Sharon Van Etten returns to Iowa City for Hancher’s Infinite Dream Festival

In an era of botox and surgeries to mask the aging process, Sharon Van Etten's gloomy tune, "Live Forever," stands out. The moody cut is about anti-aging technology and the obsession with staying young.

"I want to let myself age and die," Van Etten said while calling from Los Angeles.

Van Etten, 44, is electing to age naturally and not shock fans by becoming a different looking person. Van Etten is passing on body augmentation or even coloring her hair.

However, the well-respected indie folk-rocker has decided to move in a different sonic direction with the help of some key collaborators.

Van Etten, who will perform Wednesday, Sept. 17 at The Englert Theatre after an interview with author Rachel Yoder, has challenged herself by recording an album with the Attachment Theory. Both events are part of the Hancher's Infinite Dream Festival from Sept. 17-20.

Van Etten continues to play guitar, but her sound is enhanced with atmospheric synthesizers, drum machines and electronic elements. The sound matches her lyrics, which quietly whisper alienation and detachment throughout the eponymous release, which dropped in February.

The songs were written and recorded with multi-instrumentalist Teeny Lieberson, bassist Devra Hoff and Jorge Balbi, who plays drums and programs the drum machines.

"We have been honing our collective sonic palette for a handful of years now, and post (COVID-19) pandemic we found ourselves in a room together rehearsing for a tour, and the spirit moved me to ask the band to jam without a goal in mind," Van Etten said. "In a short time, and what seemed effortless, we wrote two songs in one sitting. I knew I had to do this for this record immediately."

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It's not easy to try something completely different, but Van Etten was more than willing to attempt a new sound.

"It is satisfying to let go and try new things and trust the people around you and know they aren't judging you either," Van Etten said. "They anticipate your every notion."

It wasn't just about making a sonic switch. Prior to her collaboration with Attachment Theory, Van Etten was used to working alone.

"I find joy in both processes, however, writing alone can get lonely," Van Etten said. "Collaborating is hard, but there are more often moments of celebration and discovery."

Hoff, who has known Van Etten since 2018, enjoys the collective creative process.

"We have gotten to know each other better as musicians and as people," Hoff said while calling from New York. "I have been able to be increasingly creative in my work with her. Our evolving musical relationship has led to some real highlights in my life, both creatively and personally ... One of my favorite things in this life is playing straight 8th notes on bass with Sharon on guitar. We hear certain things so similarly it's uncanny."

Hoff and Van Etten began working together in 2018 but Lieberson was the missing piece that solidified the band. The creative process moved quickly since the players learned that they are simpatico. "The overlapping skills and interests we all have makes for some common ground but leaves a lot of room for surprises," Hoff said.

It's evident that recording artists from the Reagan era impacted the project. "There were some bands from the '80s for sure that inspired this record," Van Etten said. "The Cure, Laurie Anderson, Grace Jones, Talking Heads, U2, Cocteau Twins and Pylon."

Much of Lieberson's influence is club/electronic and hip hop artists, such as Aphex Twin and Mike Dean. However, she also felt the effects of the '80s while recording with Van Etten and company.

"I am a fan of Joy Division and other bands of that era," Lieberson said while calling from New York. "I think it's great to be inspired and play music with those who share common ground. However, what I think creates a unique sound is allowing musicians to bring their individuality into the room, blending personalities and backgrounds ... A homogenized sound won't happen if you let people express themselves."

There is a strong connection within the band. Each member has a voice in what is a true collaboration.

"One of my favorite characteristics about my mates is that we all allow each other to be ourselves," Van Etten said. "Authenticity is real with this band. We tend to want to shine a light on the darkness to connect with fans to help them not feel so alone. The dark parts are beautiful too.“

Van Etten and Attachment Theory have clearly been moved by music from a bygone era but came up with a unique, left of center sound for their project. Perhaps there will be a follow-up album.

"I am hoping we can do something else together," Van Etten said. "There are talks of doing an acoustic tour, a la MTV Unplugged and revisiting some old material."

Van Etten and Attachment Theory are living in the moment. The members of the band are still in the afterglow of a tour of Europe, which had plenty of highlights.

"The people of Ireland showed us hospitality, especially our friends in Cork," Lieberson said. "I'm terribly inspired by their fighting spirit and generosity."

The American leg kicks off in Iowa City. However, the prelude to the date is a conversation Van Etten will have with Yoder.

"I look forward to speaking to Rachel very much and hearing how motherhood influences her work," Van Etten said.

Van Etten hopes to have a few moments to explore Iowa City. "Our time here is always so brief," Van Etten said "But I look forward to getting more time here. I remember loving Prairie Lights bookstore and the wander before the show."