Sharon Van Etten Releases Evocative New Single, “Not Myself,” in Memory of Orlando Victims

Sharon Van Etten has released a stirring new single in memory of the victims of the Orlando shooting, and to support the work of the Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund. “Not Myself,” an aching piano ballad, is the New Jersey singer-songwriter’s vessel for reflecting on June’s tragic mass shooting while also raising money to prevent history from repeating itself.

“I originally wanted to raise money for the victims and their families, but I knew the issue was bigger than this,” Van Etten said in a statement. “I wrote ‘Not Myself’ for the victims of the 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.”

Everytown for Gun Safety Support Fund mission is to improve Americans’ understanding of both the causes and solutions to reduce gun violence. This is done by conducting innovative research, developing evidence-based policies and then communicating these findings to the public.

Rather than being a bitter political rant, “Not Myself” is a call for Americans to come together through tolerance and understanding and end gun violence against those simply trying to be themselves in environments they perceive as safe. The single is available via all digital music providers, including Bandcamp, where listeners can choose to either purchase it for the standard $1 fee or more if they feel moved to further support the work of Everytown.

Find Van Etten’s full statement on the song and its accompanying artwork 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.

Sincerely,
Sharon Van Etten

“Not Myself” Artwork by Lindsey Harding