In terms of solo songs, we haven’t heard from Sharon Van Etten since 2020 (although she and Angel Olsen linked up on the fantastic “Like I Used To” last year). Now, though, Van Etten has returned with a new single, “Porta.” In the clip for the energetic tune, Van Etten and Stella Cook, of Base Pilates in North Carolina, get their pilates on.
Van Etten says of the song and her relationship with Cook:
“[‘Porta’ was written in 2020] at one of my lowest lows. For most of my adult life I have struggled with bouts of depression and anxiety and coping mechanisms, and I sometimes let those dark moments get the best of me. During this time I felt very dissociated. Not connected to my body and I felt out of control. […]
I was seeking a friend, someone to talk to who understands what finding the core means but also knows what my weaknesses are and can help me work around them and find my other strengths. I knew I was entering a no judgment zone and I needed to be held accountable for my actions and Stella helped me step up. We would meet once a week on Zoom, have a catch up on life over a quick coffee and then get to work. Then, a day or two later she would send another video my way so I had something to work towards the end of the week. She was encouraging, but not pushy. If life got in the way, I didn’t feel like I let her down — but I loved our sessions. I looked forward to them. I started feeling closer to her, and closer to myself, and it helped things seem hopeful. And I just wanted to share that with the world. Instead of the darkness. Instead of my fears. My message is to work through them. Even when it’s hard. Even when it hurts. Reach out. Reach out to that friend who helps you reach out towards yourself.”
Watch the “Porta” video above. Van Etten also announced a run of European tour dates (ahead of her joint tour with Angel Olsen and Julien Baker), so check that out below.
05/31 — Lisbon, PT @ Aula Magna
06/05 — München, DE @ Muffathalle
06/06 — Antwerp, BE @ Openluchttheater Rivierenhof
06/07 — Hamburg, DE @ Markthalle
06/13 — Berlin, DE @ Metropol
06/14 — Utrecht, NE @ TivoliVredenberg Grote Zaal
06/15 — Paris, FR @ La Cigale
06/17 — London, UK @ O2 Brixton Academy
06/18 — Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute
06/19 — Leeds, UK @ 02 Academy Leeds
06/21 — Glasgow, UK @ Barrowlands
06/22 — Dublin, IE @ Vicar Street
