The 25-year-old began sharing a short musical idea each day to stop himself endlessly polishing work. The project has brought him nearly 900,000 followers and attention from established artists.
Perth multi-instrumentalist Ethan French did not set out to become an internet star. Last October, he began sharing a short musical sketch each day on social media, using the routine to make himself finish ideas instead of endlessly polishing them in search of a perfect result.
French, 25, describes himself as quiet and somewhat reclusive. He spends much of his life in the studio, layering expressive piano chords with drums and bass. The point of the daily challenge, he said, was to record an idea, release it and accept that the response was beyond his control.
The series quickly found an audience. French has gathered nearly 900,000 followers, while his work caught the attention of John Mayer, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams and SZA. He recalled specific turning points: Mayer followed after the sketch posted on day 18, Timberlake commented on day 52, and Pharrell responded to the next post.
The daily exercise grew into French’s 25-track debut album, Ideas of the Day — Vol. 1, released on October 2. Recognition has not removed his self-doubt. He has said he was a shy child and that music became a way to cope after his father died when he was 16, eventually turning into a professional ambition.
French is preparing for his first trip to the United States and plans to visit Los Angeles to meet people in the music industry. Potential collaborations remain unconfirmed. He says the most meaningful response comes from listeners who tell him his work has encouraged them to compose and share music of their own.