Exclusive video premiere of ‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ by Sarah Shafey, taken from the latest album, ‘The Paper Bag Princess’.

Inspired by the feminist twist in Robert Munsch’s beloved children’s book The Paper Bag Princess, Shafey flips the script on the classic princess-in-distress trope, channeling a powerful message of self-reliance and inner strength.

On ‘The Paper Bag Princess,’ her fifth album, Shafey blends feminist insight and personal revelations with a grungy 1990s sound, embracing the grit of a genre historically dominated by men. She shares, “I can’t stand the idea that women have to conform to certain standards to be considered ‘attractive’ or ‘feminine.’ This album is my rebellion against those ingrained, toxic messages we’ve been fed for so long.” And grunge is the perfect vehicle for Shafey’s catharsis—a loud, guitar-driven outlet that’s raw, rebellious, and unapologetically intense.

‘Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark’ takes us on a journey through Los Angeles’ thrilling, nighttime landscapes as a metaphor for self-discovery and growth. Its hypnotic mid-tempo and menacing guitars lay the groundwork for Shafey’s sultry vocals and haunting lyrics. She says, “The song is about setting boundaries and knowing when to walk away. We learn what we’ll tolerate as we grow, and if someone doesn’t respect my boundaries, it’s a hard pass.” In the song’s dreamy bridge, Shafey’s vocals swell with vulnerability before building back into a forceful, hypnotic outro.

Shafey’s own hands shape ‘The Paper Bag Princess,’ not only in vocals and synths but in shredding rhythm guitar. Co-produced with Kyle Ashbourne and recorded at The Sugar Shack Recording Studios, the album pulses with energy and an intimate collaborative spirit. Joining her are co-producer Kyle Ashbourne on drums, Dave Usselman on lead guitar, and bassist Anthony Borek. The tracks were mastered by Kristian Montano, giving them a gritty yet polished edge.

Known for her versatility, Shafey has continually evolved her sound across a wide spectrum of genres. Her journey from folk-pop to grunge reflects both an artistry and a commitment to pushing boundaries, a duality that permeates her songwriting on The Paper Bag Princess. This album, with its fierce feminist ethos, brings out Shafey’s boldest, most passionate voice yet.

So turn up the volume and dive into The Paper Bag Princess with the powerful premiere of “Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark.” Let Sarah Shafey show you what it’s like when the princess rescues herself.

Known for her versatility, Shafey has continually evolved her sound across a wide spectrum of genres. Her journey from folk-pop to grunge reflects both an artistry and a commitment to experiment. This album, with its fierce feminist ethos, brings out Shafey’s boldest, most passionate voice yet.

Headline photo: Natalie Nguyen

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