And who thought they were flightless birds! I found a kiwi with wings that allow him to soar like an eagle. I know him as Ethan James but you may know him by another name. Ethan2rock on Youtube.

Born to Julie and American born turned kiwi, Len on 29 October 1996 Ethan figured out quickly what he wanted to do with his life. Len started teaching him the guitar at age five and he took off like an Eagle who had ridden the currents of music his whole life.

Now at twelve he has written and composed his own music. Much of which reaches beyond the average twelve year olds interests or understanding. Ethan obviously understands life a little differently than the rest of us and it is refreshing to say the least.

He has elected to home school so he can focus on the beauty and passions of his music. His parents support his choice and like many other parents find that the public systems have become bureaucratic unbending machines set to hammer your child into the size and shape they deem proper regardless of the child’s aptitude or desires, commendable by all strokes of the pen.

The proof is in the pudding my grandmother would have said and sweet it is. His latest song titled “Jealousy” is just such sweet proof. Here are the lyrics as provided to me by Ethan’s dad.

Chorus
What you say is so confusing
What you do is so misleading
Oh the pain, oh the shame
I know you are
Jealousy’s your name.

V.1
Illustrations painted in the mind
Illuminations in tears of colour
These are visions all within
These abilities we all claim.

V.2
Disillusions begin to settle in
Discontentment is the order of the day
I’m unimpressed by games people play
Oh the innocence is lost

V.3
The reflections that have come to be
Have you become so blind you cannot see
The invasion that corrupts your mind
Make the change the answers you can find

V.4
Unswept responsibilities are left behind
They come together on the sidewalk of time
Its understanding in all those things
Of where we come from and where we are now

These are wonderful lyrics and the music applied to them shows again how special Ethan is and what a prized talent he has become. Hear for yourself, the song Jealousy:

Ethan busks regularly to keep his touch with an audience and has already self published a DVD of some of his great works.

He reminds me a bit of Derek Duplessie the way he incorporates his Kiwi accent into his music the way Derek did his American country accent. Derek was another prodigious writer and performer.

I can only hope for the same success for Ethan. Derek released 3 complete albums. I am sure that Ethan will fly past that mark.

When asked what he wants to do when he grows up he said, “My big goal is to be a successful musician and entertainer. And to be a great songwriter, and I am already starting to live the dream, and I have to say it’s pretty cool.”

I for one, think he has the drive and determination to succeed at anything he puts his mind to.

I asked Ethan the usual questions you would ask in an interview. His answers were anything but the norm. Who inspires you Ethan? What a simple question. Most would rattle of a name or two. Ethan offered a compendium of names and concluded with, “I listen to a lot of music, much more than I can answer here. There is so much out there to hear.”

Another surprise was his first name on the list. Richard Gannaway. A very gifted and unique artist known as well for his artwork as he is for his music. Did I mention that Ethan is 12 going on 26? Among others on the great list were Cat Stephens, Areosmith, My Chemical Romance, Green Day, Nickleback, Snow Patrol, Atlas, Living End, Pink Floyd, Fall Out Boy, Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams, Creed and John Fogerty. I was beginning to think I stumbled onto the musical index for Amazon.com or something.

Still waters run deep in this not so youngster. I suspect he has a very old soul wrapped in a 12 year old kiwi’s skin. Perhaps he should consider changing his name to Ethan 2Yoda?

Or Perhaps not, Yoda could never ride a unicycle let alone ride a unicycle and play guitar! Now Ethan wants to move on to bigger and better things. He wants Dad to start teaching him how to drive a car. Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to drive and play guitar at the same time!

When I asked him about his love interests he said his love is going into his music. So those long eyelashes and that cute smile are still available. But who ever you are you better like music.

Other songs he has written include, “I Understand” and “Missing” and “Who I Am”

Ethan now has a product line available at his website www.ethan2rock.com all proceeds will go to further his musical education.

One thing is for sure. He has come a long ways from his first YouTube video September 30th, 2007. I think he will be a star for a lot of years yet to come.

http://www.boysoloist.com/artist.asp?vid=3465
http://www.myspace.com/ethan2rocks
http://www.youtube.com/user/Ethan2Rock