MANSFIELD, Ohio — For Ethan “Kool” Kershner, it doesn’t matter if his musical talent brings him fame and fortune, so long as he’s just able to keep doing what he loves–make music.
The Ontario High School senior who studies at the Pioneer Performing Arts Academy in downtown Mansfield released his second EP that he recorded and produced himself this June.
The album title, “Reworked Fidelity,” is taken from one of the songs on the EP (each of which were written by Kershner) called “Sleepless Nights and Drowsy Frights.”
“Even reworked fidelity couldn’t get you past the first floor,” the lyrics read.
“It’s mostly about relationships and moving on from things,” Kershner said about the song.
Kershner said he draws inspiration from personal experiences, but “every once in awhile I’ll write something that is entirely fictional just for the fun of it,” he said.
The 17-year-old started playing guitar when he was eight. At 13, he joined a band with his friends, calling themselves “The Juvenile Mindset.”
“We didn’t have a singer, so I was kind of forced into that,” he said. “I never wanted to sing. I was always afraid to do it, but I just kind of got forced into doing it.”
Singing eventually became something he enjoyed doing.
In addition to singing and guitar-playing, he said he also plays the piano and drums.
When he was 16, he released his first EP. “It was called ‘Three’ because there was three songs it,” he said.
He described his musical style as “folk-driven.”
“I’m a really big fan of the band The Smiths, he said.
“As of recently, I’m a lot more influenced by solo people doing similar stuff that I am with acoustic guitar and vocals, because to me, it seems a lot more raw, like nothing’s overproduced and nothing seems fabricated. It all just seems like it’s real,” he said.
In addition to events through Pioneer Performing Arts Academy, he participates in shows with other local musicians.
“Any place that’s needing a local musician I usually try to play at,” he said.
He appreciates all the guidance he’s received from staff at the performing arts academy, noting, “I’ve learned so much from them, and they’ve opened up many different opportunities for me.”
Talent aside, Anne Kurtzman, lead instructor at the performing arts academy, said she’s impressed by Kershner’s drive.
“He’s doing what this program was designed for, pushing it so much further,” she said, adding, “He’s very motivated.”
Not only that, but he’s “just the nicest human being,” she said. “Just so kind and thoughtful. When any of the students want to work with him on something, he’ll always help out and play with them.”
Kershner has his eye on a couple different colleges, namely Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.
He said he wants to keep playing and writing music as much as he can.
“Honestly, if I can make a living playing music, or recording music, or doing anything in that field, that’s all I really want,” he said.
“Whatever he’s going to do, we just love his music,” Kurtzman said.
“He’s making music and making people happy and that ‘s wonderful.”
