Singer-songwriter Ali Robbins has released his debut single, The Darkest Sunrise, a deeply personal song inspired by friendship, grief and remembrance.
Recorded with producer Dan Short at Melonwave Audio, The Darkest Sunrise combines acoustic songwriting with imagery drawn from the countryside around Leighton Buzzard, reflecting Robbins’ journey through loss and healing.
The Darkest Sunrise was written as a tribute to a close friend
Robbins announced the single ahead of its release, explaining that the song was born from the grief he experienced following the loss of a close friend.
“The Darkest Sunrise was written for and is dedicated to my wonderful and inspirational friend Nicki as I struggled to process my grief after she passed away at the end of 2024.”
Speaking to Buzz Town Radio, Robbins described writing the song as an important part of processing his emotions after her death.
“It was cathartic in kind of processing my grief and directing it somewhere. The song just flowed. It just came naturally, very, very naturally, and it was definitely very much inspired by her.”
He also paid tribute to her impact on his life.
“She was a very inspirational person. She was always there for me when I needed her. She was an incredible person both as a colleague and friend.”
Local English landscapes inspired the song’s lyrics
The lyrics were further shaped by Robbins’ regular train journeys through the countryside between Leighton Buzzard and the Chiltern Hills in the UK.
During his interview with Buzz Town Radio, he explained how the landscape became closely connected to his memories.
“The main theme of the song is carrying somebody with you after they pass away. The train journey through the countryside between Leighton Buzzard is breathtaking. Travelling through there in winter when the sun was coming up… it literally was the darkest sunrise that I’d ever seen and felt like that too because I was processing my grief.”
The song’s recurring lyric, “I’ll carry you, always…” reinforces its central message of remembrance and carrying the influence of loved ones forward.
Music video showcases local creative talent
The accompanying music video was filmed by Lobke Van Eijk overlooking Southcott Village at dawn.
The video also features artwork created by local artist Carmen Carreira, whose paintings form the visual centrepiece of the production.
Reflecting on bringing the project together, Robbins said:
“This has come from just me writing a song to being something which is a project that has evolved from there and involved people who have taken their time and created something really, really special. I’m really, really proud of how it’s come out. It was really quite an incredible experience.”
The single is available now on major streaming platforms.
