Today we’d like to introduce you to Ethan Hargrove.
Hi Ethan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always been interested in music for as long as I can remember. I was never really into sports and I didn’t do the best in school so music was really the only outlet I had a passion in. I played violin and upright bass in middle school but didn’t really see a future with them, so I switched to percussion instruments around the beginning of high school.
I didn’t get much out of that either. It wasn’t until the end of my Sophomore year, that I started watching videos on producers and beat-making. I would spend every minute of my study hall period watching and learning about production methods and techniques. It was the first time I really felt like I found my calling.
Ever since then I have been making beats and working with artists on both a local and national scale. Just this last winter I finally got my first big placements and connections, which felt like I was finally starting to see the fruition of my work.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey so far has definitely had its roadblocks. Mainly I feel like I have been limited by my environment. As a lot of artists from this area can tell you, not a lot of people think about Minnesota when it comes to the modern music scene. I feel like my style and process don’t really fit the “vibe” that the music currently has around here, so I tend to feel alienated creatively.
There is a lot of talent in this state, and I mean a lot, but I feel like I don’t really fit into the scene. I also feel like my age makes it slightly harder for me. Some people might not think that I have experience or knowledge just because I’m young. This hasn’t been too much of an issue, but it has definitely come up at least a few times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When it comes to my music, I tend to specialize in modern rap and hip-hop. Although, the genre itself is so over-saturated, so I feel like just labeling my work as just one lane is kind of hard. Because of this, I’ve had to come up with my own style that sets me apart from the rest of the crowd. I guess you could describe my style as dark and moody, but that is hard to describe too since I like to make as many different styles as I can.
However, within all of my tracks I will use similar sounds and effects so that when you hear it, you can tell it’s one of my beats from the beginning. I would say I am most proud of my determination. When I set my mind to something, I will always make it happen. It might take some time, but I will always make it work. I have had countless nights where it seems like nothing is going right with my music, but I have never given up. This isn’t just a hobby for me, it’s my present and future.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
I would say the most important lesson I have learned is to never be intimidated by possibilities. You never know what will happen until it does.
If you are trying to work with someone that you look up to, do not hesitate. The amount of times I have missed out on opportunities and connections just because I have overthought is insane. Never second guess yourself and always trust your gut. You can make anything happen as long as you believe you can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram:@ethan_hargrove04
