Behind The Song: “On an Island” – Alex Runions

Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Runions is celebrating his newest single, “On an Island”, which is currently available on all digital streaming platforms.

A contemplative examination of loneliness in a fading relationship, “On an Island” is the first single to arrive from the Saskatoon, Saskatchewan-based artist’s upcoming third album.

Written by Runions and the song’s producer, Chris Burke-Gaffney (MacKenzie Porter, Chantal Kreviazuk), “On an Island” uses raw and emotive vocals with steel guitar, bass, and drums to bring Americana, roots, and subtle pop elements to the artist’s familiar country voice.

Today we’re excited to be teaming up with Alex Runions to give our readers an exclusive behind the scenes look at “On an Island”! Check it out below.

Hey Live in Limbo, it’s Alex Runions, a Canadian singer-songwriter based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Thank you for taking the time to chat about my new single, “On an Island”!

The Inspiration

The inspiration came out of some self-reflection and growth. I had been in a couple of relationships and heard the same thing, “I feel like I’m alone in this relationship”. I thought I was doing everything right but it turns out, I wasn’t. I was selfish and busy with music but was still a part of the relationship. It was an odd thing but until I heard that sentence “I feel like I’m alone in this relationship”, I never dawned on me that I might be the problem. I’m technically writing this song from the singer’s point of view but using this idea. In essence, I was feeling alone in these relationships but too proud to admit it. That’s the inspo, a series of bad relationships.

The Creation

Going into the studio, we wanted this song to be moody. I pictured it as a slow song and my producer, Chris Burke-Gaffney, came back with this vibey take on the song with a driving beat. It took me a few listens to pull my head out of my original thought on how the song should be and I love how it turned out. He’s got a knack for knowing what elements are required in a song. We wanted to take some risks with the vocal so we added some falsetto elements in the chorus which is something I haven’t done before on a recording or in writing a song.

The Audience

This is for anyone in a relationship. It’s a reminder that you’re not alone if you are, in fact, feeling alone in a relationship. There are other people out there struggling with the same issues. I want the song to connect with those people that are feeling this way. I write sad songs to help people through the sad times. It’s not meant to help you get through it. When I’m sad, I want to listen to a sad song. It becomes your own echo chamber. Someone has been through this and understands what I am going through.

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