Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory Experience

One of the things I love about Germany is the incredible talent that comes here to perform and the easy access to the countries around, which also bring groups and bands I adore. Over the past three years, I have seen some of my favorite artists like Róisín Murphy, Lady Gaga, and Kevin Morby—artists I never anticipated seeing again or at all. The upcoming concerts of The Black Keys in Luxembourg and the mind-boggling idea that Empire of the Sun, Massive Attack, and Guano Apes have concerts near me is just inspiring.

I became a concert junkie pretty quickly, and it can be pricey—especially when you turn it into a gay weekend with hotels, saunas, clubs, museums, and life in general—but it’s the sweetest fun you can experience around here. When I heard that Sharon Van Etten was coming to Antwerp, Belgium, and I had been wanting to visit the country for some time, we stormed ourselves and planned the hell out of a weekend to experience this concert, and it was sublime.

I had my concerns about the artist. First, because she is from America, and the last guy (Kevin Morby) I saw in concert from there decided he wouldn’t perform his biggest hit—the one song that made me interested in him, the song that served as a great soundtrack during my biggest adventures. But he can suck it. Second, I may or may not have heard one Tiny Desk concert where I thought she didn’t sound her best. And third, her songs and voice are challenging—her sound is nothing like anything else. So I went in with small expectations because of that sucker Kevin Morby. I didn’t want one thing to turn the whole experience into a rant about artists who disrespect their fandom. Fucking Kevin Morby.

You may have picked up on some beef between me and that artist at this point—some unfinished business. Well, sometimes it happens. But Sharon Van Etten and The Attachment Theory delivered like no other. Her voice was impeccable, her band absolutely professional, and after hearing the lady who was chosen to sing before the band—the one meant to uplift the energy but kind of failed—Sharon Van Etten just came in with all of her originality and extravaganza, delivering one of the best concerts I have ever attended. She didn’t miss the one hit that rules them all, and I felt like I was seventeen, even though I was in my twenties when I discovered the fucking song and with it the artist, and in my thirties when I heard it live.

I really want to congratulate myself for being so open to different cultures, music, and genres—you have no idea. Right now, I’m deep into Korean shamanic folk fused with new elements and artists like Lee Heemoon and the band he participated in, SsingSsing. Today I woke up with Mashrou’ Leila and Fairuz. My playlist is wild. The people I know are wild.

And during my visit to Antwerp, I was texting with a guy who turned out to be from Germany, near me, who also went to Sharon Van Etten’s concert and adores her. Now we’re chatting back and forth, ready to meet and most probably become friends. I just love how we find each other through the music we share. I always say there are three keys to every culture: one, of course, is the language—the biggest one; the second is the art—music, movies, etc.; and the third key is the food. When it’s delicious, it’s delicious. Any of these keys can open doors to whole new worlds.

Since I heard the first couple of songs from Sharon Van Etten’s new album, I realized that she had found her tribe. The sound of the band is flawless—ethereal, witchy, and dark, but also fun, with a rock beat that carries the energy of her powerful, almost magical voice. This Samodiva just has the talent and stage presence to back it up. When she came on stage, she absolutely captured the audience—including me—in her spell. I loved the whole thing. It was such a satisfying concert and a cultural event that just lit a fire under my ass for the next ones.

Of course, I wanted to buy the vinyl, which is quickly becoming a tradition—to buy the music of the artist I just saw. Except after the concert of that C U Next Tuesday, Kevin Morby. He gets nothing. Although, to be fair, his concert was actually pretty great—almost perfect—if he weren’t such a diva and had just played Harlem River. Whatever. I’ll probably get over it in a couple of years.

Until then, I will enjoy Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory’s album, which has no bad song on it. Actually, the whole thing is put together really well—the vibe is clear, the direction cohesive. I hope this isn’t just a one-time thing, and that they continue creating and evolving together, because this is exactly what I needed. Jupiter 4, Mistakes, Beaten Down, Serpents —there were some songs I craved to hear at the concert, but still, I left feeling full.

Also, let’s play Like I Used To next time, Sharon. You don’t want to go full Kevin Morby on me, Don't do it.

Iliya Badev