The gig, on Thursday, marks a dramatic turnaround for the singer who spent part of last year without a fixed address.

Despite having released two previous albums of stripped-back rock to rave reviews, the 31-year-old from New Jersey found herself homeless and got by only with a little help from her friends.

Toting her guitar and sleeping on couches, floors and in spare rooms when possible, Sharon used this chaotic period as inspiration, with the experience of living out of a suitcase becoming the central theme of her album, Tramp, which will be showcased at this week's Oran Mor gig.

"The title really comes from being displaced during the writing and recording of the new record," she explains. "I wrote the album in so many different places.

"I stayed at friends' houses, I wrote on the road and I stayed in so many different apartments that a lot of the recording was scattered."

Twelve months after leaving the recording studio for the last time, and with the album receiving rave reviews from music critics, Sharon is back on her feet and ready to dazzle Scottish fans.

"I had a really good time the last time I was in Glasgow," she says.

"I've only been once or twice before but everybody is so nice.

"The audience is really amazing and everybody I worked with on my last shows was really, really friendly.

"My memories of Glasgow really revolve around the audience and how happy they were."

Glasgow is the next stop on a tour that will last until the end of the year, during which Sharon will play in the Netherlands, Norway, the US, Canada, Portugal, Spain and France. It's a place close to the singer's heart and will provide a chance to catch up with old friends.

"I used to know a woman named Isla who lived in Glasgow and had the most amazing sheepdog who ran around like crazy," she laughs. "It would be nice to catch up with them.

"Last time I was here I didn't have much time to get out and explore the city, so I'd like to do that if I have more time."

Unlike past appearances in the city which featured a stripped-back solo set, Sharon is bringing some friends along with her to Oran Mor, to flesh out the songs from Tramp: bassist Doug Keith, drummer Zeke Hutchins and singer and multi-instrumentalist Heather Woods Broderick.

"We play as a four-piece and have a lot of fun," says the singer. "We are going to play a lot of songs from the new record.

"It's great to be able to get out and play the songs from this latest record with a full band. You're going to hear the songs the way I want them to sound."

Even with the support of a full band behind her, Sharon admits to suffering from stage fright – something which might lead to fans witnessing a different kind of entertainment.

She said: "I tend to get quite nervous, so in between songs I have this weird comedy routine that I do.

"Depending on how nervous I am the funnier or less funny I get."

The multi-instrumentalist can expect a packed crowd when she takes to the stage, with legions of new fans driven by almost universally positive reviews from the music press.

For Sharon though, reviews are not important, all she wants is to make sure the fans in the audience have a good time.

She said: "I'm glad the shows and the album are being well received by the journalists but it's more important for me to see that people in the audience are enjoying it rather than to hear what other people say about it.

"I'm really happy with the way people are receiving the album but I much prefer performing the songs and singing for the fans."

n Sharon Van Etten; Oran Mor, Glasgow, July 12, 7pm, £10