We had the good fortune of connecting with Ethan Carling and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ethan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’ve always loved music. It’s been my pacifier since I was a child. It was something I’ve always been inspired and entertained by. I’ve always known that I wanted to make music for a living, just didn’t know how. I grew up in Billings Montana. The music scene was comprised of a few breweries and bands. Despite it being small, it always inspired me. I would make songs on our family computer in high school. When I got my college laptop I installed recording software right away. I went to college to discover other interests and to hopefully find another inspiring career path, but I ended up spending more time on music than homework. So I took that as a sign and moved to Los Angeles to start my artistic journey. Turning ideas into reality is magic. I still don’t know where music comes from, but I know what it feels like when it flows through me. I’m constantly chasing that feeling. 

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I knew practically nothing about the music industry when I arrived in Los Angeles four years ago. I had written a handful of songs and was a competent producer but had no idea how to monetize it. (I’m still learning) My music is self-produced. I love producing. It’s a limitless process which can be overwhelming. I’ve had to learn how to finish music. Like cooking, there are fine line between undercooked, cooked and overcooked. I’m still learning to be less precious with my music. Some days it feels like my creative well has dried up. Scarcity. Overcoming the scarcity mindset. I have to remind myself that I’ve come a long way. When I moved here I didn’t know a single person and now I’ve got a creative support system! I think it’s a product of constantly creating and sharing. It’s vulnerable but it has to be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food- Silverlake Ramen, Angels Tacos, Donut Friend, Salt and Straw, Din Tai Fung. Sights- The Broad, The Getty, Point Dume, The Griffith Observatory, and a scenic sunset drive up the 2 into the Angeles Mountains. Comedy Shows! I miss them! Groundlings or UCB.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My friend Monika Ottehenning has been really supportive to me. She is an amazing artist and photographer. We both dove into Los Angeles without much experience and we are somehow still alive and still creating. It feels like every time I have a hurdle to jump in my career she has an insightful recent experience to share. I am also inspired by the artists I’ve worked with. Everyone has a different approach to their creative process and it has helped me push myself to try new things and grow. Griff Clawson, Carla Calderon, Savannah Sgro, Col3man, Albert, Temme Scott, and Madge to name a few!

Website: carling.live
Instagram: @ethancarling
Twitter: @ecarling
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Carling-Music-103219614636155
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFbVcGZKKlFVVPgoGCnNW9w

Image Credits
Monika Ottehenning Jameson Carr

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