With the release of Western White Pines last year, Colby Acuff solidified himself as one of the premier artists in the independent/alt. country scene. While it seems like a tough task to follow up a record as good as Western White Pines, Acuff outdid himself with the release of “Scared of the Dark,” providing moving commentary on mental health throughout the track.
Acuff took to social media on April 24 to announce the song’s release:
In a following Instagram post, Acuff said, “I wrote this song to help people who have been affected by mental health. It’s time we start talking about the things that may be uncomfortable to talk about. Hope y’all enjoy it, but most importantly I hope you find healing and solace in the song.
He also added,“’Scared of the Dark’ represents the plague that is the mental health crisis around the world, but specifically the United States. I’ve lost too many friends to suicide and it’s time that we talk about the issues at hand.”
In some ways, “Scared of the Dark” feels similar to Acuff’s breakthrough 2021 track, “If I Were the Devil.” The Western production instantly sets the tone for this poignant track, giving the song a tangible weight that pairs beautifully with its heavy lyrics.
It’s becoming more apparent that the Idaho native is one of the premiere songwriters in the genre. The way he uses personification throughout “Scared of the Dark” is brilliant, writing from the perspective of an unspecified mental health issue before shifting to a positive, healthier mindset in the final verse.
It’s written in a broad sense that perfectly captures a multitude of different internal struggles that is sure to connect with fans going through their own personal battles.
Acuff is currently on tour throughout the summer, opening for Luke Combs, Whiskey Myers and Charles Wesley Godwin. Upcoming dates include the following:
- May 3 | Sanford, FL – Tuffy’s Music Box
- May 4 | Jacksonville, FL – EverBank Stadium
- May 5 | Greenville, SC – Revel
- May 9 | Tulsa, OK – Vanguard
- May 10 | Lubbock, TX – Blue Light
- May 11 | San Antonio, TX – Alamodome
- May 17 | San Francisco, CA – The Independent
- May 18 | Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium
- May 19 | Folsom, CA – Folsom Saloon
- May 22 | Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
- May 23 | Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre
- May 25 | Bellingham, WA – The Shakedown
- May 26 | Seattle, WA – Tractor Tavern
- May 29 | Felton, CA – Felton Music Hall
- May 30 | San Luis Obispo, CA – SLO Brew Rock
- May 31 | San Diego, CA – House of Blues (Voodoo Room)
- June 1 | Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium
- June 7 | Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose
- June 8 | Salt Lake City, UT – Rice-Eccles Stadium
- June 15 | Los Angeles, CA – SoFi Stadium*
- June 16 | Santa Rosa, CA – Country Summer Music Festival
- June 21 | Salt Lake City, UT – Country Music Cookout
- June 22 | Filer, ID – Hwy 30 FestJuly 27 | Landover, MD – Commanders Field
- June 29 | Pendleton, OR – Jackalope Jamboree
Listen here: