Q&A: meet ETHAN, Auckland musician drops his second EP

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Singer-songwriter and producer ETHAN has just dropped his second EP and we are totally digging the throwback RnB vibe it’s giving off. How to behave intimately literally takes us back to circa 2002, walking down to the milk bar with a discman sassing all the passing cars. He combines old school influences with a dash of pop to create a modern take on RnB. 

Originally from Auckland but now residing in Sydney, Ethan is pouring his essence into his music, exposing a different piece of himself in each song. His single Til Morning explores the issues of expectations in a romantic sense as well as being an ode to societal norms and how we are expected to constantly feel the need to be in a fling or relationship. 

Ethan won’t stop persevering until he achieves his longterm goal of being able to just do all things music everyday. He’s going to get there, trust us! We completely dig his vibe and can’t wait to see him live, I bet his stage presence is killer.

We caught up with this absolute honey to chat about his new release, the representation of diversity in the music industry and life as a banana. 

Check out our chat below:

Tell us about the writing and recording process for ’Til Morning.

Til Morning was the culmination of almost a whole years work. Like most my songs, I write them on the piano first, and this one was no different. I then go in to record demos with my longtime coproducer Adam Arcadia and we fiddle around with sonic options before heading towards the mixing stages. This was a track that was made what it was though with the addition of JOY., who produced with me for the first time on this track. She is an incredible artist and producer and gave the song the kick it needed. I’ve been a fan of hers for ages and basically just reached out via DMs, and she dug my vision for the song and we got it done together!

What inspired ’Til Morning both lyrically and musically?

I wrote this song about the issues with being held responsible to expectations in romantic situations. It’s an ode to problematic habits of temporary flings  but also thinking that maybe I’m just not ready or able to commit or attach myself. And this goes for a number of things in my life and not Just in the particular relationship I wrote it about, so people can take it whichever way they want.

Musically, I was inspired by SG Lewis on this one and that sort of deep house and R&B blend that he is so well known for and I adore. I wanted to make sure I had my signature harmonies and vocal layers on it and a big pop hook but something that was also fit for late night driving and sensual evenings, so it had to be perfectly balanced and mixed in a way where it flowed - and I couldn’t be prouder! 

Who are your musical influences?

Vocally I was inspired by predominantly soulful singers like Christina Aguilera, JoJo, Beyoncé, Stevie Wonder, Brandy, Jazmine Sullivan, Mariah Carey, the list goes on. Musically, I love artists who have a cohesive vision for their ‘sound’, and are super involved in the making of their own music. So as of late I’ve been obsessed with artists and songwriters like Tinashe, Sevyn Streeter, Lolo Zouai, Victoria Monet and Summer Walker... and of course Ariana Grande. But I listen to so many different genres of music so my own musical bearings is this pretty eclectic mix of inspirations. 

So where are you from and where are you based now?

I was born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand and moved to Brisbane, Australia when I was 19. I’m currently based in Sydney, Australia though, so my heart is attached to several locations!

As an Asian LGBTI artist how do you feel about diversity in the music industry and how do you think you can be a representative?

I feel like growing up as a person of colour in a western country -  we get pigeon holed into what we are expected to be like or have to pertain to a certain career choice. Things are changing and media is becoming way more inclusive and breaking boundaries, but progress is still slow. I want to be able to represent for kids like me who look around and might not feel they fit for whatever reason, and make music for those kids, people like my friends who all find good company in each others queerness or each others differences, and contribute to a more expansive music industry which shows off different sounds from different backgrounds commercial audiences haven’t seen before.

If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

I’d want to live in LA eventually as that’s the hub of where a lot of the best music is being made, but probably not right now considering the shambles of it all. I’m really enjoying Sydney at the moment! Besides that though probably on a resort island in the Caribbean. 

Which fruit or vegetable would best describe you and why?

I’m a banana because I’m a natural source of energy and can provide you with sustenance. Also I have plenty to peel away at! ;)

Cats or dogs?

Dogs for sure

If you won a competition to see any 5 musicians perform who would they be?

JoJo, Lady Gaga because I haven’t seen her yet annoyingly..., Nicki Minaj, Jacob Collier and Tinashe

Talk us through your future music goals?

I want to be able to do music every day of my life and not have to do anything else to sustain my existence! So whatever that takes - I love working with other talented artists and writing or producing with them so my goals are quite open ended right now, but I’d love for more people to be able to hear my work.

Totally vibing with seeing JoJo live, her OG music is like a nice red, gets better over time. ETHAN is hands down a huge Fine Tune mood, he’s everything we love about the AUS and NZ music scene. He’s hard working, a killer vibe and is another diverse artist paving the way for those to come. 10 for you Glenn Coco.

Check out  his new EP below or head to our Picnics, Parks & Pinot Gris👒 playlist to hear some more saucey songs.

By Samuel Seedsman.

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