Earlier this summer, 2016 Saskatchewan Country Music Association’s “Male Vocalist of the Year” and “Fan’s Choice Entertainer of the Year” Alex Runions released his latest single “Take It Out on Me,” his first since 2019’s “Heartland.” The track, written by a master trio of songwriters John Ozier (Lee Brice), John King (Randy Houser), and Brad Tursi (Old Dominion), shares the side of a relationship that isn’t always talked about: the work that it takes to keep the fire going. However in this case, “Take It Out On Me” has a bit of twist when compared to the usual relationship songs, something that sparked Runions’ interest to cut it: “I feel an excitement for this song because the female in the story is in the power position, which sets it apart from most male country songs,” says Reunions. “She’s holding the cards and making the rules and she’s ultimately guiding where the passion of the relationship will take them. I hope others will listen and discover their own personal meaning from the song.”
The single heard on Canadian Country Radio features a full band in its production, and Runions decided he wanted to also record a stripped-down version. He headed to the studio, pulled out his guitar and recorded an unplugged performance video, premiering exclusively today with The Country Note.
“I was drawn to ‘Take It Out On Me’ because of the passion and fire in the song’s central relationship,” says Runions. “When we recorded it, my producer Bart McKay enhanced the relatability of the lyrics with a strong commercial country edge. For this unplugged video, we wanted to contrast that version with a raw and natural style that maintains the power of the song.”
Watch the video below:
The simplicity of Runions’ voice and strumming of guitar gives the song an intimate ambiance as each lyric is passionately delivered.
The Lee Kolenick directed video was recorded at Bart McKay Production Studios in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
“Take It Out On Me” is available on all digital platforms. Tune in to Alex Runions’ Facebook and Instagram channels on August 7th for a virtual release show at 8PM MT.
For more information on Alex Runions, visit his website at AlexRunions.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.