DEFEND YOURSELF!: SHARON VAN ETTEN

There’s no doubt in my mind that Sharon Van Etten—blowing through tour dates alongside Shearwater like nobody’s business—is a super-talented songstress who promises a just as equally amazing live show. But in no way was I prepared for the crazy direction our interview turned … 

Tramp is one hell of an album title—it can be degrading or empowering depending how you flip it.
Exactly. For men, it’s charming and for women, it tends to be derogatory. I just really wanted to own that word. This is the most confident, direct, and personal I’ve been without it being a gender-sensitive record.

How hard has it been—as a woman—to not be pigeonholed as an artist?

People can be very ignorant.

There’s a lot of criticism out there that seems to be gender-centered, like being too feminine. There’s also been some type of sexual commentary, comments that men don’t seem to get.

How is Tramp different from your debut?
Well, my kind of music is a real slow burn (laughs). It’s very melody-centric. The first record is super slow, stark, depressing. And I’m very proud of it, but I’m just not in that space anymore.

And your live show reflects this, I’m sure?
It’s really fun and kind of all over the place. There’s this loud dynamic with people rotating instruments, which is something I’ve never done before. It’s just really interactive.

That about covers it for this interview. You should say something, like, real crazy.

What?

I’m not going to get anything crazy from you, am I?
Oh, just make up anything you want about me.

SHARON VAN ETTEN
WITH SHEARWATER

THU 2.23.12
PARADISE ROCK CLUB
967 COMM AVE.
BOSTON
617.562.8800
8PM/18+/$15
@SHARONVONETTEN
SHARONVANETTEN.COM