Best known as the singer for prog trailblazers Envy of None, Maiah Wynne is a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist who recently unveiled her debut solo album, “Out of the Dark”. More than just a collection of songs, this album serves as a deeply personal testimony to her decade-long journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. Let’s dive deeper into her story and the making of this remarkable album in this interview.
Releasing “Out of the Dark”
Thank you, Maiah. Welcome back to Femme Metal Webzine! How are you, and how have things been for you lately?
I’m doing well, thank you! It’s been a bit of an up-and-down period, you know? Especially with the holidays—there’s always a mix of emotions for many people. But overall, I’m doing well.
I completely understand. Congratulations on releasing “Out of the Dark”! First, how was it producing your debut album entirely by yourself, especially with several session musicians contributing to it?
Thank you! Honestly, it was such a fulfilling experience. In my earlier projects, I often struggled to express my vision for my music fully. But this time, having complete control over the production allowed me to create something as close to my vision as possible.
It was challenging because I’m still learning about music production—it’s been a journey over the last five years. But being able to produce my record was something I wouldn’t trade for anything. I know I did my best to make it what I wanted, and that alone feels incredibly rewarding.
Translating the vision of Maiah Wynne
That’s already a huge achievement—to translate your vision into reality while learning something new like production. It’s also tough because we tend to be our own harshest critics. How did you deal with that self-criticism while striving for such high standards?
That’s so true. As artists—and especially musicians—we’re often our worst critics. It’s hard not to overanalyze everything. I’d create something and think, “This is amazing!” only to feel a few weeks later, “This is the worst thing I’ve ever made.”
However being in charge of the whole process made me feel satisfied with the result because every decision was mine. Even if it’s not perfect, I know I’ve learned from it and did my best.
Translating the vision, part 2
That’s not to say I didn’t have help from talented people. Jim Roach mixed the album and stepped in where my knowledge ended. He made the final product sound professional and cohesive. On some songs, he co-produced and added percussion or instrumentation. I’m so grateful for his contributions—it wouldn’t have been the same without him.
For my part, I got the songs to a place where I felt they captured my vision. I balanced the levels, added effects like reverb and compression, and ensured everything was roughly where I wanted it. Jim then elevated that foundation. It was such a rewarding collaborative process.
Working on this album for a long time
That’s incredible! I know the album took almost 10 years to come together. When did you realize it was time to stop fine-tuning and release it? It can’t have been easy to decide.
That’s a great question. Honestly, there wasn’t a single clear moment. With each song, I reached a point where I felt satisfied. There was a lot of back and forth with Jim at the end, tweaking things. It was always easier to know when something wasn’t right than when it was.
Eventually, I had to accept that there’s no such thing as “perfect.” It’s subjective. I reached a point where I felt good about the songs as a whole, and that was enough.
Another factor was my personal growth over the last ten years. This album reflects that journey—some songs were written a decade ago, while others were written just last year. In many ways, this album feels like a memoir.
Over the past year, I made significant personal changes that helped me let go and move forward. Releasing the album felt like closing a chapter, like saying, “This is my story, and now I’m on the other side of it.”
Maiah Wynne and her journey
That’s such a powerful sentiment. You’ve said this album represents your journey to find a way out of the dark. How difficult was it to find that light over the past decade?
It was incredibly difficult. First of all, congratulations to you for working through your challenges—seven years of therapy is a huge commitment, and, amazingly, you’re almost there.
For me, finishing this album was a lifeline. It gave me something to hold onto as I navigated those dark times. But in some ways, getting to the other side of those struggles was even harder than living through them. When you’re in survival mode, you compartmentalize and keep moving. Afterward, you have to process everything, make peace with it, and start healing.
I’ve made it through the toughest parts, but I’m still in the middle of that healing process. Growth takes time, and it’s not linear. I thought I was “out of it,” but I realized it’s a continuous journey.
Being vulnerable
Absolutely. It’s like riding a wave—it’s not constant, but it keeps coming. You’ve always been open about mental health. How challenging is it to share such personal experiences through your music?
It’s definitely challenging. It requires vulnerability to put such intimate parts of your life out there. But honestly, I made this music for myself—for the younger me who needed to hear these things. Music has always been a way for me to process emotions, and I think it’s the same for many people.
