We recently connected with Ethan McKinzie and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethan , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

I do not have a “most meaningful project” but this one track holds a place in my heart. My track “beware the addams family” is a track that hits my soul every time I hear it, honestly, I don’t know how I made it. When creating it I was in a place of deep sadness, the usual high school stuff involving a girl who I liked but did not feel the same way (it’s normally the basis for my most powerful songs) but I was in a mood. It was a mix of sadness, anger, embarrassment, and feeling like I was wasting my time. So I poured it onto the track. I played my midi and made a piano melody, and it was all over.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into music when my mom put me into band in middle school. Ever since then while band did not hold a place in my heart for a while, music always had. I started producing in 10th grade and I have not stopped ever since. My music is normally centered around Lo-Fi Hip-Hop, video game music, and soundtracks. I listen to music producers claim their title and address themselves as being good or great, but where is the melody? Where is your unique sound? It’s all boring melodies drowned in loud typical repetitive drums and I cannot stand it. I care about the music I make, I care about each individual instrument, melody, and effect I add in to expose myself, to give other people a sound that no one else can hear. Some people don’t know how to properly express what kind of sound they want to use or listen to and I pride myself in being able to find it. I am most proud of my relentlessness and curiosity in general. Not just music, but in life.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

It’s hard for me to be still. Everyday in the middle of a lecture, conversation, or breath, I have an idea that I need to release. Whether it be on paper, piano, or polaroid, I need to find a way to express what just popped into my head.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Being me. Honestly I am so happy and grateful I get to be myself. When I create music I feel like I am asleep and in full control at the same time. I get too express myself. I used to have a problem for the longest expressing myself vocally so being able to translate my thoughts and emotions through song is beautiful. Even when I am at my lowest point, I get to exploit my own negativity in a positive and lucid way. And to top it off, I feel better when I’m done.

Contact Info:

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Image Credits
Dippy Developments