Army upbringing inspires singer

SINGER songwriter Annabel Allum has channeled her experiences as a military child to release a single which has received national airplay.

Annabel Allum was born in the military hospital in Rinteln, Germany and drew on her upbringing as the daughter of an Army officer father to write Fear Naught, which recently debuted on BBC Radio 1.

The track details the “immense freedom” she felt from a young age growing up on military patches and learning to love her surroundings.

Annabel said: “I never thought it was that different to other children’s lifestyles until recently. You know, we spent most of our time outdoors, in the woods, building things. Tying knots and making short-term friendships.”

Annabel speaks fondly of her pride for her father, an officer in the Royal Tank Regiment, and her close bond with her brother which grew as the pair underwent frequent moves.

She wants Fear Naught to serve as a beacon for others in her situation, a reminder of strength and an encouragement of positivity for “Army kids, military spouses and the troops themselves.”

Annabel’s recent performances include numerous festival appearances, including BBC Music’s The Biggest Weekend, Reading Festival and Boardmasters, and she has just announced her first UK headline tour in October.