Welcome to part two of this two part episode with Ian Ewing.
Today's guest is Ian Ewing, a self-taught instrumentalist, producer and artist who blends a smooth mix of hip hop, electronica, and R&B to create a sound that has been supported and showcased by Chillhop Music, SiriusXM, BBC One Extra, Soulection, Complexion's Future Beats Show, and many others.
At a young age, the Southern California-based artist (by way of Wisconsin) fell in love with hip hop and the history behind it. This was his gateway into electronic beat production where he finds himself today, as he strives to create ambient compositions of sample-based sounds blended with his own instrumentation.
Ewing has headlined various shows across the US, and has both collaborated and toured with artists including Flamingosis, Louis Futon, Joey Pecoraro, Anomalie, Galimatias, and Cautious Clay.
In this conversation:
- The pro's and con's of having an over-analytical perspective.
- Making music that is true to who you are creatively and musically.
- The importance of the work behind the scenes.
- How creating art that is in line with what is interesting to you leads to a more sustainable path.
- And, we even get a little insight in to Ian's passion for hummus.
If you haven't already, I invite you to listen to Part 1 of this conversation, as we covered several topics from Ian's unique and experienced perspective.
Alright, with all of that said, let's drop in to Part 2 of this conversation with Ian Ewing.
Top 3 Gems From This Convo:
1. YOUR MUSIC IS A SELF-PORTRAIT AND OFFERS A REFLECTION.
If you’re wondering how you’re doing in general, observe what you make.
How does it make you feel?
Can you hear that you’ve skipped meals, rest, and other forms of nourishment that supports your creative work?
2. BE KIND TO YOURSELF IN THE WORLD OF CONTENT CREATION.
Making music and content are each challenging tasks on their own. Combining them, even more so.
Therefore, allow your content to flow naturally out of the way you work so that you can avoid creating unnecessary work for yourself.
By the way, make content that you enjoy making.
3. MAKING MUSIC THAT IS TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE.
Playlists offer an opportunity for growth and exposure.
And, may encourage fitting in over exploring your own artistic development.
Only you may really know when you are being honest to your artistic visions and personal principles.
Listen on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube.
Tap in with toru:
Substack:
Instagram: @torubeat
tiktok: @torubeat
Tap in with Ian Ewing:
Instagram: @ianewingmusic
Website: https://ianewingmusic.com/
To jump to a specific moment in the conversation:
0:00 Intro
2:38 Music and Music As A Career
10:50 Energy Sources of Motivation
15:40 Making Music That Feels Right and Ian's New Live Album
23:00 The Tension Between Music and Short Form Content
27:00 Alignment of Your Content and Your Music
31:30 Listening Session - Track 2/Discussion
37:27 Listening Session - Track 3/Discussion
41:20 Ian's New and Upcoming Projects
42:52 Quick Questions
55:20 Closing It Down
56:30 Outro
Referenced:
Below songs are archived here (along with all other episodes).
Chaka Khan, Lew Hahn - Move Me No Mountain
Dani Desh - Night Station
011. Part 2: What You Make Is A Reflection Of You: Prioritizing Music Over Content, Personal Identity Over Fitting In, And Trusting Your Gut | feat. Ian Ewing