Sharon Van Etten has released a song in tribute to the 49 people killed and many others who were injured during last June's horrific shooting at Orlando's Pulse club. A thoughtful reflection on freedom and the self, the piano-driven piece is called "Not Myself."
The song is currently up on Bandcamp and finds Van Etten softly singing along to a spare piano arrangement, with a few layers of humming appearing in the background later on. "I want you to be yourself around me, please," she sings heartbreakingly on the number.
Proceeds from the sale of the single will go to the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. You can check out the song, as well as a statement from Van Etten, down below.
I was home with my parents in New Jersey when I heard of the shooting at the nightclub in Florida. Hate, violence, and intolerance has always upset me, but I haven't been this overwhelmed with sadness and disbelief in a long time. The victims were only trying to be themselves and be comfortable and safe in their surroundings. That safety was violated out of fear and with a gun.
I originally wanted to raise money for the victims and their families, but I knew the issue was bigger than this. I wrote "Not Myself" for the victims of this horrific event, but I chose to support the research and awareness work of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund: a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities.
In the memory of those trying to be safe and be themselves, I hope we can all come together to help prevent another massacre like this and end gun violence.
In related news, it was revealed yesterday (August 22) that Van Etten has scored indie drama Strange Weather, which will premiere at next month's Toronto International Film Festival.
The song is currently up on Bandcamp and finds Van Etten softly singing along to a spare piano arrangement, with a few layers of humming appearing in the background later on. "I want you to be yourself around me, please," she sings heartbreakingly on the number.
Proceeds from the sale of the single will go to the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. You can check out the song, as well as a statement from Van Etten, down below.
I was home with my parents in New Jersey when I heard of the shooting at the nightclub in Florida. Hate, violence, and intolerance has always upset me, but I haven't been this overwhelmed with sadness and disbelief in a long time. The victims were only trying to be themselves and be comfortable and safe in their surroundings. That safety was violated out of fear and with a gun.
I originally wanted to raise money for the victims and their families, but I knew the issue was bigger than this. I wrote "Not Myself" for the victims of this horrific event, but I chose to support the research and awareness work of Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund: a movement of Americans working together to end gun violence and build safer communities.
In the memory of those trying to be safe and be themselves, I hope we can all come together to help prevent another massacre like this and end gun violence.
In related news, it was revealed yesterday (August 22) that Van Etten has scored indie drama Strange Weather, which will premiere at next month's Toronto International Film Festival.