It is rare when I am visiting London that I cannot find some live music to catch rather than tolerate the gathering of colleagues over some overpriced meal. My last work visit prompted the usual scan of the listings, and it was not looking great until the week before when I caught that Maiah Wynne was doing an album launch of her second album, Into The Waves.
Maiah Wynne
Piano Smithfield, London – 14 October 2026
Words And Photography: Paul Hutchings
Maiah is a multi-instrumentalist who came to my attention when she emerged from the pandemic alongside a certain Alex Lifeson, Andy Curran and Alfie Anabalini. Together they were Envy Of None and released two albums and an EP before Mr Lifeson returned to his day job with Rush.
I had seen Maiah earlier in the year as support to Moving Pictures at the Half Moon in Putney, and she is quite the talent. Elfin like in appearance, she straddles genres although her main base is clearly folk rock and indie rock. Her music is introspective, commenting on world issues and personal events, and is well worth a listen, especially should you fancy something a little less guitar-driven.
Piano is a cocktail bar, but the setting is perfect for the evening. Unsurprisingly, the audience is predominantly male, of a certain age, and a fair few sport Rush shirts. It is undeniable that the Lifeson connection has opened a new audience for Maiah, now based in London and studying music production at Abbey Road.
The set is live-streamed on her Facebook page, so should you be curious, you may well find it there or on YouTube. She is joined by some fellow students on horn, violin and piano, whilst Maiah plays harp guitar, banjo and cigar box.
She is endearing, with a lovable chuckle that masks any nerves. She is great at interacting with the audience, encouraging whoops and boos, especially on the song Monster, “a song about an evil Ex.”
What is impressive is her musical ability. She starts with piano before moving to the stringed instruments. She jokes about losing pieces of equipment and then demonstrates this by losing her capo several times during the set.
Songs from the new album are beautifully delivered, and she tells how Lifeson sent her guitar parts for two songs (Another Step and Don’t Wait) whilst between shows on the R50 tour. She also laughs as she says he continues to send her refined versions, not having the heart to tell him the album is now released.
There are a couple of covers in the set. A mash-up of Maneater and I Was Made for Lovin’ You should not work but does, whilst her stunning version of Creep thrills the assembled audience. This was the track that got Curran’s attention several years ago.
After thanking everyone involved, it is time for the final song, and it is the politically charged Girl Driver that draws the final deserved applause.
Maiah is a true talent, and whilst she is in London, she will no doubt play some more shows. She will also be part of RUSHfest Scotland 2027 in March, spread across the Canadians double date in Glasgow. For a final sign-off, this was as good as it gets.
