Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
With "Stygian Waves", the second album from Envy of None, Alex Lifeson and his bandmates— Maiah Wynn, Andy Curran, and Alfio Annibalini—have solidified their creative chemistry. Unlike their self-titled debut, which was more of an exploratory process, the band entered this new phase with a clearer understanding of their individual strengths. The result is a more cohesive and mature collaboration, blending electronic textures, Middle Eastern influences, and Lifeson’s signature atmospheric guitar work.
In a candid conversation with Sonic Perspectives collaborator Rodrigo Altaf, Alex reflected on his evolving role as a guitarist, preferring subtlety and purpose over flashy solos. While "Stygian Waves" features moments where his guitar takes center stage, like on "The Story" and "That Was Then", he emphasizes that solos should serve the song rather than overshadow it. He also shares how Maya’s travels in India helped shape the album’s sonic palette, particularly on the title track, where he even experimented with playing the oud for the first time.
Beyond Envy of None, Rodrigo and Alex discussed the guitarist’s extensive collaborations, from working with Marco Minnemann and Porcupine Tree to his ongoing jam project with members of Rheostatics and Barenaked Ladies. Though he enjoys live performances, he acknowledges that an Envy of None tour would require significant effort and audience demand. Meanwhile, he continues to find fulfillment in smaller, impromptu musical projects and charitable work, including a possible return of the Grapes Under Pressure fundraiser.
Of course, no conversation with Alex Lifeson would be complete without touching on Rush. He reflects on the band’s keyboard-heavy era, his candid discussion with bassist Geddy Lee during the making of "My Effin’ Life", and the challenges of bringing their Rush Canadian Golden Ale to international markets, alongside some reflections about the band's philosophy when touring towards other bands which opened for them.
Whether looking back on his legendary career or pushing forward with new creative ventures, Lifeson remains as passionate and engaged as ever.
WEBSITE: sonicperspectives.com
FACEBOOK: fb.me/sonicperspectives
FLIPBOARD: bit.ly/Flip-SP
PODCASTS ON ITUNES: bit.ly/SonicPerspectives
PODCASTS ON IHEART RADIO: bit.ly/SPiHeart
#AlexLifeson #Interview #Rush #EnvyOfNone #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #StygianWaves #RodrigoAltaf #SonicPerspectives @kscopemusic
With "Stygian Waves", the second album from Envy of None, Alex Lifeson and his bandmates— Maiah Wynn, Andy Curran, and Alfio Annibalini—have solidified their creative chemistry. Unlike their self-titled debut, which was more of an exploratory process, the band entered this new phase with a clearer understanding of their individual strengths. The result is a more cohesive and mature collaboration, blending electronic textures, Middle Eastern influences, and Lifeson’s signature atmospheric guitar work.
In a candid conversation with Sonic Perspectives collaborator Rodrigo Altaf, Alex reflected on his evolving role as a guitarist, preferring subtlety and purpose over flashy solos. While "Stygian Waves" features moments where his guitar takes center stage, like on "The Story" and "That Was Then", he emphasizes that solos should serve the song rather than overshadow it. He also shares how Maya’s travels in India helped shape the album’s sonic palette, particularly on the title track, where he even experimented with playing the oud for the first time.
Beyond Envy of None, Rodrigo and Alex discussed the guitarist’s extensive collaborations, from working with Marco Minnemann and Porcupine Tree to his ongoing jam project with members of Rheostatics and Barenaked Ladies. Though he enjoys live performances, he acknowledges that an Envy of None tour would require significant effort and audience demand. Meanwhile, he continues to find fulfillment in smaller, impromptu musical projects and charitable work, including a possible return of the Grapes Under Pressure fundraiser.
Of course, no conversation with Alex Lifeson would be complete without touching on Rush. He reflects on the band’s keyboard-heavy era, his candid discussion with bassist Geddy Lee during the making of "My Effin’ Life", and the challenges of bringing their Rush Canadian Golden Ale to international markets, alongside some reflections about the band's philosophy when touring towards other bands which opened for them.
Whether looking back on his legendary career or pushing forward with new creative ventures, Lifeson remains as passionate and engaged as ever.
WEBSITE: sonicperspectives.com
FACEBOOK: fb.me/sonicperspectives
FLIPBOARD: bit.ly/Flip-SP
PODCASTS ON ITUNES: bit.ly/SonicPerspectives
PODCASTS ON IHEART RADIO: bit.ly/SPiHeart
#AlexLifeson #Interview #Rush #EnvyOfNone #ProgressiveRock #ProgRock #StygianWaves #RodrigoAltaf #SonicPerspectives @kscopemusic
