Wednesday 2 June 2021

WATCH: Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen - 'Like I Used To'

This has been out a couple of weeks so you'll hopefully have had the pleasure already, but if not... let me boost your serotonin with this absolutely gorgeous duet from Sharon Van Etten and Angel Olsen. To my slight shame, I've not listened to much solo music from either of these undoubtedly brilliant musicians, but I loved Sharon's collaboration on the Deep Sea Diver record last year, so news of this track had my interested piqued. Hearing that John Congleton had produced and that Griff from Dawes is playing percussion on the track only tempted me more. 

I am so glad I took the plunge... this is a masterpiece. A coming together of two incredible voices, creating art that is nothing short of magical. If you want to feel all of the feelings (but mostly to feel completely enthused and empowered) then get this onto your stereo, pronto.

The track can speak for itself so I'll try not to ramble (to save you time for a repeat listen) but what I do particularly love about this, is from reading the press quotes etc from both artists surrounding the track. It's a perfect example of two women in the industry working together to create something which is artistically stunning, instead of competing or trying to pull each other down, which is so often the case. It's refreshing. The pair talk of admiring one another's art from both near and far, crossing paths on the road, at festivals and the like, and wishing to work together one day. 

Sharon: "Even though we weren't super close, I always felt supported by Angel and considered her a peer in this weird world of touring. We highway high-fived many times along the way... I finally got the courage in June 2020 to reach out to see if she would want to sing together. I got greedy and quickly sent her a track I had been working on."

Angel: "I've met with Sharon here and there throughout the years and have always felt too shy to ask her what she's been up to or working on. The song reminded me immediately of getting back to where I started, before music was expected of me, or much was expected of me, a time that remains pure and real in my heart."  

Here's hoping for more collaborations from these two in the future...

Follow Sharon van Etten - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

Follow Angel Olsen - Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

No comments:

Post a Comment