After recently collaborating with Angel Olsen on the releases 'Like I Used To' and their The Velvet Underground and Nico cover of 'Femme Fatale' last year, Sharon Van Etten is back once again to unveil a brand new single.
The new track 'Porta' marks her first piece of original material since her 2019 studio album 'Remind Me Tomorrow', and sees her continue her warm and effervescent direction throughout.
Speaking about the new offering, she said '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.”
She eventually reached out to her friend Stella Cook, who runs Base Pilates in North Carolina, adding, “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.”
Have a listen to 'Porta' in the player below.