People have asked me what it is that I focus on when it comes to determining a True Star from the mainstream musicians, and I thought I would elaborate a little here. My interest in and passion for music started almost 40 years ago and in that time, as you can imagine, I have been privileged enough to listen to and see many great musicians. However for every one True Star I have probably witnessed 100 others who can sing, or play an instrument, or both!

A True Star for me, is someone who is able to “captivate” me for the time that it takes to listen to the music. That means I am totally focused on the performance and everything else around me, is obscured by this focus. Usually within the first 10 or 20 seconds of any performance my body will tell me whether or not I am in awe of the musician and I think we have all had those experiences where the hair on the back of the neck stands up, or the tingles run through the spine! They are the measurements of a real star, and I am pleased to say, I still get this way when I come across someone I believe is a true talent.

A star is not necessarily someone who can sing in perfect tune, or hit every note perfectly. Nor is it someone who is able to mimic another artist. A star is someone who can make me feel like I connect with the song! I have to be able to see, hear and feel the passion and the emotion from any song, and this is when I recognise the real ability of the musician.

When I heard Ethan for the first time, it was performing a track called Wonderwall by Oasis. Now of course nobody is going to sound like the Gallagher brothers, but I was not expecting that. What I witnessed was a young kid who by whatever reasons, had grasped the meaning of the song and the message within the lyrics. He was able to relay this message to me in such a way, that when I looked into his eyes, I could see the passion! I went along on the short journey with him and yet we were hundreds of miles apart. Since then of course, as most here would be able to relate to, I have listened and watched all of Ethan’s songs, and many have been able to absorb me into that same space.

Songs like ‘Who I Am’, ‘I Understand’, ’Jealousy’  and one of my favourites (for personal reasons) ‘Miss Jones’ are all filled with life’s little messages, and Ethan is able to make me feel like I belong in his songs. How does a 12yo do this you might ask? Well I don’t have that answer. I can only put my own take on it, and I would suggest that the experiences we have in life are not necessarily governed by our biological clock. We all have our share of ups and downs, and Ethan has managed to find a vehicle to express his, in his own unique way, at a level that is beyond most people I know.

So in summary, if you are wondering how you can reach that status of a star, and you have the passion to succeed, look inside yourself. Find those moments in your life that have made you happy, sad, angry or whatever, and craft a song from those emotions. Express what you would have then, in song and present it in a way that touches your listening audience, and I am sure you will feel what i am talking about when the moment comes.