Feature: Ethan Jewell Releases, "Loneliness in the Presence of Company"
Have you been on TikTok lately? If so, you are going to LOVE today’s feature. While many more people have been on their phones lately, musicians have begun to take advantage of this, and using social media platforms as a way to build their audience. It is a smart move, and today’s feature has not only released an incredible album, but has some big plans for the near future.
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell is an indie artist that is best known from his fan base on TikTok. His introspective poetry has been seen in an entirely new light within the words and heartfelt emotions poured into every word of every single song that Ethan has created. He took to TikTok after finding solace and comfort in writing, which gained him a massive response from music lovers. From his first viral video of his original single “Snowglobe” which received over 1.7 million views, to releasing a clip of “Bouquet” which saw even greater success with over 5.6 million views, Jewell has mastered both the art of social media and music. His debut album “Live from Planet Ok” (December 2019) saw immediate success; securing over 1M streams within the first month of the release. Less than a year later, Jewell returned with his sophomore work “Living The Dream,” (August 2020) which featured even more heart wrenching lyricism and out of the box styles. You’ll notice both in his music and on his social media that breaking out of the norm in order to vocalize and normalize feelings and emotion is something Ethan excels at. In December 2020, the anticipated single “It’s Getting Bad Again” was released. Receiving over 1.2 million views on the original viral video, the track highlights the physical symptoms that are often not talked about that come with mental health struggles. An immediate fan favorite, the track is his second most streamed to date, acquiring over 2.2 million Spotify streams. In 2021, Jewell started the year off by releasing “drive thru poem,” which gained him editorial placement on Spotify’s “idk.” playlist. Ethan’s most recent single, “something to live for” debuted mid-August, and continued to receive an insane amount of support.
“Loneliness in the Presence of Company”
The 16-track album is something that both fans and musicians can love. Featuring an intro, interlude, outro, and 13 songs, the spoken word album talks about the important topics. With the conversation of mental health, while sharing some personal struggles, the album is both easy to relate to and easy to listen to. The simplistic yet heavy lyrics, matched with calming and slower-paced instrumentals makes for the perfect storm of an album. Ethan takes his time to speak every word with pure emotion and heartache that will allow for anyone listening to both cry in relatable-ness and empathy for Ethan. The lyrics and spoken word part of the album asks so many of the important questions in regards to mental health that are often not shared. This album is also great for someone studying to listen to as the instrumentals are simplistic and calming. It is no wonder that Ethan has gained such attention from social media, as this album is the perfect album for a variety of people. This album will make you feel as if you are in a storm and cannot get out of it. Each track talks about a variety of different aspects of mental health that are not talked about, but known to those struggling. The importance of each track is impossible to overstate. You’ll notice that as the album goes on, there is a slight bit of hope shared within the tracks, allowing for the listener to feel less hopeless than in the beginning half of the album. Overall, creating one of the most important albums of the year.
“I’m Interested! Where Can I See Ethan Live?”
It is your lucky day if after listening, you are interested in seeing Ethan Jewell live. Ethan Jewell has recently announced a tour across the USA which is coming up fast. The Lonely Together Tour will start in Wisconsin and end in New York City. You can find the dates and locations below:
12/3 Madison, WI at Der Rathskeller
01/03 Minneapolis, MN at Amsterdam Bar and Hall
01/04 Milwaukee, WI at X-Ray Arcade
01/05 Chicago, IL at Subterannean Basement
01/07 Nashville, TN at Glen Campbell Museum Rhinestone Stage
01/09 Dallas, TX at Amplified Live
01/11 Houston, TX at Super Happy Funland
01/13 Richmond, VA at The Camel
01/14 Syracuse, NY at Funk 'n Waffles
01/15 Toronto, Canada at The Supermarket
01/16 New York. NY at Mercury Lounge
01/17 Boston, MA at O'Briens Pub
01/18 Philadelphia, PA at PhilaMOCA
01/20 Rutland, VT at The Howlin' Mouse
Editor’s Note: Many dates on this tour will require proof of vaccination in accordance with state and local guidelines regarding COVID-19. You may be asked for a vaccination card and photo ID, or be required to wear a mask. Plan to bring these materials in order to get into the venues. If you are unsure of state and local guidelines, please check your state and local government’s websites regarding COVID-19 protocols.
Tickets for the dates and more information can be found here.
Overall
It is now understood that Ethan Jewell has mastered both the art of social media and spoken word music. With an average of 173,200 monthly listeners, it is clear that now more than ever, music listeners are willing to talk about the important and unspoken parts of mental health. Ethan is going to be an emotional performance on his tour and “loneliness in the presence of company” truly reflects that. With millions of views on TikTok, there is a clear fan base for those needing to be heard. The album mentions how sometimes even self-care does not help, and stresses loneliness, which is something more and more people are feeling from the aftermath of quarantining for so long. Thus, creating the most important and under-rated spoken word album of 2021.
Written by: Blake Matthews (he/him)
