I’m Not Afraid is the latest single from Portland-based, bi-coastal band Fruition. Mimi Naja’s guitars soar, bright and jangling over the rhythms and layers provided by Tyler Thompson’s drums, Jeff Leonard’s bass and Shawn Alpay’s warm cello. Jay Cobb Anderson’s vocals fly high, blending well and harmonising with Kellen Asebroek, who also supplies vibrant keys.
Directed, filmed, and edited by Ryan Hart, the Super 8 video has the feel of reminiscing, reinforcing the song’s words about memories, forgetting regrets, and moving on in a relationship that feels so different from what has gone before.
This is an emotive song that explores the power and transformative impact of unconditional love. In particular, I’m Not Afraid addresses fear at an early stage in a relationship and that moment when this falls away. Jay Cobb explains: “You should be, but for some reason you’re not. I guess this time it’s different. Her eyes glow in otherworldly light. Each breath she takes is a gift. You’re not scared to hurt her because, at the very core of your soul, you know that you were put here to protect her. It’s coded in your DNA, coursing through your veins. It’s written in the stars. Every life you’ve lived and died has brought you here. If this ship goes down, you’ll gladly sink with it. So, what’s there to be frightened of?”
I’m Not Afraid is the third single taken from Something More, the band’s forthcoming eighth album that will be released on 28th August 2026 via Bloodshot Records. Produced by GRAMMY-winning Tucker Martine, the album was recorded over seven days at his Flora Recording and Playback in Portland. Mimi Naja says of the process: “We walked in there like kids in a candy shop. We were drawn to all of Tucker’s weird gear. We couldn’t have made an album like this — an album about growth, evolution, and maturity — without that enthusiasm, that space, and that guy.” Inspired by Martine’s collection of instruments and inventive approach, the band add: “We pushed each other, we supported each other, and we came together to make something intentional, something brave and vulnerable, and something timeless.” Indeed, this is a timeless song with the upbeat feel and open-hearted love of music for your summer soundtrack.
