After causing a sensation and generating huge waves of applause at Lucky Love’s concert in Milan, where he performed as the opening act, Ethan – a 26-year-old Italian-Brazilian singer – stands out in Italy as one of the most interesting artists on the underground music scene, which should prepare itself for what is to come, since he has recently presented his new single called “Tbilisi” and will release his album very soon.
Read on to know more about the above and the different topics that were discussed, such as classicism in Italian society, being a gay artist, and more.
Ethan, thanks for having us in Milan, and congratulations on the release of your single “Tbilisi”. How do you feel?
Thank you very much! I feel happy and more relaxed because “Tbilisi” is finally out. We have been working on it for a long time, specifically for a year and a half, so imagine how much I looked forward to its release. Now I feel that the single is no longer just mine but belongs to all of us. I hope everyone likes it!
We loved it! The title you gave it is the name of a Georgian city. What kind of connection does it have with that?
Right. The connection the title has with the city is a guy from there, with whom I used to text. During that period, he told me many things about Tbilisi, which I found quite interesting, so I decided to title it that way.
Continuing with the topic of connections, this single represents perfectly the union between what I used to do before as an artist and what I’m going to present next, my album. This way, the public will be able to better understand where I’m heading and the approach I’m giving to my professional career.
How would you define the approach you’re talking about?
I would define it as experimental and pop.
Interesting! You just mentioned that your album is coming out very soon. When? And, what will it be called?
The album will be out in January 2025, and it will be called “Metamorfosi”.
Cool, tell us more about it.
With “Metamorfosi” I wanted to express through it the process that I have experienced and am still experiencing because I think it’s endless, to get to the music I did. This album feels like a new beginning for me and it doesn’t mean that I reject what I did before, but on a professional level, I have evolved, and I offer a new version of Ethan the artist, in which you can find my angelic side but also my anger.
Also, in the album, you can see my facet as a producer, which is important to me, since I have participated in the production with the rest of the team.
Were you inspired by past experiences when you wrote the songs that make it up?
Yes. I usually write about myself, how I feel, my relationships, or stories of people I know.
For what kind of situations would you recommend listening to them?
I would recommend it for almost any kind of situation. There are several songs, some softer and more sensual that could be listened to during sex, others more upbeat that would be perfect to play during a trip, and others more nocturnal, which in my opinion would work great at a rave. These are not extra, but if remixed well, they can be a good option for that.
If you had the opportunity to remix any of them with an artist, with whom would you like to do it?
With many. I can’t choose just one. I love Rosalia, Arca, Caroline Polachek, Sevdaliza, Pabllo Vittar, Sega Bodega, and many more. It would be a dream to collaborate with any of them. They are all truly inspiring to me.
Speaking of dreams, when you see yourself on stage, does it feel like “a dream come true”?
Of course. Since I was a kid, I have been interested in the singing profession and it was clear that I wanted to dedicate myself to it. To make this dream come true, the most important thing is to have courage and to work hard. At the moment, to enjoy it even more, I am working a lot with my therapist on my shyness and on knowing how to separate the professional from the personal because if not, everything can affect you. Don’t let the way a person is looking at you while you are performing or if they are not paying much attention to you ruin your day or generate anxiety.
Do you remember the moment you realised you wanted to be a singer?
I think it was when I was eight or nine years old. I spent a lot of time with my mother, who I considered my best friend. With her, I could express myself as I wanted and I remember a moment when we were together and I took a brush and started singing in front of the mirror as if I was a pop star. At that moment my mother looked at me and was like: ok, this guy is gay and I have to find him a singing teacher right away. We all knew I wasn’t like the rest of the kids. I didn’t like playing football and what I did was watch Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Stevie Wonder on YouTube, so I started training musically. I studied classical music, at a historical music school, and then I started working.
Throughout your career, have you received any advice that has particularly marked you?
Yes, several, but the most important ones come from my mother, who always tells me to be true to myself. A priori, it may seem basic, but I would say that it is quite difficult to put into practice. And, on another occasion, I remember her telling me: trust the process, even if it takes time, you will get through it.
Both are great. We’ve heard that your interest in music is partly because of your family.
That’s true. My origins are half Italian and Brazilian, and although I’ve spent my whole life in Italy, I’ve always felt very rooted in Brazilian culture, and that’s because at home my father often listened to bossa nova songs. On top of that, my mother was a dancer, so I have been surrounded in one way or another by these disciplines since I was born. I am very grateful to both of them.
As an Italian, how do you see the music industry in your country?
I see it better than before. I think it’s changing and moving forward, although very slowly, but you can appreciate the difference. Of course, it’s not at the same level as other European cities, as far as the underground scene is concerned.
Do you think the media (in Italy) support emerging artists and those who make less mainstream music, or do they only focus on the big names in music?
In my case, I have to say that I consider myself a privileged person because I have felt supported, partly because I already have a record and a team and producers behind me, although I do think that there is not enough support for emerging artists. Nowadays, it’s very difficult to get ahead, especially if you have to manage and pay for everything on your own.
The support of the media is very important, but also that of the big names in music. It would help a lot to grow if they would share each other’s work on their Instagram profiles or even collaborate.
Could it be because classicism still prevails in Italian society and in a way they reject what is different (musically speaking) and because of being gay?
Maybe yes. I think Italian society sometimes is not ready to embrace the new and that a percentage of it still finds queer strange.
Do you think for a gay artist it is more difficult to succeed?
Unfortunately, I think so, especially for those who have a “femme” aesthetic, which is beautiful. We have to focus on talent and not on appearance. Why should a gay man have to have a “masc” aesthetic? Because of fear of what people will say? I don’t agree. There are already enough masculine or straight figures in the industry. We need more queer.
Fully agree. How is it being gay in Milan?
It’s easier than in Florence, where I’m from. In Milan, I feel freer, but if I go to Florence, sometimes I have to restrain myself and I can’t be 100% as I am. That doesn’t happen in other cities like Barcelona or Berlin, where I have recently been and I have noticed the difference.
Hopefully, this will change. Now, let’s put some fun into the talk. Do you like quick questions?
Yes, ask whatever!
Imagine for a moment you are with friends in a bar and suddenly one of your songs comes on. What would you do: get up and dance to it or die of embarrassment?
Tough question (laughs). I think it would depend on the mood I was in at the time and the people I was with. I’m a bit shy and unpredictable, so I can’t say how I would act.
Putting aside your shyness for a moment, could you let us take a look at your Spotify playlist? We want to know what we can find on it.
You guys! Mmm…you can find Sevdaliza, Arca, Kiss Facility, Sega Bodega, and bossa nova songs. Every day, when I wake up, I listen to one of them, otherwise, I can’t start the day.
Which song is currently stuck in your mind?
“Sao Paolo” by Anitta and The Weekend. I listen to it all day long.
Can you name a song you listen to when you are sad?
“Get here” by Oleta Adams. It’s old, but I love it. It’s one of the few songs that makes me cry. I can never do it, I don’t know why. It’s very difficult for me.
Sometimes happens. The ones who are sure to have been moved when they found out about your album are your friends and family. Have they been able to listen to it yet?
Yes, and they loved it.
And of all the songs that comprise it, which do you think is their favorite?
I think their favorite are those where I don’t shout and I speak softly. They love “Come se Fossimo”.
We’ll listen to it when it comes out!
You’ll tell me.
Keep an eye out for Ethan, and stay tuned for more news, as his album is coming out next month!
