Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Ethan Smith of Memphis

Ethan Smith shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Ethan, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Most mornings, I’m up before the sun, getting ready to shape the day for my elementary music students in Bartlett City Schools. After the final bell, I head home and hit the gym with my wife, shaking off the day’s energy together. Evenings are my creative time—writing and recording music, chasing down melodies until they’re just right. The night winds down in my favorite way: relaxing and laughing with my wife.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Ethan Smith—a recording artist and music teacher. I’ve been writing music for about 10 years and teaching for 4. My sound is a mix of singer-songwriter, pop, and R&B, shaped by the music I grew up loving. I just released my new single Red Light Kisses, and it’s now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music. You can stay up to date on all my recent releases on my TikTok and Instagram at Ethansmithmusic.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I have two relationships that have deeply shaped who I am. The first is with my wife. She believes in me, supports me in ways no one else can, and fills my life with joy. We share ideas, work through challenges together, and she’s a constant source of inspiration for my songwriting. The second is my relationship with God. I believe we’re made in His image, and He’s shown me His love in powerful ways. I feel called to create music for people who are going through the same struggles I’ve faced—music that can lift them up or simply remind them they’re not alone.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The perception of others. I’m learning to not care what others think and just do the best work I can and stay faithful and grounded.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
I really admire Forrest Frank. His genuine love for people and for the Lord is something I look up to, and it’s had a big influence on both how I live and how I write music.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as a God-fearing man who loved his family and friends deeply, and who gave his best to everything he did—whether it was music, teaching, or anything in between. More than anything, I hope that before my time comes, I can find a true balance between my work and my family life.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Natalie Smith

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