Happy record-release day to XPN Artist To Watch Sharon Van Etten (playing Free At Noon this Friday)

Today, XPN Artist To WatchSharon Van Etten releases her new album, Tramp. Below, download a demo version of the song “Serpents.” If you’re unaware of some of the goings-on surrounding Sharon, here’s a quick summary of some recent news about her:

1) She plays WXPN’s Free At Noon concert this Friday. RSVP here. Sharon begins her tour and plays a sold-out show at Johnny Brenda’s on Friday night—so this Friday’s Free At Noon is your chance to see her before she heads off on her North American and European tour.

2) We’ve made a big deal out of the fact that Sharon was the inaugural musician in WXPN and Weathervane Music’s Shaking Through project. Download this six song Shaking Through sampler for free. It includes “Love More” by Sharon, and songs by other artists who recorded Shaking Through sessions including Twin Sister, Family Band, Snowmine, Dreamers Of The Ghetto and Hezekiah Jones.

3) The New York Times had this profile of Van Etten in last week’s Sunday magazine.

4) Sharon is performing at SXSW this year as part of the NPR Music showcase at Stubb’s with the Alabama Shakes and Andrew Bird.