How to be a Successful Independent Artist: An Interview with Ethan Harrison of 'Moonstag'

Today we interview one of our most promising independent artists, Ethan Harrison, the man behind the psychedelic pop band ‘Moonstag’.

It is never too late to learn to play an instrument!

Having had a life atypical for a professional musician, only picking up his first instrument in his teenage years, his dedication to the craft of original music creation has allowed him to forge a career in the music world.

Hailing from the small town of Derwent in Lancashire, Ethan Harrison grew up in a working class environment. His music tries to capture the sense of authentic nostalgia for a simpler time and a primal yearning for nature. Through meticulous music production and precise instrumentation, Moonstag has risen above other independent artists in the Durham area, dominating both the original music scene and the function scene.

With features on national radio and plans for an upcoming tour for his new album in the works, Ethan has many insights on how to become a successful independent artist.

What made you think you can become a successful independent artist?

It was when I learnt about artists like Kevin Parker of Tame Impala or Ruban Nielson of Unknown Mortal Orchestra. These dudes did everything themselves, and grew their bands from nothing, they were musically inclined and had the necessary gear, but they still had to work extremely hard to build those careers for themselves in the independent music space. So I thought "If they can do it, why can't I?"

What was the process behind your first song?

The word "process" doesn't really fit the way "Someday is not a day of the week" was created funnily enough. The song took months to write due to the fact I had no idea what I was doing, and was learning every aspect of music creation from conception all the way to the final master. I also was procrastinating every single bit of the way as I was terrified of exposing my vulnerable existence to the world of original music content for the first time.

What was the process behind your latest project and how has it changed?

I've done a good handful of music commissions now for other independent artists since my first song and I've learnt new things, while the techniques I already knew has solidified in my brain. I usually start with either a chord progression or a drum riff. I'll then build on that enough so I have enough sections to make up a song.

My secret for standing out as an independent artist is: I always create the structure early; it stops me getting stuck in the details of a 4-bar loop like so many people do.

Once I'm happy with the structure, I'll add more layering of different instruments and textures. Then, I write the vocal melody through internal vocalisation and doing it acapella style cause I feel pre-writing lyrics can prevent you from writing melodies that truly fit the song. I then have many lyrical ideas stored in my phone that I will build upon and carve to fit the melody to create a coherent piece. Then finally its vocal harmonies, Mix and Master, and you have a finished track!

Does playing live music affect your original content?

Not as much as it used to. In the past I would seriously worry about making sure my songs could be played note-for-note live with the current band members I have. As an experienced live performer I've realised that it is counter-productive because I'm limiting myself over something that isn’t really an issue. So I have learnt that in order to strike the balance between performance and originality I perform my original songs with added flair rather than an exact recreation of the studio process.

How did it feel to hear your own original music on BBC radio?

It felt incredibly surreal. I was just sat in the living room of my student house with the guitarist Joe, drink in hand, listening to all these awesome BBC introducing tracks, and then "Time for a bit of psychedelic pop from Durham. MooooonStag" leaps from the bluetooth speaker followed by my goofy goober dirge "Sunbeams". It was incredibly hard to get my head round as the band was merely an idea flapping in the torrents of my ADHD brain a year prior.

What are your greatest achievements in your career as an independent artist?

Already I've performed so many concerts, mainly function gigs or for friends. But towards the end last spring I was involved in an event in Durham called Rock on the Hill. When I performed there, strangers I'd never met before were singing along to my original tracks. There were other times in the year where people said they loved my songs and listened to them on repeat, and it blew my mind cause I assumed it'd be years (if at all) before that would happen.

Where can I hear more about Moonstag?

Links to Moonstag's social media and Spotify are right here! We hope you enjoyed Moonstag's story so far; we cannot wait to see what the future holds for Moonstag and Elvet's collaboration!

How to be a Successful Independent Artist: An Interview with Ethan Harrison of 'Moonstag'

Today we interview one of our most promising independent artists, Ethan Harrison, the artist behind the psychedelic-pop band ‘Moonstag’. Highlighting the achievements and inspirations that have developed the creative Moonstag from a bedroom band into local legends after featuring on BBC Radio Newcastle with their single: Sunbeams.

About The Artist

Having had a life atypical for a professional musician, only picking up his first instrument in his teenage years, his dedication to the craft of original music creation has allowed him to forge a career in the music world.

Hailing from the small town of Derwent in Lancashire, Ethan Harrison grew up in a working class environment. His music tries to capture the sense of authentic nostalgia for a simpler time and a primal yearning for nature. Through meticulous music production and precise instrumentation, Moonstag has risen above other independent artists in the Durham area, dominating both the original music scene and the function scene.

With features on national radio and plans for an upcoming tour for his new album in the works, Ethan has many insights on how to become a successful independent artist.