Art can be incredibly healing. Through my music, I can convey feelings that go beyond words. It’s like a time capsule that captures specific emotions and moments.
As hard as it is to be vulnerable, it’s also incredibly rewarding. I’ve always valued honest conversations and emotional connections, and I think we need more of that in the world.
Honest conversations
I couldn’t agree more. Honest conversations create such deep connections. Your music resonates with many people. How does it feel to know listeners relate so deeply to your work?
It’s humbling and beautiful. At first, I thought my struggles were isolated experiences, but the more I shared, the more I realized how many people could relate.
I’ve received messages from listeners who found catharsis and connection in my music. It’s those moments that make all of this worthwhile for me. Knowing that my songs help others process their own experiences is incredibly meaningful.
Speaking to Maiah Wynne 16 year-year-old self
You mentioned that these songs were written over some time, starting from when you were 16 years old. If you could go back, what would you say to your 16-year-old self?
There’s so much I would want to tell her. I think the most important thing would be to remind her that she’s loved and that none of it was her fault. Those are words she needed to hear.
That’s incredibly powerful. One of the songs that really stands out is “Fearless Girl”. You sing, “I’m not gonna let go of the fearless girl I used to be. I’m not gonna lay down and watch this world take me over.” Those are such strong words. How does it feel to have such a bold message out in the world?
“Fearless Girl” has been an empowering song for me. It’s opened up so many meaningful conversations with people who resonate with its message. At the same time, it’s bittersweet because it shows how many people have had similar struggles.
I’m grateful that the song has been able to connect with others. Some of the messages I’ve received about it have been so moving, and knowing that it’s had an impact makes all of this worth it.
Maiah Wynne collaboration with Envy of None band members
The album also features your bandmates from Envy of None—Alex Lifeson and Alfio Annibalini. How was it working with them in a more solo-focused context, compared to the collaborative dynamic in Envy of None?
It was a different experience. Selfishly, it was fun to have full creative control over this project. That said, working with Alex and Alf was still such a joy because they’re both so incredibly talented.
When I send a track to Alex, he comes back with something amazing every time. There’s not much decision-making involved because his work just elevates the song. The same goes for Alf.
What’s special is how much we enjoy collaborating, whether it’s for Envy of None or our projects. I feel so lucky to have that creative relationship with them.
The first single “Out of the Dark”
That’s wonderful. Let’s talk about the first single and music video, “Out of the Dark”. Why did you choose that song as the debut single, and what was it like creating the video?
“Out of the Dark“ really encapsulates the album for me as Maiah Wynne, both thematically and emotionally. I knew I wanted to release it with a music video, and I’m so proud of how it turned out.
The video itself was a metaphor for my personal growth. Some of the footage was shot years ago, while other parts were filmed recently. I had to figure out a lot of it on my own—like setting up shots in my bathtub and learning video editing. Completing it felt like crossing a finish line, proving to myself that I could do it.
The song and video represent the growth and perseverance behind the entire album. It just made sense for “Out of the Dark“ to be the first single.
Possible dates for Maiah Wynne “Out of the Dark”
Are you planning to tour in support of this release?
Yes, I’m working on it! I don’t have specific dates yet, but I’m hoping to set up some spring or summer shows. I’d also love to do a European tour and some Canadian dates if possible.
Touring has become so expensive, which makes it challenging for independent artists, but I’m optimistic we’ll find a way to make it happen.
Future projects for Maiah Wynne
That’s great to hear. Do you have any other upcoming projects or ideas in the works? What’s next for you?
I’m excited about this next chapter. I’ve been working on improving my music production skills—I recently earned certifications from Roland Cloud and Pro Tools.
“Out of the Dark” was originally 22 tracks, but I decided to split it into two albums because they had different vibes. The second album is almost done and will be released later this year.
I’m also working on new material with Envy of None. We just released a single, Under the Stars, with a music video, and there’s more on the way. A lot is happening, and I’m excited for what’s next!
Maiah, thank you so much for this interview. I hope you enjoyed it as much as last time.
Thank you! I did. I love talking with you.