EXCLUSIVE: Alex Runions Talks New Single ‘Take It Out On Me’

With his latest single ‘Take It Out On Me’, on-the-rise Canadian country music artist Alex Runions explores the push and pull dynamics of a fiery relationship as he delivers a soaring vocal that overlays the impressive production allowing for the track to elevate to heady heights.

Here we speak exclusively to Alex Runions to find out more about his newest single release:

You recently sent your new single to country radio, how excited are you to have this song on the airwaves?

It never gets old to have your song playing on the radio! I am very excited for this song. This is my 6th single out to Canadian country radio and I am hoping that people love it.

How important do you feel radio support is to the success of your music?

I think that it is an important element in the scope of a music career. With streaming platforms today, radio does not have as big of an impact as it did when I released my first single, but it is very important in getting your song heard by the public who might then go to the streaming platforms and then purchase your song. I love hearing that someone heard my song on the radio. It’s a different feeling than simply hearing your song on a downloaded playlist.

What are you hoping listeners take away from the track when they hear it being played?

I hope that the listener will get what the song is ultimately about; the power and passion dynamics of a relationship. Every song should move you in some way – whether it’s a sad song, an upbeat song or a love song. I would place this song in the love category.

Can you tell us a little about the writing and recording day for this release?

I love the studio, that is where the song really comes to life! It was nice to see the guys in the band – Ben, Matty, and Justin. I’ve known them for a number of years and it’s great to see them in action and do what they do best! Bart McKay is a great producer and a salt-of-the-earth kind of guy. He’s great for ideas in the studio and he and I go back and forth with ideas for the vocals. Through my time working with Bart, I have really honed in on the distinction between singing into a microphone vs giving a performance. Great producers and studios that allow and push you to perform. Working on “Take It Out On Me” with this team was a great example of this.

What was your first reaction when you heard the lyrical story?

When I first heard this song, I knew it was special: it had a melody that fit into my writing style and the lyric was unique in that it is about a relationship but the female is in control of the situation. So many times, I hear a male-dominated song where the guy is making all the decisions and calling the shots – not so much in this song. This is a big reason why I chose to record it because the writers (John Ozier, Brad Tursi, and John King) really did something different that I liked.

Can we expect an official music video to drop soon?

We just released a live-off-the-floor unplugged video at Bart’s studio. I am very excited to get it out there to the world because it brings out another side of the song through a more intimate performance.

How does it feel to be sharing music during this semi lockdown phase?

It’s bittersweet. I would love to be out touring and visiting everyone like a real radio tour to promote a single, but we are all in this together and it is something that we have to deal with. It is interesting to me that we can promote via social media but nothing replaces a live concert in front of people or seeing old friends at the stations.

How are you navigating the promotion of your music with the current restrictions in place?

For the most part, through social media platforms, and media appearances are through Zoom or Skype.

Do you have any touring plans lined up for when it’s safe?

There is nothing in the works at the moment. I am still waiting to see how things unfold through the pandemic before going ahead and booking shows. At this point in time, most of the shows booked for 2020 have been pushed to 2021. In the meantime, I will be doing a Facebook and Instagram Live show on August 7th to promote the single at 10 PM EST.

Can we expect this single to be followed by a full-length album?

I am still considering releasing an album whichwould make it my 3rd full-length album. I have enough songs for it, mostly singles that have been released plus a couple of songs that were in the running to be singles. Stay tuned!

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Feature photography credit: Dustin Veitch