Ethan Regan talks creative process, tour and ACL debut

Words by Megan Eppolito. Photos by Andrea Escobar Garcia.

Ethan Regan, the Charlotte-based indie-folk singer, performed on the Amex Stage on Sunday, Oct 11, at Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL). Indie/Alt had the honor of sitting down with Regan after his set to talk to him about his start in the music industry and his involvement in creating songs. The singer has a wide range of music with something for everyone. “You might have to dig a little deeper to find it, but there’s something for you there,” Regan explains. “I definitely try and incorporate all kinds of genres that I think somebody can find [a connection] in one song.” 

Growing up, Regan found that he understood music the best when it came to self-expression. His love for music started when he was just nine years old. “I don’t see any version of [my life] that isn’t a musician. I love it so much,” Regan says. The singer learned how to mix and produce his own music and put out his first record when he was 13. “I was teaching myself how to produce [music] as I was writing it.” The singer has always been hands-on when shaping a song. On his newest music, he has collaborated with producers, but historically he has done every step when creating a track, from playing all the instruments, singing the harmonies, composing and writing the lyrics. “I think production is half of the art,” Regan says. 

The deluxe edition of Young Regan was released Friday, featuring seven new songs. “I tried out a lot of new things creatively, working with producers for the first time,”  Regan explains. “If you are a fan of my music, listen to the deluxe album; if you’re new to my music, listen to the regular album. I made the original version alone. I produced all of it, and then we did seven more songs with producers.” 

Performing at ACL has been a monumental experience for the singer. “I think it’s so surreal to share a stage with Twenty One Pilots.” Regan looks forward to the second leg of the tour on the East Coast. “We have a great time. We love seeing everybody there. I try to meet as many people as I can.” Check out Ethan Regan on tour and stream his music. 

Get tickets to the tour: here

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