immersive atmosphere.
Accompanying the release is a striking visualiser that doubles as a lyric video, adding another layer to the experience. Photography by Michael George and video work by Caralee McElroy Crocamo and Chris Garneau, with styling by Wesley Johnson, present Garneau in minimal yet expressive settings. He appears leaning casually in different looks—from grey jeans and a mesh white vest to a denim jacket layered on top—while warm yellow-to-red gradient lyrics flow across the screen, echoing the song’s intimacy and gradual shift from sorrow to quiet optimism.
A career built on experimentation and emotional depth has seen Garneau explore a range of styles while maintaining a cinematic, intimate core. Since debuting with “Music for Tourists” in 2007, he has released acclaimed albums and EPs, including “C-Sides EP”, “El Radio”, “Winter Games”, “Yours”, “The Kind”, and “Out of Love EP”. Over the years, he has captivated audiences across North America, Europe, Asia, and Brazil, sharing stages with artists like José González, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Joan as Police Woman, and Xiu Xiu. His music has also left its mark on film, notably with his rendition of Elliott Smith’s “Between the Bars”, which featured in Pedro Almodóvar’s The Skin I Live In (2011).
With “Off The Ring”, Garneau marks another chapter in his ongoing journey of creative reinvention, embracing both freedom and emotional exploration. The accompanying visualiser deepens the track’s intimate atmosphere, offering fans a window into the textured soundscape of “In Reverse”, due for release early next year.
“Off The Ring”, by Chris Garneau, is available to download and stream, right now, across all platforms, via Arcadia Sound, The Orchard, Rough Trade, and Creepy Crawler Publishing. Look out for his sixth studio album, “In Reverse”, set to be released on January 23, 2026.
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