And in one swift and fatal swoop – Sharon Van Etten painfully reminds us that each new day poses an entirely new threat of self-destruction and defeat. Damn.
But the story ceases to end here.
Wrapped in sorrow and folky tendencies, this song recognises the difficulty of what it is to be truly and holistically yourself. When the lines between irony and authenticity become blurred and hazy, we refrain from expressing our true feelings as a means of self-survival and positive public perception. “Every time the sun comes up” sets this idea on its head – pushing listeners to strip down, embrace their own vulnerabilities and lay completely bare.
Through plainspoken poetry and raspy realism, her vocals remain open and honest, whilst never feeling overtly confident. The melancholy music video deals with the song’s subject matter in a unique and heartfelt way; it depicts a no-name Dracula impersonator, surrounded by hip, young, attractive TV set workers, as he prepares to host his first show. For him – this cheesy horror role that some might find laughable, is his livelihood. Both video and song are therefore a testament to putting yourself out there, even when it seems an impossible task.
The art of self-acceptance is difficult to crack – but Van Etten invites us to join her on a midnight journey of self-reflection and therapeutic authenticity. The outcome will be worthwhile – if we’re only willing to take the risk.
You can learn more about sharon van etten here.
About The Curator - Jeanna Colhoun
Having previously graduated from The University of Liverpool with a BA (Hons) in Music, Jeanna is currently a student working towards her MSc in Marketing. Originally from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland, her time spent in Liverpool – a city known for its rich musical heritage and thriving music scene – has enabled her to flourish among a community of fellow music lovers and network with other young creatives. Presently, Jeanna is exploring the exciting career opportunities within marketing of music and the arts, and hopes to secure a graduate job later this year.
