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We're excited to kick off a new series, #2020Vision—asking customers from the worlds of entertainment, food, music, activism, and literature for predictions about the future of their fields, in addition to insight into how they're going to make next year the best one yet.
We spoke with singer/songwriter/actress Sharon Van Etten, whose fifth studio album on several “Best Of The Year” lists.
Squarespace: “Remind Me Tomorrow” came out at the very start of 2019. How fantastic has it been to track fan reactions to the music since then?
Sharon Van Etten: I feel very lucky to have been able to tour the U.S., Canada, U.K., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand this past year. I know this album marks a major sonic shift, but I needed a change for myself and I hoped that my fans would be right there with me.
SQSP: “The OA” is one of the most incredible, memorable, unique shows in recent memory, and you were wonderful in it. How do you feel to have played such an interesting, major character in the series?
SVE: On some level, I related to the character Rachel very much. I grew up in choir, left home to pursue music, and something horrific happened to me that changed my life. Granted, I wasn't abducted by a scientist who conducted experiments on people that have had near death experiences, but it helped me to externalize emotions that I have held inside that aren't easy to communicate with words. I still have a lot to learn about the acting world, but that was an incredible introduction.
SQSP: Can you speak to how pursuing other passions has affected your music?
SVE: My life has grown so much since I took the time to focus on my love and home, rather than tour nonstop. My songs are informed by my personal experience and how I relate to others. Without connection to the outside world, I would have written the same album over and over. Now with a partner, who supports my every endeavor, and a son, who teaches me how unconditional love can be, I have a deeper sense of purpose and priority.
SQSP: After a very busy, fulfilling year, what lies ahead for you?
SVE: I moved to LA at the end of the year and I will be settling in, getting my studio together to make more music, doing some tour dates, then heading back to school. But taking it slow, while doing all those things.
To learn more about what Sharon Van Etten has planned for next year, visit her website. Ready to build a site of your own?
This post was updated on October 23, 2023.