We caught up with multi-talented instrumentalist Ethan Gruska to find out more about how things have been going since the release of his new album En Garde, what he’s been doing to stay busy during this time of quarantine and discussed what he has planned for the rest of 2020!
With a long line of successful entertainers throughout his family, the wildly talented singer, songwriter, and musician looks to make a mark of his own regardless of what the other family members have accomplished.
Exclusive Ethan Gruska Interview
*This interview was edited for clarity*
We managed to catch your live show at the Echo (in Los Angeles) a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time there. How was that experience for you?
It was awesome. It was my first home town show in a long time so it was super exciting. Also, it was basically the last show for just about everybody I know, including the guitarists and drummer. It was days later that everything started to get all weird.
What sort of feedback have you been getting since the release of En Garde?
Things have been going really well. I don’t really pay attention to what everyone has to say, but I do have a community of musician friends and have the people close to me that I listen to for feedback and they’ve enjoyed the project so that’s all I’m concerned about for the most part.
En Garde – Ethan Gruska
How long were you working on the album?
I was working on it for about a year.
Have you been enjoying quarantine? What have you been doing to stay busy?
It’s been a nice change of pace. About a year ago though it would have been different because I lived in a different house, the one I’m living in now has a studio in the back so it’s easier to make use of the time. Otherwise, I would be running around everywhere and it wouldn’t have been as convenient.
Has it inspired you to think about your creativity differently?
Definitely. It has opened my eyes to realize that taking my time with things is okay and that it’s important not to rush something just to get it out.
Have you been exploring other ways of self-expression during this time or have you been staying pretty close to music?
I have been drawing some and reading. I’m not an incredible artist so most of the stuff I do is just doodling, but it feels good to work at something that I’m not very good at.
Is there anyone out there that’s had a huge musical impact on the artist you are today?
Paul Simon because of his writing abilities and obviously, The Beatles.
Ethan Gruska – “Enough For Now” (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
When it comes to your creative process what’s one thing you struggle with and would like to improve upon?
Just being patient with stuff and not forcing anything and sort of going more with the flow within the creative process.
Have you ever felt any sort of pressure to perform at a high level or that you have to be this magnificent individual based upon what some of your family members have accomplished in their past?
That’s funny you say that, I felt like that when I was younger, but as I’ve grown older I’ve started to realize that we all have our own journeys and paths so the last few years it’s been exciting to be embracing my journey more now.
If you were to look into the future two years from now – what would that look like for Ethan Gruska?
Most likely more producing and doing everything that I’m doing now, just at a higher level.
Do you have any plans to release any more music throughout 2020?
I’m working on stuff right now, but it’s tough to say. There might be some new releases, but you’re just going to have to wait and see.
Is there anything that you would like to share with readers and passionate music listeners in the Seattle area?!
I hope that Seattle is doing okay, I know that the virus is really bad out there so I wish them well. Also, check out my new project En Garde, you might really like it!
Stream En Garde – Ethan Gruska
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