Local musician Ethan Dahl, 15, is putting his professional stage and screen earnings towards recording his own music.
The Boondall student released his second single last month, using savings he had built up over several years to fund the project.
“I knew I could keep it for a car, but investing in my music is more important to me right now,” Ethan said. “It’s a big investment, especially at my age, but earning the money through performing and then putting it into songs of my own makes releasing my own music mean even more.”
Ethan began musical theatre classes at six and started working professionally at 11. His stage credits include playing Benji in Priscilla Queen of the Desert and the title role in Billy Elliot the Musical, as well as roles in television and film.
As a musician, he has opened for Pete Murray, reached the final of the Ekka Country Music Showdown and finished runner-up in Noosa STARS Alive!
Ethan said he was a songwriter as well as a singer, and his music is described as contemporary indie-pop with acoustic and country influences.
“I play both piano and guitar and usually write a song using both instruments in the process,” he said.
His latest single, Stay for the Sunrise, and debut release, Wrong Girl, were produced by Australian producer Stuart Stuart, whose credits include Sheppard and The Veronicas.
Ethan said his family and friends had supported his music and helped with marketing and bookings.
“They have been hearing all my original songs as I wrote them (often over and over!) and have been part of the journey with me,” he said.
“I’ve learnt that there is a lot to do beyond writing the songs and producing music! Building a base of listeners is really tricky and it’s an ongoing process.”
Recognition and Stepping Stones
Ethan has also been selected for the 2026 Vermilion High program, which will provide opportunities to develop, record and release original music with support from QUT student mentors and creative collaborators.
Looking ahead, Ethan said he is “super-focused on his goal” of professional singing and wanted to take his music “all the way”.
“I hope to be playing arenas and festivals and writing and releasing lots of songs,” he said. “I’d love to have a band and I hope that I am working with talented songwriters and producers to release great music and continuing to develop my own sound.”
Ethan will perform at Nundah Festival on 13 September, where he hopes to connect with local audiences.
“Sometimes I’m playing at outdoor gigs and there’s moments when people stop what they are doing to look up or to get involved in the music,” he said. “Those bits are my favourite.”
For more information, visit ethandahl.com
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