A couple of months back, we featured singer-songwriter Anna Smyrk‘s “Home“, an exquisite, folk inspired piece from the Central Victorian. Now, Anna is back with latest single “Alight“, and we’re stoked to be able to offer you all an exclusive listen, ahead of the official release tomorrow!
Despite its rousing nature, the origins of “Alight” aren’t so uplifting. Of the track’s inspiration, Anna says:
“There was so much going on in world politics making me miserable, and in the Solomon Islands [where Anna lived for over two years] I was seeing first-hand what it looks like as the world starts to go underwater.”
But Anna found hope in the form of literature, devouring US activist Rebecca Solnit‘s Hope In The Dark.
“I wanted to write a song that conveyed the feeling this book gave me,” Anna says. “It talks about how hope can be an axe we can use to break down doors. Hopeful actions can seem meaningless against all the darkness and uncertainty, but the book shows how, historically, those small acts have added up to huge changes.”
“Alight” is Anna’s own Hope In The Dark, a call to arms wrapped in her trademark contemporary folk sound. Recorded during a two week trip back home to Victoria, with backing vocals from Anna’s sister, and a band made up of old friends, “Alight” blends a wholesome, melodic feel with lyrics that cry out for solidarity and change.
The track marks the third release from Anna’s upcoming sophomore EP, Swim, and, after giving “Alight” a spin, we couldn’t be more excited for its release on November 1st! Wrap your ears around it below – we’re sure you’ll agree!
You can catch Anna Smyrk on the following dates:
25/10 – 27/10: Tablelands Folk Festival, Yungaburra, QLD
16/11: The Lost Ones, Ballarat, VIC
22/11: Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon, VIC
27/11: Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
16/01 – 19/01: Illawarra Folk Festival, Illawarra, QLD
26/01 – 27/01: Newstead Live Music Festival, Newstead, VIC
06/02: Terang Live, Terang, VIC
07/02: Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide, SA
08/02: Stone Pony, Adelaide, SA
In the meantime, you can stay up to date with all things Anna via her website, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!
