Sharon Van Etten | Broken Record

Stage Presence

Sharon Van Etten shares her journey of evolving as a performer and engaging with her audience on stage. She reflects on the challenge of letting go of her instruments during live performances, realizing that focusing solely on singing enhances her stage presence 1. Sharon humorously notes her tendency to point at the audience, a habit she attributes to her Jersey roots, and the importance of finding her unique style without imitating others 1.

I'm still figuring out that part of it. But it's fun to, like, walk around stage and mess with my bandmates and interact with them in other ways.

--- Sharon Van Etten

She also discusses the transition from pandemic life to performing in leather pants and heels, embracing an alter ego to reconnect with her rock star persona 2.

   

Vocal Techniques

Sharon Van Etten delves into the evolution of her vocal techniques, highlighting the influence of her vocal training. She credits Joy Askew, a seasoned rock singer, for teaching her exercises that relax the throat and jaw, allowing her to project her voice more powerfully 3. Sharon describes the visualization techniques she uses, imagining her body as a straw to facilitate airflow, which has transformed her singing style.

Honestly, I was harnessing my inner choir girl. And, you know, it comes up through my boots, but it probably sits in my, you know, in my abs and my chest somewhere.

--- Sharon Van Etten

She acknowledges the demanding nature of her songs, both in range and intensity, and the importance of maintaining vocal exercises to keep her voice in shape 3.