Tommy Shaw, the iconic guitarist and vocalist of Styx, has officially announced that the band is “working on a new album.” This exciting news comes from a recent discussion with UCR’s Matt Wardlaw, where Shaw elaborated on how the band has managed to integrate songwriting into their hectic touring schedule. He mentioned that the creative process has evolved, allowing them to write songs progressively rather than all at once, which has contributed to their continued musical growth. Shaw said, “I guess we just stumbled upon a way of doing it. Just writing, you don’t have to write the whole thing at one time.”

Shaw shared that he and Will Evankovich, Styx’s producer, have collaborated on songwriting for over a decade. “When we find a song that resonates with us, Will, being more organized than I am, makes sure to save it on a hard drive,” he explained. Over the years, they’ve accumulated a significant collection of song ideas, which they are now revisiting. With a fresh wave of inspiration, these elements have come together to form the basis of a new album.

As Styx continues to develop their forthcoming album, Shaw expressed enthusiasm about their recent creative surge. “Suddenly we got hot writing new stuff. And then we went back and looked at some other things and said these things all go together,” he elaborated. This synergy has sparked a renewed excitement within the band as they work diligently to finalize the album, infusing it with their signature rock sound.

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In looking back at their discography, it’s noteworthy that Styx’s last album, Crash of the Crown, was released in 2021. Shaw has high hopes for the upcoming LP, describing it as “a great rock album” that showcases their evolution as musicians. One of the standout tracks he mentioned is tentatively titled “Blue-Eyed Raven,” which he characterizes as a folky piece reminiscent of their classic track “Boat on the River.” Additionally, Shaw emphasized that many of the new songs draw inspiration from “real-life experiences,” adding depth and relatability to their music.

Shaw reflected on the songwriting process, stating, “You’re writing about your experiences in your life and things that you love and enjoy, or things that were hard to go through.” This approach enables the band to weave personal narratives into their music, effectively creating a tapestry of stories within their songs. “So you’re just really writing a book in little sections like that. And we’ve got a pretty good one going here,” he added, highlighting the richness of their creative output.

Interestingly, Shaw revealed that Styx’s prolific songwriting has led to an unexpected challenge: they now have an abundance of material. “We have too many songs and we’re writing more,” he declared, expressing the joy that comes with sustained creativity. This scenario is certainly a positive dilemma for the band, showcasing their unwavering passion for crafting music that resonates with their fans.

Looking ahead, Styx has exciting plans to tour alongside Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon in the summer of 2025, with former Eagles guitarist Don Felder joining as a special guest. This tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for fans as they showcase their new music and celebrate their enduring legacy in the rock genre.