For her first release in two years, Tamworth songbird Sally-Anne Whitten has drawn inspiration from the lighthouse people in her life. Following a dark year where the artist dealt with her mum’s illness, not being able to visit her due to Covid restrictions, loss of all live performances and personal contact with family and friends; 2020 then took her precious mum too.

Despite all the heartbreak, Sally-Anne insists, “I was adamant this had to be a bright, light song. A tribute to all those warrior friends who just keep on keeping on. Legends. I had this idea running around for ages about a song with respect to these people in my life. Those who were unfailingly always there for me when I needed them. And those people are friends and family who had already been or were going through the most incredible hardships in their own lives, but bravely kept their heads up and charged on. They’re so inspiring, they’re not afraid of the dark but also not afraid to help others through the dark.”

Like most, Sally-Anne could at least connect online with not only family and family but also fellow local musician James Craswell (Jimmy Craz Band). Sally-Anne’s co-writer took her half-written song via a rough recording on a smartphone and got the vibe straight away. A gifted singer-songwriter in his own right, James also sang backing vocals on the track. To complete the song, guitarist and producer Alwyn Aurisch put away his trademark slide guitar and added some magic by channelling Mark Knopfler to keep the song on the bright side.

‘Not Afraid Of The Dark’ will be released on Friday April 30th with a launch party that evening at The Press 2340 – Tamworth