Getting his start in music at a very young age, Ethan Bortnick knows his way around a piano and how to create a beautiful sound with it. Today, the Florida-native dropped “prom,” a stunning single that encapsulates who he is as an artist.
At just 21 years old, Bortnick has achieved more than most his age. He began playing piano at age three and has since evolved into a singer, songwriter and producer. Not only is he a multi-faceted artist, but he holds the Guinness World Record for World’s Youngest Solo Musician to Headline His Own Concert Tour. In 2020, Bortnick put out his first EP titled harmonic minor. “Cut My Fingers Off,” a 2021 single recorded in his bedroom, led to massive recognition and even earned the admiration of FINNEAS.
Today’s release of “prom” is the first piece of work we’ve heard from Bortnick since “Cut My Fingers Off.” Accompanied by a music video, “prom” is three minutes and 20 seconds of pure bliss. Although it begins with slower piano notes and guitar strums, do not be fooled because the song builds immensely throughout and becomes something you could dance along to. Bortnick has cited influences like Phoebe Bridgers and Kendrick Lamar, both of which become clear after taking a listen to his music. His sound could also be attributed to the likes of Conan Gray.
Check out the music video for “prom.”
Fans want to listen to songs they can relate to. It’s captivating when an artist is vulnerable and speaks for a larger group about something that many of them are going through. “prom” is a song that many teens and early 20-year-olds can relate to. It almost acts as a reflection on what the pandemic took away from them and taps into the feelings of missing out on basic high school experiences.
Bortnick says:
“No prom, no graduation, no license, missing out on dates, feeling like everything is moving too fast. It’s a gradual build to that emotional explosion, and that’s what this song is. “prom” is the culmination of all my frustration for missing out on so many crucial milestones in quarantine, and the culmination of my influences as an artist.”
Bortnick’s ability to quintessentially capture the emotions faced by much of Generation Z is truly a talent that shouldn’t be overlooked. He is achieving so much at such a young age and his potential as an artist is evident. We love to see young artists succeeding and eagerly await his next drop.
Listen to “prom” now.
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