We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ethan Mars (gaetano Marsico) a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethan, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

Not immediately, no. Making a full-time living from creative work has been a journey filled with challenges and milestones. From day one, I knew I had to invest everything—time, energy, and resources—into building a career that truly represented my vision.

It began with my acting career, where I worked hard to earn my diploma at the National Film School (Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia) after overcoming a very difficult selection process. That experience taught me discipline and the importance of persistence. For years, I worked on projects in cinema and theater, balancing passion with practicality.

The turning point, however, came with Falling Giant. The band is my proudest creation, and it embodies not just music but a philosophy—elegance, darkness, and sensuality. Building the band to where it is now was anything but immediate. We started small, performing in intimate venues, and gradually grew to opening for major acts like Three Days Grace. That concert in Bucharest, where we faced significant challenges like lineup changes, was a major milestone. It symbolized our resilience and set the tone for our growth.

Looking back, I realize that speeding up the process isn’t always possible because the journey itself teaches you what you need to succeed. However, staying true to your vision, surrounding yourself with like-minded collaborators, and continuously learning can make a huge difference. For me, every step—from acting to writing, directing, and leading Falling Giant—has contributed to making this dream sustainable. Now, with new ventures like writing and producing, I feel I’m broadening my creative reach while staying grounded in my artistic and spiritual values.

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

My name is Gaetano Marsico, though most know me as Ethan Mars. I’m an artist, creator, and dreamer who has immersed myself in various disciplines—acting, music, writing, and production—each a piece of the puzzle that defines me. I started my journey with acting, earning my diploma from Italy’s prestigious Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, where I developed the discipline and skills that have shaped my career.

I am the frontman of Falling Giant, a band that embodies the essence of elegance, darkness, and sensuality. Falling Giant is more than just music; it’s a creative movement. Our music explores the human experience—the beauty, the struggles, and the mystery of it all. We take inspiration from literature, visual arts, and our personal stories to create something raw and meaningful. A defining moment for the band was opening for Three Days Grace in Bucharest, which marked the beginning of our current lineup and a new era for us.

What sets me apart, both individually and through my work, is my deep commitment to authenticity and exploration. As an actor, I bring stories to life on screen and stage. As a writer, I pour my soul into stories like my recent publication, Il Signor D. As a teacher of fencing, I share my passion for an art that teaches precision and focus. In everything I do, I aim to inspire, create, and connect.

For our fans and followers, I want them to know that Falling Giant and I are here to challenge boundaries and spark dreams. Our mission is to make people feel something—to ignite their passions and remind them that they’re not alone in their struggles or aspirations.

I’m also embarking on new creative endeavors. I’m preparing for a significant role in an upcoming international dark fantasy series, and I’ve begun producing projects, collaborating with artists, and writing new works. At 29, my journey is still unfolding, but every step I take is guided by my commitment to artistic and spiritual growth. Falling Giant’s mantra of dreaming big and staying true to one’s vision mirrors my personal philosophy and continues to inspire everything I do.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. The driving force behind my creative journey is the desire to inspire people to dream big and pursue their passions, no matter the obstacles. This mission is deeply personal to me, as I’ve faced countless challenges while staying true to my vision, both as an individual artist and as the frontman of Falling Giant.

With Falling Giant, our goal has always been to create something that resonates on a deeper level—music that combines elegance, darkness, and sensuality, drawing listeners into an emotional and transformative experience. We want our audience to feel seen, to feel understood, and to walk away with a sense of empowerment. Whether it’s through our lyrics, the energy of our performances, or the stories we tell, we strive to connect with people and encourage them to embrace their own dreams and struggles.

On a personal level, I see my creative journey as an ongoing exploration of both artistic and spiritual truths. I’ve poured myself into acting, writing, directing, and producing, all with the aim of telling stories that matter—stories that reveal something about the human condition. As a Buddhist, my spiritual practice also informs my work, helping me stay grounded and present as I navigate the complexities of the creative world.

Ultimately, my mission is about connection. Whether it’s through a Falling Giant concert, a short story like Il Signor D, or a role in a film or series, I want to remind people that they’re not alone. There’s beauty in struggle, power in resilience, and magic in daring to dream. That’s the heart of everything I do.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that stands out is from the early days of Falling Giant, just before our first major concert. We were set to open for Three Days Grace in Bucharest—a huge opportunity that marked a turning point for the band. But just days before the performance, we faced a major crisis: a lineup change that left us scrambling to find and rehearse with new members.

It was an incredibly stressful time. Luke Rose (our lead guitarist and co-founder) and I had to make quick decisions, holding auditions and working long hours to prepare. On top of the logistical chaos, we carried the emotional weight of wondering if this would jeopardize everything we had worked so hard to build.

But we refused to give up. We rallied together as a team, leaning on our shared vision and determination. By the time we stepped onto that stage, we weren’t just a group of musicians—we had become a cohesive unit, the Falling Giant that audiences know today. That night, we didn’t just play music; we told a story of resilience, of rising above challenges to create something powerful.

That experience taught me the value of perseverance and trust—not only in others but in yourself. Since then, every challenge, whether in acting, writing, or music, has reminded me that resilience is about staying true to your vision, even when the odds seem stacked against you. It’s this mindset that continues to drive me forward, both as an artist and as a person.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaetanomarsico?igsh=YWwzNGZkOHdoNGsz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gaetano.d.marsico

Image Credits

Photo by Noemi Bordi