Ethan Tasch on musical inspirations, independent venues and appearance at Footsteps Festival

Ahead of his appearance at London’s Footsteps Festival later this month, we caught up with L.A. based indie artist Ethan Tasch.

How would you describe your music to people who haven’t heard it before?

Me looking out the window and seeing what I wished was there over acoustic guitars.

Your latest album Got Him! Has an indie folk feel, but definitely edges towards country. Do you want to talk a bit about that release and what kind of topics you explored on the record?

I was listening to a lot of alternative music with country influences like Faye Webster and Alex G at the time, and I had always wanted to make something that made me feel the way “Golden Hour” by Kacey Muscraves does. Lyrically the album is mostly a self discovery journey. I was feeling stuck and lost in a lot of ways during the writing process and the album became a way to process some of that, but pairing that with upbeat twangy sonics added an element of escapism and hope to otherwise darker topics.

Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and what inspires you?

My favorite artist is Bon Iver. I love artists who make things that seem to flow through them rather than come from them.

You’ve spent lots of time on the road over the past year, with a headline tour in June as well as a tour supporting Wilderado. What do you enjoy most about playing live and what do you try to bring into your live performances?

Nothing will ever top singing the songs you wrote with an audience of people who know every word. I just try to have a good time and hope in doing so the crowd can too.

What can people expect from your set at Footsteps Festival this year?

Me and my best friend playing songs old and new on our six-stringed instruments.

Footsteps will be taking over a handful of independent venues across London. How have independent music venues and grassroots spaces impacted your journey as an artist?

I’ve done all my early headline shows at independent venues and without them touring at this stage wouldn’t be possible.

Any other 2025 plans you’d like to plug?

New music! Out now and soon!

Tickets for various shows at London’s Footsteps Festival are available now. Join the waitlist for Ethan Tasch’s show here.