Alex Lifeson emphasized that he has never been interested in using his guitar solos as a way to show off, reflecting on his approach to guitar playing in his new band, Envy of None.
Lifeson’s mastery of the electric guitar has inspired countless aspiring guitarists over the years. His unique blend of controlled creativity became a defining feature of his work with the legendary band Rush. However, following Rush’s disbandment, Lifeson set out to explore new approaches to the instrument. This shift was evident in his work with Envy of None, offering fans a fresh perspective on his playing that deviates from his progressive rock roots.
Lifeson’s new project, which includes Maiah Wynne on vocals, Andy Curran on bass, and Alfio Annibalini on keyboards, is celebrating the release of their much-anticipated sophomore album, Stygian Wavz, on Friday, March 14. In light of this release, Lifeson shared how his playing style has evolved since his days with Rush, and how it differs from the sound on Envy of None’s self-titled debut album from 2022. In a recent interview with Prog (via Guitar), Lifeson explained:
“I didn’t want it to be too Alex Lifeson-like. I had a lot of fun because solos, for me, have never been about flashy displays or trying to be a show-off. Solos are an integral part of the song, meant to bring home a key point, and I like to think the solos I play are closely tied to the essence of the song.”
For Lifeson, solos are not about standing out as a moment of individual brilliance but instead serve as another important element of the overall song. “It’s just another part of the main body of the song, and it shouldn’t feel like a singular moment,” he continued. “I want it to feel like it’s in service to the song.”
A significant reason for Lifeson’s shift in direction was his desire to allow Wynne more space to showcase her vocal abilities. “I am challenging myself,” he admitted. “I have to be more delicate at times, and I have to step back and acknowledge and celebrate the amazing vocalist we have in this band.”
Andy Curran also spoke to Prog about Lifeson’s approach to solos:
“The solos that Alex plays typically come after Maiah’s scratch vocals, when it feels like the song needs to go somewhere. The solo punctuates the song perfectly, and it’s always in the right place. I never get the impression that Alex is trying to insert something just to shred or show off. It’s always about enhancing the song and taking it to a higher level.”
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