Alicia Witt’s latest EP, Witness, is a deeply personal project inspired by the people who supported her through her most challenging times. The singer-songwriter reflects on how she wanted to create a collection that would honor those experiences and her “inner circle” friends who stood by her. “I knew that I wanted to create a collection with the name Witness,” Witt explained. “It describes so vividly to my own heart what I was experiencing at the toughest time I’ve gone through, and the very tiny group of inner circle friends who were right by my side through the thick of it… who are my witnesses.” For Witt, these friends were essential in helping her process everything that happened, giving her a perspective that she carries forward.
#1. Inspiration Behind “Clever Mind”: A Unique Take on Infidelity
Witt’s song “Clever Mind,” co-written with Tia Sellers and Mark Selby, approaches infidelity from a unique and empathetic perspective. The inspiration came from her personal experience of discovering a past partner’s infidelity. Reflecting on the emotions behind the song, she shared, “I found myself thinking about how lonely her situation must have been. If anything, she must have been in even more pain than I was when I discovered the infidelity.” Witt noted that while the song originated from a specific event, it ultimately evolved to touch on broader themes of unrequited love and emotional vulnerability.
#2. Exploring Mental Health in “Always Tuesday”
In “Always Tuesday,” Witt opens up about her experiences with mental health, sharing an intense and personal moment. She describes the song’s origin as “an experience I had on a Tuesday in early March,” recounting how she felt a wave of heaviness after returning home. “It doesn’t happen very often,” Witt noted. “I’m not a depressive sort of person, but I have experienced that through other people that were close to me.” After a therapy session, lyrics for the song began to flow, reflecting her insights on mental health and personal healing.
#3. Embracing Sobriety: Witt on Giving Up Drinking
Witt quit drinking on November 4, 2021, a decision spurred by a life-altering cancer diagnosis. Recalling that day, she said, “I was on my way out the door to my dear friend Cindy Owen’s birthday party… I got the call as I was leaving that, to my doctor’s shock, the biopsy… showed that I had breast cancer.” From that moment, she began re-evaluating her lifestyle, including her relationship with alcohol. “I learned just how much of a risk drinking was,” Witt explained, realizing that returning to her old habits was not an option if she wanted to prioritize her health.
#4. Dating After Sobriety: Reflections in “One Last Drink”
In the track “One Last Drink,” Witt explores what dating has been like since she embraced sobriety, a transition that initially seemed daunting. “I did not think I would have as much fun, and I honestly love being a non-drinker,” she reflected. In the song, Witt describes the excitement of building new relationships without relying on alcohol. “It’s really a sexy song about hooking up with somebody for the first time with no alcohol,” she added, noting that this approach brings a level of mindfulness and honesty to her dating life.
#5. Life After Cancer: Witt Reflects on Her Health and Gratitude
Since receiving her cancer-free diagnosis in April, Witt has expressed immense gratitude for her improved health. “I dare say I feel so much healthier than I did before,” she shared, crediting the lifestyle changes she made as part of her recovery. Witt is thankful for the medical protocols that ensure regular checkups, as well as the new dietary habits she’s adopted. “I feel so much better. I feel so much healthier than I did that year,” she reflected, viewing her journey as a source of resilience and a renewed sense of purpose.
#6. Support Network and Self-Care During Treatment
Reflecting on her cancer treatments, Witt acknowledges the vital role her friends, faith, and self-care played in helping her through the ordeal. “I genuinely can’t imagine how different the experience would’ve been without a handful of incredibly close friends,” she shared, emphasizing the support she received every step of the way. Yoga, organic juicing, and therapy became central to her healing process. Witt’s deepening connection with her faith also offered her comfort, describing it as “a close connection to God… a faith [that] has deepened exponentially.” Through these practices and her strong support system, Witt found the strength to navigate a challenging chapter in her life.
