An indie folk songstress inspired by the likes of John Cale and Neil Young, Sharon Van Etten made a big breakthrough in 2012 when her third album Tramp (2012) received huge critical acclaim. Raised in New Jersey, Van Etten dropped out of university in Tennessee and spent years in an abusive relationship with a boyfriend who belittled her songwriting and pawned her instruments. At rock bottom, she was encouraged by TV on the Radio's Kyp Malone and became part of Brooklyn's vibrant music scene, releasing debut Because I Was In Love (2009) through independent label Language of Stone. Follow-up Epic (2010) sharpened her autobiographical, confessional songwriting and produced the track Love More (covered by Bon Iver, The National and Dave Alvin) but with Tramp, she found her true voice and developed a confidence that made it one of the records of 2012 and Number 1 on Barfly magazine's end of year poll.
Artist biography compiled by BDS/West 10. All rights reserved
