Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Carling.
Hi Ethan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I dropped out of college and moved to LA in 2016. My obsession with music production was all that I cared about. I didn’t quite know how to turn it into a career, but I knew LA would have more answers than my hometown in Billings Montana.
I still don’t have all the answers, but I focus on the things that I do know, and learn as I go. Over the years I’ve produced records with artists that have helped me develop and see how vast the possibilities are in the music industry.
I’ve been consistently releasing music for the last six years. It has brought me all of my opportunities as an artist, performer, and producer. Currently, I’m trying to figure out the marketing side of the business to grow my audience.
I’m releasing my debut album in November, and I couldn’t be more proud of it.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth. I think the hardest part about dreaming is being realistic. Unfortunately, the music industry is a difficult one to “successfully” tap into. There are a lot of outdated and complicated systems that drive money to musicians, but they require more knowledge than just being able to write a good song. Luckily knowledge is now more accessible than ever.
The pandemic was very challenging for me in so many ways, but it gave me time to evaluate my practices and look at my project realistically. Rather than releasing music and praying to the algorithmic gods, I now have to-do lists.
Focusing on the things I can control brings me peace and hope as an Artist.
The pandemic also gave me space to grow artistically. Isolation inadvertently helped me grow into myself as a person and an artist. I feel like I’m creating my most unique and authentic work lately. Finding a stronger sense of self in my art has fueled my passion recently. I think we all connect to art that is authentic, and I feel like my upcoming album is truly authentic to the way I see the world today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a songwriter and producer. I specialize in turning emotions into music and vice-versa. I wear a lot of hats. Over the last two years, I have written, produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered my debut album.
People tell me my music sounds “fresh” which I take great pride in. I strive to learn at every stage of creation. My music and taste are constantly evolving and expanding, and I think it is pretty evident in my discography.
I’m also proud of the music videos I’ve made over the years. I’ve been lucky to be surrounded by friends in the film world who have taught me so much. It’s been great to learn another medium and to try my best to tell stories visually alongside my compositions.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Aside from my solo music project I’ve been building a website with a few of my friends called riff stop. It’s a guitar sample marketplace. We are still in the early stages, but we provide a place for guitarists to sell their original recordings directly to artists and producers.
Pricing:
- Mixing and Mastering $1,200 per song
- Music Production Lessons $75 per hour (limited availability).
Contact Info:
- Website: carling.live
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ethancarling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carling-Music-103219614636155
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFbVcGZKKlFVVPgoGCnNW9w
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/carling-music
Image Credits
Jazzmine Zubia, James Chrosniak, and Jake Reedy
