Ethan sings melodies that will melt your heart

Mett Ethan, our FUSE64 cover guy. The buzz around Ethan’s upcoming performance at Canberra’s FreshOut on Saturday 11 March 2023 has got us all pretty excited, so we thought we’d have a quick chat with this fresh faced up-and-coming banger.

WHAT GOT YOU STARTED SINGING?

It all started when I got my first keyboard when I was only four. After that, I sang in the church choir, was in the school band and a lot of theatre productions. Now I’m singing at heaps of gay festivals, so I’ve kinda been full circle! Haha!

WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU LIKE TO DANCE TO?

I love dancing to RnB leaning dance music. Stuff like Kaytranada, Tinashe, Janet Jackson, SG Lewis, and then of course classic pop divas like Britney, GaGa, Beyonce and Rihanna. Dance music is one of my favourite genres, especially house and disco, which has obviously been super popular recently with its neo-revival in Top 40 music over the past few years.

WHERE DO YOUR IDEAS FOR SONGS COME FROM?

My ideas usually come from the music I’ve been listening to. Lyrically I’m inspired by my personal experiences with love, dating, and my journey as a young impressionable gay kid.

YOU SANG AT SYDNEY MARDI GRAS FAIR DAY THIS YEAR. WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING IN FRONT OF SO MANY PEOPLE?

I love to perform, so it’s something I really enjoy. I put a lot of pressure on myself, which can be nerve-wracking. It’s fun, though. Music is my first love!

DO YOU EVER GET STAGE FRIGHT?

Absolutely! It took me only until recently to be confident enough to perform live. I’ve always been more of a private musician. But I’ve recently found a lot more confidence, so I’m keen to keep pursuing being up on stage.

IS PERFORMING LIVE IN FRONT OF QUEER AUDIENCES IMPORTANT TO YOU?

Oh yes, for sure. Queer audiences continue to support me. I think the LGBTIQ+ community are most definitely the tastemakers within all the creative arts. As a double minority, I want to represent and highlight the talent and work ethic of both POC and LGBTIQ+ musicians.

YOU’RE ABOUT TO PERFORM AT CANBERRA’S 2023 FRESHOUT; WHAT CAN PEOPLE EXPECT WHEN YOU GET UP ON STAGE?

Lots of cool original music and some fun covers of popular gay bangers! I put a lot of work into the instrumentals, and the dancers coming with me are always great. Expect a lot of great energy and soulful vibes.

WHAT’S SOMETHING MOST MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

I’m definitely transparent and like to show off, so I often don’t leave much to the imagination, haha! One thing (for sure) that I love more than music is food! LOL.

WHAT’S UP NEXT AFTER YOUR FRESH OUT GIG?

I have a couple of new releases coming out this spring before I drop my next exciting project I’ve been working on for over two years now. As a music producer, I also work with other artists, which keeps me busy. I’m hoping to enjoy a warm Aussie summer finally again and then bring in the new year with more new tunes and hopefully a performance at WorldPride in Sydney 2023 — watch this space!

• ETHAN ON INSTAGRAM @ethanxofficial
• LISTEN TO MUSIC @ ditto.fm/love-like-this-ethan