Sharon Van Etten XPN Artist To Watch February 2012

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Created on Wednesday, 01 February 2012 16:00

WXPN Features Sharon Van Etten as the XPN Artist To Watch for February

PHILADELPHIA, PA - WXPN, the nationally-recognized leader in Triple A music and non-commercial radio service of the University of Pennsylvania, names Sharon Van Etten as its February Artist To Watch. WXPN Music Director and Host Dan Reed presented the first of the month's on-air segments today, February 1, in the 4 p.m. hour.

Three years ago, this artist recorded the first ever Shaking Through studio session with her song "Love More," a piece of art which led Sharon Van Etten to record a full album, Epic, with Brian McTear in his studio here in Philadelphia. The album was met with critical acclaim for its enchanting and moody quality; for being softly beautiful but still rough around the edges. In the wake of this incredibly well received piece of work, Sharon has been signed to Jagjaguwar Records, and her debut for the label, Tramp, will be released on February 7th. This album features other such greats as Aaron Dessner of The National, Matt Barrick of Walkmen, Zach Condon of Beirut, and Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak. She begins her tour in Philadelphia with a sold out show at Johnny Brenda's, and will be playing a Free at Noon for WXPN on February 10th. The soft, heart-wrenching quality to Sharon Van Etten's music and lyrics, with some tracks charged with undeniable energy, creates a truly one-of-a-kind listening experience.

"We knew a few years ago when Sharon recorded 'Love More' for Shaking Through, WXPN's online initiative with Weathervane Music, that she was a talented singer-songwriter secret waiting to be shared with the rest of the world," says Bruce Warren, Assistant General Manager of Programming for WXPN. "Through steady touring and writing this new record, she has more than delivered on the promise of her last record and continues to show amazing musical growth."

For more on the XPN Artists To Watch series and this month's featured artist click here.

Since 2003, the XPN Artists To Watch series has been a reflection of WXPN's commitment to nurturing fresh, new talent and exposing listeners to the best new music. Each month, the XPN Artists To Watch series spotlights a different up-and-coming performer who has produced an album or body of work that demonstrates outstanding vision, creativity and songwriting ability. Month-long on-air promotion is combined with online features to help audiences discover each artist.

WXPN, the nationally recognized leader in Triple A radio and the premier guide for discovering new and significant artists in rock, blues, roots and folk, is the non-commercial, member-supported radio service of the University of Pennsylvania. WXPN produces World Cafe®, public radio’s most popular program of popular music hosted by David Dye and syndicated by NPR, and the Peabody Award winning Kids Corner hosted by Kathy O’Connell. WXPN also produces the alternative rock service, XPN2 as its secondary radio channel in HD. WXPN serves the greater Philadelphia area at 88.5 FM, the Lehigh Valley at 104.9, Worton/Baltimore at 90.5 FM, Lancaster/York at 88.7 FM, Harrisburg at 99.7 FM and the world via online streaming at XPN.org.