Musician Sharon Van Etten is renowned for writing deeply personal and poignant songs. Her statement that she didn't begin writing songs with band arrangements until she worked on the album "Tramp" demonstrates how her art has changed over time.

Van Etten started out as a solo performer, concentrating mostly on small-scale acoustic shows that let her songs and lyrics shine. But as time went on, she discovered that she was drawn to experimenting with more intricate arrangements and fuller soundscapes in her music. This change was important because it signaled a new stage in her songwriting career.

Imagine this shift as going from painting in black and white to using the entire color palette. Van Etten's earlier work resembled meticulous sketches, with every line and shade chosen to evoke strong feelings and intimate tales. Similar to applying different shades and textures to increase the overall impact, she began adding layers to her music as she developed.

It was the album "Tramp" that sparked this shift. It marked a sea change for Van Etten as she started incorporating band arrangements into her songs, enhancing the musical landscape while preserving the individuality that characterizes her work.

This change illustrates how artists frequently develop their methods and aesthetics as they mature and discover new avenues for creative expression. By embracing band arrangements, Van Etten was able to stay true to her fundamental identity as an artist who uses music to connect with people on a deep level while also reaching a wider audience with more complex and expansive sounds.