Ethan Jewell – Why Am I Not Better

By starrymag | August 2, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

 

A) I would describe my music as emotional, raw, musical poetry. I get lots of comments/messages in which people tell me my music isn’t “music” since I don’t sing!

 

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

 

A) Hobo Johnson, Flatsound and Watsky

 

Q) Tell us the story behind the song “Why Am I Not Better.”

 

A) For a period of time as I navigated through my journey with mental health, I began to realize I was not making progress. I found myself falling into the same habits, and same negative thought patterns that I had been trying to break out of. I found myself asking myself, “Why am I not better?” That question stuck with me, and I started writing this song based on that feeling.

 

Q) What has been the reaction from fans and listeners to the track?

 

A) There’s been a strong reaction. Many people have really resonated with this song, as it’s a very hard hitting and relatable topic. I’ve had people reach out to me and tell me that this song helped them with therapy, as they were able to finally put their feelings into words. This release has been an incredible, humbling experience for me.

 

Q) With the release of the song is there a full-length album in the works?

 

A) I’m not currently working towards an album, but instead 2 EPs!

 

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from “Why Am I Not Better?”

 

A) I hope fans feel understood in their fight with mental health. I hope they realize they are not alone, and their “hopeless” feelings are temporary.

 

Q) A lot of your musical poetry focuses on the idea of sharing your feelings, even if they’re bad. Why is it important to you to be so open and honest about those feelings with your listeners?

 

A) When I first started making music, it was a form of processing and healing for me. Expressing myself through music got me through some hard times. After my first album, people really started listening, and I received a message in which somebody told me my music had saved their life. This message struck DEEP. In that moment I realized this music is far bigger and more important than just me. It was an aid for thousands of people to also process and understand their emotions. It’s not easy to be vulnerable, but it’s important to me to share these feelings and help others understand they’re not alone.

 

Q) If you could collaborate with someone musically, who would you love to work with and why?

 

A) I would love to work with Flatsound. His unique style and beautiful lyrics resonate with me deeply and I believe our styles would mesh well together!

 

Q) I absolutely love poetry and one of my favorite poems growing up with was this poem from Laura Boss called “Remarkably You Love Me.” Were there any poems growing up that resonated with you?

 

A) The funny thing is… I didn’t like poetry very much growing up! I rolled my eyes while reading poetry in high school. “Creve Coeur 1” by Hobo Johnson was the first poem that really resonated with me my junior year of high school. This musical poem inspired me to start writing my own poetry!

 

Q) Are there any upcoming live shows for you to share your music?

 

A) Yes! I’m really hoping to make it to the east coast this Fall. I’m starting the planning phase as we speak!

 

Q) Which of your songs is your favorite to perform live and why?

 

A) Definitely “The Dark” – the powerful instrumentals mixed with emotional vocal delivery create a unique performing experience that I just LOVE. It can be exhausting to perform but is totally worth it!

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your musical poetry?

 

A) Feel. Your. Feelings. It doesn’t matter if it’s uncomfortable. I know it’s easier to run from emotions that don’t feel good, but if you don’t feel these feelings they will marinate and come back stronger years down the line. You have to feel the bad in order to feel the good. You have to experience rain in order to find a rainbow.