London-based singer-songwriter-producer, ETAN, has navigated seamlessly between the UK’s diasporic sound and Tel Aviv’s indie scene, crafting an exceptional solo career with a unmistakably universal sound. Her adept fusion of synthesizers and classical elements has resulted in a boundless approach to composition and lyricism.

Now, ETAN unveils her latest EP, the intriguingly titled “Growing Pains (Anthems for Late Bloomers)”. Brimming with ETAN’s delicate, breathy vocals and introspective lyrics, intertwined with a distinctly 70’s synth-pop sound, the project is a veritable treasure trove for synth-pop enthusiasts.

Listen to the EP…

Read the interview…

Hey ETAN, how have you been?

Hey Wonderland, I’ve been well thank you. The year started with some creative vibes, trying to use them while they last.

You were born in London and moved to Tel Aviv; do you find that you draw from both in terms of inspirations?

Yes, 100%. My dad is a conductor, so I mainly listened to classical music at home, but growing up in London means you get to absorb the crazy Rock and Pop heritage the city has to offer. I started writing early, and I always loved words and lyrics. When we moved to Tel Aviv I was fascinated with Middle Eastern and Arabic music. I had periods of experimenting and combining all my inspirations to one. Using Middle Eastern and Classical elements in a song with a thick arpeggiated synth-bass, for example. It took a while for all of these to consolidate into what I feel is now my sound, although it constantly evolves and changes of course, as inspiration is endless and I’m always curious to discover new music and artists.

How has your background and experience influenced the development of your sound?

I am classically trained and started playing the piano at the age of 5. I was certain I would become an opera singer. In my teens I discovered Electronic Music and found that synths really hit an emotional soft spot for me, and creating my own sounds and music, was fascinating. My journey to production was still long though- it took me years to get the courage to be the one who moves the faders and twists the knobs. I think it’s also because the music industry is a very male dominant space where you don’t always feel safe to express your opinion or make decisions. I had to develop confidence and feel comfortable to make mistakes. Once I stopped caring if I was “annoying” or “not technically proficient” enough, I started feeling my sound and taste unfolding. I realised being unique means being yourself. So, I try to listen to my gut, and give all my influences and mistakes room to come up and teach me something. I know they come up for a reason.

Can you describe what the indie scene is like out in Tel Aviv?

The Indie scene in Tel Aviv is extremely bubbly and active. There are so many amazing artists in so many genres. It’s a space that is open for everyone, and the most interesting and important collaborations happen there. This is where you can hear the real authentic voice of people that despise their government and speak about the unbelievably horrible situation in the region right now.

You returned to London in 2017, what do you enjoy most about the city?

London is my home. You can see your favourite artists live, take in so much culture- art, dance, theatre, you name it. It really is so special. I also love the fact that the city is so multicultural. At the end of the day, being kind is the only language you must speak fluently, and everyone understands. There are no borders here, not for people and not for opinions. This kind of freedom, to be who you want, say, and do what you want, is a privilege and I’m very grateful for it.

You’ve just dropped your EP, “Growing Pains (Anthems for Late Bloomers)”. Can you talk through your creative process for the project?

A: I started writing this EP 4 years ago. It was a very concentrated and intense creative outburst; I wrote all the songs in one month. It took me a year to produce it, first by myself and then collaborating with amazing co producers like Peter Lyons and Harry Tarlton by my side. I had everything ready, including visuals and live shows booked to promote the EP. But then Covid hit, and by the time I released my first single we were already in lockdown. I really thought, as many did, I’m sure, that this is a temporary thing and that there’s no way it will last long. But it did. I decided to keep releasing music, I think it was a survival mechanism, but I got very depressed. My mental health deteriorated to the point where I had to stop everything and take care of myself. During this healing process I started writing more music, and I finally felt it was time to “clear the table” for something new. I released the EP in full and it’s been great so far.

What narratives and themes are you aiming to convey through the project?

I wrote Growing Pains after feeling I am not “catching up”- I’m never where I’m “supposed” to be. Life isn’t linear, but it seems like there is only one accepted route and time frame to chase your dreams and be who you want to be unapologetically.

For years I tried to recognise the voice in my head whenever it told me- if you haven’t made it yet, you might as well give up now. Giving up on becoming the person I wanted to be, meant giving up on myself entirely. So, I kept shamefully hanging on to my dreams, secretly believing this is still my destiny. Through multiple personal setbacks, through trauma, through global madness, through identity crises. The feeling I still have mountains to climb way before I can accept myself, was very frustrating. I wrote these songs mainly to console and encourage myself. I feel all the songs in EP address this in a different way. Your process is yours only, and you will decide what you make of it, in what time and context.

What can fans expect from you for the rest of 2024 in terms of projects, live shows and collaborations?

I am working on my debut LP which I have to finish this year. I will be releasing special versions of my songs from Growing Pains throughout 2024, and I’m looking forward to announcing some live shows in the near future. I am always working on new sounds and visuals, so you can always see what I’m up to somewhere on the internet.