“Epic” Show Comes to Soda Bar

Sharon Van Etten isn't your typical singer/songwriter: Her music may have an acoustic backbone, but Van Etten has all the spine.

Known for her sweet-but-smoky voice and guarded-but-introspective lyrics, Van Etten's songwriting is like Mark Lanegan-meets-Emmylou Harris, with a nice dose of experimentation thrown in for good measure. The Brooklyn, N.Y., songstress released her sophomore album, Epic, in 2010, and it's breathtaking -- the kind of music that makes you glad people are still out there doing what they love. Van Etten loves making records so much, in fact, that she just finished recording a follow-up to Epic with The National's Aaron Dessner. For some samples of her music, check out "Don't Do It" and "Love More" (MP3s).

While the new album's release date remains TBA, Van Etten will make an appearance -- and hopefully play a few of these new songs -- at the Soda Bar on March 24. In anticipation of the show, Ms. Van Etten sent us a list of her influences; check it out:

She Keeps Bees: One of my favorite Brooklyn bands. Jess has a tough raspy bluesy voice that conjures strength in me.

Fleetwood Mac: I love them so much. I listen to their badass lyrics and amazing harmonies for ideas of my own.

Jean-Luc Godard: The visuals I get from watching his movies are a guideline for learning how to describe intimate moments.

My Subaru: My good ol' reliable Ruby helps me get around safely.

My boots: I have an obsession with boots. It's on the verge of unhealthy. I love the lace-up boots that reach my ankle. I feel like I walk more confidently in them and I walk with better posture.

T. Loper is a writer and photographer for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.

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