Canadian singer-songwriter Alex Runions is back with a fresh sound and a deeply personal new album, Above The Clouds And On The Ground.
Known for his heartfelt lyrics and smooth vocals, Alex has taken a step away from his past pop-country style, embracing a more Americana and alt-country vibe. We sat down with him to discuss the inspiration behind his latest single, “Missing Piece,” his evolving sound, and what fans can expect from his new record.
Listen To Above The Clouds And On The Ground
The Story Behind Missing Piece
Alex’s latest single, Missing Piece, is a tender love song that explores the idea of someone completing you. While love songs are nothing new, Alex and his producer, Chris, put their own unique spin on it.
“When I brought the song to Chris, he really loved the idea, and we ran with it,” Alex shares. “I wanted to experiment more vocally on this album, and Missing Piece gave me the chance to do that. In the past, I was doing very straight pop-country, but this time, I wanted to have fun and create something unique.”
RELATED: Catch our full coverage of Alex’s single “Missing Piece” and watch the music video …
Beyond just the music, the song has deep personal meaning. “The inspiration behind it, of course, is my wife, Erin,” Alex says. “And in the video, we also included my daughter. She’s also a missing piece of the puzzle.”
A New Musical Direction
Listeners will immediately notice a shift in Alex’s sound. His new music leans into the Americana and singer-songwriter styles that have always resonated with him.
“I grew up on ’90s country, but I started listening to artists like Donovan Woods and The Bros. Landreth. That style has always spoken to me,” he explains. “For a while, I was writing songs that fit into the country radio format, but they didn’t really connect with me anymore. I think that translates to the audience. Now, I feel free creatively. This new sound is what I’ve always wanted to do—I just wasn’t brave enough before.”
Bringing “Missing Piece” to Life
The music video for “Missing Piece” is especially meaningful to Alex and his family. “I hadn’t done a music video in 10 years, and honestly, I didn’t really want to be in it at first,” he admits. “But when I spoke with Andrea, the director, she had this vision of making it a family thing. That really spoke to me.”
RELATED: Watch the music video for “Missing Piece” …
Shot in the family’s home, the video captures intimate moments with his wife and daughter, making it more than just a music video—it’s a keepsake. “We even have pictures of our dogs on the wall, and our cat, who’s been with us for 14 years, makes an appearance. It’s something we’ll cherish forever.”
What to Expect from Above The Clouds And On The Ground
With the album now out, fans can experience the full spectrum of Alex’s artistry. The project includes songs that span over a decade of writing, including his very first Nashville co-write.
“The songs are deeply personal,” Alex says. “I love sad songs that don’t necessarily have a happy ending. Sometimes, you just want to sit in that sadness, and music should move you in one way or another.”
For Alex, this album marks a new chapter—one that feels true to who he is as an artist. “I hope people connect with it. It’s honest, it’s real, and it’s me.”
Alex Runions’ Above The Clouds And On The Ground is available now on all streaming platforms.
Logan Miller
As the founder of Front Porch Music, I believe that music has the ability to connect people. I love country music, and I love the country music industry as a whole. My goal is to help music fans find new artists to fall in love with.
