If 1990s grunge had a modern-day goddess, Sarah Shafey would be her. With her latest single, “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark,” the Canadian-Egyptian powerhouse delivers an electrifying blend of raw emotion, feminist rebellion, and hypnotic rock grit. This is the kind of track that reaches your attention unapologetically.
Setting the stage with ominous, chugging guitars and a sultry, mid-tempo beat, the song immediately sets a dark, moody tone that ushers you to reflect and feel. Shafey’s vocals glide between haunting and commanding, pulling you into her world where nighttime in Los Angeles becomes a metaphor for self-discovery. The lyrical motif, "Why are you wasting my time?" hits in a way that's sharp, purposeful, and fairly impossible to ignore.
Lyrically, Sarah Shafey delivers a masterclass in introspection and boundary-setting. Inspired by post-relationship growth, she offers a no-nonsense perspective on self-worth and emotional clarity. It’s a rallying cry for anyone learning to reclaim their power and set non-negotiable boundaries, all while headbanging to a beat that you can't shake off.
It's a mantra and a musical mic drop as it sets the stage for her forthcoming album, "Paper Bag Princess," where Shafey reclaims grunge for the feminist era. Showcasing Shafey’s ability to weave vulnerability and grit into something edgy and deeply relatable, her rhythm guitar work anchors the track, while the layered production, co-crafted with Kyle Ashbourne, keeps the soundscape lush and dynamic.
If this indicates what we're in for, it looks like we can expect an album that revolutionizes. Listen to "Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark” on your favorite streaming platform today.
We're thrilled to have you here chatting about "Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark." Grunge is often seen as a male-dominated genre. What inspired you to use it as a medium for feminist storytelling, and how do you hope to reshape perceptions of the genre with your music? Grunge has always been a part of me. To hear another woman channel her thoughts and feelings through this powerful music is deeply inspiring. It feels natural, honest, and liberating. I hope people see it not as aggressive but as a raw and pure expression of vulnerability. It's a beautiful and empowering thing to write and witness. You use nighttime in Los Angeles as a metaphor for self-discovery. How do you approach transforming physical spaces or moments into symbolic narratives in your songwriting, and why was L.A. the right setting for this track? Spending time between LA and Toronto, I am drawn to the laid-back West Coast vibe. The ocean, the sound of skateboards on pavement, and the quiet hours of the night have a therapeutic effect on me. There's a unique energy in LA, a sense of discovery that resonates with everyone there. I started writing "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark" while in LA, and it felt like the perfect place to capture that spirit. It's also an ode to Toronto in many ways. There are commonalities.
How has your personal evolution influenced your artistic voice, and what message do you hope listeners take away about self-worth and resilience? We've all had our share of struggles, and it's in these challenges that we truly grow. As I get older, I become more comfortable in my own skin. I've learned a better sense of worth through both love and heartbreak. I think this contributes to our collective and unique beauty. I am more open in my music and interviews now. I hope this song encourages women (and all people) to be kind to themselves, to let go of self-judgment, and to persevere through life's trials. Remember, ‘through the forging of fire comes gold.' Also, if anyone makes you feel less than me, it's a "no thanks, dude." What’s your creative process like when building layers of emotion through instrumentation, and how do you balance grit with vulnerability? I'm a bit of a sonic hoarder, layering instruments and vocals like a mad scientist. I love pushing things to the extreme with reverb and delay, but thankfully, my coproducer (Kyle Ashbourne) for my new album "Paper Bag Princess" kept me grounded and prevented me from going full harmony butcher. As for balancing grit and vulnerability, I'm still figuring that one out in life. Some days I am more grit and dirt, some days I am more vulnerable, sweet, candy and I just hope to God that the ratio is good enough to pass for reasonable. With your upcoming album release, you’re reclaiming the idea of a woman’s agency in a traditionally male-dominated narrative. How do you see your music as a tool for challenging outdated norms, and what conversations do you hope this album will spark? My music is a journey through rock, electronic, and pop. While my albums might seem diverse in genre, they're all connected by a common thread. This new album leans more towards rock, which feels exciting and authentic to me. I don't consciously try to challenge outdated norms, but I do embrace individuality and unconventional approaches. I hope this music offers solace, escape, or simply a moment of peace. It does for me. In terms of conversations that I hope it will spark, I think I am seeing that happen naturally which is lovely. I am being asked a lot in interviews about female empowerment and how it relates to my music. So, I guess I am doing something right. Right on!