Anthony Russo and Inverness Dish on Their Romantic Track ‘State of Wonder,’ Ft. Kang Daniel

If you haven't yet listened to "State of Wonder," the new track from Anthony Russo featuring Inverness and Kang Daniel, do yourself a favor and remedy that immediately.

The song—and its stunning official music video—released today, Jan. 15, and with its romantic melody and smooth vocals, it perfectly encapsulates the feeling of being totally enamored with someone you care about. This is one song you'll want to keep on repeat all month long, and we got the chance to chat to both Anthony and Inverness about how it took more than two years for everything to fully come together.

Sweety High: What was the songwriting process behind "State of Wonder"?

Inverness: I would just like to take a second and thank everyone who helped with this record. It took a lot of heads to get this record right and I'm so happy with how it turned out. Over two years in the making! The original idea came when my friend Jack Newsome (who sang on our collab "I Remember") sent a melody pass with some lyrics over a rough version of the instrumental. I then worked on the production a little with Lucian, and had a session with Jack and Alex Hosking and we flushed out the "State of Wonder" idea and some more melodies.

One day I was at my good friend Pink Slip's place and we brainstormed how Russo could be the final piece to the puzzle. A few weeks went by and we got in with him and we slayed the rest of the writing and recorded with him at Record Plant. Bada-bing, bada-boom. It was only a couple of months ago Kang Daniel heard the song and wanted to hop on it!

 

SH: What was the recording process like? Did you have to all be socially distanced during the process?

Anthony Russo: We actually recorded final vocals for the song almost a year ago, so fortunately, we were able to all be together and finish the song up.

 

SH: What unique thing does each collaborator bring to the track?

Inverness: There's actually a lot going on behind the scenes on this one. Russo's "cool" performance and tone help elevate the record and the story, while Kang Daniel's performance is a nice switch-up with his warmer and sweeter take.

 

AR: This might be biased, but I would say I bring a certain attitude to the song based on how I sing it. Rob definitely brings the sauce on turning a good pop song into an anthem. He is so meticulous and detailed. The song comes out nice and shiny, but under the hood, there is actually a lot going on.

 

SH: What does this song mean to you?

AR: To me, the song represents that trancelike infatuation that you have for someone. Some people would call this the honeymoon phase but it's really just the part of the relationship where every step is charting to new territory. It's exciting and fresh all of the time. It's a perpetual state of wonder.

Inverness: What he said!

 

SH: What are your favorite lyrics from the track? Why?

AR: The opening line "In my head like a melody"—it's a really simple line but damn is it true. A melody isn't something you think about consciously, it's actually completely subconscious. You don't know it's there until you find yourself humming it out loud. It's effortless. When you have strong feelings for someone, they can have that same control over the real estate in your mind.

Inverness: Probably the hook! I just love the way it sounds when Russo sings it, and of course, it hammers home everything leading up to that point.

 

SH: How did the music video come together?

Inverness: Pink Slip is producing and developing this artist Dava who had a kickass music video to her song "Papercut," and when he sent it to me I knew immediately that Jordan Wozy and Dojo House had to be the ones to slap our video. They did an amazing job and had this concept right out of the gate, and as soon as they sent over the first treatment we knew it was a match.

 

SH: How has the pandemic changed the way you make music, if at all? Has it been a challenge?

AR: At its core, my writing process has stayed the same. It's just obviously a bit less collaborative. It has been difficult in some aspects, but also extremely fulfilling in others. Before the quarantine I rarely produced and now I feel very comfortable leading the way on both sides of the writing process.

Inverness: Honestly not too much, I do most of my work in my room just me, because I love being able to just tweak and try things with no pressure. I've been able to create a lot of music and finish other people's music somewhat unhindered by the pandemic.

 

SH: Are there any artists that are particularly inspiring you during these unusual times?

Inverness: Timbaland, Stephen and The 1975 are my go-to's right now!

Anthony Russo: Taylor Swift. Not only is she awesome but she is unapologetically herself, and her writing is next level. The rate at which she can put out quality music is nothing short of miraculous. She is in flow and artists should be striving to find the cruise control she has found.

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Anthony Russo: It was an honor working with such talented people to make what I believe is a truly great record. Also, I have an album coming out at the top of the year called Blue that I'm really excited to share with the world. Being a part of "State of Wonder" will be my sort of jump-off point of the year, or the season opener if you will. So, it's perfect timing.

Inverness: Please go stream and watch this banger! Every stream is one more fraction of a cent closer to buying me some ramen for dinner.

 

Weren't paying attention earlier in the month? Click HERE to read up on our favorite musical releases of last week.