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Jesse Witney

Photo by Hayden Seyes

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JESSE WITNEY
brings hope and light into
his new single + video
‘THE DARKNESS’

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Jesse Witney.

The Darkness is the first single from Jesse Witney’s hotly anticipated debut album, Animal Cities, due for release in November 2022.

Witney wrote The Darkness sitting on the porch of his childhood home in rural Queensland, trying to make sense of the grief he felt about a friend he has lost to suicide. The Darkness is a metaphor for the loss of a child’s innocence, and the complications and fears that grow as we get older. For some, the pressure of life can be unendurable, they struggle to stay afloat, and sometimes the dark waters engulf them. Witney’s pain and passion for those drowning are palpable, he knows the feeling, but he offers a gentle hand, “To wait it out till the dawn”.

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“The Darkness is a reality that many of us face on a daily basis. Life deals immeasurable blows, let downs, financial burdens, disappointments, unrealized dreams…all of which can lead one into deep depression, and some of us over the edge. This song is my message of hope, that with the right support, and attention to mindset, we can find our way out of the darkness.” Jesse Witney


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Jesse Witney.

Musically, The Darkness calls to mind Jeff Buckley and Ben Howard, yet Witney is just nodding in their direction as he sets off, cutting his own path –  a roots-twang intro, a chilling-atmospheric verse, morphing into a big-rock chorus that has Witney pushing through, ahead of the dark wave, with driving world-rhythms. 


“beautifully soulful music…irresistibly catchy”  THE BEAT


The Darkness was produced by Thomas Mitchell and Jesse Witney at Bighouse Sound Studio in Melbourne, mixed by Scott French. Recordings were done to tape, with overdubs later done digitally. 

The powerful video was produced by Well Then Films and directed by Adele Brodskaja.

The forthcoming album is tinged with the sounds of Brazil. In fact part of the album was recorded in Rio De Janeiro’s  ‘Santa Teresa’ sector – at Estúdio Carolina. Santa Teresa is a hilltop arts’ district which looks down the way onto the shimmering beaches of Rio.  Jesse recorded with a plethora of Brazilian musicians  including Producer/arranger – Marcelo Müller.

The Darkness announces the arrival of a major talent, the forthcoming  debut will make waves.

‘THE DARKNESS’ will be released across all digital platforms 23rd September 

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Jesse Witney.

THE DARKNESS
Single Launch:

Thursday 29th Sept
Smoke N Mirrors
Byron Bay, NSW

Tickets and Info

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Follow JESSE WITNEY
Website – Facebook – Instagram
Bandcamp – YouTube

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Jesse Witney.

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